24 Hours on Lānaʻi

From Manele Bay Harbor, either take a taxi or shuttle or take a 20 minute walk to the beachfront Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi where you can enjoy breakfast at the newest, buzziest spot on Lānaʻi — Nancy Silverton’s Osteria Mozza. Though I’m a big fan of happy hour and dinner at Mozza, you wonʻt be able to fit that in before the last ferry back to Maui at 5:30 p.m. Instead, I recommend starting your day here for breakfast, which is served 6:30 to 10 a.m. Pastries, eggs, and breakfast toasts are elevated and memorable, while filling mains including oxtail hash and Tuscan steak and eggs. This will fuel you for a day of exploring.

Begin and end the rest of your day in Lānaʻi City, where you can pick-up and drop off your rental car, should you choose to get one.

Everything in Lānaʻi City is walking distance, but to adventure across the island necessitates a car. Make sure to book your rental car before purchasing your ferry ticket, as everything is limited on Lānaʻi and nothing is guaranteed.

Rental Car options on Lānaʻi

• Lānaʻi Cheap Jeeps
• Lānaʻi Car Rental
• ABB Auto Rental
• Lānaʻi Taxi Service (808) 649-0808

From here, you have options. If you want ample time to explore the former plantation town, I recommend hanging out in Lānaʻi City for the day. Enjoy a leisurely stroll amongst the Cook Pines in Dole Park and check out local shops and restaurants. Learn more about Lānaʻi's history at Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center, open Monday through Friday, 11a.m. to 3 p.m.

You could also head over to the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary, open daily, including holidays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you’re a cat lover, it’s definitely worth a visit. You’ll be able to cuddle, brush, feed and enjoy the more than 600 felines that call the sanctuary home. While there is no admission fee, donations are very important to the sanctuary’s operations. I recommend give yourself at least an hour to spend here.

Another option is to rent a four-wheel-drive Jeep and head to the windward side of Lānaʻi. From here, you’ll enjoy views of Maui and Molokaʻi along the more northern stretches across the ʻAuʻau Channel as you stop to explore beaches, ruins and other historical features along the way.

Driving down from the island’s higher central elevations to sea level can be slow going, but the views are stunning and worth savoring. Once you reach sea level, I suggest starting at the northern end to visit Kaiolohia, also known as Shipwreck Beach, and the Pōāiwa Petroglyph Trail. There’s an informational sign at the trailhead. From there, wind your way south to explore beaches, an old church, remnants of former train lines, memorials and many other historical sites.

I explored this part of the island on my own once and it was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in Hawaiʻi. Just be sure you know how to use a four-wheel drive, as conditions can get muddy and sandy in some areas.

The Lānaʻi Guide app, available in the Apple Store, is especially helpful for understanding the history of this area. Download it before you set out.

Before heading home, grab one last meal on Lānaʻi. This casual cafe features delicious Pacific-inspired cuisine like kalbi ribs and Korean chicken. The chicken sandwich is one of their standout menu items. You could grab one to eat later on your ferry ride home or enjoy a late lunch here. You’ll also find colorful sweet treats like Halo Halo, smoothies, milk tea and pastries. With limited options on the island, this place is often packed; if you plan to take your meal to-go, I highly recommend calling ahead to order.

5:30 - Manele Bay Harbor (last ferry back to Maui)

Tours

If you prefer to leave logistics up to the experts, I recommend either of these options for a day tour of Lānaʻi.

• Rabaca’s Island Tours (808) 559-0230
• Lost on Lānaʻi