Hobie Lanai

Size and Weight

The Lanai is one of Hobie’s lightest and most portable kayaks. At only 9’ (274 cm) in length and a width of just 30” (76 cm), the kayak is not quite ideal for large users. The Lanai tips the scales at just 46 lbs (21 kg), making it perfect for anyone looking for a small, lightweight kayak that can easily be cartopped or carried.

Capacity

The Lanai’s lightweight design means limited capacity of only 250 lbs (113 kg). It’s usually recommended to not load a kayak down with more than 80 percent of its full capacity, which means this particular model is more suited for average sized adults and children. The molded foot braces help accommodate users of different heights, but taller paddlers may find that the legroom is somewhat limited.

Features

The Lanai is not a feature-heavy kayak. Its overall features and design are geared toward a simple, easy-to-use experience that’s all about fun on the water.

There are molded carrying handles located on the bow and stern. These handles are fitted to stainless padeyes that make portage and handling very easy—even for small users and children.

The Lanai features molded foot braces that are made to fit users of nearly any height. There are also two scupper holes next to the foot braces that allow water to easily drain out of the kayak. These are useful if you take the kayak into the waves on the beach or in rough current.

The adjustable deluxe padded seat is comfortable and provides good back support to make for an overall better seating experience. There is also a cup holder located directly in front of the seat. Most users have reported that the cup holder would be better placed on one side of the kayak, but having it front and center is great for users who prefer to enjoy a beverage while kayaking.

Behind the seat is a cooler storage compartment that is capable of holding most standard-sized coolers, or even a gear crate. The Lanai also sports a 6” twist-and-seal storage hatch directly behind the cooler space on the stern that is great for dry storage of valuables and other items.

The stern has an oversized cargo well area fitted with bungee straps that will keep your gear in place. However, with an overall capacity of just 250 lbs, many users report that carrying a large amount of gear can hamper the kayak’s overall performance and stability in particular.

The Lanai also comes standard with a two-piece paddle that can be secured to the kayak’s port side.

Performance

Despite its compact, lightweight design, the Lanai performs surprisingly well on the water. Thanks to its hull design, the Lanai has good stability that doesn’t interfere with the kayak’s tracking or speed. The Lanai does not have a rudder, but it does feature a molded skeg that helps improve tracking. Users report that the kayak is very easy to handle and is also highly agile. The Lanai is also one of the most portable kayaks offered by Hobie.