Many people don’t realize that Maui County includes the neighbor islands of Moloka’i and Lana’i, both of which can be easily reached by a ferry or boat ride from West Maui’s Lahaina Harbor.
These islands offer a smaller, more intimate look at the Hawaii of the past – little commercialization and only a few thousand residents – and are a great way to learn more about the culture and history of Hawaii while expanding your horizons (and views).
Lana’i, also known as “The Pineapple Isle”, is home to the gorgeous Hulopo’e Beach Park, voted the #1 Beach in America by Dr. Beach, and dramatic, breathtaking scenery like Sweetheart Rock and Garden of the Gods.
Getting to Lanai Island
While ferries run daily from Maui to Lana’i, we recommend hopping aboard a Trilogy Excursions sailing catamaran for an 8 hour day trip, departing twice daily (7:30am to 1pm) from Lahaina Harbor.
Each tour includes snorkeling equipment, a guided snorkel excursion with a certified Trilogy tour guide, breakfast, full plantation-style lunch on shore, beverages, snacks, beach mats, lawn chairs, a narrated van tour of Lana’i plantation town, and two complimentary drinks. Their sailing catamaran offers ample room to spread out, relax, and enjoy the views of Maui’s shoreline and Lana’i, and the staff are always extremely welcoming, helpful and friendly.
For those interested in trying something new, they also offer an optional SNUBA upgrade with every ticket purchase. With no need for extra certification, SNUBA allows you to swim freely below the surface without the extra work of heavy scuba equipment.
Is a day trip to Lanai worth it?
Whether you want to lounge on the beach, enjoy a scenic walk to Sweetheart Rock, snorkel at one of Hawaii’s most beautiful areas, or learn more about the history of the island, a day trip to Lanai is worth it.
Is Lanai open to Tourists?
For those of you wanting more than a day, you can stay on the island of Lanai at one of 2 Four Seasons Resorts, the Hotel Lanai or at vacation rentals.
Photos courtesy of the Four Seasons Lanai Review
Is Lanai a private island?
98% of the island of Lanai was purchased in 2021 by Oracle founder and chairman Larry Ellison. Since his purchase, some major improvements to community resources as well as the 2 resorts have been completed. And no, Bill Gates does not own Lanai.
