The Perfect Day Trip from Maui to Lānaʻi Island
If you’re vacationing on Maui and looking for an easy day trip that’s off the beaten path but packed with adventure, consider hopping over to the Island of Lānaʻi. Just a short ride across the ʻAuʻau Channel, this small island is like a different world—remote beaches, rugged terrain, rich history, and just enough quirky charm to make it one of our family’s favorite places in Maui County.
Nicknamed the Pineapple Isle, Lānaʻi was once home to the world’s largest pineapple plantation, run by none other than James Dole. Today, it’s a mix of luxury resorts, wild landscapes, and authentic Hawaiian culture. We had limited time but managed to squeeze in snorkeling, hiking, cat cuddles, scenic drives, and a seriously good lunch. Here’s how to do Lānaʻi in a day—from first ferry to last ferry.
Getting There: Ferry or Flight?
You have two main options: the Expeditions ferry or a flight with Mokulele Airlines. We took the ferry ride from Lahaina Harbor, which was smooth and scenic. The round trip takes about 90 minutes total and offers amazing views of the Hawaiian Islands along the way. Keep your eyes peeled—during whale season, we spotted humpback whales!
Prefer to fly? The easiest way if you’re short on time is catching one of the direct flights from Maui to the Lānaʻi Airport. Mokulele Airlines offers daily service and lets you soak in aerial views of calm waters, coral reefs, and the island of Lānaʻi itself.
Maybe a Tour is the best bet? This Family-Friendly Catamaran Adventure to Lānaʻi has it all!
If you want to do a bit less planning of your day, I highly recommend this tour. It combines marine life, adventure, and some serious blue water magic, this eco-friendly snorkel cruise to Lānaʻi checks all the boxes. Plus, it is operated by the Pacific Whale Foundation, so you’ll have certified marine naturalists onboard.
The trip departs from Maʻalaea Harbor at 7:00AM on a spacious 65-foot double-deck catamaran—plenty of room to stretch out, take in the views, and let the kids wander safely. The journey across the ʻAuʻau Channel to Lānaʻi takes about 70 minutes, and the captain makes it a point to pass through areas known for wild spinner dolphins. If you’re lucky (we were!), you might also catch a glimpse of toothed whales, sea turtles, or even a Hawaiian monk seal.
Once you arrive near Lānaʻi’s rugged coastline, get ready to snorkel in warm, crystal-clear waters that reveal a vibrant underwater world of coral reefs and colorful fish. It's a guided experience with a certified marine naturalist on board who’s full of fun facts and helpful tips—great for curious kids and adults alike.
And yes—there’s food! On the ride over, enjoy a continental breakfast with island fruit, bagels, pastries, and your caffeine of choice (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate). After your snorkel, the crew fires up the onboard grill for a delicious barbecue lunch with grilled chicken, veggie burgers, hot dogs, and sides like potato-mac salad and edamame slaw. There’s also dessert and unlimited drinks like juice, soda, and water, plus a complimentary adult beverage for guests 21+.
What’s Included:
Certified Marine Naturalists to lead snorkel tours and marine life spotting
Premium snorkel gear (including optical masks for glasses-wearers) and flotation devices
Fish ID class and guided reef tour
Onboard Junior Naturalist Program to keep kids engaged
Marine wildlife ID card to take home
Towels provided onboard
Continental breakfast: island pineapple, banana bread, croissants, juices, and Maui coffee
Barbecue lunch: free-range grilled chicken, hot dogs, vegan burgers, potato-mac salad, edamame slaw, and cookies
Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, plus one complimentary adult drink (BYOB allowed—just no glass bottles)
Optional purchase of reef-safe sunscreen in eco-friendly packaging
This is an easy, all-inclusive adventure for families who want to make the most of a day on the water without having to plan every detail. Just bring your swimsuits, hats, and your sense of wonder—Lānaʻi’s marine life is ready to amaze you.
Our Sample DIY Itinerary: A Full Day on Lānaʻi
6:30 AM – Depart Maui via Expeditions ferry from Lahaina Harbor
7:15 AM – Arrive at Manele Harbor, walk to Hulopoʻe Beach. Pick up your rental car.
8:00 AM – Snorkel and explore (make sure to check ocean conditions)
9:00 AM – Hike to Puʻu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock)
10:30 AM – Visit the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary
12:00 PM – Lunch at Blue Ginger Café in Lānaʻi City
1:00 PM – Explore Dole Park, Lanai Culture & Heritage Center, Mike Carroll Gallery
2:30 PM – Optional: Drive to Garden of the Gods or Shipwreck Beach via Jeep rental
4:30 PM – Return to Manele Harbor, Return your rental car.
5:30 PM – Last ferry back to Maui
It is pretty action packed, so if you want a more relaxed day, skip the rental car and adventurous driving, and simply pack a picnic and spend the whole day on the beach! Hulopoʻe Beach is a truly perfect day trip destination all on its own. It’s one of the most stunning pristine beaches in the Hawaiian Islands, and the calm, crystal-clear waters (always check the ocean conditions) make it ideal for families with kids of all ages.
You can easily set up under the picnic tables or shaded areas and let the kids explore the tidepools, build sandcastles, or splash in the shallows while you soak up the views of Manele Bay. The water is usually calm enough for safe swimming and excellent snorkeling—don’t forget to keep an eye out for tropical fish, sea cucumbers, and maybe even a honu (sea turtle)!
There are clean restrooms and outdoor showers nearby, and you’re just steps from the luxury Four Seasons Resort if you want to sneak off for a fancy coffee or cocktail while the kids play. Watching the waves roll in from your towel, hearing the distant splash of a humpback whale (if you're visiting during whale season), and seeing Sweetheart Rock glowing in the late afternoon sun—it’s the kind of afternoon that feels like a postcard come to life.
Sometimes, the best kind of family travel is the slow kind. Lānaʻi is one of the few places where it still feels possible to do nothing and have that be the most magical part of the day.
Beach Fun & Short Hikes
We arrived at Manele Harbor and walked straight to Hulopoʻe Beach (about a 10 min walk), one of the most beautiful stretches of sand on any of the islands. Located in a marine life conservation district, this popular spot is known for its crystal-clear waters, tropical fish, and colorful coral reefs. We brought our own snorkel equipment, and if you want to rent, make sure to do so on Maui since there are no rental options at this beach.
Just a short walk from the beach is Puʻu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock), a short hike that gives you sweeping views of Manele Bay and rugged sea cliffs. The rock itself has a legendary love story attached—ask a local guide or read the nearby signs for the tale of love, loss, and cultural meaning.
Why We Love Hulopoʻe Bay
If you're visiting outside of the winter months, Hulopoʻe Bay is one of the best places on the island for swimming and snorkeling. In winter, the waves can get a bit rough and create a strong shorebreak—so it’s best to stay on the sand with younger kids during that time (unless you get a spectacular ocean conditions day). But the rest of the year? Expect calm, sparkling blue waters and some of the clearest visibility you’ll find in all of Maui County.
One of the coolest features here is the natural tide pools tucked along the eastern side of the bay. Formed by ancient lava flows, these rocky pools trap seawater as the tide recedes, creating a little world of marine life perfect for exploring. We spotted sea stars, hermit crabs, tiny tropical fish, and all kinds of colorful surprises. Bring a snorkel mask or goggles and take your time peeking into the shallow pools—it’s like nature’s own aquarium!
When you're ready to take a break from the water, Hulopoʻe Beach Park has everything you need to make it an all-day hangout spot. There are barbecue grills for lunch, picnic tables for shaded snacks, restrooms, showers, and plenty of big leafy trees to cool off under when the sun gets intense. Whether you're snorkeling, tide-pooling, swimming, or just relaxing with your toes in the sand, this is the kind of beach that makes you want to stay all day—and then come back tomorrow.
Kid Favorite: Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary
Hands down, the kids’ favorite part of the day was the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary. With over 600 happy, healthy cats lounging, playing, and greeting visitors, it’s a total hit with animal lovers. The sanctuary is clean, peaceful, and run by knowledgeable staff members who love sharing stories about the cats they care for.
Exploring Lānaʻi City
Next stop: Lānaʻi City. This historic town is laid out around Dole Park, where the cook pines provide plenty of shade for a picnic or quick run-around. There are no traffic lights, and it feels more like a plantation village than a “city.”
We had a delicious lunch at Blue Ginger Café—try the plate lunches or fresh local fish. After that, we stopped into the Mike Carroll Gallery and the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center, which offers a great overview of the island’s rich history—from native Hawaiian roots to the era of James Dole and the pineapple empire.
Off-Road Exploration: Garden of the Gods & Shipwreck Beach
If you have more time (and a sense of adventure), you can rent a 4WD vehicle from Lānaʻi Jeep Rentals or other rental companies. Most of Lānaʻi’s remote treasures are accessible only by dirt roads. Two favorites include:
Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo): A surreal, red-rock landscape that looks like Mars. It’s dry, windy, and beautiful—unlike anything else on the islands.
Shipwreck Beach: Home to an eerie WWII shipwreck visible offshore. It’s not great for swimming, but makes for a unique photo op and short hike.
If you’re not up for off-roading yourself, book a guided adventure through Trekker Tours or other local guides.
Luxury Option: Four Seasons Resorts
Want to splurge a little? The Four Seasons Resorts at Manele Bay is right next to Hulopoʻe Beach, and you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy it. We saw families enjoying spa treatments, sipping cocktails with ocean views, or just relaxing on shaded loungers. Larry Ellison, the tech billionaire who owns most of Lānaʻi, has put a lot into preserving the luxury-meets-nature vibe of this private island of Lānaʻi.
Insider Tips: What We Wish We Knew
Bring reef-safe sunscreen (it’s required in many marine preserves)
Cash is handy – not all local spots take cards
Cell service is spotty – especially near the cat sanctuary and dirt road areas
Book rental cars ahead – they sell out, especially during school breaks
Wear shoes for hiking – flip-flops aren’t great on lava rock
Plan for wind – Garden of the Gods and Shipwreck Beach can get gusty!
Kid Favorites on Lānaʻi
600+ cats at the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary
Tidepooling at Hulopoʻe Beach
Snorkelling! It is deep and clear and the reef is incredible.
Climbing to Sweetheart Rock
Jeep rides on bumpy dirt roads
Shady running space at Dole Park
Why Lānaʻi—and What’s Next?
A day trip to Lānaʻi is one of those unforgettable family adventures that manages to feel both relaxing and wild at the same time. Between the pristine beaches, rich history, feral cats, and blue water views, the Island of Lānaʻi gave us the perfect mix of nature, culture, and quiet charm—all within a single day. It’s an ideal spot for families who want something totally different from their Maui base, but don’t want to spend hours in transit.
And if island hopping is your thing, Lānaʻi is just the beginning.
Maui is perfectly located for exploring a few other Hawaiian Islands—each with its own personality and highlights:
Molokaʻi: Quiet and culturally rich, it’s the perfect next step for families who want even fewer crowds and more authenticity. Visit the Kalaupapa Peninsula, towering sea cliffs, and heritage sites.
Big Island: Want volcanoes, lava tubes, black sand beaches, and stargazing? Hop over to the Big Island for big adventure.
Oʻahu: Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, surf lessons on Waikīkī—it’s ideal for history lovers and beach kids alike.
Kauaʻi: Known as the Garden Isle, it’s lush, dramatic, and full of short hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
Whether you explore just one more island or several, using Maui as your home base for adventure gives you tons of options. But if you’re starting with just one quick visit, we can’t recommend Lānaʻi enough.
Bring your snorkel gear, pack some snacks, and go fall in love with this small island that feels like a big secret.
Happy Island Hopping!
Jen
