Lanai is a small, quiet Hawaiian island off the coast of Maui. While sparsely populated, the island is full of natural beauty and local charm. The stunning landscapes, dirt roads, and luxury resorts make Lanai a sought after destination for adventurers and luxury seekers alike. Follow this Lanai day trip itinerary, for a secluded 4×4 adventure through untouched Hawaiian landscapes and a chance to play with hundreds of cats!
Lanai Day Trip Itinerary
Ride the Ferry from Maui to Lanai
Begin your day trip to Lanai by riding the ferry over from Maui. There is a small airport on Lanai, but the easiest and least expensive way to visit Lanai for a day trip is to travel by ferry. In order to have the most amount of time on Lanai as possible, book your tickets in advance for the first arriving ferry of the day and the last departing ferry of the day.
The ferry ride from Lahaina Harbor on Maui to the Manele Harbor on Lanai takes about 45 minutes. During your ferry ride to Lanai, enjoy sunrise views from the water. If you’re traveling in the winter, you might even spot a Humpback whale!
Pick Up Your 4×4 Jeep Rental
Hop in a 4×4 Jeep for an off-roading adventure around Lanai. With no traffic lights and only 30 miles of paved roads, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle in order to explore certain spots on the island, including Kahekili’s Leap and the Garden of the Gods. A 4×4 Jeep is the best way to get around and have the full island experience.
Be sure to book your Jeep rental in advance. If your Jeep rental is not located at Manele Harbor where the ferry arrives, you’ll need to take transportation to and from the harbor to the rental car facility. We used Rabaca’s Shuttle to get from the harbor to Lana’i Car Rental in Lanai City. The ride takes about 20 minutes each way.
A note about driving around the island – the people of Lanai are very friendly, and it’s local tradition to wave to passing cars. Wave back!
Enjoy a Local Hawaiian Breakfast
Grab a bite at Blue Ginger Cafe for local Hawaiian eats or head to Richard’s Market for a poke bowl.
Take the 4×4 Road to Kahekili’s Leap
Driving the 4×4 road to the trailhead for Kahekili’s Leap is the first part of this adventure. To get to the trailhead, drive past the airport and turn left. In about 2.5 miles, turn right and navigate the downhill dirt road and gulches for ~3 miles until you reach the trailhead. We recommend using the Lanai Guide App and website for a map of the drive. Alternatively, you can zoom in on the AllTrails map of Lanai to see the road. (The road is not marked on Google maps.)
A short hike along the Kaunolu Trail will take you through ruins of an ancient Hawaiian Village. Ample signage along the trail provides insight into the rich history of the island.
The trail ends at Kahekili’s Leap, a rocky ledge that towers over 60 feet above the ocean below. According to Hawaiian tradition, Chief Kahekili enjoyed jumping from the cliff for sport. It was also said that people accused of wrong-doing could atone by jumping from the cliff. Those that were innocent would live, and those who weren’t…well…on that note, do not jump from here!
This well-marked hike is under a mile round trip. Although the trail is short, it can be rocky and steep in some spots so we recommend wearing sturdy shoes.
Cuddle with Cats at the Lanai Cat Sanctuary
Cat lovers rejoice! This is the place for you! Lanai Cat Sanctuary rescues feral cats from around the island and provides care for them in a large open concept facility. These cat rescues are dual purpose – the cats get veterinary care and a safe home, which in turn gives the native endangered bird population an opportunity to thrive. Come visit the sanctuary for a chance to play with the HUNDREDS of rescue cats that call Lanai Cat Sanctuary home.
Although most of the cats were born in the wild, many of them have evolved into cuddly extroverts that love to be loved. Each cat has their own irresistible personality. One of our favorite cats, Ninja, wanted to sit in our laps all day. We didn’t have the heart to move him so we ending up staying at the sanctuary for hours!
Many of the cats at the sanctuary are available for adoption. If any of them steal your heart and you’re ready for the lifetime commitment, you can give them a forever home.
Admission to Lanai Cat Sanctuary is free, though donations are very much appreciated to fund the sanctuary and provide the cats with the care they need.
Explore the Garden of the Gods in a 4×4
Next up, drive to Keahiakawelo, the “Garden of the Gods”, where you’ll be transported to Mars! The red boulders and rock towers here are otherworldly. This unique landscape makes for a thrilling 4×4 drive!
Return the Jeep Rental
If you rented a Jeep in Lanai City, we recommend returning the Jeep well before your ferry departure time and then taking a shuttle to Hulopoe Bay, which is within walking distance of the harbor. By doing this, we were able to enjoy Hulopoe Bay until it was time to leave, and then walk right over to the nearby harbor without being at the mercy of the shuttle timing.
Swim at Hulopoe Beach
Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at Hulopoe Beach, a gorgeous sandy beach with swimming, snorkeling, and amenities like picnic tables, bathrooms, and showers.
In addition to swimming, check out the tide pools on the eastern side of the bay or take a short hike along the cliffs to see Puu Pehe, or Sweetheart Rock. This 80 foot cliff was named Sweetheart Rock based on a Hawaiian legend of a grief stricken warrior who leapt from this point after learning of the passing of his wife.
Take the Ferry Back to Maui
When it’s time bid Lanai farewell, walk about 10 minutes from Hulopoe Beach to the Manele Harbor to board the ferry. Enjoy sunset views on the water as you ride back to the Lahaina Harbor on Maui.
End your adventure-filled day by grabbing dinner in bustling Lahaina. We recommend going to Down the Hatch for dinner and then Breakwall Shave Ice right next door for dessert! Both spots are a very short walk from the harbor.
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Packing List for 1 Day on Lanai
For your day trip to Lanai, we recommend packing light and keeping your belongings contained to a backpack or tote bag that can be easily carried everywhere you go. These are the items we were glad we packed with us for our day on Lanai:
- Backpack or Tote Bag: Our favorite multi-use backpack is the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack (Amazon | REI). The Daylite Plus is a great size and has large pockets including easy access outer mesh pockets for a water bottle or phone. My favorite travel tote is my ALOHA Collection Day Tripper Bag (Amazon | REI). I love that it’s waterproof, has multiple zipped pockets, is durable, and comes in many beachy designs.
- Hiking Shoes: Although the trails included in this itinerary are short, they are steep and rocky in some sections. We recommend wearing trail running shoes for the hikes. Both of us wear Salomon Speedcross Trail Running Shoes (Women’s | Men’s).
- Hiking Socks: Good socks are key for comfort and preventing blisters. We wear Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Low Ankle Socks (Women’s | Men’s).
- Towel: We packed our Nomadix Towel (Amazon | REI) for sitting on the beach and drying off after swimming. Nomadix Towels are packable, sand resistant, quick dry, and come in a variety of unique designs.
- Snorkel Gear: I own a Cressi Dry Snorkel (Amazon) and have traveled with it for years. We recommend purchasing a dry snorkel (versus a semi-dry snorkel) because it has a special valve that prevents water from filling the tube when submerged.
- Waterproof Hip Pack: We recommend keeping your important belongings with you while swimming. A waterproof pouch with a waist strap can be used to hold belongings such as a cell phone, wallet, and keys and keep them dry while swimming and snorkeling.
- Sun Protection (Sunscreen/Rash Guard/Sunglasses/Hat): When swimming, be sure to wear a rash guard swim shirt and reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and help prevent damage to the coral reefs.
- Cash: Some restaurants only accept cash, and donations for the Lanai Cat Sanctuary and tips for shuttle drivers are appreciated.
- Flip Flops
- Bathing Suit
- Snacks
- Water
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That wraps up our Lanai Day Trip Itinerary. For more information on things to do during your trip to Maui, what to pack, and planning tips, check out our Maui Travel Guide.
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