How to Plan a PURRfect Day Trip from Maui to Lanai β΄οΈππ
Hawaii’s friendliest isle is also its least visited. Here’s why a day trip to charming Lanai is the perfect way to spend a day in paradise.
If you’re looking to truly get away from it all on your Hawaii vacation, there’s no better place to go than the island of Lanai.
With few visitors and friendly, welcoming locals, a visit to Lanai is like stepping back in time to the Hawaii of old.
And while most visitors to Hawaii stick to the four main islands, Lanai is a fun and easy day trip, especially for visitors to Maui. So, when my husband and I recently spent a weekend on Maui, we decided to hop on the ferry and explore.
What we discovered was a quiet, laid-back island with a rural vibe and an intimate charm. Far less touristy than other Hawaiian islands, Lanai quickly stole our hearts.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will likely blow on mai tais, poke, and shave ice.Β All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.Β
And though it is home to two luxury resorts, Lanai still easily maintains its small-town feel.
So let’s get to know it…
Lanai’s Pineapple History π
Nicknamed the Pineapple Isle, tiny Lanai was once the world’s largest exporter of pineapples.
In the 1920s, James Dole transformed the island into the worldβs largest pineapple plantation, with the crop dominating Lanai’s economy for decades. However, pineapple production ceased in the 1990s, and today the island has shifted its focus to tourism and conservation.
Read More: 5 Pineapple-Perfect Things to Do at Oahuβs Dole Plantation
Fun Facts About Lanai:
- Lanai is the sixth-largest Hawaiian island, covering about 140 square miles.
- The island is sparsely populated, with just over 3,000 residents.
- About 98% of Lanai is privately owned by Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle (which led to significant infrastructure investment).
- There are no traffic lights on Lanai.
- Only 30 of the islandβs 400 miles of road are paved so it’s a popular destination with off-road enthusiasts.
Lanai & the Maui Wildfires
In August of 2023, wildfires devasted Maui’s historic town of Lahaina. The Lahaina Harbor, home base for the Maui-Lanai ferries, suffered severe damage including the total loss of one of the island’s ferry vessels.
The tragedy severely impacted the ease of travel between Lanai and Maui for both local residents and visitors. As Maui’s tourism industry continues a slow recovery, it’s worth noting that Lanai’s limited tourism industry was also directly affected by the reduction in Maui visitors and ferry service.
Lanai is a small island and its tourism infrastructure primarily consists of small, family-run businesses.
The good news is that ferry service has recently increased to 3 departures per day which offers day trippers to Lanai more options for planning their day.
Tips for Visiting Lanai
- Download the Lanai Guide app (Apple devices only, unfortunately) for a guided walking tour of Lanai City, hiking information, driving tours, and more.
- Bring cash! Many businesses and shuttles are cash only. There is one ATM in Lanai City but it’s best to bring cash with you.
- Bring cat treats for visiting the Lanai Cat Sanctuary.
- If you visit in July, don’t miss the annual Lanai Pineapple Festival, which celebrates the island’s history as a major pineapple producer. All-day festivities end with a fireworks display and Expeditions runs a late ferry back to Maui for festival-goers.
How to Get to Lanai
There are two ways to get to the island of Lanai, flight or ferry.
Flights to Lanai βοΈ
Flights to Lanai’s tiny airport (LNY) are available from Maui or Oahu with Mokulele Airlines.
Oahu to Lanai – Flights are more frequent from Honolulu (HNL) with half a dozen flights daily. It’s definitely possible to do a day trip from Oahu to Lanai. Similar to the flight schedule for day trips to Molokai, flights depart Oahu as early as 6:00am and return from Lanai as late as 7:00pm.
Maui to Lanai – From Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG), flights are less frequent with 2-4 daily departures depending on the day of the week.
The Expeditions Ferry – Maui to Lanai β΄οΈ
Since we were spending the weekend on Maui, we chose the Expeditions Ferry for our recent day trip.
With the Lahaina Harbor closed for the foreseeable future, the ferry to Lanai now departs from Maui’s Maalaea Harbor.
The ferry trip to Lanai’s Manele Harbor takes about an hour and offers stunning views of both islands as you cross the Au’au Channel.
Bonus: During whale season winter months, this ferry ride also doubles as the best Maui whale-watching trip you never booked. You’re nearly guaranteed to see humpback whales off the coast of Maui on your crossing in the peak months of January and February!
Ferries depart Maui at 6:30am, 11:00am, and 3:30pm daily and return from Lanai at 8:30am, 1:00pm, and 5:30pm. Tickets can be booked directly on the Expeditions website.
If you’re planning a day trip to Lanai, I highly recommend getting an early start with the 6:30am ferry. That gives you the option to choose either the 1:00pm or 5:30pm return ferry, depending on how much you want to see on the island.
We booked the 6:30am departure and the 1:00pm return but with hindsight, I wish we had stayed the full day and done the 5:30pm return trip.
A few tips for the ferry:
- Arrive 45 minutes before departure. Seating is open so the sooner you board, the better seat you’ll get (on the return, 30 minutes is early enough).
- Parking at Maalaea Harbor is limited and paid via a QR code. If you take the 6:30am ferry, parking isn’t a problem, it’s readily available near the end of the dock near the ferry building. However, if you take the 11:00am ferry, all the other day trip boats have departed by then and parking can be scarce.
- If you’re prone to seasickness, don’t forget to pop some seasickness pills before the ferry ride. Our early morning ride was smooth as silk but it was a little rougher coming back in the afternoon.
Snorkeling Trips to Lanai
If you want to explore the underwater world around Lanai, you can also book a snorkeling trip to Lanai from Maui.
Just keep in mind that these popular day trips do not actually visit the island (just the surrounding waters). If you want to set foot on the island itself, you’ll need to book a flight or ferry.
Best Snorkeling Trips to Lanai:
- Ultimate 4-Hour Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Encounter
- From Ma’alaea: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Encounter on Quicksilver
- Semi-Private Lanai Snorkeling & Dolphins – Lahaina Maui
How to Get Around Lanai
There are two main ways to get around the island of Lanai – rent a car or book a shuttle.
Decide which one you’ll do at least a few days before you arrive. Do not get on the ferry or plane without your ground transportation already booked. Cars and shuttle seats can and do sell out.
That’s why a day trip to Lanai is on my list of things you should book in advance when you visit Maui.
Read More: Headed to Maui? Here are 3 Reservations You Need to Make Now πΊππ»
Here are your options:
Rabaca’s Limousine Service
Don’t be fooled by the name, these are actually just shuttle vans! Rabaca’s offers shuttle services to the Lanai Airport and Manele Boat Harbor, as well as tours around the island.
They don’t have a website (because Lanai) so you’ll have to call them at (808) 559-0230 to get pricing and make reservations.
808 Day Trip (Car Rental)
We chose to go this route for our day trip since we wanted to have more flexibility to explore.
Depending on how many stops you want to make, it’s probably cheaper to do the shuttle. But if you like to do things on your own schedule, renting a car from this small family business is a great option.
They do have a website with some helpful island information but the best way to reach them is by texting Judi at (808) 649-0664. All of the rental paperwork is handled in advance so it’s super easy when you arrive. They delivered the car directly to the port and we were off exploring in minutes.
We rented a Jeep SUV for $195 for the day (there’s no half-day rate) and with taxes, it came out to $210. The car was spotless and in perfect condition and Judi was readily available by text if we had any questions or issues.
We also spent $11 to refuel the car before returning it to the harbor. There’s a $50 fuel deposit that was promptly refunded when we texted a picture of our gas receipt from the island’s only service station.
Our credit card’s insurance covered the rental. There’s also a $300 refundable security deposit held on the credit card in the event you get excessive amounts of sand or dirt in the car and it requires cleaning. We were careful to keep our shoes clean and that deposit was also refunded promptly.
Note that all of their rentals are for PAVED ROAD driving only.
Now, let’s talk about the off-road option…
Should You Rent a 4×4 Vehicle?
Lanaiβs rugged terrain makes it perfect for off-roading adventures. And it’s true that some of Lanai’s most beautiful places to visit are only accessible with a 4×4 vehicle.
Yes, it’s possible to rent a 4×4 vehicle and explore the islandβs backroads and remote beaches. If you decide to rent one, here are the additional places you may be able to visit:
Shipwreck Beach: Famous for its rugged beauty and the visible remains of a World War II-era shipwreck.
Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo): An otherworldly landscape of rock formations (even more stunning at sunset).
Lanaihale: The islandβs highest peak, offering panoramic views and a cool, misty climate.
Kaunolu Village: An ancient Hawaiian fishing village and a National Historic Landmark. The area is rich in cultural history and features petroglyphs and the remains of a heiau (temple).
However, renting a 4×4 does not guarantee that you’ll actually be able to visit any of the above. Access is totally dependent on the current road conditions. That means you may spend the extra money to rent a 4×4 only to arrive at the office to discover the roads are off-limits on the day of your visit.
And there’s one more VERY good reason not to go this route…no insurance company will cover you on the dirt roads of Lanai.
That’s right, none of the few car rental companies on the island offer off-road insurance. So, if you rent a Jeep for an off-road adventure, you’re on your own if you damage the vehicle or get stuck in the sand.
I’m not as young as I used to be and I consider myself fairly risk-averse, so this one was a big NO for me. With only half a day to explore Lanai, we felt there was plenty to see by sticking to the paved roads.
Tip: If you want to see the off-road sights without driving yourself, the ferry company (Expeditions) does offer Half Day 4×4 Trekker Tours as part of a package with ferry tickets.
If you do decide to roll the dice and rent a Jeep for yourself, Lanai Car Rental and Lanai Cheap Jeeps are the best options.
A Word of Warning about ACE Rental Car
You may see rentals available online (typically with Expedia) with this company on Lanai. I do not recommend renting with them and if you Google the reviews you’ll see why. According to several reviews, they only have a handful of cars and they consistently overbook them leaving some visitors without transportation around the island for the day.
Play it safe and stick to one of the options I mentioned above.
Now, let’s get to the fun stuff!
Things to Do on Lanai (paved roads)
Since we opted to rent a car and limit our exploration to paved roads, here’s how we spent our day:
Explore Lanai City
The islandβs small town, Lanai City, is the main hub for local life. It’s the islandβs heart, with charming shops, galleries, and eateries. Itβs also where youβll find Dole Park, a central gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
During our Saturday visit, there was a local market happening in the park.
Blue Ginger Cafe
If you take the early ferry, start your day with a delicious breakfast at Blue Ginger Cafe.
Since 1991, this family-owned restaurant has been serving up made-from-scratch, homestyle cooking, and fresh-baked bread and pastries 365 days a year.
We hopped into our rental car right off the ferry and headed straight here. We enjoyed amazing omelets and bought a few tasty turnovers for the road. If you take the later ferry, stop by for lunch, they’re open daily until 2:00pm. (Note that they are cash only.)
More great food options in town include Ganotisi’s Pacific Rim Cuisine and Pele’s Other Garden Deli. And even the island’s lone service station (Lanai City Service Station) has a pretty great deli counter.
Long story short, you’ll eat well on a day trip to Lanai.
Oh, and for a terrific cup of coffee, swing by Coffee Works (located just one block behind Blue Ginger).
Lanai Culture & Heritage Center
The Lanai Culture & Heritage Center is a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history, culture, and natural heritage of Lanai. Visitors can explore exhibits on the island’s Hawaiian history, ranching, and plantation eras, and its unique ecosystems.
The center serves as a cultural hub, offering educational programs and resources for both locals and visitors.
The center is open Monday – Friday from 11:00am – 3:00pm (unfortunately we missed it since we visited on a Saturday).
Shops & Art Galleries
The cute shops and galleries that line Dole Park in Lanai City are the reason I wish we had booked the later ferry.
They don’t open until 10:00am (the same time as the Cat Sanctuary – more on that in a moment!) so we didn’t have time for more than a quick stop before heading back to the ferry. There were so many quaint shops I wanted to explore!
Lanai Art Center – This community-supported non-profit offers art classes and cultural experiences for locals and visitors. Here, you’ll find unique, hand-crafted items from local artists.
Mike Carroll Gallery – If you love island-inspired art, don’t miss a stop at the gallery of local artist Mike Carroll. Fun fact, his wife Kathy is the founder of the Lanai Cat Sanctuary.
Lanai Theater – If you have time, this recently renovated historic theater is a great place to take in a matinee.
Lanai Hula Hut – We only had time for a quick visit here but this is definitely one shop where I could have spent a lot of time! From clothing and jewelry to home decor and local souvenirs, this eclectic shop is a gem.
Now let’s get to the real reason we ran out of time on our half-day trip to Lanai…
A Visit to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary π
The Lanai Cat Sanctuary is a haven for rescued and feral cats. The sanctuary provides a safe, loving environment where these cats, nicknamed the “Lanai Lions,” can live freely without the threat of predators.
It’s a unique and heartwarming place to visit and it was the highlight of our day on Lanai.
Affectionately known as the “Fur Seasons” (a nod to the island’s luxe resort), the Sanctuary is 100% funded by visitors. There are separate enclosures for Senior cats, special needs cats, and rowdy youngsters, but most of the Lanai Lions reside together in one well-appointed large enclosure.
It’s a “paw-some” place to visit and spend some quality time with the 800+ cats living their best lives on a lush 4-acre “purradise.” (Sorry, I can’t help myself.)
The sanctuary focuses on protecting the islandβs native bird species by humanely managing the cat population. They also educate the public about the importance of wildlife conservation.
All of the cats are available for adoption but if you’re not in a position to adopt, you can also sponsor your own Lanai Lion or a senior “kapuna” or special needs cat.
Like the locals, the cats are friendly and eager to welcome visitors. The volunteers will provide you with a small bag of treats before you enter the enclosure.
However, my advance research suggested bringing treats with us so I was fully loaded with 4 bags of treats when we arrived. Let’s just say I was very popular and made a lot of new furry friends.
You can roam the sanctuary and interact with the cats for as long as you like. I honestly could have spent the entire day here making it rain with treats.
But alas, we had a ferry to catch.
Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help support the sanctuaryβs mission. Itβs a great way to contribute to a worthy cause while enjoying your visit.
Give til it hurts. These people are doing amazing work here. They also rescued more than 200 Maui cats in the aftermath of the Lahaina wildfires.
If you can’t visit soon but want to support these fun-loving felines, you can donate online here:
Hulopoe Beach
Next up on our “paved-road” itinerary, the beach!
Lanai only has one swimmable beach but it’s a stunner. Hulopo’e Beach is a picturesque arc of white sand ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also a favorite hangout for spinner dolphins so be sure to keep your eyes peeled when you visit.
Beach facilities here include restrooms, picnic tables, and showers. And on this sunny Saturday afternoon, there were plenty of local families there enjoying the day.
Sweetheart Rock
In addition to swimming, snorkeling, and dolphin watching at the beach, don’t miss the half-mile short hike toward Manele Bay to Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock).
Lanai’s most famous natural landmark, Sweetheart Rock is named for a tragic love story in Hawaiian legend. The view from the top of the cliffs is amazing and (I’m told) especially beautiful at sunset.
Along the hike around Hulopoe Bay, you’ll also see metal stairs that lead down to beautiful tide pools. Be careful, the rocks can be slippery, but the tide pools are a good place to cool off and spot tropical fish and other marine life.
After our stop at Sweetheart Rock, it was time to head back to the ferry.
Where to Stay on Lanai
If you fall in love with Lanai like we did, you might want to come back and stay for a while. And you’re in luck! There are a few great hotel options on the island.
Four Seasons Resorts now has two luxury resorts on Lanai, the legendary Four Seasons Resort Lana’i overlooking HulopoΚ»e Bay and the new Four Seasons Sensei Lanai Resort.
For a more budget-friendly option, try the charming Hotel Lanai. Located just off the main square in Lanai City, this plantation-inspired retreat was originally built as lodging for Dole executives. Today, the hotel has 10 quaint guest rooms within an easy walk of the island’s best cafes, shops, and restaurants.
A PURRfect Day Trip from Maui to Lanai
All in all, we had a fabulous day exploring Lanai.
I would highly recommend this do-it-yourself day trip to anyone visiting Maui and looking for something unique to do. I’m not sure I can adequately express just how welcome we felt on Lanai.
As we were leaving Blue Ginger and taking a stroll around Dole Park, a guy in a truck came up alongside us to say hello and welcome us to the island. He enthusiastically shared a few of his favorite places to eat and visit before thanking us for coming, waving goodbye, and heading off on his way.
He’s the perfect example of the friendly, welcoming vibe you can expect when you visit Lanai.
And I can’t wait to go back.
