Maui to Lanai Ferry Schedule & Guide
f you are Kama‘aina CLICK HERE for info on discounted tickets.
The Maui to Lanai Ferry schedule offers day trippers and local travelers a convenient schedule of three daily round trips. Traveling across the Auau Channel, between Maalaea Harbor on Maui and Manele Harbor on Lanai, it’s one of the best ways to experience inter-island travel in Maui County.
Round Trip Ferry Tickets – From $132 per adult
- BOOK Full Day Round Trip Ferry Tickets (6:30AM–5:30PM): the most time on the island overall
- BOOK Half Day Round Trip Ferry Tickets (11:00AM–5:30PM): a later start for guests who don’t want an early morning
- BOOK Half Day Round Trip Ferry Tickets (6:30AM–1:00PM): an early return if you have plans later in the day
- FOR All Itineraries Including All Inclusive With Shuttle CLICK HERE to see quick summaries of all Day Trips
✔ Best Price ✔ Social Enterprise – Supporting the Community ✔ Secure Checkout
If you are Kama‘aina CLICK HERE for info on discounted tickets.
For Maui to Lanai Day Trip Guide please CLICK HERE.
Maui to Lanai Ferry Schedule
Expeditions Ferry operates three roundtrips each day.
From Maalaea Harbor (Maui) to Manele Harbor (Lanai):
- 6:30 AM
- 11:00 AM
- 3:30 PM
From Manele Harbor (Lanai) to Maalaea Harbor (Maui):
- 8:30 AM
- 1:00 PM
- 5:30 PM
NOTE: The 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM are not available on the second Thursday of each month due to safety exercises with the Coast Guard.
Book Your Ferry Tickets
What our Guests say about Booking with us.
Day Trips
Maui to Lanai Full Day Trips work with the 6:30 AM Departure and the 5:30 PM Return.
Half Day – Day Trips work with either:
- 6:30 AM Departure / 1:00 PM Return
- 11:00 AM Departure / 5:30 PM Return
If you want to look at all of our itineraries in a Quick Summary Format then please check out this Post:
Day Trip to Lanai | Quick Summaries & Info for Lanai Itineraries
Length of Ferry Ride
Each journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, offering passengers stunning views of Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the Big Island of Hawaii.
Inclusive Day-Trip to Lāna‘i – Lost on Lanai Packages that includes Ferry Tickets & Transfers.
TIP: Check out the Maui to Lanai Day Trip Guide for more information and ideas.
You can book your 1/2 day – day trip itinerary or full day – day trip with Lost on Lānaʻi that includes your round trip Maui to Lānaʻi Ferry and Lāna‘i Shuttle transfers to the Lāna‘Cat Sanctuary. We handle the details, and you enjoy the island! Visit the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary, Lāna‘i City or Hulopo‘e Beach.
Want to do your own thing? We have you covered with the best price on Ferry Tickets Only for independent travelers
More about – Shopping on Lanai and Restaurants on Lanai
Book Your Maui to Lanai Day Trip
Ticket Information
- Round-Trip Fare: $132.00 per adult
- Children (Ages 2–11): $68.00 round-trip
- Infants (Under 2): Free with adult
- GET Tax Not included
Visitor Tickets at the best price available can be purchased online through Lost on Lanai. 1-808-215-0201
Advance reservations required. All passengers first and last names required, no initials please, including children and non-paying infants.
Kama‘aina, Military & Kama‘aina Senior Tickets are only available directly from Expeditions. 1-808-661-3756
Advance reservations required. All passengers first and last names required, no initials please, including children and non-paying infants.
What to Expect Onboard
The Expeditions ferry features both open-air seating on the upper deck and air-conditioned cabins, ensuring a comfortable ride regardless of weather conditions. During the winter months, particularly from December to March, passengers often enjoy sightings of humpback whales migrating through the channel
Departure & Arrival Locations
- Maui Departure: Maalaea Harbor, located at 101 Maalaea Boat Harbor Rd. Passengers should check in at the Expeditions ticket booth inside the DLNR/Harbor Building.
- Lanai Arrival: Manele Harbor, with check-in at the Expeditions podium.
- Passengers are advised to check in 30–45 minutes prior to departure. Boarding closes approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- Maalaea Harbor Parking is all paid parking, as is the parking at the Maui Harbor Shops near the Maui Ocean Center. Read our post on Parking at Maalaea Harbor for more information.
More Information from Expeditions Ferry
Luggage/Bags:
- You are allowed two (2) bags and one (1) carry on, no charge.
- NOTE: There are restrictions on electric scooters/bikes and hover boards. Call Expeditions for more info: 808-661-3756
- Excess bags, bicycles, surfboards over 7 feet long, sailboards (with bag and mast), and kayaks will be charged a fee and need to be requested in advance with space available.
Lanai Transportation
- For independent passengers Not Traveling on an Inclusive Package
- LANAI CITY SHUTTLE: 808-559-0230
- DELA CRUZ TAXI: 808-649-0808
Important Notes:
- SEATS ARE LIMITED – MANDATORY TO CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM SEATS IF TRAVELING.
- Have Cash available for payment.
- Shuttle cost: $15 per person per transfer
- Example: Round trip Harbor/Town/Cat Sanctuary – 3 stops would be $45 cash per person
- IF STAYING AT FOUR SEASONS LANAI: They have separate transportation. Please contact them directly.
- NO UBER OR LYFTS ARE AVAILABLE ON LANAI
Frequently Asked Questions About the Maui to Lanai Ferry
What is the Maui to Lāna‘i ferry schedule?
The Maui to Lāna‘i ferry operates three daily round trips between Mā‘alaea Harbor on Maui and Mānele Harbor on Lāna‘i.
Maui to Lāna‘i departures:
- 6:30 AM
- 11:00 AM
- 3:30 PM
Lāna‘i to Maui departures:
- 8:30 AM
- 1:00 PM
- 5:30 PM
What is the best ferry from Maui to Lanai for a day trip?
The 6:30 AM ferry from Maui is the best choice if you want the most time on Lāna‘i. You can return on the 5:30 PM ferry, giving you almost the entire day to explore the island. This schedule works well for visitors who want to combine attractions such as the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary, Lāna‘i City and Hulopo‘e Beach. Half Day Trips are available at 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM or 11:00 AM – 5:30 AM. These work well for visitors wanting a to see the Cats & Town or Cats & Beach and still have time on Maui.
How long does the ferry from Maui to Lanai take
The ferry ride from Mā‘alaea Harbor to Mānele Harbor takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on conditions.
Where does the ferry leave from on Maui?
The Maui-to-Lāna‘i ferry departs from Maalaea Harbor.
The harbor is located at 101 Malaaea Boat Harbor Road, Maalaea, Maui. Directions to Maalaea Harbor
Passengers should check in at the Expeditions ticket booth inside the harbor building. Allow extra time for parking and check-in before your departure.
Where does the ferry arrive on Lanai?
The ferry arrives at Manele Harbor on Lāna‘i.
From Mānele Harbor, visitors can walk to Hulopo‘e Beach or arrange transportation to Lāna‘i City, the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary and other attractions.
What time should I arrive for the Maui to Lanai ferry?
Plan to arrive at Mā‘alaea Harbor 30–45 minutes before your scheduled departure.
This gives you time to park, check in and get to the boarding area. Do not plan to arrive at the last minute because boarding closes before the scheduled departure time.
What is the last ferry from Lanai to Maui?
The last scheduled ferry from Lāna‘i to Maui departs Mānele Harbor at 5:30 PM.
If you are visiting Lāna‘i as a day trip, make sure your itinerary allows enough time to return to Mānele Harbor at least 30 minute before the ferry leaves.
Can I take a day trip to Lanai from Maui?
Yes. Taking the ferry is one of the easiest ways to visit Lāna‘i for the day.
For a full-day trip, take the 6:30 AM ferry from Maui and return on the 5:30 PM ferry from Lāna‘i.
You can spend the day visiting Lāna‘i City, Hulopo‘e Beach, the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary or other attractions.
Can I visit the Lanai Cat Sanctuary on a Maui day trip?
Yes. The Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary is a popular stop on Maui-to-Lāna‘i day trips.
Because the sanctuary is not directly at Mānele Harbor, you will need transportation between the harbor and sanctuary.
Lost on Lāna‘i offers packages that combine the round-trip ferry, Lāna‘i shuttle transportation and Cat Sanctuary visit.
Is the Maui to Lanai ferry schedule the same every day?
The standard schedule has three daily round trips:
| Maui → Lāna‘i | Lāna‘i → Maui |
|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | 8:30 AM |
| 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM |
| 3:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
The 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM sailings are not available on the second Thursday of each month because of Coast Guard safety exercises.
Always verify the schedule for your specific travel date.
Can I bring luggage on the Maui to Lanai ferry?
Yes. Passengers can bring two bags and one carry-on at no charge.
Additional fees or advance arrangements may apply to certain oversized items, bicycles, surfboards and kayaks.
Is there parking at Maalaea Harbor for the Lanai ferry?
Yes. Parking is available at Mā‘alaea Harbor, but parking is paid. Maalaea Harbor Parking Info.
Allow extra time to find a parking space and walk to the ferry check-in area. Expeditions Ferry closes boarding 10 minutes prior to departure and departs promptly on time.
Can I visit Lanai without renting a car?
Yes. You do not need a rental car for many popular Lāna‘i day trips.
Hulopo‘e Beach is within walking distance of Mānele Harbor, while visitors heading to Lāna‘i City or the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary can arrange shuttle transportation. Lost on Lanai offers packages that include ferry and transfers.
Is a half-day or full-day trip to Lanai better?
It depends on what you want to do.
A full-day trip using the 6:30 AM → 5:30 PM ferry schedule gives you the most time and allows you to combine multiple attractions.
A half-day trip can work well if you want to visit one primary attraction or have other plans on Maui.
Current half-day options include 6:30 AM → 1:00 PM and 11:00 AM → 5:30 PM.
Should I book my Maui to Lāna‘i ferry tickets in advance?
Yes. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during weekends, holidays and busy travel periods.
Booking your ferry in advance also makes it easier to plan transportation and activities on Lāna‘i around your arrival and return times.
Ready for Your Maui to Lanai Day Trip?
The ferry gets you to Lanai. We help you plan what happens next.
Choose a ferry-only ticket or a day-trip package with transportation and activities included.
A day-trip to Lānaʻi is an easy ferry ride from Maui, departing from Maalaea Harbor. You can book your day trip itinerary with Lost on Lānaʻi that includes your round trip Maui to Lānaʻi ferry and Lāna‘i Shuttle transfers to the Lāna‘Cat Sanctuary. We handle the details, and you enjoy the island! Visit the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary, Lāna‘i City or Hulopo‘e Beach.
Want to do your own thing? We have you covered with the best price on Ferry Tickets Only for independent travelers.
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.
Explore More Maui Activities
Planning your vacation? Please Shop & Book your Maui Activity like a Whale Watch Tour, Day Trip to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary or a Snorkel Excursion direct on our site. We pick the best Maui Activities and let you Book Direct with Real Time Availability and the Best Price Available.
Have you visited Lānaʻi or have questions about a day-trip? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
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