Day Cruise to Lanai from Maui
♦ Routes (free): Detailed travel itineraries in USA
Lanai is the smallest of all the inhabited islands in Hawaii that can be visited. It covers an area of 360 square kilometers and is home to only about 3,000 residents, roughly 22 percent of whom are authentic Hawaiians. The island was known for many years as "Pineapple Island" due to the Dole company's pineapple plantations that covered vast areas of the island and were its main source of income. However, since 1992, pineapple cultivation has ceased due to a lack of profitability, and today the island is known as "The Private Island." It has one city, Lanai City, only about 50 km of paved road, and not a single traffic light.
The island is located at a distance of only nine miles from Maui, but it is light-years away from it... The main attraction on the island is Hulopoe Bay – the only accessible beach in the city, which is a marine sanctuary considered one of the best diving sites in the world.
In 2012, billionaire Larry Ellison purchased almost the entire island (about 98% of it for approximately 300 million dollars according to various sources) and turned it into his private home. The island has two highly luxurious Four Seasons resorts. These hotels are stunningly beautiful and feature world-class golf courses. This is the island where the elite come to play. Bill Gates was married on Lanai and rented the entire island for the occasion. Additionally, there is a modest hotel and a small number of B&Bs on the island.
There is also a 2-star hotel in the heart of the island in Lanai City.
Recommended Hotels on the Island of Lanai
A magnificent 5-star resort. Located in the south of the island near the best beach. A hotel with two pools, 5 restaurants, surrounded by gardens. Features a golf course and three tennis courts. Free internet.
A historic 2-star hotel in the heart of Lanai in Lanai City. Features a restaurant. Free internet and parking. (For those interested in a cheaper and modest hotel in the center of the island in Lanai City).
Transportation to the Island of Lanai
By Air: There is an airport on the island, and you can reach the island via flight from one of the larger Hawaiian islands.
By Sea: By ferry from Maui from Lahaina port to Manele port on Lanai. There is a ferry approximately 5 times a day and the crossing takes about an hour.
Island Transportation:
It is recommended to book a 4X4 vehicle if you wish to tour the island. It must be booked well in advance as there are not many vehicles.
Google Map of the Island of Lanai:
Cruises to Lanai
The best way to see the island in a short amount of time is on a day cruise departing from the nearby island of Maui, which includes snorkeling, food, drinks, and dolphin watching. Below is a description of a sample cruise to the island of Lanai including an excursion on the island.
The catamaran against the backdrop of the island of Lanai
The catamaran cruise departs from Maui from the historical capital of Hawaii, Lahaina, and includes a scenic voyage of about an hour and a half to Lanai, during which breakfast is served while watching dolphins and, in the winter months, plenty of whales.
When you arrive at Lanai, you receive a shell lei and travel in vans to Hulopoe Bay, which has soft golden sand, calm waters, and wonderful opportunities for snorkeling and diving. The company provides snorkeling gear, floats, life jackets, and guidance. SNUBA (a friendly combination of snorkeling and diving) is available for an additional fee.
The port on the island of Lanai
Hulopoe Bay
You can snorkel independently in the marine sanctuary, which is teeming with magnificent colorful fish, or join a group with one of the guides.
Near the beach, there is a short, scenic hiking trail that passes by natural pools formed from lava rocks and overlooks the spectacular cliffs adjacent to the island.
Fresh tropical fruits, drinks, and snacks await you on the beach.
Those interested (highly recommended) can join a guided van tour of the island to the only city, passing by the luxurious resorts, what remains of the pineapple fields, and a rugged mountainous landscape, until reaching the small city where almost all of the island's residents live. There, you can tour and learn about the history of the island, the residents, and their lifestyle. Before boarding the catamaran again for the return trip to Maui, a rich and delicious barbecue meal is served on a small hill near the port, from which there is a beautiful view. During the sail back, you are treated to delicious ice cream and drinks, including alcoholic beverages. Towards the end of the cruise, you can see the beautiful sunset over the island of Lanai.
