Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary FAQ: Essential Guide to Visiting
Lost on Lanai offers day trips to the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary, providing various itineraries for visitors from Maui. A common day trip departing Maui at 6:30 AM and returning at 5:30 PM allows for extensive time at the sanctuary, which officially opens at 10:00 AM but often welcomes guests earlier, around 8:30-8:45 AM. Visitors can choose to focus solely on the sanctuary until its 3:00 PM closing time or combine their visit with stops in Lāna‘i City or Hulopoe Beach.
Your visit to the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary
Click here for a Guide to Resources and Answers to your Questions.
Want to learn more about planning your day trip? Please check out this Guide!
Visit the Cat Sanctuary
A big Mahalo to the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary for all of their Good Work and Many Thanks to our customers for their support of Lost on Lāna‘i which allows us to give back to our community and support the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary with donations!
Question: What does an itinerary look like with a depart at 6:30am and return at 5:30pm?
What itineraries are available for the 6:30 AM departure and 5:30 PM return?
Updated 10/16/23
Q.What does the 6:30am departure from Lahaina with 5:30pm return give us time to do?
A. Here are some itineraries with options.
Just the Cat Sanctuary
Arrive Lāna‘i 7:45+
Transfer to Cat Sanctuary arriving around 8:30-8:45am. Wait until outer gate opens around 9:00am then wait at gazebo until they open the door into the enclosure. Note – #1 The scheduled opening time is 10:00am but the staff is opening earlier if the enclosure area is ready for visitors and guests are waiting, #2 The Cat Sanctuary is in a very “rural/isolated” spot so there is nothing close to walk to.
Visit Cat Sanctuary 10:00AM-3:00PM Closing Time
Tip: “super cat visitors” usually pack their own “snacks/lunch” when they stay until closing time. NOTE: Food & Drinks are not sold at the Cat Sanctuary.
Shuttle Van Pick Up at 3:00pm transfer back to Manele Harbor for your 5:30pm departure. Optional drop at the Beach then walk back to Harbor for your 5:30pm departure.
Arrive Maalaea 6:15PM+
Visit Beach/Harbor First then the Cat Sanctuary Stay till Close
Arrive Lāna‘i 7:45+
Check in with the Shuttle Van Drivers to confirm your pick up location either the Harbor or Beach. Visit Harbor or Beach until 9:45am pick up.
Transfer to Cat Sanctuary arriving around 10:00am. Visit Cat Sanctuary 10:00AM-3:00PM Closing Time
Transfer to Harbor for Return 5:30PM Ferry
Arrive Maalaea 6:15PM+
Town for Breakfast then Cat Sanctuary – Option to Stay till Close or Choose to Transfer to Beach/Harbor at 1:00pm
Arrive Lāna‘i 7:45AM+.
Transfer to Town for Breakfast. Arrive Town 8:15AM+.
Transfer to Cat Sanctuary 10:00AM-10:15AM (Check with driver if you want earlier pick-up.)
Visit Cat Sanctuary 3:00PM Closing Time. Transfer to Harbor for Return 5:30PM Ferry.
Or alternate Itinerary take 1:00pm Transfer to Beach then walk back to Harbor for 5:30pm departure.Arrive Maalaea 6:15PM+
Beach/Harbor, Cat Sanctuary and Town
Arrive Lāna‘i 7:45+
Check in with the Shuttle Van Drivers to confirm your pick up location either the Harbor or Beach. Visit Harbor or Beach until 9:45am pick up.
Transfer to Cat Sanctuary arriving around 10:00am+. Visit Cat Sanctuary 10:00AM-1:00PM or 3:00PM Closing Time.
Usual Schedule is 1:00PM Pick Up Transfer to Town. Arrive Town 1:15pm/Note: Many Restaurants close at 2:00PM.
4:15PM Transfer to Harbor for Return 5:30PM Ferry
Arrive Maalaea 6:15PM+
Q. How can I Book a visit to the Cat Sanctuary?
A. Go to our Booking Summaries & Links at: https://lostonlanai.com/day-trip-to-lanai-quick-summaries-info-for-lanai-itineraries/
Question: Can I return earlier than 5:30pm or depart later than 6:30am?
What are the alternative ferry departure and return times for Lanai day trips?
A. Yes – Expeditions Ferry Schedule now offers an earlier return time of 1:00pm which combines with the 6:30am departure and a later departure at 11:00am that combines with the 5:30pm return. While the new departure and return times give a shorter visit the itineraries do allow you to combine a Beach or Town visit with the Cat Sanctuary.
6:30am – 1:00pm
Ferry, Beach/Harbor & Cats 6:30AM-1:00PM
Ferry, Town & Cats 6:30AM-1:00PM
11:00am – 5:30pm
Ferry & Cats Only 11:00AM-5:30PM Stay till Close
Ferry, Cats & Town 11:00AM-5:30PM
Please check out all of the the available itineraries at: https://lostonlanai.com/day-trip-to-lanai-quick-summaries-info-for-lanai-itineraries/
Question: What about adding a tour to a Cat Sanctuary Visit?
Are guided tours available to add to a Cat Sanctuary visit?
Unfortunately we are not to accepting Bookings for Guided Tours at this time due to lack of Guides. 12/16/21
Alternatives: (10/16/23)
Paved Roads Only – 808 Day Trip/Judi Riley – Call/text (808) 649-0664, email 808daytrip@gmail.com–http://808daytrip.com/Rental_Cars.html
We can assist with your arranging your ferry tickets:
More Resources:
- FAQ’s Tips & Info Visiting the Lanai Cat Sanctuary
- Maui to Lanai Day Trip Guide
- Parking at Maalaea Harbor
- Maui to Lanai Ferry Schedule & Info
- Tips for 1/2 Day – Day Trip – Tips for Full Day – Day Trip
- Guide Restaurants
- Guide Shopping
- Day Trip to Lanai | Quick Summaries & Info for Itineraries
- Info Hulopoe Beach
Purrs & Pampering: Why Your Next Day in Maui Should Be Spent on Lanai
A day-tripper’s guide to the Town, Cats, Town & Spa itinerary from Lost on LanaiHighlights One ferry, one day — depart Maalaea at 6:30 AM, arriving back around 6:45 PM Two stops in Lanai City plus 3 unhurried hours at the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, the #1-rated...
Why You Should Visit the Lāna’i Cat Sanctuary from Maui | Day Trip Guide
A day-tripper’s guide from Lost on LanaiA Lost on Lāna‘i Day Trip Guide Why You Should Visit the Lāna'i Cat Sanctuary from Maui Book & We Give Back Why do Visitors Keep Coming Back to the Lāna’i Cat Sanctuary? At a Glance What: Visit the Lāna’i Cat...
Question: Could I add a visit to the Four Seasons Resort when I visit the Beach? (Updated 1/31/25)
Can I visit the Four Seasons Resort during my Lanai day trip?
A. Yes, the Beach Resort has re-opened to hotel guests with reservations at The Break. Views Restaurant at the Golf Clubhouse is also available for lunch reservations. This may be subject to change. Call Four Seasons at 1-877-709-1451 to confirm availability and make the required advance reservations. Please check out the itinerary Lanai Cat Sanctuary – Ferry, Town, Cats & Four Seasons Resort 6:30AM-5:30PM
For Breakfast check out Four Seasons and Cats 6:30AM-1:00PM
We have also added a new itinerary that includes a visit to the Adventure Park for an activity combined with a visit to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary and Town. Departure at 6:30am and return at 5:30pm for a full day of fun and adventure! Please check out the itinerary Lanai Cat Sanctuary – Town, Cats & Adventure Park 6:30AM-5:30PM
Updated 6/12/26
Question: What if I fly in from ‘Oahu for the day?
Can I visit Lanai Cat Sanctuary as a day trip from Oahu?
We are no longer offering this Itinerary as a Package due to Ohana ceasing air service. Mokulele currently services LNY with smaller aircraft. Their schedule does allow for a day trip,
Independent Travelers – You can arrange an airport pickup for the Cat Sanctuary directly from Rabaca’s in advance. Cost will be $15 per person cash only each Transfer. Their direct number is: 808-559-0230. If they do not answer, please text them.
There is also one Taxi service that accepts reservations in advance – Alberta’s Taxi Call 808-649-0808
Updated 6/12/26
Question: Can you tell me more about the ferry and transfers on island? (Updated 10/16/23)
What are the details for ferry travel and island transfers to Lanai Cat Sanctuary?
Q. How long is the ferry ride?
A: The ferry ride between Maalaea and Lāna‘i typically takes an 1 hour & 15-20 minutes.
Q: How are transfers to the Cat Sanctuary done? Car or Van?
A: Transfers for the cat Sanctuary are done via a Shuttle Van.
Q: How long is the ride between the Harbor and the Cat Sanctuary?
A: About 20 minutes. 30-40 minutes if the shuttle first has to make a stop in town.
Q: What time are typical pickups from the Cat Sanctuary?
A: 1:00 pm for the for transfer to Town or Beach. Last pick up is at 3:00pm when the Cat Sanctuary closes and for the 5:30pm ferry.
Q: What do I do when I get off of the ferry on Lāna‘i?
A: When you disembark on Lāna‘i please head up the gangway. Your transfer driver will be waiting for you with a sign that has “Lanai City Shuttle Service” on it. Just let them know that you are Lost on Lāna’i Guests Order #### going to the Cat Sanctuary Town and they will direct you to the correct shuttle van.
Updated 10/16/23
Want to learn more about the Cat Sanctuary and see what a Visit is like?
Then please check out the CBS Morning Show news story below.
