The One Of A Kind Ferry Boat Adventure You Can Take In Hawaii
From the 19th century to the 1950s, private steamships and ferries were the main sources of transportation between the Hawaiian Islands. As recently as a decade ago, locals and tourists alike could travel from Oahu to Maui on the Superferry, but the operation was shut down in 2009. Today, there is only one inter-island ferry operating out of Hawaii: the Maui-Lanai Passenger Ferry.
Traveling from Lahaina to Lanai's Manele Harbor, this hour-long ferry boat adventure across the Auau Channel is one of our favorite transportation methods.
Passengers will experience spectacular views of Lanai’s rugged southern coastline, as well as three other Hawaiian Islands: Maui, Molokai, and Kaho’olawe.
During the winter months, it is common to spot Humpback whales from the ferry’s outdoor deck, and pods of Hawaiian Spinner dolphins can often be spotted year round.
The Expeditions Ferry is certified by the United States Coast Guard and provides a smooth ride sure to satisfy anyone looking for a unique transportation option between these two stunning islands.
If you want to explore all that Lanai has to offer, you can leave Lahaina on the first ferry of the day at 6:45 a.m. and return on the last ferry, which departs at 6:45 p.m., which allows for plenty of exploration.
Alternatively, if you’re staying on Lanai and want to head to Maui for the day, the first ferry leaves Manele Harbor at 8 a.m. and returns from Lahaina at 5:45 p.m. Either way, you’re sure to have a magical adventure on one of these two dreamy Hawaiian Islands.
The Maui-Lanai Passenger Ferry departs Lahaina in front of the Pioneer Inn at 6:45 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 5:45 p.m. The ferry departs Lanai at Manele Harbor at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6:45 p.m. Passengers are required to check in 30 minutes prior to boarding. Adult tickets are $30 each way, and child tickets are $20 each way. There are also kama’aina discounts available with valid Hawaii drivers license. For more information, click here.
And if you aren’t sure what to do on Lanai, click here.
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With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
