Catching the Ferry from Maui to Lānaʻi
Visiting Lānaʻi from Maui is just a short ferry ride away. Expeditions, the Lānaʻi-to-Maui ferry company, has served the islands for more than 30 years and offers three daily round trips.
This article was originally published on Dec. 30, 2016, and was updated Jan. 22, 2026.
Visiting Lānaʻi from Maui is just a short ferry ride away. Expeditions, the Lānaʻi-to-Maui ferry company, has served the islands for more than 30 years and offers three daily roundtrips.
The ferry runs between Māʻalaea Harbor on Maui and Mānele Bay on Lānaʻi. Despite the recent reopening of Lāhainā Harbor, Expeditions has yet to reclaim its slip there and continues to operate exclusively out of Māʻalaea Harbor, located next to the Maui Ocean Center and about 30 minutes from West Maui.
How to Get Tickets for the Maui-to-Lānaʻi Ferry
Book tickets online at least one day in advance to secure your preferred departure time.
Departure times from Maui to Lānaʻi
- 6:30 a.m.
- 11 a.m.
- 3:30 p.m.
Departure times from Lānaʻi to Maui
- 8:30 a.m.
- 1 p.m.
- 5:30 p.m.
Prices
- $66 adults
- $34 ages 2 to 11
- Free for ages 2 and under
- $40 military discount (ID required at check-in)
- $40 kamaʻāina adults (Hawaiʻi state ID required)
- $15 kamaʻāina kids and seniors (Hawaiʻi state ID required)
Don’t Miss the Boat
Expeditions recommends arriving at the harbor 45 minutes before departure. Boarding stops 10 minutes prior to departure time and late arrivals will be left behind. If you’re departing from Māʻalaea, allow extra time for parking, as the harbor can be congested with other tours.
Baggage
Each traveler is allowed two pieces of luggage and one carry-on. According to Expeditions, “[e]xcess bags, bicycles, surfboards over 7 feet long, sailboards (with bag and mast) and kayaks will be charged a fee and must be requested in advance.” E-bikes and all electric-powered vehicles and batteries are strictly prohibited.
The Journey
The crossing of the ʻAuʻau Channel takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Use this time to finalize your Lānaʻi itinerary, enjoy the views of your destination and, if traveling in winter, catch a free whale watch. Humpback whales are abundant in these waters, and breaches and tail flukes are common sights from Expeditions’ open-air top deck.
The double-decker ferry offers indoor and outdoor seating, along with informational videos about Lānaʻi that play during the trip. Soft drinks are also available for purchase.
Transportation on Lānaʻi
You’ll arrive at Mānele Bay Small Boat Harbor in just over an hour. There are no rideshare services on Lānaʻi, so transportation should be arranged in advance.
- Lānaʻi Taxi is a great option for groups of up to six. Run by historian, writer and longtime Lānaʻi resident Alberta de Jetley, the service offers both transportation and insight into the island’s history and culture.
- Rabaca’s Limousine Service is another popular option for shuttles and tours.
- Jeep rentals: For independent travelers, Expeditions provides recommendations for four-wheel-drive Jeep rentals. Be aware there is a $20 shuttle fee from Mānele Bay Harbor to the rental office.
Things to Do on Lānaʻi
To maximize your visit, take the first ferry out and the last ferry back and diversify your activities. Highlights include Hulopoʻe Bay, a five-minute walk from the harbor and ideal for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing, with easy access to the nearby resort for lunch or a cocktail. Other stops include Blue Ginger Café, Hula Hut gift shop and the newly opened Lānaʻi Bowl for retro family fun.
For adventure seekers, head to the Lānaʻi Adventure Center to zipline over Kaiholena Gulch. If you prefer something more relaxed, visit the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary just outside of town. This 3.5-acre nonprofit is home to more than 700 cats and plays a role in protecting Lānaʻi’s endangered bird population. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged.
Lānaʻi Tours
Expeditions also offers a guided 4x4 Trekker Tour. An experienced guide transports guests in an air-conditioned four-wheel-drive vehicle while sharing stories about the land and its legends. Stops may vary due to weather, but commonly include the Ironwood forest, Kaiolohia, also known as Shipwreck Beach, which features ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, and Keahikawelo, a striking red rock landscape.
Still deciding what to do? Download the Lānaʻi Guide App to zero in on the best excursion for your trip.