How to Get to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary from Maui: Step-by-Step
A Day Tripper’s Guide to How to Get to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary from Maui from Lost on Lanai
Visit the Lanai Cat Sanctuary Day Trip from Maui
To get to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary from Maui, take the Expeditions ferry from Maalaea Harbor to Manele Harbor on Lanai (about 1 hour 15 minutes), then a shuttle van to the sanctuary (about 20-30 minutes). Door to door, plan on roughly 2 hours each way. Round-trip ferry and shuttle transfers can be booked together as a single package, which is the simplest way to make the trip.
We Handle Everything
✔ Round-trip ferry tickets ✔ Shuttle to the Cat Sanctuary ✔ Full-day and half-day options
- BOOK Full Day package (6:30AM–5:30PM): the most time at the sanctuary and on the island overall – From $167 per adult.
- BOOK Half Day package (11:00AM–5:30PM): a later start for guests who don’t want an early morning – From $167 per adult.
- BOOK Half Day package (6:30AM–1:00PM): an early return if you have plans later in the day – From $167 per adult.
- BOOK Round Trip Ferry Only – Available for independent travelers. From $132 per adult.
- FOR All Itineraries CLICK HERE to see quick summaries of all Day Trips
For our Maui to Lanai Day Trip Guide please CLICK HERE.
Quick Highlights: Getting to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary from Maui
- Total travel time: about 2 hours each way (ferry + shuttle combined)
- Step 1: Expeditions ferry from Maalaea Harbor (Maui) to Manele Harbor (Lanai) — about 1 hour 15 minutes
- Step 2: Shuttle van from Manele Harbor to the sanctuary — about 30 minutes
- No rental car needed — ferry and shuttle are fully coordinated when booked as a package
- Best booked together as a single round-trip ferry + shuttle package, rather than arranged separately
- Departure options: Full Day (6:30AM–5:30PM) or Half Day (11:00AM–5:30PM or 6:30AM–1:00PM)
- Arrival at the sanctuary: roughly 8:30AM on the earliest cats only departure or 12:45PM later departure
If you’re planning a day trip to see the cats at the Lanai Cat Sanctuary — consistently rated the #1 thing to do on Lanai by Trip Advisor — the logistics are simpler than they look. Lost on Lanai offers all-inclusive Maui to Lanai Day Trip itineraries so there’s no rental car needed and no separate bookings to make and juggle. Below is the exact route, step by step, along with timing for each leg so you know what to expect before you go.
Quick Overview: The Route at a Glance
Maalaea Harbor (Maui) → Ferry (~1 hr 15 min) → Manele Harbor (Lanai) → Shuttle (~30–45 min) → Lanai Cat Sanctuary
The full round trip, including your time at the sanctuary, typically fills a full or half day depending on which departure you choose.
Step 1: Book Your Ferry and Shuttle Package
The trip from Maui to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary has two moving parts: the ferry ticket and the shuttle transfer on Lanai. You can technically arrange these separately, but booking a combined package is by far the easiest option — it coordinates your ferry departure with a matching shuttle pickup, so you’re not left waiting at the harbor or figuring out transportation on arrival.
- BOOK Full Day package (6:30AM–5:30PM): the most time at the sanctuary and on the island overall. From $167 per adult.
- BOOK Half Day package (11:00AM–5:30PM): a later start for guests who don’t want an early morning. From $167 per adult.
- BOOK Half Day package (6:30AM–1:00PM): an early return if you have plans later in the day. From $167 per adult.
Advance online booking for the 6:30AM departure closes at 4:30PM the day before travel. If your preferred date isn’t available online, call the number listed on the booking page directly — voicemail is checked regularly and we will open additional availability if possible. A quick summary of all of our itineraries can be found HERE.
Book Your Ferry and Shuttle Package
What do Lost on Lanai Guests Have to Say?
Step 2: Get to Maalaea Harbor on Maui
Your day starts at Maalaea Harbor, where the Expeditions ferry ticket booth is located at 101 Maalaea Boat Harbor Rd. If you’re coming from West Maui (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua, Napili), build in extra drive time — traffic on the Lahaina Bypass and Honoapiilani Highway can add delays during morning commute hours.
A note on the old Lahaina departure point: if you’ve read older travel guides or forum posts referencing a ferry departure from Lahaina Harbor, that information is outdated — the ferry to Lanai now departs from Maalaea Harbor, not Lahaina.
- Parking at Maalaea Harbor is paid parking at $1per hr. — payable by QR code or at one of six pay stations
- The nearest pay station to the Expeditions ticket booth is near slip 62
- Overflow paid parking is available above the harbor near the Maui Ocean Center
- Plan to check in at least 30–45 minutes before your scheduled departure
- The ferry closes boarding 10 minutes prior to departure and departs on time
- More info on parking at the harbor can be found in the Maalaea Parking Guide
- More info and directions to the harbor can be found at Maalaea Harbor Directions Guide
Step 3: Take the Ferry to Lanai
The crossing from Maalaea Harbor to Manele Harbor takes about 1 hour and 10–15 minutes across the Auau Channel. It’s a scenic ride — on a clear day you’ll see Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, and sometimes even the Big Island, and if you’re traveling between January and April, keep an eye out for humpback whales along the way.
There isn’t food or beverage service on board, so grab coffee or a quick bite at the harbor beforehand if you’d like something for the ride or bring your own drinks and snacks.
A few practical notes for first-timers:
- Parking at Maalaea Harbor is paid parking ($1/hour via QR code or pay station); ride share and cabs are also common. Please allow extra time to find a parking spot.
- Each passenger is allowed two bags and one carry-on at no charge; bikes, surfboards over 7 feet, and kayaks require advance arrangements and a fee. Child car seats are not required on the ferry of shuttles. For kamaaina and kapuna discounts contact Expeditions directly.
- As with any boating activity, if you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication beforehand and sitting on the lower deck toward the rear of the air conditioned main cabin. Open air seating may be found at the rear section of the upper deck.
For full details, see the Maui to Lanai Ferry Schedule, the Ferry FAQ, and directions to Maalaea Harbor. You can book best price ferry-only tickets on Lost on Lanai here.
Social Enterprise Campaigns – Did you Know? Lost on Lanai is donating a portion of revenue to local organizations including the Lanai Cat Sanctuary for each cat sanctuary itinerary purchased and to the Lanai Youth Center for each round trip ferry ticket purchased.
Book Your Ferry and Shuttle Package
Step 4: Meet Your Shuttle at Manele Harbor
When you disembark on Lanai, head up the gangway. Your shuttle van driver will be waiting with a sign reading “Lanai City Shuttle Service / Rabaca’s Limousine Service.” Check in with the driver and let them know you’re a Lost on Lāna’i voucher guest headed to the Cat Sanctuary — they’ll direct you to the correct van.
There’s only one shuttle service operating on the island, and they’ll already have your name on the day’s passenger
Step 5: Arrive at the Lanai Cat Sanctuary
Depending on your departure time, you’ll arrive at the sanctuary anywhere from around 8:30AM (6:30AM departure) to just after 12:45PM (11:00AM departure). A few things to know before you get there:
- The Cat Sanctuary is in a rural, isolated part of the island — there’s nothing nearby to walk to
- No food or drinks are sold on-site, so most guests staying all day until closing usually pack their own snacks and water
- If you arrive before the 9:00AM opening on a cat only itinerary, you’ll wait at the gazebo for a few minutes until the gate opens into the enclosure.
- The sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit caring for 800+ rescued cats in a cage-free, outdoor enclosure – Support the Cat Sanctuary, learn more about how you can support them HERE
Step 5A: Town, Beach & No Cat Options
Optionally you can choose a full day itinerary that includes time at both the beach and town or either the beach or town on a half day itinerary. Other itineraries allow you to include stop at the Four Seasons Beach Resort for breakfast or lunch, include an activity at the Adventure Park or a Salon Treatment at Mimi’s Salon.
Is a member of your group not interested in cats or are you allergic to cats? No problem! Lost on Lanai offers more than seven “No Cat” itineraries that let you visit the Beach, Lanai City or even add a stop at Four Seasons Beach Resort for breakfast or lunch. A group could choose different itineraries and split up for a bit before joining back up in town or at the beach.
Step 6: The Return Trip
At closing time, your shuttle will pick you up from the sanctuary and take you back to Manele Harbor for your return ferry (or, on some itineraries, drop you at Hulopoe Beach — just make sure to walk back to the harbor in time for check-in). The return crossing lands you back at Maalaea in the early afternoon or evening, wrapping up a full day that covers ferry, shuttle, and several hours with the cats — all without needing to rent a car or the hassle of juggling a different reservations and schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Maui to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary?
Door to door, plan on about 2 hours each way: roughly 1 hour 15 minutes for the ferry crossing, plus a 30 minute shuttle transfer from the harbor to the sanctuary.
Can I get to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary without a tour package?
Yes — you can book ferry tickets and a shuttle transfer separately. Most guests find a combined package simpler, since it coordinates your ferry and shuttle times automatically rather than leaving you to arrange each leg on your own. With the added benefit of not need to carry extra cash for transfers. Besides Lost on Lanai does not add additional processing fees at check out like some other booking sites. If you are not visiting the cats, just walking to the beach or traveling independently just book Ferry Tickets only.
Do I need a car once I arrive on Lanai?
No. A shuttle van meets ferry passengers at Manele Harbor and transfers them directly to the Cat Sanctuary, so a rental car isn’t necessary for this particular trip. Still interested in renting a Jeep? Then check out our Jeep Rental Tips Post.
What time should I arrive at Maalaea Harbor for the ferry to Lanai?
Plan to check in at least 30–45 minutes before your scheduled departure at the Expeditions ticket booth, located at 101 Maalaea Boat Harbor Rd.
Is the shuttle to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary included in the ferry ticket?
Not automatically with a ferry-only ticket — but it is included when you book a Lanai Cat Sanctuary package, which bundles round-trip ferry tickets with shuttle transfers to and from the sanctuary.
Does Lost on Lanai support the Cat Sanctuary with donations?
Yes – Lost on Lani is donating a portion of revenue to local organizations including the Lanai Cat Sanctuary for each cat sanctuary itinerary purchased and to the Lanai Youth Center for each round-trip ferry ticket purchased. Please take a look at a special Cat Sanctuary Campaign.
Why book with Lost on Lanai instead of arranging the ferry and shuttle separately?
Because it turns two or more separate bookings into one. Ferry tickets, shuttle transfers, and Cat Sanctuary visit are bundled into a single confirmation with no extra processing fees at checkout, and if plans change, you have one point of contact instead of juggling multiple reservations.
Ready to Book?
Choose the itinerary that fits your day — Full Day, or one of the two Half Day options — and we’ll handle the ferry and shuttle coordination for you.
Visit Lanai, We’ll Handle the Rest!
- Browse all Lanai day-trip itineraries →
- Book ferry-only tickets →
- Cat Sanctuary visitor guide & FAQ →
- Contact us with questions →
The easiest way to NOT get Lost on Lāna‘i – We handle the details, and you enjoy the island!
Book Your Ferry and Shuttle Package
More Resources:
- FAQ’s Tips & Info Visiting the Lanai Cat Sanctuary
- 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
- Tips Renting a Jeep
- Day Trip to Lanai | Quick Summaries & Info for Itineraries
- Info Hulopoe Beach
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