The island of Lanai may not be the most visited island in the Hawaiian chain, but to those who have visited and gotten a taste of its small-town charm, it’s a popular return destination. Only 8.8 miles from the island of Maui across the Auau Channel, you have a few options for your visit to Lanai, whether a quick daytrip by ferry or a weekend (or longer!) at one of the island’s luxurious resorts.
Keep in mind that the channel crossings can be quite rough, so if you are prone to seasickness, you may want to read the tips here. Morning crossings are generally more calm than the afternoon ones, as the winds are a bit calmer. All that aside, ferries in Hawaii can be a really unique way to travel between the islands – depending on the season, you may see dolphins or even humpback whales!
Most travelers will find themselves flying to Maui (or Honolulu) as there are no direct mainland or international flights to Lanai. However, it is increasingly popular to island-hop when you’ve already gotten yourself all the way to the islands. Flights can be quite expensive, especially when booked at the last minute, although you may also find tours and vacation packages that include interisland airfare.
Quick search for flights from Maui (OGG) to Lanai (LNY):
Keep in mind that there is no public transportation on Lanai so you will likely want to look into car rental, especially if you plan on getting out to Lanai’s beaches or attractions. Shuttles are usually available between the ferry terminal or Lanai Airport and Lanai City or the hotels.
