lanai tours from maui

Trilogy Maui Discover Lanai Tours from Maui

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Are you looking for the best way to explore Lanai from Maui? Keep scrolling to read an honest review of the Trilogy Maui Discover Lanai tours from Maui.

This review of trilogy maui discover lanai tours from maui was co-written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Guest Post by Siv Eng

Are you looking for a fun way to spend your day on the island of Lanai? If so, then this is the tour for you!

The Trilogy Maui Discover Lanai Tour takes place on the island of Lanai and offers an exciting opportunity to see all that it has to offer. Keep reading below for more details about these Lanai tours from Maui.

You get to see two islands in one day, while also enjoying some time on each island.

This Lanai snorkel trip takes you from Lahaina to Lanai and back again, so it’s perfect for those who want a little more than just a quick stopover at each place.

Plus, there are plenty of activities planned throughout the day so everyone will have fun no matter what their interests may be. If you’re looking for an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation then check out these tours today!

Keep reading if this sounds like something that would interest your family!

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Maui.

Popular Maui Tours/Activities

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  • Reverse Road to Hana Tour (this is the BEST way to do this iconic Maui scenic drive without arguing with your spouse)
  • Molokini Snorkel Tour (this is one of the best places to snorkel on Maui)
  • Surf Lessons for Kids (this is the BEST way for your kids to learn how to surf in Hawaii)
  • Old Lahaina Luau (the is the most popular luau for families)
  • Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)

Favorite Maui Resorts/Hotels

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  • Andaz Maui (this is a luxury resort with the best luau on Maui)
  • Honua Kai Resort & Spa (this is one of our personal favorites because there are tons of pools and there are condo options)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii? One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Get this ultimate Maui travel guide for families by top Hawaii blog Hawaii Travel with Kids!

Maui to Lanai FAQs

If you want to go snorkeling on Lanai, your best bet is to book a Lanai snorkeling trip from Maui. The best Lanai snorkeling tours will have certified staff on board who can tell you about the amazing sea creatures and help you safely snorkel Lanai.

Lots of people enjoy snorkeling in Lanai. There are also fabulous beaches, Sweetheart Rock, the Lanai Cat Sanctuary , and walking around Lanai City.

Absolutely! It’s so easy to travel from Maui to Lanai and there are plenty of things to do and see along the way. It’s a less-populated island so you’ll get a more special experience. Doing a Lanai snorkeling tour is a great way to explore some new places, as well.

lanai tours from maui

Overview of the Discover Lanai Tour

The Discover Lanai Tour is an 8-hour excursion departing from Lahaina Harbor.

There are two departure times; 6:30 AM and 10:30 AM. We opted for the 6:30 AM tour because we heard that the waters can be more calm and less risk of seasickness. I also wanted to see the sunrise!

The 10:30 AM tour probably got to see the sunset since sunset time was around 5:45 PM. Of course, sunrise and sunset times will vary depending on the season.

An ample amount of food is provided and guests will NOT go hungry – breakfast, brunch, and lunch were provided during the 6:30 AM tour.

They also do a great job of accommodating guests’ food preferences. I marked my husband down as gluten-free and they provided him with a yellow bracelet so that the staff would know he needed an alternative food choice.

Since he doesn’t have celiac disease and was just a preference, they told him if he got jealous of our cinnamon roll, he could have some too! There were also guests on board who were vegan or vegetarian who were also well accommodated. 

In addition to the actual sailing to Lanai, the adventures included snorkeling Hulopo’e Bay. This is a protected Marine Preserve. There was also a short scenic hike to Pu’u Pehe (Sweetheart) Rock and/or a visit to the large tide pools nearby, an add-on SNUBA upgrade, or just sand and beach time.

After these adventures, you’re served a freshly cooked lunch before heading back to the boat for the ride back.

Why We Chose This Maui Tour 

As an effort to simplify our lives and seek minimalism, we decided to splurge more on family experiences instead of Christmas gifts. We don’t often do excursions for family trips, so this felt like a nice splurge.

I did research in various Facebook groups and often Trilogy came highly recommended. Some mentioned how they go on a Trilogy tour every time they visit Maui. On our tour, we had some repeat guests so I think that speaks for itself.

I was debating whether or not to do a whale watching tour since our time in Maui was at the beginning of whale season. However many people reported seeing whales and/or spinner dolphins on this tour so I didn’t feel the need to do both.

I was also concerned if any family members would get seasick. So having to choose between whales or Lanai, I went with the day trip to Lanai since that seemed more unique.  Check the latest rates and availability HERE .

I also heard they have a great team. Our tour was led by Captain Riley and was accompanied by Becca, Robert, and, Mario. 

What to Know about the Trilogy Maui Discover Lanai Tour Before You Go:

Arrival/parking.

It was suggested that we arrive to check-in at Lahaina Harbor 15 minutes prior to departure time. We were staying in Kihei the night before, so we had a very early day and left the condo about 10 minutes later than I was intending.

We arrived at the suggested public parking lot around 6:10 AM. The parking lot had a sign for Trilogy guests and we were also greeted by Becca one of the amazing crew members. She informed us that the lot was closed and we can park at a nearby parking lot which we had no issues with.

It was really helpful to have a staff member greet us and tell us where to go for this Maui to Lanai day trip. We weren’t late or anything, but it definitely helped to start the day right and make for a smoother experience.

The Highlights of this Lanai Tour and What You Should Look Out For

Since this was my second Maui trip, and maybe the third or so trip for the husband, I decided to have a more relaxed trip compared to our last Hawaii trip in which I scheduled two sunrise hikes on Oahu! LOL!

Image of a Maui sunrise from the Trilogy Maui Discover Lanai tour from Maui.

I was super excited that we would be able to get out on the water AND experience a Maui sunrise. Since our departure was at 6:30 AM, the sunrise was scheduled to be around 6:45 AM for December. Perfect!

lanai tours from maui

Breakfast provided consisted of cinnamon rolls, fruit, and coffee, and juice. My husband received a gluten-free muffin and fruit.

Prior to landing at Lanai, we got another snack which was a croissant breakfast sandwich. I think it had egg and ham inside. I scarfed mine down so I don’t remember what it had – so no picture!

Image of a cinnamon roll, orange slices, and pineapple slices.

The gluten-free option was an acai bowl. The husband found it a bit too sweet and didn’t eat much of it. The 10:30 AM departure receives a deli wrap instead of the croissant breakfast sandwich. 

During our sail, I came prepared with MotionEase which is a topical mixture of essential oils to apply to the back of the ears. I used that prior to sailing and during sailing. You can check the price and more information HERE .

We got a great spot in the front and the kids sat on the netting. But these spots are probably better for the afternoon as it was still chilly in the morning and they got splashed from underneath!

Image of two girls sitting on black netting on a boat traveling from Maui to Lanai.

I was originally concerned about my husband, but unfortunately, it was my two younger girls (6.5 years old and 9 years old) who began to not feel well.

I asked one of the crewmembers if they had any ginger chews , but he was only able to find ginger pills. They did provide me with a cup of ginger ale, though.

First, it was kid #2 who didn’t feel well. They suggested she sit near the captain in a spot they deemed as the best spot on the boat if not feeling well. Then it was kid #1 who didn’t feel well. I thought she might hurl so they had her sit at the back of the boat…and aim there! Haha!

Thankfully neither kid actually threw up and it was more the latter part of the trip there instead of the entire time. They did miss out on their croissant sandwich because they didn’t feel well enough to eat. I think maybe it was a combination of fatigue and maybe needing more hydration. 

Since they were up near the captain, they also had a chance to steer the boat! 

Image of a girl steering a boat on a Maui tour to Lanai

Spinner Dolphins 

On our way there we saw a pod of spinner dolphins. Trilogy is very respectful of wildlife and stayed a good distance away from them.

Image of dolphins swimming next to the Trilogy Maui boat tour.

However, when we continued our way, some dolphins came to swim with us! We also saw them on our way back as well! We didn’t see as many whales as I had hoped. But we did see some tail splashes! 

lanai tours from maui

Lanai Activities

Snorkeling was a must for us. Thankfully, after months of swimming lessons, the kids were pretty confident swimmers. But snorkeling was new and an adjustment. We got some cheap snorkel gear from Walmart and had them practice in the pool, but they weren’t too interested.

I was a little bit nervous heading into the water with the kids. The waves were a bit bigger than I would have liked and I would definitely not go in as far into the ocean (by ourselves), but the staff was confident and I trusted their judgment.

Becca instructed us to hold onto our flippers and stand sideways to the waves. They helped us time it right so that we wouldn’t get knocked down by the waves.

Captain Riley was in the water with a board waiting for us. We hung onto it as we got our flippers on in the water and kept a hand on the board as he guided us around. We were able to see a variety of fish and coral during our snorkel. I didn’t bring an underwater camera so, unfortunately, there are no pictures to share.

The kids got a few peeks into the water but they mostly stayed above the board. The kids were getting cold so we headed back to shore.

Again, I was nervous about how to get back to shore, but Becca and Captain Riley helped time it right so that we got back to sand safely! 

After snorkeling, we went to check out the tide pools. We saw black crabs scurrying around but as we got closer they hid in the rocks. The kids wanted to play in the sand so I left the husband to enjoy the tide pools.

Image of two girls wearing teal rashguards playing on the beach in Lanai.

I fetched some sand toys that were provided and let the kids do their thing. Becca led a small hike to check out the rock. I was a bit sad to miss out on it.

Becca stayed at the beach with us as we got the girls cleaned up and sand washed away. Things always take longer with kids, right? I was appreciative that she stayed back with us and didn’t make us feel rushed.

We got to the lunch area and were greeted by Captain Riley who directed us to a table that was reserved for us.

Image of a family of four taking a selfie before lunch.

Robert, another crewmember, remembered I had looked for ginger chews for the girls found some for me. He also let me know there were other items for the trip back if I was interested. It was a nice touch that he remembered and found me. 

Image of a bowl of salad with a roll.

My husband’s meal was served before us due to his gluten-free preference. I assume that they used gluten-free soy sauce for the chicken, and maybe brown rice spaghetti for the noodles.

We were surprised that they cooked his meal separately and gave gluten-free versions of the meal versus an alternative that might not have been as tasty. Both kids also ate their fair share and asked for seconds! 

Image of a girl eating noodles on a Lanai tour from Maui.

On our way back, alcoholic drinks were provided for those of age. I also asked them to make a special drink for the kids. They mixed something up with soda and POG juice and added a slice of pineapple to make it fancy.

My only regret is not asking about the ice cream that was mentioned in the tour information. Ice cream would have been a nice way to end the trip.

Image of a family taking a selfie on a Maui boat ride

Also, since we all ate a big lunch, I had checked the tray of pills, and supplements for the trip back. I stocked my pockets with some ginger chews, and also had each of us take some Dramamine. I figured, better to be safe and enjoy our trip back!

Thankfully, there were no issues with the trip ride back. The kids were exhausted and passed out. 

lanai tours from maui

Lanai Tour Tips for Families

What to wear.

We wore swim clothes underneath our clothes as well as long sleeves knowing that it would probably be chilly and breezy out on the water.

My husband had his swim shorts and a t-shirt underneath his zip-up long sleeve . The girls had on shorts and a t-shirt over their swimsuits and hoodies . And I wore a bikini with a dress cover-up and a hoodie .

I brought my sunhat but kept that inside the boat with the rest of our stuff so that it wouldn’t get blown away.

They also suggested wearing rubber shoes in case the deck got wet. But we all wore flip flops and I instructed the girls to hang on to the rails when walking and take slow steps. 

What to Bring

Other than the swim clothes that we already had on, we brought beach towels which were not provided.

We brought the kids’ snorkel gear and goggles since we knew that they might prefer them. But we ended up using the provided snorkel gear instead since they were higher quality.

We also brought reef-safe sunscreen but ended up using the ones onboard.

In addition to the snorkel gear, they also had floatation belts, beach sand toys, and beach mats. Beach chairs were also provided but we didn’t end up using those.

I regretted not bringing bottles of water , but thankfully Trilogy thought about that and also provided cups with a big water dispenser out on the beach.

After playing out in the water and sand, there was also a shower and bathroom to get cleaned up similar to other Hawaiian beach parks. 

Image of a Hawaiian island with ocean and blue sky.

How Much Does it Cost and Where is it Located?

The current price as of this writing is $249 for adults, $218 for youth (13-17), and $149 for children (3-12). Kids younger 2 and younger are free. Departure is from the Lahaina Harbor.  Click HERE for the latest rates and more information.

lanai tours from maui

So, is the Discover Lanai Worth It?

Cost is always a factor for us when vacationing as a family of four. While we did pay a lower price than the current price, having had our experience, I would still pay the current price and be happy with our experience.

It was amazing to get out in the open water which I always find peaceful and therapeutic. The food and staff were fantastic.

During the trip, Captain Riley also spoke about the history of the Trilogy company as well as their stance on respecting the ocean and animal life.

I truly felt that the family-owned company made a difference in our experience. I felt like a valued guest, versus just a random tourist for the day. Each staff member was very patient and kind especially with my two kids who appeared to be the youngest on board.

Our Discover Lanai was one of if not THE highlight of our trip ! We are so glad we went on this trip. It made our Maui trip special! 

Siv is a Seattle-area mom of two who LOVES to travel. A few of her favorite family vacations include Hawaii and Disney trips.

Looking for more things to do on Maui with kids ? Get our tips for the Road to Hana , review of Camp Maui North Shore zipline tour , Twin Falls Maui waterfall tour review , the best Maui luaus , and best tours of Haleakala Crater .

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How to Plan an Amazing Maui to Lanai Day Trip

A great tour by a local of the best things to do in lanai on a short visit.

Last updated Jan 27, 2023

How to Plan an Amazing Maui to Lanai Day Trip

We have what I like to call ‘lack of travel self-control.’ When we are near an interesting place, we have a really hard time not going to check it out. After RVing for a year, ‘near’ has become a very subjective term. So, when we realized we would be seeing all of the Hawaiian Islands except Lanai, we were determined to find a way to explore this small, but beautiful isle. With limited time and funds, we decided packing all the things to do into a Maui to Lanai day trip would have to suffice.

Then, we started planning a ridiculous trip which would allow us to spend a whopping four hours on the island. While looking for tickets, I had this crazy idea to fly into Lanai then take the ferry to Maui, after having some time to explore. The ferry just seemed like a really unique experience. Turns out, this was about the same price as a flight straight to Maui – so we basically had to.

Table of Contents

Travel Serendipity on Our Maui to Lanai Day Trip

With less than a week to figure out what the heck we would do for four hours on Lanai – and how we would manage to do that without a rental car – I started emailing like crazy.

With not much initial luck and expensive rental car prices, I was beginning to think seeing Lanai would end up looking more like us taking a long walk to the ferry. But then I received an amazing reply from a local cab driver I had reached out to about her pricing. Little did I know, I was contacting a fellow writer ( she literally wrote the book on Lanai ) and Editor of the local newspaper, Lanai Today .

lanai map and history book of lanai

She saw in my email signature that I was a writer and offered to take us on a whirlwind tour of her beloved island – seeing the top spots and learning the unique history from someone who lived a lot of it. Without hesitation, I enthusiastically accepted her offer. And that’s how my friendship began with Alberta de Jetley.

Friends at First Sight with our Lanai Tour Guide

When Buddy and I arrived at the airport, Alberta was there waiting for us and we all hugged like old friends. She was extremely excited to show us around and we could barely believe our luck. Hawaiian people are truly some of the kindest and most hospitable in the whole world. I knew before we even landed that she would be one of our favorite travel friends – and she did not disappoint on her offer to show us Lanai.

photo with tour guide alberta on a lanai day trip by the beach

Things to Do in Lanai on a Day Trip

While our day was planned by our fantastic Lanai tour guide, we’d highly recommend these activities to visitors on a self-guided Lanai day trip as well. Although, having a guide made all of these stops easier and more enjoyable on a quick visit.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary

Our first stop was the one we were most excited for – the Lanai Cat Sanctuary . Alberta is actually a volunteer there. So, she was able to tell us many stories about the cats and projects she has helped with over the years.

lounging cats at the lanai cat sanctuary

More than five hundred cats live here. It is an amazing sight to see all of these felines lounging around, playing, wrestling, and interacting with guests. Some had obviously overcome some pretty severe health issues. While others looked like they had been pampered their entire life. The mix of sizes, colors, and attitudes made us appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of cats even more.

ginger cat at lanai cat sanctuary

But I won’t lie, I was intimidated. As we walked around handing out treats, these confident feral cats walked right up to us demanding to be acknowledged, pet and – of course – given a treat. At times, I had a few dozen swarming me, impatiently awaiting a tasty bite.

feeding cats at the lanai cat sanctuary

Yet, they also had a sweetness to balance their fierce determination. They loved to be loved. And the ones who didn’t stayed out of reach.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary is doing a wonderful thing to allow all of these cats to live in a comfortable place. They are away from danger and also unable to create trouble for the community. Keeping them here and working to control the population of feral cats elsewhere on the island has actually helped to save their native bird species. If you are looking for a rescue to visit, volunteer at, or donate to – this one is a fantastic option.

petting a cat at the lanai cat sanctuary on a day trip to lanai

A Historic Driving Tour of Lanai

After getting our kitty fix, Alberta drove us around the area while telling us all about the history. She would pull out her book ( Images of America: Lanai ) to show us amazing photos of the past. While she explained the area’s history, it became apparent that there were a few major phases separated by change of ownership on Lanai. (Synopsis below, but her book does a much better job explaining the rich history of this island).

Early Life & Other Pre-Pineapple History

Long before Lanai was known for pineapples or tourism, it was a place that native people believed was inhabited by ghosts. Legend has it that a prince from Maui was banished there after pulling some unappreciated pranks. But he rid the island of the spirits, regained favor with his people and settled the island.

Later, other Hawaiians migrated here and built fishing and farming villages. Wars occurred between chiefs and decimated the population. And under the rule of King Kamehameha I, it became known as his favorite place to fish.

There are places on the island that relate to these legends, as well as petroglyphs from early inhabitants and shipwrecks off the coast.  Pre-pineapple history also includes missionary visitors and lots of ranching. You can even see the remnants of an early school/church at Kihamaniania.

remnants of an early school/church at Kihamaniania on a day trip to lanai

Plantation Phase

In the 1920s, James Dole – President of what was eventually called Dole Pineapple Company – bought the island and turned it into the world’s largest pineapple plantation. Although the plantation managers did have a clear distinction from the workers, Dole went out of his way to create a community environment among the working residents of the island and their families.

He encouraged a good quality of life with recreational activities and other perks, in addition to providing hundreds of jobs. But, the pineapple-focused part of the island’s history ended decades ago.

views of lanai on a lanai tour

However, I have to admit, I thought there were still pineapple farms on Lanai. Someone even recently told me that there is nothing on the island but pineapples. So, I must not be the only one who is misinformed! However, this is probably because the island used to be covered in them. Many still use its nickname the ‘Pineapple Isle.’ And there is also an annual Pineapple Festival to celebrate the importance of this fruit to the people of Lanai.

Mr. Murdock Phase

In 1986, multi-millionaire David H. Murdock took control of Lanai … Murdock quickly began construction of two luxury resorts. In 1992, the final pineapple harvest occurred, officially completing the transition of the island’s main economic focus to tourism.

Affordable homes for workers, luxury homes and condos, a golf course, and other tourism-focused building occurred in the coming years as well. The island eventually became known as a vacation destination.

beach visit and picnic on a day trip to lanai

During his ownership, Murdock created a new economic focus and jobs for Lanai’s residents. However, as Alberta proudly told us, one of his best gifts were the many Cook Island Pine Trees he planted – which take moisture from the air and help create fresh water for this dry island.

Mr. Ellison Phase

In 2012, multi-billionaire Larry Ellison, took control of the vast majority of the island when Murdock was forced to sell his beloved island during the worldwide recession. Since taking over, he has spent hundreds of millions of dollars renovating. “Mr. Ellison likes renovations,” Alberta told us with a smile.

The well-known Four Seasons Resort was renovated a few years ago, as well as the public pool, shooting range, and historic movie theater. The island’s spa was also being renovated during our visit – of course, we made a mental note to check that out on our next visit!

lanai spa with pineapple art outside

We also found it really interesting that he created a private flight option, Lanai Air, because he didn’t feel like the current option was reliable enough for guests. This man is truly committed to growing this island’s tourism!

Getting a Lay of the Land of Lanai

As we drove around learning the history of Lanai, Alberta would also stop at various lookout points to make sure Buddy could get plenty of great photos. Our favorite was a stop atop a road that wound down to a beach where you could see shipwrecks. It is aptly named Shipwreck Beach.

couple photo from lanai day trip

From the viewpoint, we could see Molokai and Maui in the distance. From various points on Lanai, you can actually see most of the other Hawaiian islands on a clear day.

ocean views on day trip to lanai

As lunchtime neared, we swung by Richard’s Market – a wonderful, well-stocked grocery store – where Alberta was thrilled for me to try the fresh poke. Since Buddy doesn’t eat fish, I hadn’t made a point to try this famous Hawaiian dish yet, so she was excited to share one of the delicious poke bowls with me.

richard's market - a must on the things to do in lanai list

Our beach-side picnic tables spot was the perfect setting for lunch. I got my first (delicious) taste of poke while watching the waves crash and the nearby beach-goers play. Buddy and I chatted with Alberta about travel, writing, and meeting interesting people.

picnic table and palm trees with beach views on lanai

Our gorgeous lunch spot marked the later half of our tour, but we still had a short hike to Sweetheart Rock and a trip to the extremely fancy, high-priced Four Seasons Lanai Resort. I still can’t believe how much we were able to fit in. Somehow, I think Alberta managed to steal us some extra time.

Sweetheart Rock – A Must-See on a Lanai Day Trip!

This area was one of our absolute favorites. Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock) is an iconic Lanai landmark, which is – not surprisingly – attached to the island’s folklore as well. It’s actually a sad, Romeo-and-Juliet-esque story about two lovers. Legend says the woman drowned in a nearby sea cave, and after climbing to the top of the rock to bury her, the man slipped and fell to his death. Whether it’s the story or the views, this area can certainly make you feel a strong sense of awe.

sweetheart rock and ocean views on day trip to lanai

If we weren’t so tight on time, we would have loved to hike around this area, go tide pooling, and lounge on the nearby beach. But, even just getting to admire it for a short period was well worth the trip.

couple photo in front of sweetheart rock in lanai

Four Seasons Resort Lanai Tour

At about $1,000 per night, I was surprised we were even allowed to wander around this resort looking over Manele Bay. But, all of the staff seemed to know Alberta, so maybe we got special treatment. (It’s all about who you know, right?) However, for being so fancy, it did still have a very laid-back, island vibe which we appreciated.

tour of four seasons resort lanai

While this is far out of our budget, we had to admit it really was gorgeous. For being a beach resort, the floors were somehow kept pristine – which had to mean constant sweeping. The always-smiling staff assigned to this task, seemed to ninja their way across the halls without you even noticing. This place was on point.

The views, the plant life, and the artwork really made the resort stand out. We actually really enjoyed wandering around, wondering who these people were – lounging on benches, sipping cocktails, and dropping more than a grand a night to sleep in paradise.

plant life at four seasons resort lanai

Island of Lanai Tour Recap

Before we left, Alberta stopped to introduce us to one of the hotel managers. He welcomed us to Lanai with a kind, genuine smile and told us how lucky we were to be learning the history of this special place from a ‘kupuna’ (which means honored elder in Hawaiian). We had learned a lot that day, but that was not news to us. We were well aware of how lucky we were.

I knew from the moment I received her reply, that Alberta was a gem of a woman and that spending the day with her would be a special treat. I was not wrong. She went above and beyond to make us comfortable and openly share the stories of her island with us.

If you have an opportunity to go on a tour with her, or even to catch a ride from the airport in her cab – it will likely be the highlight of your trip. She certainly gave us one of the best tours of all our travels! It felt more like a full-day tour with everything we packed in.

Wrapping Up Our Maui to Lanai Day Trip

Once our tour – which felt more like eight hours than four – came to an end, we awaited the ferry to the island of Maui with big smiles and full hearts. Although the waves from a hurricane off the coast made us feel a bit green on the extremely rough 45-minute boat ride to Lahaina Harbor in west Maui, that wasn’t enough to shake our happiness.

ferry between lanai and maui, docked a port

However, we did fall asleep at about 8:30 p.m. after such an eventful day. And we had another one in store the next day, as we drove the famed Road to Hana in Maui .

Tips for Visiting Lanai

While this island is definitely day-tripable, we highly suggest spending a few days soaking up its beauty. We are so thankful Alberta was able to give us a taste of what makes this island special. But there were many things we just didn’t have time to do – like going to see the shipwrecks at Shipwreck Beach and hiking around Garden of the Gods. We’d also love to bring our snorkel gear along to check out the snorkeling at Hulopoe Beach.

Plus, planning for a full day of beach lounging is never a bad idea on an island. We will definitely plan a return trip, and look forward to seeing some of the completed renovations – like the amazing-sounding spa!

Getting to Lanai Island

We took a puddle jumper from Oahu with Ohana Airlines (run by Hawaiian Airlines). There is also a plane as well as a ferry option from Maui. Our flight from Oahu was about $70 each for a one-way ticket, and the ferry was $30. If you are a guest of the Four Seasons, Lanai Air is also an option – at $500 one-way for two people.

If visiting in the winter months of November through March, keep an eye out for humpback whales since they are usually in the water between Maui and Lanai. You may even see spinner dolphins and other marine life, too! Hopefully, there will be calm waters for your 45-minute ferry ride.

plane propeller over the ocean on the way to lanai

Where to Stay in Lanai

If you do stay overnight and the stunning, but expensive, Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay is out of your budget, there are some other local options listed on AirBnb and VRBO. There is also the Hotel Lanai and another Four Seasons Resorts property located at Koele, both of which are currently being renovated.

How to Get Around the Island

While four-wheel-drive vehicles aren’t necessary on most islands, this is one of the exceptions since there are so many rough dirt roads. You can’t get to many of the must-see places without an off-road vehicle since much of the island is unpaved. But, if you aren’t as interested in hiking and getting off the beaten path, you can also take advantage of the resort shuttle or taxi services.

photo with tour guide on lanai tour with island views behind

However, a tour is also a fantastic option – and one we, obviously, recommend … especially with Alberta. Click here to email her to inquire about how she can help you see the best of Lanai on your trip, whether on a tour or with a convenient taxi ride!

There are also other companies that offer Lanai tours and some even offer local discounts. Trilogy is a company we’ve used before and can recommend, and their Trilogy excursions Lanai snorkel tour looks amazing. I’m sure it would be a great experience to sail along the coastline of Lanai and enjoy the breathtaking views of this small island.

Read more about our two-month Hawaii trip here . And if you want to know more about how we made this vacation happen, check out our guide to pet and housesitting !

Special thanks to Alberta for providing us with this personalized tour for our day trip to Lanai! As always, all opinions are our own.

How to Plan an Amazing Maui to Lanai Day Trip

About the Author: Brooke Baum

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Brooke is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager for various blog sites. After five years of full-time travel with her husband Buddy, they made the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, their permanent home base. However, they still travel regularly and are always planning their next trip.

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Lanai Snorkel Tours

lanai tours from maui

Nine miles across the Au'au channel from West Maui lies the privately-owned island of Lanai . It was once the largest pineapple plantation in the world; now very little pineapple is grown there. The island's economy is centered around the two resort hotels - the Manele Bay Hotel and the Lodge at Ko'ele. Most visitors to the island come over for the day from the island of Maui. The island is very dry and doesn't have the lush beauty found in Maui's rainforests, but Lanai has the longest stretch of coral reef in Hawaii. But the biggest attraction of Lanai is the large pod of Spinner Dolphins frequently encountered on Lanai's southern coast ... watching these marine mammals in their natural environment will surely be one of your most memorable vacation highlights!

Lanai Explorer - Our most popular Lanai tour

lanai tours from maui

Lanai Explorer

lanai tours from maui

Lanai Explorer Dolphin and Snorkel Adventure - 4.5 Hours

$175.99 per Adult, $141.93 per Child (5-12) (Hawaii sales tax included)

This rate includes all taxes, harbor fees, and fuel surcharges

What a great trip! As your raft crosses the Au'au Channel on the way to Lanai the search for dolphins begins. You'll see the cliffs and coastline of the South Shore, including blowholes ... as the captain selects the two snorkel sites for the day. The tour includes snorkel gear, with a total snorkel time of a little over two hours, breakfast, a deli lunch, and dolphin watching ... all in a 4.5 hour trip. The Lanai Explorer Dolphin and Snorkel tour is available DAILY except Sundays ... check in is at Lahaina Harbor at 7:00am and the tour is from 7:30am to 12:00pm .

Not recommended for anyone with neck or back injuries or pregnant women. Minimum age for these tours is 5. Exceptions may be made for kids who are 4 years old and particularly adventurous and are good swimmers. Vegetarian lunches are available by request ... if you would like a vegetarian lunch please call our office after making your reservation using the form on the right.

Paragon Lanai Coast Snorkel

lanai tours from maui

$180.00 per Adult, $126.00 per Child (3-12), Infants (under 3) FREE (plus 8.108% Hawaii sales/harbor tax)

For the leading sailing catamaran on Maui, look no further than Paragon! They combine a thrilling sailing adventure with world class snorkeling. Paragon Sailing has been dedicated to serving Maui visitors and locals for over 30 years, and their experienced and friendly crew create a personalized adventure. They specialize in performance sailing, and you will enjoy trade winds as you glide along ocean to the exclusive island of Lana'i.

This 5 hour tour is offered DAILY at 10:45am. Check in is at 10:15 a.m. at Lahaina Harbor. You begin your adventure sailing across the Au' au' channel to Lana'i. Gaze upon views of Maui, Moloka'i, Kaho'olawe, and Lana'i. Along the way we'll keep an eye out for the acrobatic SPINNER DOLPHINS that are commonly seen in pods of hundreds along the south shore of Lanai.

The captain will select the two best snorkel sites along the coast based upon wind and surf conditions. Paragon provides snorkel gear, and there are optical masks as well. Let us know if you require one. You can also bring your own snorkel gear. Spray-on sunscreen is not allowed aboard the vessel, because it has a tendency to go everywhere making it slippery and dangerous to move around the deck. It is also generally toxic to the marine ecosystem. Paragon encourages using reef-safe sunscreen, which they provide on their catamarans. Also, bring a hat, camera, reusable water bottle, sunglasses, and towels. Paragon does not provide towels, but they have them available for purchase onboard.

A deli lunch is served on board. Enjoy an often-relaxing (and sometimes EXHILARATING) sail back to the island of Maui. If conditions permit, there will be one last stop far offshore from the coast of Lahaina; here you can jump into the warm blue waters for a last dip to end your perfect Hawaiian day!

Note: Vegetarian or gluten free options are available, but those with severe nut allergies or celiac disease should be aware that the catering companies do not guarantee no cross contamination.

Ocean Riders - the most adventurous Lanai tour

lanai tours from maui

Ocean Riders

lanai tours from maui

Ocean Riders has resumed operations and we are accepting reservations for all future dates!

List price: $ 192.00 SAVE $10.00 per adult!!! Our Rate: $182.00 per Adult, $182.00 per Child (5-12) (plus 4.712% Hawaii sales tax)

The Full-day adventure typically circumnavigates the entire island of Lanai and is available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

Trip Length: 7-8 hours, depending on ocean conditions

List price: $ 144.00 SAVE $10.00 per adult!!! Our Rate: $134.00 per Adult, $134.00 per Child (5-12) (plus 4.712% Hawaii sales tax)

The Half-day adventure goes along the South and West side of Lanai and is available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

Trip Length: 4-5 hours, depending on ocean conditions

Ocean Riders Full-day excursion is the ultimate Lanai adventure, completely circling the island in a zodiac raft in a 7 to 8 hour trip. They are the only tour operator that consistently circumnavigates the entire island of Lanai year-round. On a normal full-day tour you will see shipwrecks strewn along the north shore of Lanai. They anchor in shallow water and you have the opportunity to swim in and walk around on an isolated, remote beach where there is no hotel or road in sight! Your captain will pull inside a sea cave carved out of the cliffs by giant storm swells over the centuries. Witness the cliffs of the Kona Coast of Lanai ... and see Shark Fin, one of our favorite snorkel spots in Hawaii and one of the few places where pyramid butterfly fish can be seen.

Ocean Riders zooms in and out of every nook and cranny of the coastline, sometimes at breathtaking speeds! Lanai has some unbelievable scenery and wild rock formations on the back side ... places that very few people who live in Hawaii have ever seen ... but with Ocean Riders you get to see it all! For thrill seekers, this is the trip for you! It also offers you the ultimate get-away adventure. They are going to snorkel at places where other snorkel boats just don't go. On a normal day they will snorkel at three different spots ... sometimes four. And if there are dolphins anywhere along the route ... Ocean Riders will find them! This full-day adventure is offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays

New for 2020, Ocean Riders is now offering a Half-day Lanai trip that is 4 to 5 hours in length on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Half-day Lanai trip doesn't have time to circumnavigate the entire island, but features snorkel spots along the south and west shores of Lanai. They still go places that very few other boats venture. The half-day is a great adventure for those who want something a little less hard-core than that long, 8 hour trip, but still feels adventurous compared to most other snorkel tours.

Ocean Riders features a deep-V rigid hull inflatable raft that is 30 feet in length and capacity is limited to 18 guests per tour. The boat is powered by twin 250hp engines ... this boat is truly the Ferrari of snorkel tours on Maui! Ocean Riders checks in at the Mala Boat Ramp just 1/2 mile north of downtown Lahaina (not Lahaina Harbor) ... check in is at 6:30am. The tour departs at 7:00am and returns between 2:00pm and 3:00pm (depending on ocean conditions).

This trip is limited to 18 people per day ... children under 5 are not permitted. Rough ocean conditions are sometimes encountered. No one who is pregnant or has neck or back injuries is permitted. Sound like the sign posted at the entrance of a roller coaster??? Maybe a little ... but after all, this trip is the ADVENTURE of a lifetime. There are a few days per year that the winds don't permit going all the way around, but circling the island of Lanai (or going to the north shore of Molokai) is always their goal.

Makai Adventures Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Adventures

lanai tours from maui

Makai Adventures

lanai tours from maui

$211.37 per Adult, $167.04 per Child (5-12) (Hawaii sales tax included)

Escape the crowds of Lahaina and explore the pristine waters of Lana'i with Makai Adventures! This 6 hour tour is offered April through November on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30am - 1:30pm. Their boat, Kainalu, is a comfortable and spacious small boat that features easy ocean access with a large swim step, dual swim stairs, cushioned seats, on-board restroom, freshwater shower, dry storage, flotation gear, and 50/50 shaded seating. You will depart from Lahaina Harbor, Slip 16. Makai adventures provides you with the top of the line Cressi brand snorkeling gear and fins ensuring the most comfortable snorkeling experience. They also have extension poles for gopro cameras if you need one!

Cruise across the 'Au'Au Channel to the island of Lana'i, and sit back and enjoy while their Captain points out sites along the way. Lana'i is home to remote coastlines with sea caves, miles of sea cliffs, blowholes, sea caves and arches, King Kamehameha The Great's favorite fishing grounds, ancient Hawaiian burial sites, and many of Hawaii's best coral reefs. You will stop at the Captain's choice of the best 2-3 snorkel sites based on the day's conditions making each trip unique. Above the water, keep an eye out for humpback whales and dolphins. Watch Lanai's resident pod of dolphins ride the bow wave and do acrobatic tricks. You may see Spinner dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, or the elusive spotted dolphins! Under the surface, swim with turtles, schools of fish, and colorful coral.

Before heading back to Lahaina and anchored in a remote cove, you will be served a deli "design your own" sandwich station with fresh cut fruits and veggies. Soft drinks and ice cold water, and you are welcome to bring own alcoholic drinks for after snorkeling. To keep plastic out of our oceans, they provide a 5-gallon jug of ice cold water for you to refill your reusable water bottles or use the provided paper cups.

They recommend wearing your swimsuit, and bringing a towel, sunscreen (no spray sunscreen), hat, sunglasses, camera, reusable water bottle and a light jacket or sweater. You can also bring a wetsuit top or sun protective clothing. If you need a speciality mask such as a prescription mask, rent one at a snorkel shops before your trip.

The minimum age for this tour is 3, and it is not suitable for anyone with back or neck injuries or problems, or for pregnant women.

Cruise Ship Clients

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NCL cruise ship passengers in Kahului are NOT able to do the Paragon Sailing or the Lanai Explorer with Landing tours because the tour length makes the arrival back to Lahaina too close to your cruise ship's departure. It IS possible to do the Makai Adventures Lanai tour on the second day in port (Monday) as the tour ends about 1:30pm and leaves ample time for the drive back to Kahaului. Transportation is not included, and is most economically done by renting a car. We can arrange a rental car with shuttle pick-up at the harbor; rates vary throughout the year but start around $40 per day in low season; see our rental car page for more information. Drive time is approx. 60 minutes to Lahaina. You might also consider a Molokini snorkel tour as those trips depart from Maalaea Harbor, which is just 15 minutes away from your cruise ship's dock.

Lahaina cruise ship passengers can do any of these tours as long as you are in port on the correct day of the week. This tour leaves from the same harbor where your ship's tender arrives, so no transportation is necessary.

ACTIVITY TIPS

Kevin at Falls

A Lanai dolphin adventure is a must-do on my list of Maui activities. If you have time for two snorkel boat tours, go to Molokini and Lanai. If you only have time for one, go to Lanai!!! The reef there is just as good as Molokini (better in places) with lots of fish and turtles ... and there are a lot less people.

Lanai trips are definitely a good way to go for people staying in the West Maui area (Kapalua, Kahana, Honokowai, Kaanapali, and Lahaina). Lanai trips leave from Lahaina, so much less driving is involved than most of the Molokini boats. 

While none of the Lanai trips GUARANTEE dolphin sightings, it is unusual to not encounter dolphins along the south coast of Lanai. Your chances of seeing dolphins is in the 75-80% range on any given day.

Lots of people ask if they can swim with the dolphins. The honest answer is "probably not." Snorkel tours have to be very cautious in approaching dolphins ... they are protected marine mammals. Once in a while a boat will stop to snorkel and the dolphins will approach out of curiosity. If this happens, enjoy the moment ... you are truly blessed. Don't plan on it happening. You will likely see plenty of activity just watching them from the boat ... the large pod of spinner dolphins at Lanai is very active. You will likely witness acrobatic behavior and dolphins will probably swim on both sides of the bow of the boat just a few feet away from you.

So now you know you want to go to Lanai. Which boat should you do?

The Lanai Explorer is our most popular tour .... it offers the adventure of rafting ... but more comfort than most rafts as there are real seats on board the vessel (you don't have to sit on the innertube sides of the raft unless you want to). The Lanai Explorer also offers quite a bit of shade and has a marine head on board when nature calls. We absolutely LOVE the Lanai Explorer with Landing tour. Grab your camera and hit the trails that go out to the point beyond Hulopo'e Beach ... see the colorful tidepools and sea arch, scrample down a wooden ladder to the hidden beach that looks out to Sweetheart Rock (the Hawaiian placename is Pu'u Pehe), and hike up to the overlook. You can even walk up to the Manele Bay Hotel ... the place Bill Gates rented out entirely when he got married here on Lanai. This tour is doable for the majority of our clients ... but not all. Keep in mind that there is a walk of about 5-7 minutes each way to and from the beach.

The non-landing version of the Lanai Explorer is a great choice for people who have been on-shore at Lanai before ... and want to spend more time out on the ocean around the island.

Finally ... the trip for the die-hard adventurer. Ocean Riders is an awesome tour ... if you are up to the challenge. When you leave the harbor at 7:00am be aware that it will be 7 or 8 hours before you will see another white porcelein seat with chrome handle on the side of it. This tour can be rough at times ... but in terms of the amount and variety of snorkeling, the overall distance the tour covers, and the value you get for your dollar ... this is the best itinerary in Hawaii for those of you die hards out there! Ocean Riders is also offering a Half-Day excursion to Lanai as well ... still hard core ... but a little less demanding than the full-day trip that completely circles the island.

One more Lanai ocean adventure worth mentioning ... for CERTIFIED scuba divers, Extended Horizons operates an excellent scuba diving trip to Lanai ... they typically visit the spectacular underwater grottos called "Cathedrals" as well as one other site. For more information about Lanai scuba diving see our Scuba Diving page .

Many tours sell out a week or more in advance!!!

  • RESERVE NOW!

To begin a reservation, select the boat you would like to reserve

Ocean Riders Rafting

Makai Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin

Hawaii Travel Spot

11 Incredible Lana’i Snorkeling Tours from Maui

Alert for Visitors: Maui has experienced significant wildfires in August 2023, causing major disruption for both locals and tourists. For your safety and up-to-date information, please visit the Maui County website before planning any activities or travels. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. Stay safe!

Are you planning a trip to Maui and want to find a cool Maui day trip? Scroll to find out the best Lana’i snorkeling tours from Maui worth checking out.

This list of the best shave lana’i snorkeling tours from maui was written by marcie cheung (a hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Snorkeling on Lana’i is one of the many fun activities you can do when you travel to Maui. Lana’i is a smaller island close to Maui with fewer amenities.

Even though there are some nice resorts and things to do in Lana’i, Maui is a popular island where most choose to stay. 

However, there are many ways you can make a Maui to Lana’i day trip, and you should go at least once, especially for an incredible Lana’i snorkeling tour! 

Wondering why my advice matters? I’ve been to Hawaii over 40 times and have unparalleled firsthand knowledge of the islands.

During your excursion to Lana’i from Maui, go on any of these Lana’i snorkeling tours from Maui! You can easily enjoy some of the best snorkeling all around the island, all the while heading back to your resort on Maui. 

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui itinerary complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Maui Travel Guide + 7-Day Maui Itinerary by top Hawaii blog Hawaii Travel Spot

Best Lana’i Snorkeling Tours from Maui

Here are some of the best Lana’i snorkeling tours from Maui. Some are less crowded charters, while others range from just a few hours to an entire day of snorkeling on Lana’i. Choose whichever best fits your schedule, and have fun! 

Maui to Lanai Day Trip

If you want to snorkel in Lana’i and see what else this island has to offer, this is the tour for you. You’ll begin your day sailing out on a first-class catamaran yacht to Lana’i with a delicious breakfast.

During this Lana’i snorkeling trip , you will get to spend 3 hours swimming in the ocean with tropical fish and having a blast snorkeling.

Image of Sweetheart Rock on Lana'i.

You will then take a short hike to Sweetheart Rock, and before heading back, enjoy a nice  BBQ Lunch at Manele Bay. During your lunch, you’ll have a fun hula show to watch too!

With this tour, you will get to snorkel and spend time at the Hulopoe Bay Marine Sanctuary, which most tours do not get to experience!  Check the latest rates and availability .

Lanai Snorkeling Tour with PacWhale Eco Adventures

The PacWhale Eco Adventures offer the best Lana’i snorkel tour from Maui. This is another snorkeling tour that offers both breakfast and lunch and is about 5 hours long.

You will set sail on a 65-foot double-deck catamaran and have the opportunity to see some dolphins and whales while you make your way to Lana’i. 

When you arrive, your captain will take you to the locations that offer you the best snorkeling conditions, which vary each day. You’ll get to spend hours observing the vibrant coral reef and the stunning marine life living there! 

What sets this Lana’i snorkel trip from Maui apart is that you will have a certified marine naturalist aboard to share with you all about the dolphins, sea turtles, and coral reefs you will see along the way.

They will also give you a special guided reef tour when you arrive!  Check the latest rates and availability .

lanai tours from maui

Maui Adventure Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Tour

Enjoy this half-day Lana’i snorkel tour and dolphin watch that leaves Lahaina harbor. You’ll sail out on a 50-foot Explorer Super Raft.

Image of dolphins

During your sail, more than likely, you will see dolphins and sea turtles. During the winter months, you might even see some whales too! 

When you arrive in Lana’i, you will snorkel at two of the clearest and calmest snorkeling locations. Also included on this tour is a nice breakfast when you head out and a lunch when you return.  Check the latest rates and availability .

Lanai Deluxe Snorkel Sail from Lahaina

On this deluxe Lana’i snorkel cruise , you will get to experience a variety of snorkeling locations all over the island!

During this full-day tour , experience Kaunolu, Kahalepalaoa, Fish Rock, and a few other great snorkeling locations depending on the weather and ocean conditions. 

Enjoy the incredible views as you sail out to the island, all the while eating your free breakfast. Then after you are finished snorkeling, enjoy two free cocktails along with a delicious BBQ lunch at a private gazebo on Lana’i before heading back to Maui.  Check the latest rates and availability .

Lanai Morning Snorkeling Cruise & Dolphin Encounter

For a family-friendly Lana’i snorkeling cruise , hop aboard the Quicksilver! During this cruise, you will get breakfast and lunch and have the option to have some happy-hour drinks as well.

When you are ready to go snorkel, have fun entering the water with their waterslide or their jumping platform! 

This cruise takes about 5.5 hours and is so much fun to sail out on the double-decker catamaran. Along the way, you will see some playful dolphins jumping out of the water.

When you arrive, you will head to either Manele Bay or Kaunolu Bay to snorkel.  Check the latest rates and availability .

Maui to Lanai Snorkel Cruise

This is the best Lana’i snorkeling tour that departs from Kaanapali Beach. You will be on a 46-foot-long tour vessel and will get to experience snorkeling locations you won’t get to on other tours.

With this half-day tour , you can also choose to ride on sea scooters too! This will make your snorkeling tour more enjoyable as you will get to go places you wouldn’t without the scooter. 

You can also rent a GoPro with this Lana’i snorkel trip from Maui, so you can capture all the excitement and fascinating tropical fish from your adventure.  Check the latest rates and availability .

Lana’i Coast Maui Sail and Snorkel Trip

Another one of the Lana’i snorkel tours setting sail from Lahaina is this 4.5-hour tour from Sail Maui. Enjoy both a breakfast and a deli lunch as you go to and from Lana’i on their new catamaran.

Along your journey , you might see some spinner dolphins playing around in the water. 

When you arrive, your captain will take you to a few uncrowded snorkeling locations around the island, where you can see the incredible Lana’i sea cliffs, along with some awesome sea life and the beautiful coral reef.  Check the latest rates and availability .

Eco-Raft Snorkel and Dolphin Tour to Lanai

With this Eco-Raft Maui to Lana’i snorkel trip , you will climb aboard a 27-foot hard-bottom pontoon boat.

You will spend a few hours snorkeling all around Lana’i and take in the beauty that surrounds you. They will provide a simple breakfast and plenty of yummy snacks for the entire family to enjoy during your sail.  Check the latest rates and availability .

6-Hour Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Tour from Lahaina

If you want a Maui to Lana’i snorkeling experience that isn’t overly crowded, this is a small group tour that you will love that only has 18 people per tour.

Image of a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle swimming in the ocean

With this tour, you might see some sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and during the winter, humpback whales! 

You’ll get to experience two different snorkeling sights around the island, all with fewer people, so you can enjoy yourself at your own pace.

Aside from the snorkeling, this is one of the few Lana’i snorkeling tours from Maui where you can also enjoy seeing some offshore pinnacles, blow holes, and sea cliffs too!

This tour also features snacks, drinks, and a nice lunch.  Check the latest rates and availability .

Sea Scooter Half-Day Morning Lanai Tour

This is one of the only Maui boat tours to Lana’i that offers sea scooters as part of your experience; at no extra charge! You’ll get to experience two different snorkeling locations and be able to explore the ocean and vibrant coral reef, unlike any other tour. 

With this four-hour tour , you will depart from Kaanapali and sail out to Lana’i early in the morning.

Enjoy some fresh Hawaiian fruits and pastries throughout your trip, along with some juice and soda. You can also rent a GoPro to capture your fun adventure too!  Check the latest rates and availability .

Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch from Lahaina

On this Lana’i snorkel trip , experience the breathtaking views of Maui and Lana’i while you head out to some of the best snorkeling spots along the island.

All rental gear is included, along with breakfast, lunch, snacks, and one alcoholic beverage to enjoy during this five-hour-long tour . 

A Certified Marine Naturalist will be aboard helping you find the best snorkeling spots and help you learn about all the incredible creatures you will see in the ocean during your trip. They even have a fun Jr. Naturalist Program for your little kids aboard as well!  Check the latest rates and availability .

lanai tours from maui

Lana’i Snorkeling Tours FAQs

The ferry typically costs $30 and takes roughly 50 minutes to get from Maui to Lana’i.

Lana’i offers some of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii! There are many places around the island where you can swim with many tropical fish and turtles.

If you are vacationing in Maui, it is absolutely worth going on a Lana’i excursion from Maui. There are many tours from Maui to Lana’i that make it even more fun, especially if you don’t want to figure out what to do when you arrive.

There are plenty of great snorkeling spots on Lana’i. The Maui snorkel tours to Lana’i will take you to some of the best snorkeling areas, including Hulopoe Bay, Manele Bay, Kaunolu, and a few others.

Snorkeling on Lana’i Wrap Up

Lana’i snorkeling from Maui is so much fun and is definitely worth it during your trip to Maui. Be sure to take one of these Lana’i snorkeling tours from Maui during your next trip to the islands and enjoy all this beautiful island has to offer.

Looking for more Maui day trip ideas? Check out the best stops on the Road to Hana , the coolest Molokini Crater snorkeling tours , awesome Maui kayaking tours , and our guide to Haleakala Crater !

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West Maui or Lanai Snorkeling and Sailing Tour (Save 10%!)

Set sail with Sail Maui to take advantage of our exclusive discount to save 10% at checkout! Enjoy half a day of snorkeling along the coast of Lana’i or West Maui in pristine waters that allow you to see honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), tropical fish, vibrant coral reefs, and so much more!

Lanai maui snorkel tour

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

Activity Overview

  • Departs From: Maui – Ma’alaea (Central)
  • Duration: 5.25 hours
  • Included in the price: Light breakfast, buffet lunch, drinks (both alcoholic and not), all snorkel gear, and sunscreen.

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West Maui Lanai Snorkeling Tour Details

Head out from Ma’alaea Harbor at 10:00 am any day of the week for just over 5 hours of sailing and snorkeling. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or humpback whales ( seasonally ) as you set out to the snorkel spots of the day!

The first choice for snorkeling is heading to the coast of Lana’i. If conditions are unfavorable, you’ll head to the West Maui coastline instead. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t make it to Lana’i, Sail Maui’s crew is determined to give you the best possible snorkeling location for the day.

It’s way better to head to West Maui and see incredible marine life than to try to head to Lana’i with poor snorkeling conditions.

Conditions are safe and favorable to head to Lana’i about 60% of the time . But since you’ll be in such good hands with the Sail Maui crew, you’ll have a fantastic time and can rest assured you’re in for the best snorkeling available 100% of the time!

Great snorkeling isn’t the only thing you have to look forward to. You’ll also be treated to a light breakfast and coffee, a buffet lunch, an open bar, as well as non-alcoholic drinks. The crew also provides sunscreen and snorkel gear so all you have to bring is a towel and be prepared for a good time!

Lanai maui snorkel tour

Save 10% with Sail Maui by Using Promo Code HVG224

Enter the code in the order section, not the individual’s info box when you are in checkout. See the screenshots for details below. Promo Code: HVG224 (as of April 1st, 2024) The promo code changes quarterly, so contact us if it isn’t working!

Depart from Ma’alaea Harbor

Just 15 minutes from Kihei, you’ll set sail from Ma’alaea Harbor slip #72 ( click here for directions ). This trip is available daily 10:00 am-3:15 pm (check in at 9:30 am)

All-Inclusive

You’ll pay for the tour (and gratuity) and that’s it! Snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen , breakfast, lunch, and drinks are all included in the price!

All Ages Welcome

There is no age restriction on this tour! Infants (0-3 years old) sail FREE, so this is a great option for families!

Best Snorkeling of the Day

Sail Maui goes to Lana’i as often as they can, but in case conditions are unfavorable, you’ll be heading to the next best spot. The crew will be sure you get to a phenomenal snorkeling spot no matter what!

How to book with our discount!

There are two places to enter the discount code (promo code) at checkout, in the individual ticket boxes where you select dietary preferences and closer to the payment details. The code does not work in the individual boxes, you’ll want to enter it in the second box, see the images below:

lanai tours from maui

Our promo code changes quarterly, so if the code isn’t working in the Promotional Codes box just above the payment method, reach out and we’ll get the code updated!

About Sail Maui

Sail Maui runs boat tours on two high-performance catamarans. They depart from Ma’alaea Harbor, offering a wide range of sailing excursions that leave from a convenient location no matter where on the island you’re staying. Their tours offer adventure and an unforgettable experience because the Sail Maui crew are truly enthusiastic about sailing…and Maui.

More from Sail Maui:

Browse Sail Maui’s site or check out our other favorite tours from them:

  • Molokini Crater snorkel tour
  • Sail with the Whales from Ma’alaea Harbor, Maui
  • Maui’s Pali Coast Snorkeling & Sailing Tour
  • Luxury Sunset Sail from Ma’alaea Harbor
  • Performance Sail from Ma’alaea Harbor

We are affiliate partners with Sail Maui which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking made through this site. This is done without any additional cost to you. You can read more about our affiliate policies here .

Know that we only recommend tour operators that we know and trust. Your positive experience and your trust in us mean more than any affiliate commission. By booking tours through our website you help us to provide free information and videos to help you and other readers plan their perfect Hawaii vacation. Thank you so much for your support — you are amazing!

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Quicksilver Maui

  • Most Popular

From Ma’alaea Harbor: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Encounter Aboard the Quicksilver

Quick Details

  • Calendar Availability: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:30AM
  • Clock Duration: 5.5 Hours
  • Users Ages: All ages
  • User Small Child: Ages 6 and under free - 1 free child per paying adult
  • Map Marker Meet At: Boss Frog's Ma'alaea Harbor, 300 Ma'alaea Road, Building 2, Shop# 2N, Wailuku, HI 96793
  • Car Paid Parking: ALL QUICKSILVER PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED TO PARK AT MAUI HARBOR SHOPS / MAUI OCEAN CENTER LOCATED AT: 300 Ma'alaea Road, Wailuku, HI 96793.
  • Anchor Waiver: Please sign the Liability Waiver before you go
  • Phone Tour Not Available?: If your dates aren’t available online, please contact us at 808-442-3267

An Incredible Dolphin & Snorkeling Adventure in Lanai

Ready for an epic Lanai snorkeling tour? Awesome! Let’s go! We’re delighted to host you and your family aboard the Quicksilver and guide your exploration of Lanai’s remote underwater world.

Begin the day by checking-in 30-minutes prior to departure at the Boss Frog’s store in Ma’alaea Harbor. There will be a Quicksilver crew member waiting outside the store to help you get checked in. We like to get off to an early start when the seas and breeze are usually calm. Sit on either of our two decks in comfort. If you squint and look across the Maui Nui Basin, you can almost see Manele Bay on the south shore of Lanai.

Shark Fin Rock, on the other hand, is not at all visible- until your double-decked vessel rounds the west coast of the island, and brings you past even more amazing landforms. Some, like Sweetheart Rock, are steeped in Hawaiian legend. Quicksilver’s engaging captain and crew – always full of aloha – will bring these ancient tales to life as they narrate your time at sea.

The nearshore waters of Lanai are home to sheer cliffs, craggy rocks, and coral reefs full of colorful marine life. A large pod of spinner dolphins lives offshore and spends a lot of time in the channel. It’s common to see these incredible marine mammals diving, leaping, and swimming alongside the boat!

Because the island is not as developed as Maui, Oahu, or Kauai, and the human population is small, the corals and other reef life have more space and time to thrive. You’ll love exploring the snorkel sites here! Whether you get the chance to see the wide-ranging coral reef of Manele Bay, or the unique reef life surrounding Shark Fin Rock, this Lanai snorkeling tour will leave you with lasting memories.

About the Location

Travel & experience an entirely new island of hawaii- lanai.

One of the most unique places you can snorkel on Maui is actually off Maui, on Lanai! Just 8.8 miles across the channel is the Pineapple Isle – Maui’s closest neighbor island. Now home to two opulent resorts with their own golf courses, Lana’i used to be agricultural land for the world’s largest pineapple plantation. Long before that, it was one of the banishment sites for Maui’s lawbreakers.

Today, the Quicksilver catamaran’s Lanai snorkeling tour gives you the chance to visit this amazing place! Lanai offers incredible snorkeling destinations and marine life. While aboard Quicksilver, passengers often encounter spinner dolphins, who jump and twirl in the air! Lanai is home to a huge pod of over one hundred of these social marine mammals.

Lanai snorkeling sites are located beneath towering cliffs more than three hundred feet high! As you can imagine, the photo ops are just unbeatable. Few people in the world ever snorkel these remote areas like Manele Bay and Shark Fin Rock, each with visibility of up to one hundred feet.

  • Chevron down Mandatory Check-In

30-minutes prior to departure

  • Chevron down Duration
  • Chevron down Meet At
  • MEET AT:  Boss Frog’s, Ma’alaea Harbor, 300 Ma’alaea Road, Building 2, Shop# 2N, Wailuku, HI 96793
  • There will be a Quicksilver crew member waiting at a table outside the store to help you get checked-in
  • Chevron down Paid Parking
  • PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED TO PARK AT MAUI HARBOR SHOPS 300 MA’ALAEA ROAD, WAILUKU, HI 96793
  • Give yourself extra time to account for traffic, weather, road construction, parking , and the walk from the parking lot to the boat slip (10-15 minutes) in order to arrive at check-in 30-minutes prior to departure
  • Chevron down What's Included
  • Mixed Fruit, muffins, and pastries
  • Juice (passion, orange, guava) , soft drinks, hot coffee, tea, and water
  • Turkey and ham Hawaiian sweet roll sliders
  • Vegetarian option: Hawaiian sweet roll slider with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, alfalfa sprouts, and avocado mayo (the vegetarian option must be ordered at the time of booking)
  • Mediterranean pasta salad
  • Veggie platter with homemade ranch dressing
  • Chocolate chip cookie and triple chocolate brownie bites

Also Included

  • Use of top-quality snorkel gear and flotation devices
  • Dolphin search
  • Whale watching (When in season, December – April)
  • “Jump for Joy” jumping platform
  • Water slide
  • Two restrooms
  • Two freshwater showers
  • Professional captain and crew
  • Informative and historical narration
  • Chevron down What's Available
  • Adult beverages available for purchase $3.00 each
  • Wetsuits available for rent $10.00 each
  • Underwater digital camera rentals $85.00 each
  • Dramamine 2 tablets $5.00
  • T-shirts available for purchase $20.00 each
  • Chevron down What's Excluded
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Parking fees
  • Chevron down What to Bring
  • Valid ID required for passengers 21+ who will be drinking alcoholic beverages
  • Cash if you plan to tip the crew
  • Light jacket or sweater
  • Reef safe sunscreen
  • Chevron down What You Should Know

Snorkel Locations and Wildlife

  • Snorkel locations are not guaranteed they are determined daily by our captains based on weather conditions, swell height and direction, and many years of experience in Maui waters
  • The ride to the snorkel location is approximately 90 minutes. If prone to seasickness, please prepare accordingly
  • Wildlife sightings, while likely, are not guaranteed

Dietary Needs

  • If you have a dietary restriction (vegetarian, gluten free, etc.) this must be noted and specific dietary restricted lunch requested at time of booking
  • With safety in mind alcoholic beverages are served only after the snorkel portion of the tour is completed.
  • Minimum drinking age is 21
  • Must have valid photo ID
  • Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • A 24-hour notice is required for cancellation or reschedule
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Chevron down Accessibility
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Chevron down Boat Tour & Amenities

Click HERE to learn more about our boat’s amenities.

Related Tours

From ma’alaea harbor: turtle town afternoon snorkel aboard the quicksilver.

Join us for an afternoon snorkeling charter to the magnificent snorkel spot—Lahaina Turtle Town—home to turtles and a variety of beautiful Hawaiian fish! Lunch, drinks, and snorkel gear are included. Cheap adult drinks for purchase. Tours in Dec – April will also include Humpback Whale Watching if time allows!!  Sometimes we just can’t stop snorkeling.

  • Sells Out Fast!

From Ma’alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver

Enjoy prime rib or Mahi-Mahi while experiencing the best of West Maui.  A Maui dinner cruise is a must-due while on Island.   This tour offers a delicious dinner, drinks, island-style music, and incredible sunset views as the vessel gently cruises along the coast of the Valley Isle. A Perfect opportunity to relax with family and friends.

From Ma'alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tours Aboard the Quicksilver

Ever seen a real live humpback whale? Well now’s your chance! We offer an awesome, fully narrated whale watching tour in Maui during whale season (Dec – April). Join us for this once in a lifetime experience that you don’t want to miss!

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  • Book Snorkeling and Dolphin Watch Tour

Lanai, Maui

SNORKEL TOURS

Dolphin watching.

Locally owned and operated since 1982, we’ve been sharing Maui’s snorkeling tours experiences with guests for more than 30 years! Our Lanai snorkeling tours are small groups at uncrowded snorkel spots on Maui and Lanai where we see tropical fish, turtles and dolphin watch! Come share the a snorkel adventure of a lifetime with us!

Travelers

$175 Total-NO Hidden Fees $107   Kids 4-12

DOLPHIN ADVENTURE & LANAI SNORKEL

4 hour tour: 9am-1pm, explore lanai's south coast, includes breakfast & snack, 2 snorkel stops, snorkel gear provided.

24HR Cancellation Policy No Children Under 4 Years Old

$200 Total-NO Hidden Fees $155   Kids 4-12

DELUXE DOLPHIN ADVENTURE & LANAI SNORKEL

6 hour tour: 8am-2pm, explore lanai's south coast to more remote locations with exclusive sight seeing includes lunch 3 snorkel stops snorkel gear provided, luxe snorkel, 4 hour luxury tour, snorkel tour.

Only 6 Guests Guaranteed Sightings Marine Naturalist Guides & Hydrophone Onboard! 24HR Cancellation Policy. No children under 4 years

Dolphins are seen 9/10 trips. Marine life sighting vary. Whale watching is included in the snorkel tours during migration season (Dec-April).

Small Group Snorkel Tours

Snorkel Maui & Lanai on a small group snorkel tour! Every seat is a front row seat!

Dolphins & Sea Turtles

Maui dolphin watching, snorkel with turtles, tropical fish and see sea cliff, rays, octopus & more!

Snacks & Drinks! Food

Beginner friendly.

Beginner friendly Maui snorkel instruction, snorkel gear, flotation devices and marine naturalist guides!

Maui Snorkeling

Tour details.

We provide reef safe sunscreen, mask, snorkel, fins, and flotation devices for your Maui, lanai snorkel trip!

Bring a towel, swimsuit, hat sunglasses and camera! We provide all your Lanai snorkeling gear and flotation devices! BYOB adult beverages!

Our marine naturalist guide will be onboard and in the water for your private charter giving you a guided whale watching tour of Maui and Lanai's underwater world.

This Maui snorkeling trip does not allow for guests with back injuries, neck injuries, or pregnant ladies. Must be 4yrs+ and able to swim.

Our Maui Snorkeling Tours and Dolphin Watch depart from Mala Boat Ramp, 1229 Front Street Lahaina, Hawaii 96761 in Maui! Meet us there half hour before your snorkel tour!

lanai tours from maui

Top Maui Snorkel Tours

Marine animals, green sea turtles.

 TURTLE FACTS  

Maui's Dolphins

 DOLPHIN FACTS  

Tropical Fish

 SNORKEL TIPS  

Humpback Whales (Seasonal)

 WHALE FACTS  

Beginner-Friendly Snorkel Tours

Book a beginner-friendly snorkel tour with us!

  SEE TOURS  

Maui Lanai Snorkeling Tips

Get the right snorkel gear., snorkel buddies, when in doubt, don't go out, snorkel with the locals.

Join us for a snorkel tour and we will guide you on an ocean adventure you will never forget!

Lanai Snorkeling tours

Learn How to Snorkel 101

lanai Snorkeling tours

Best places to snorkel on Maui

West Maui offers beginner friendly snorkeling, turtle sightings and unique reefs! Traveling to Lanai from West Maui we often see dolphins and other unique marine life like whale sharks and rays! Some of Maui’s best snorkel locations are along the West Coast including Oluwalu, Mala Wharf and Honolua Bay. Here we snorkel with turtles and enjoy the calm waters protected by the leeward slopes of the West Maui mountains.

SNORKEL TOUR MAP

Maui and Lanai map of snorkeling locations

Marine Life on Lanai

Because Lanai’s reef is thriving , we see a variety of marine life! There are multiple types of coral reef we snorkel including cumulative, pinnacle and aggregate reef structures. Every reef is home to different sea creatures including Hawaiian green sea turtles, octopus, manta rays, dolphins, sharks, whale sharks and even seals. Many of the tropical fish that make their home on Lanai can’t be found anywhere else in the world!

Lanai was once a pineapple plantation and known as the Pineapple island

Best places to snorkel in Lanai

Lanai is our top destination for snorkeling tours . Known for it’s living reefs and breathtaking sea-cliffs, this island is home to many tropical fish species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. There are more than a dozen remote snorkeling spots along the Lanai coast! Club Lanai, Manele Bay, Sweetheart Rock, and Shark Fin are a few of our favorite snorkel stops. Because Lanai has very little near shore development, the reef is much healthier and sustains more marine life. Some of these snorkel spots are along the sea cliff and showcase unique rock formations, swim throughs and even ancient burial grounds.

Maui LanaiDolphin Watching

Crossing the channel between Maui and Lanai we often see some of our favorite marine mammals, dolphins. Although Maui is home to 13 species of dolphins , we most commonly see spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and spotted dolphins. Maui is a protected sanctuary for humpback whales but also has protections in place for turtles and dolphins! Although dolphins are protected and we are not permitted to offer snorkeling with dolphins, the wild dolphins are very playful and curious and often swim along side our rafting vessels! Some dolphins travel in pods of hundreds of animals, making for an amazing viewing experience as they jump, spin, surf the wake and gracefully move through the water along side our boats!

SEE DOLPHIN TOURS

Dolphin icon

Dolphin watching on lanai

pair of dolphins swimming

Snorkeling with Turtles

The Hawaiian green sea turtle is a popular resident on our Maui beaches and waters. A symbol of good luck and wisdom, the HONU , (Hawaiian word for green sea turtle), is Hawai i’s only indigenous turtle and an aumkua, or family god, in Hawaiian mythology. One of our favorite ocean activities is snorkeling with turtles on Maui. Maui is home to 3 species of native sea turtles including the Leatherback, Hawksbill and the most common Green Sea Turtle. Because al l sea turtles are either endangered or protected, we encourage respectful encounters which include never touching a sea turtle (this is actually against the law!) and giving turtles their space so they can interact naturally in their marine environment.

SEE TURTLE TOURS

Snorkeling with turtles

Best Spots to Snorkel with Turtles in Maui

There are our top snorkeling spots we see Green sea turtles. Some of these snorkel locations you can swim to from shore, others are best reached from a boat during a turtle snorkel tour on Maui or Lanai!

A more remote location to snorkel with turtles would be the island of Lanai, about half hour boat ride from Lahaina, Maui. Leaving Maui by boat, we travel about 8 miles to the coast of Lanai, where there are more than a dozen remote snorkel spot to choose from. One favorite is Club Lanai, named for the reefs location set right outside the beach where Club Lanai was once a popular day club for tourist. Now the club is vacant but the reef is very much alive with marine life! Here we see our favorite green sea turtles, many tropical fish and often spot shy reef sharks cruising through the sandy reef channels.

Mala Wharf, Lahaina

Another popular Maui snorkel spot to see turtles is Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina Maui. This snorkel spot may not look like much from the surface, but the underwater view is spectacular. Mala Boat Ramp was once used to load pineapples from the cannery onto boats, but with the end of pineapple farming, the ramp collapsed and was left to create an artificial reef. This spot can be reached by shore or by boat, and you’ll be stoked to see dozens of tropical fish, octopus, Hawaiian green sea turtles swimming, and even shy reef sharks sleeping near the reef structure.

Oluwalu reef located in Lahaina, Maui, is a popular snorkel destination and you can often spot green sea turtles swimming through the beautiful coral or hanging out in cleaning stations allowing fish to clean the algae from their shells. Oluwalu is also a great snorkel spot for snorkeling to turtles, it is shallow and is very protected from the wind, creating a calm place to explore the ocean. Some of Oluwalu can be snorkeled from shore, but to reach the outer reef it’s best to chartering a boat. This spot isn’t just home to Hawaiian green sea turtles, you can also see manta rays and tropical fish!

Join our Lanai Snorkel Tour! SEE TOURS

Maui mountains

Best Weather for Snorkeling

mountain

Is it ok to snorkel in the rain?

Because Maui is a tropical island, light rains are very typical but when Maui receives significant rainfall, the water run-off creates low visibility and murky water that you do not want to snorkel in. The weather throughout the island of Maui can be very different, sometimes there is rain in one area and often the other side of the island is experiencing no rain at all. It’s also important to know that many snorkel tours, including Ultimate’s Lanai snorkeling tours, leave Maui and snorkel the Lanai coast. Not only does decreased visibility make it difficult to see marine life, murky water has bacteria we don’t want to be swimming in, Not just for the experience, but also for safety, we do not recommend snorkeling when when the water looks brown or murky after heavy rainfall.

What about snorkeling in waves and wind?

Waves are caused by many factors including incoming swells from distant tropical storms, wind chop and other vessels. Snorkeling in mild waves is doable, but the main concern is it causing seasickness for snorkelers. If waves are more than mild, not only does it make entering from the shore, or driving from a boat difficult, it also can affect the water clarity as it is stirring up sand and soot. Most wave swells come in directions, North, South, East, West. Because Maui and Lanai are islands there is typically a location at all times that has calm waters. Our boat captains find the calmest water for snorkeling! Wind can be a tricky element as it not only affects your snorkel tour, but also the means to get to your snorkel location. If you are on a boat charter, heavy winds can make the boat ride bumpy and wet, blowing the ocean spray onto the deck of the vessel.

What is the best weather for snorkeling?

Being a tropical island, Maui has shifts in weather that can affect snorkeling. Some weather variables that can affect snorkeling conditions include rain, wind, current and cloud cover! One of the benefits of snorkel tours from Lahaina Harbor, is that the west side of Maui is located on the lee-ward side of the West Maui Mountains, blocking most weather from even reaching Lahaina, Maui. This makes Lahaina Maui snorkeling one of the calmest and driest locations on the island! Our captains use special weather reports, experience and our live weather camera so determine the best weather and locations for snorkeling!

Maui Ocean Riders

Maui Ocean Riders

End of an era.

It is with a sad heart to announce that we will no longer be in operation. After months of consideration, research and realization I have decided that the investment required to put Ocean Riders back together is just too great. It takes a special boat to handle the conditions we encounter circumnavigating Lana'i. To all of you that have experienced the "exciting" channel crossings and the trek down the north shore passing the shipwrecks you know what I'm talking about :) There are many other factors besides just replacing the vessel that have contributed to the decision such as storage, equipment replacement and catering, to name a few. I feel fortunate to have even had the opportunity to do this as a 'job' for the past 16 years and consider it an honor to be a part of the Ocean Riders' legacy that started back in 1988. Thank you to everyone that ever stepped foot on the boat with me. I will never forget all the great times and amazing people that I got to spend my days with on the water. Mahalo Nui Loa, Captain Chad P.S. Bogey misses the boat but is doing just fine ;)

Hang on tight for a Hawaii boat tour trip you will never forget!

Maui Ocean Riders is ranked as a top Lana’i Attraction by TripAdvisor.com Enjoy a full day Lana’i snorkel tour adventure! Traveling all the way around the island of Lana’i, we make three different snorkel stops and a remote beach landing. Book your full day or half day at sea online with a Lana’i snorkel tour.

Lana’i Adventure

Our flagship Lana’i snorkeling tour trip started it all and continues to be one of the most sought after trips on the Hawaiian islands.  Journey with us into the heart of Hawaii — where very few ever get to go. Book your Maui boat tour online today!

  • Anchor Private charter available
  • Clock 4 Hours , 8 Hours
  • User Ages 5+

Why Maui Ocean Riders?

Maui Ocean Riders remains unique and extraordinary because Ocean Riders is the only HBI circumnavigating Lana‘i. We are the only boat that consistently sees the whole island year round. No other Hawaii boat tour circumnavigates Lanai more than Ocean Riders!

Learn more about us here.

lanai tours from maui

The Original Lanai Tour Established in 1988 Testimonials

We went on this trip 3 or 4 years ago and enjoyed it so much that we did it again, but this time brought more friends and family. There are aspects of the tour that were exactly the same as the first time but my favorite part of this tour is that it changes up based upon conditions, etc. This tour is an adventure for sure and will be a consistent stop on any trip to Maui. Crew is friendly and informative. A must do!

Amazing day! I highly recommend taking this tour when in Maui. The crew was fantastic! The sights are amazing, boat ride was a lot of fun, snorkeling off the coast of Lanai was incredible!

Absolutely top notch experience with Ocean Riders today. Really enjoyed the small group experience and great snorkel locations, the circumnavigation of Lanai, Captain Chad and ocean dog Bogie, great food and overall fun experience. Highly recommend booking a tour with them.

Captain Chad is very knowledgeable and skilled. Storm swells made the journey from Maui to Lanai a little more adventurous - but we knew we were in good hands as Chad did a great job navigating. We took the tour circumnavigating Lanai and loved the snorkeling spots. Beautiful scenery, breaks spaced out between rising, snorkeling, lunch. Definitely recommend.

lanai tours from maui

  • Lanai Snorkeling Tours from Maui

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Pacific Whale Foundation – Lanai Dolphin Snorkel

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Hawaii Ocean Rafting – Lanai Dolphin Snorkel Tours

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Captain Steve’s Rafting – Deluxe Lanai Dolphin Snorkel

Lanai Island is 140 square miles in size, making it the sixth-largest Hawaiian Island.

Whether you are new to snorkeling or a seasoned diver, the island of Lanai is a popular destination. The island waters are calm and crystal clear with wide ranges of visibility to capture the sight of multiple varieties of marine life including rare tropical fish, colorful reefs, sea turtles, and dolphins.

History of Lanai

Although many of the Hawaiian Islands were inhabited by Polynesians between 300-600 AD, Lanai was not one of them. The island was feared by the people, as it was thought to have evil man-eating spirits. Thus, the first person to live on Lanai was the son of Maui chief Kakaalaneo. The chief’s son, Kauluaau had disobeyed the Kapu system, which resulted in his being banished to Lanai.

Because the island was thought to be haunted, no one ever expected Kauluaau to survive. However, his courage and diligence got him through. Each night he burned a fire, which his father could see from across the water; and eventually, Chief Kakaalaneo allowed his son back to Maui where Kauluaau was awarded control of Lanai. He convinced others to join him on the island where they built fishing villages and planted crops.

Life continued this way until the 1800s when King Kamehameha I was overruled. After much turmoil and strife, the island’s inhabitants and industry slowly expanded. Then in 1922, the Dole Food Company bought the island.

Lanai Today

To this day, it is the only privately owned island in Hawaii and was once home to Dole’s 19,000-acre pineapple plantation. While pineapples are still grown on the island, it has been scaled down to a mere 100 acres, catering only to businesses and residents on the island. The Dole Company became known as Castle & Cooke and is credited for creating Lanai into the attractive tourist destination that it is today.

However, privately owned or not, like all of Hawaii, the residents of Lanai embrace their culture and are dedicated to providing guests with an authentic aloha welcome. Known for its quiet atmosphere and beautiful beaches, the island of Lanai has been a preferred destination for many visitors seeking to escape the chaos of everyday life, including celebrities like Will Smith, Bill Gates, and Jessica Alba.

The Hawaiian island is home to the luxury Four Seasons Resort and a signature golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. It also features unspoiled beaches, mountains, ATV rentals, and of course kayaking, dolphin tours, and snorkeling. Be careful when visiting Lanai, there are many dangers as the island is very raw and rugged.

Popular Lanai Snorkeling Sites

Lanai Island is excellent for snorkeling and provides multiple-level dive sites for everyone. There are snorkeling tours available on the island, or if you’re feeling adventurous and want to snorkel on your own, check out Manele Bay. Equipment can be rented from the nearby Four Seasons Lanai Resort, where you’ll discover the white sands of Hulopo’e Beach along with an abundance of coral reef formations and fish species.

Another popular spot to snorkel Lanai is Wash Rock. Wash Rock is located on the southern portion of Lanai and is recommended for intermediate to advanced-level divers. Water depths range from 4 – 65 feet and marine life consists of coral formations, butterflyfish, colorful sponges, moray eels, lobsters, and crabs. A lucky few may even spot the rare pipefish.

Snorkel with the Experts

Area tour companies offer snorkeling on Lanai as well and are familiar with the best spots. Plus, all snorkeling gear is provided along with snorkel training and safety tips. What better way to enjoy your water adventure and the quest to witness the breathtaking beauty of underwater sea life in the pristine waters of Lanai?

  • Pacific Whale Foundation – The Pacific Whale Foundation offers daily tours that last approximately five hours each. The Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Cruise aboard the Ocean Quest includes breakfast, snorkel training, and a guided snorkeling tour of the reefs. This tour is referred to as an eco-adventure being that the Pacific Whale Foundation team members are among the first in the field of dolphin research. As experts in the field, they will take you to places in the ocean where you’re likely to catch a glimpse of dolphins, sea turtles, and even humpback whales during certain times of the year.
  • Trilogy – Trilogy offers snorkeling trips to Hulopo’e Bay Monday-Friday throughout the year. Snorkeling here offers opportunities to see a large variety of sea life including spinner dolphins, reef fish, beautiful coral reefs, parrotfish, slate pencil urchins, peacock groupers, and more.

Hulopo’e Beach is on the southwestern corner of the island with ocean depths between 6 and 12 feet. With clear waters, large tide pools, and visibility of 80 ft. or more, it is a prime spot for world-class snorkeling.

  • The Lanai Dolphin Adventure is available year-round on varying days. You’ll depart on an Explorer Super Raft from Lahaina Harbor and crosses the Au’au Channel to the island of Lanai. Upon arrival on the island, the captain will choose the best possible spots for guests to enjoy a snorkeling adventure and the possibility of seeing everything from manta rays, dolphins, tropical fish, and sea turtles. The tour lasts about 4.5 hours.
  • The Lanai Landing Adventure tour includes refreshments aboard the Explorer Super Raft, a short hike to Hulopo’e Bay where guests can enjoy snorkeling, plus enjoy a few hours of unguided time to explore Sweetheart Rock and the public beach. This tour is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday departs from Lahaina Harbor, and lasts approximately 6.5 hours.
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LANA’I SNORKELING TOUR

Sail with us to the exclusive island of lanai, trip details.

Our Lana’i trip just got a serious upgrade with the addition of our new 65’ Gold Coast sailing catamaran. Formerly known as the Queen’s Treasure, the  ‘Alihilani  offers more amenities and accommodates even more guests. A larger and very capable sailing yacht, our capacity will now be at 49, with plenty of room to spread out and relax. A faster vessel under power means more flexibility around snorkeling sites, and additional time on the beach. Guests will now enjoy two full hours at Hulopo’e, the same great picnic with more freedom to explore!

Sail Maui is proud to offer a destination snorkel sail to the exclusive island of Lana’i. Join us on our newest vessel  ‘Alihilani  to discover why the island has been named one of the TOP 10 snorkel destinations in the world. Once known as the pineapple island, Lana’i is now famous for remote tropical beaches and tide pools, pristine reefs, and of course the spinner dolphins that frequent Manele Bay. On your honeymoon? Ask the crew about the breathtaking hike to check out Sweetheart Rock, and see why Travel + Leisure named Lana’i the No. 12 Most Romantic Island on the globe.

The adventure begins in Lahaina Harbor where we set out across the Au’ au’ channel to Lana’i. A light continental breakfast featuring some of Hawaii’s tastiest tropical fruit is served as you enjoy the panoramic view of the islands of Maui, Moloka’i, Kaho’olawe, and Lana’i. Our go to stop is the marine preserve of Manele Bay, but depending on conditions, we’ll seek out the most ideal snorkeling for the day! Once on Lana’i, Hulopo’e beach is just a 10 minute stroll away, one of the most stunning beaches in Hawaii. Enjoy your lunch at one of the many picnic tables, under a palm tree, or stretched out on the golden sand. Feel free to take our snorkel gear with you, or bring your own, as the reef here is incredibly beautiful! On the return trip, we’ll invite you to sit back and relax as we set our sails to head back to Maui.

  •  Adults $200.00 
  •  Children $100.00

Departure from Lahaina Harbor

  • 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (7 Hours)
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  • 9:45 a.m. at Lahaina Harbor

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  • Snorkel gear & flotation
  • Light Continental breakfast
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  • Sail Maui provides complimentary reef safe sunscreen
  • Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel!
  • Light jacket recommended during winter months
  • Limited to 40 Passengers
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  • More questions? Check out our FAQ or get in touch !

**Sail Maui is temporarily waiving our 24-hour cancellation policy in light of COVID-19. Guests may reschedule or cancel up until the time of departure with a full refund should anyone in their party have symptoms or recent exposure.

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Four Seasons Maui Vs. Lanai. Which Is Best?

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Four Seasons Maui Vs. Lanai. Which Is Best?

Which hotel is best, Four Seasons Maui or Lanai? We think Four Seasons Lanai is a more unique resort than Four Seasons Maui. It offers one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the world, so much so that you can see all the stars if you go for a paddle in the evening, as there is minimal light pollution. This Four Seasons hotel, being on the remote island of Lanai, also feels more exclusive than Maui, and there is an excellent golf club right next door. We’ll outline the differences in more detail below.

Book your stay at either hotel via our luxury travel concierge for extra benefits and perks at both of these hotels. We can offer you a brilliant deal.

1. Location

Four Seasons Maui is one of the most resort-based Four Seasons hotels on the Hawaiian Islands. It is set within the exclusive resort area of Wailea. The hotel is just down the coast from Fairmont Kea Lani, Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, and the Wailea Beach Hotel by Marriott. The Andaz is a little further away but also located in Wailea. You can walk between most of these hotels along an oceanfront boardwalk, and we have compared Four Seasons Maui and Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort separately as these hotels are next door to each other and clients often have trouble choosing between these resorts.

Four Seasons Maui Vs. Grand Wailea: Which Is Best?

Four Seasons Maui Vs. Grand Wailea: Which Is Best?

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Which is the best hotel in Maui? Four Seasons Maui Vs. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort? The good news is that we have stayed at both of these hotels, and I have outlined the pros and cons of each hotel below. If you don't have time to read this article in detail, the Four Seasons Maui is the best hotel, far better than the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, in our opinion. It is more glamorous and more beautifully decorated. It even smells better due to the deliciously scented extravagant flower arrangements dotted all over the hotel.

The location is probably the biggest differentiator between Four Seasons Maui vs. Lanai. On the one hand, you have Four Seasons Maui, which is brilliantly located if you want to walk to the Wailea Shopping Center, eat and drink at a different resort or stroll up and down the coastline and have a nose around different hotels. You can easily pop over to the Grand Wailea for a bite to eat or even the Wailea Beach Resort by Marriott, which is a little further down the same beach as the Four Seasons Maui.

Four Seasons Maui sits prominently on the shoreline of the lush, luxurious resort community of Wailea. This location has many advantages and, unlike Lanai, is fairly commercial. Traveling as a family, we found that the Wailea shopping mall was handy for picking up snacks to eat during the day, so it was good to have that close by.

On the other hand, Four Seasons Lanai sits on a wild coastline on a largely wild island. You have to take a plane or ferry from one of the other Hawaiian islands to get to Lanai, there are no direct International flights to this island, and the only resort hotels on this island are the two Four Seasons hotels.

But for unadulterated escapism, Four Seasons Lanai has to be your top pick, and I should mention at this time that we are comparing the beach resort of Four Seasons Lanai to Four Seasons Maui and not the hilltop Sensei by Four Seasons, which is a Spa resort without a beach and is a completely different kettle of fish.

What Is The Best Four Seasons Hotel In Hawaii?

What Is The Best Four Seasons Hotel In Hawaii?

Four Seasons has four hotels in Hawaii: Four Seasons Hualalai (on Big Island), Four Seasons Lanai, Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, and the Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina, which is the newest of the four. They are all gorgeous, and they are all pretty expensive. They all feature in our picks of the best Four Seasons hotels in the world. Four Seasons is a particularly outstanding hotel brand, and Four Seasons hotels are usually the best option in any resort area. My reviews of the Four Seasons hotels in Hawaii can be found below.

2. Style & Character

Both Four Seasons Maui and Lanai are some of the best Four Seasons in Hawaii . In Maui, from the outside, the U-shaped, low-rise building that makes up the Four Seasons is quite similar to the other large-scale Hawaiian resorts. However, the interior is refined and luxurious, with an open-air design where halls lead to the open side of the building. From here, you can enjoy ocean breezes and panoramic vistas.

When we arrived, we were greeted by name with leis (how do they do that!). The open-air marble foyer is just stunning and adorned with sweet-smelling flowers. You can smell the luxury when given a tour around this beautiful resort, where the cream hues and intricate marble pillars form a backdrop to the magnificent ocean views.

The large lobby has a glorious open design that brings the tropical outdoors in. Communal areas are also always immaculate, and the staff are always welcoming and often address you by name. Four Seasons Maui also houses hundreds of incredible art pieces by Hawaii-influenced artists throughout the property. As an aside, Four Seasons Maui is featured in many movies and series. it was the setting for HBOs “White Lotus”

The Four Seasons Maui has a wonderful garden stretching to the beach. The entire resort is beautiful. The hotel is built in a U shape around numerous pools and fountains, framed by beautiful Wailea Bay. It reminds me of a giant creamy wedding cake with a frothy fountain filled with white icing. You certainly can’t fault the look of the grounds and will find an array of loungers and pristine white cabanas to choose from for your days lazing.

Four Seasons Lanai greets guests with a huge double-height lounge area that looks out over the pool and beyond to the beach. Inspired by the surrounding landscapes of Lanai, the foyer combines contemporary design elements with traditional Hawaiian motifs to create a sense of timeless luxury.

The space features high ceilings adorned with intricate wooden beams, creating an open, airy atmosphere inviting guests to relax and unwind. Natural materials such as wood, stone, and local artwork add warmth and authenticity to the décor, while plush furnishings and subtle lighting create an inviting and comfortable environment.

Four Seasons Hualalai Vs. Maui

Review: Four Seasons Maui

Review: Four Seasons Maui

Recommended Post In "Reviews"

We have reviewed the best Four Seasons hotels in Hawaii, which includes the stunning Four Seasons Maui in the most exclusive resort on Maui, Wailea. Four Seasons Maui is the most resort-based Four Seasons hotel on the Hawaiian Islands, in the exclusive resort area of Wailea. I reviewed the best way to get deals and special offers at Four Seasons Maui. The key is to book your next Four Seasons stay via our luxury travel concierge, as we can give you free loyalty-style benefits, room upgrades, and perks while matching the rates on the Four Seasons Maui website.

Hotel Review: Four Seasons Hualalai, Hawaii

Hotel Review: Four Seasons Hualalai, Hawaii

We have reviewed the best Four Seasons hotels in Hawaii, which includes the stunning Four Seasons Hualalai on Big Island, Hawaii. It may not be one of the cheapest Four Seasons hotels in the world, but it is definitely one of the best! Four Seasons Hualalai is located on Big Island, Hawaii, the one with the big and active Kilauea volcano, which means that the whole resort is built on the dramatic black rock and that you can take a trip to the live volcano if you like. It's worth bearing in mind that this island is pretty big, so the drive to see the volcano is lengthy if worthwhile.

3. Beach & Pools

The pool complexes at Four Seasons Maui are stunning. While some pools cater to families and kids, an exquisite infinity pool with a bar exclusively for adults offers a serene atmosphere. Guests can enjoy lounging on beach chairs around the pools or on the beach itself, with refreshing spritzers readily available.

The ambiance is relaxed yet luxurious, with some guests sporting elegant accessories like Rolex watches. Three distinct pool areas are available, with the central fountain pool, featuring a picturesque fountain and cabanas, being a favorite among families.

The waterfall pool is not far from the fountain pool and resembles Maui’s natural ponds. It is perfect for families with younger children and has a short slide. Both pool areas offer poolside dining and drinks.

The fountain and waterfall pools can be crowded during school holidays, so there is a third pool area, the serenity pool for adults only. This pool is located one level above the other two pools at the resort’s southernmost edge. It has two hot tubes and four bubble loungers on its side and this infinity pool offers panoramic ocean and beach views and plays underwater music.

You can pay for one of six private luxury cabanas (around $500 USD per day) for a complete splurge. While this might not be the best deal on the island and is certainly not a way to save money, these cabanas offer a great place to relax if your budget will stretch that far.

This resort is also right on a beautiful beach in Wailea, which is also kitted out with luxury padded loungers and Four Seasons service. This is probably the best place to lounge under an umbrella, and paddling along the shoreline on this beach is a dream.

The Four Seasons Lanai pool is tropical and freeform in design. It’s super pretty, although it lacks the segregated adults and kids areas you will find at Four Seasons Maui.

The pools are better at Four Seasons Maui, but the secluded, peaceful, and empty beach is pretty unmatched at Four Seasons Lanai. It is something to be marveled at and a reason to choose the Lanai property. When we stayed at Four Seasons Lani, we watched dolphins jumping out of the water from the shoreline.

All the Four Seasons Maui rooms here are similarly good size (600 sq.ft.) and have the signature Four Seasons bathroom and a large balcony. The view is the deal-breaker here. The cheapest rooms are the rooms with Mountain views. These rooms are the same size and quality as the Garden View rooms. Mountain view rooms are outside the U, overlooking the car park and mountains behind.

The Garden view rooms in Maui sit towards the back of the inside of the U with very distant sea views. Your lanai (large balcony) looks over the garden in these rooms. The Partial ocean rooms and Ocean view rooms are also identical. The rooms and their beautiful lanai are virtually identical. It is the view that varies, and you pay more for a better view.

It’s worth mentioning that even the cheapest room at the Four Seasons Maui is a great room. You are facing the wrong way so you won’t hear the crashing waves as you fall asleep, but I’m sure you will have a similarly great holiday, whichever room you choose. If you book via our concierge, we can bump you up a room level for free, subject to availability (and we offer other free benefits!). My main tip is to ask for a high floor for better views.

Rooms at Four Seasons Lanai reflect the unique character of Lanai, featuring elegant furnishings, wooden flooring, and breathtaking views of the ocean, gardens, or mountains from each room’s balcony. The spacious interiors are adorned with soothing neutral tones, rich wood accents, and Hawaiian-inspired artwork. Plush bedding, sumptuous linens, and thoughtful touches such as Nespresso coffee machines and luxurious bath amenities.

The last time we stayed here we booked a Garden view room, and we received a complimentary upgrade to a Partial Ocean View room that was to the side of the property and had views over a valley and the distant sea. If you book your stay via our luxury travel concierge you will get a prioritized room upgrade, breakfast for two and more when you stay.

In retrospect, I think we should have booked the Partial Ocean view room to get the chance of an upgrade to an Ocean view room. Ocean front rooms are the best here, and they are really close to the ocean. Our Partial Ocean room had beautiful views but was set back from the ocean, so you could not hear it at night, we were too far away.

5. The Club Floor

One particularly attractive feature of the Four Seasons Maui is that the property allows guests who book into a Club room or Club suite to enjoy complimentary access to the hotel’s exclusive Club Floor Lounge. Four Seasons Lanai doesn’t have a club lounge. This is probably the best club lounge in Hawaii .

The ‘hotel within the hotel,’ Club Floor in Maui, has its own concierge team solely dedicated to the 26 rooms and suites on the top level. Here, guests enjoy complimentary all-day refreshments, a full-service bar, and other appealing extras. Once you have entered the Club Lounge, everything is free, which may actually bring down the cost of your vacation.

Club floors often offer the best possible deal because, although the initial price is higher, you do not need to pay resort rates for food and drinks, which can save you hundreds of dollars daily.

There is no club lounge or floor at Four Seasons Lanai.

Best Hotel Executive Club Lounge In Hawaii

Best Hotel Executive Club Lounge In Hawaii

Which hotels in Hawaii offer the best executive club level lounges? We review lounges across Oahu, including Waikiki, Maui, Kaanapali, Kapalua, Wailea, Kauai, Poipu, and Hanalei, and the Big Island's picturesque Kona-Kohala coast. I have compiled a list below containing the best club lounges available across the best luxury hotels in Hawaii. I list the ones I consider to be the best at the top. I review each of these hotel club lounges in detail so you know what you will get if you book a room with club lounge access.

6. Food & Drink

The best restaurant at Four Seasons Maui is Master Chef Wolfgang Puck’s Hawaiian outpost (a Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond restaurant). You can sit down to a fusion of Hawaiian and California cuisine paired with panoramic ocean views. I recommend booking this restaurant before your stay. Our concierge team can connect you to the concierge at Four Seasons Maui to do this, as it can be fully booked.

I also particularly like Ferraro’s Bar E Ristorante, which is alfresco, and right on the waterfront. This is Wailea’s only oceanfront restaurant, and you can dine under the stars, perfect for special occasions. Savor contemporary Italian dishes featuring fresh Maui ingredients and artisan pizzas from the wood-burning oven.

There are also more bars and eateries, including the poolside restaurant, to keep you topped up wherever you are in the resort.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai offers an exquisite dining experience with various bars and restaurants that showcase the island’s culinary diversity and rich flavors. One standout venue is Nobu Lanai, a world-renowned restaurant offering innovative Japanese cuisine infused with local ingredients, served in a stunning ocean view setting with an alfresco bar where you can drink under the stars.

Guests can indulge in signature dishes such as Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Jalapeño while enjoying panoramic views of Hulopoe Bay. For a more casual dining experience, One Forty features an open-air terrace overlooking the resort’s lush gardens and offers a menu highlighting prime cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and locally sourced produce.

The Sports Bar provides a laid-back atmosphere for guests to unwind with handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, and casual fare while catching the latest sports games on large-screen TVs. Meanwhile, Malibu Farm offers a farm-to-table dining experience with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients and California-inspired cuisine, served in a relaxed beachfront setting.

Both resorts offer exceptional dining experiences, each reflecting the unique culinary heritage and ambiance of their respective locations. The vibe is more hectic and busy in Maui and many of the guests in the restaurants come in from other resorts. In Lanai the restaurants are more peaceful, and pretty much everyone who eats there is also staying at this exclusive resort.

Golf enthusiasts visiting Four Seasons Maui and Four Seasons Lanai are treated to world-class golfing experiences amidst stunning Hawaiian landscapes. Four Seasons Maui boasts the Wailea Golf Club, featuring three championship courses renowned for their picturesque ocean views and challenging layouts, catering to players of all skill levels.

Meanwhile, Four Seasons Lanai offers the acclaimed Manele Golf Course, set atop rugged cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, providing a challenging yet breathtaking golfing experience. Crucially the Manele Golf Course is a short walk from the hotel so is incredibly convenient. Each course showcases the unique beauty of its respective island, promising unforgettable rounds for golfers seeking both recreation and natural splendor.

The best time to visit Maui is in Hawaii’s off-season when the rates are cheaper, and the islands are less crowded. Ideally, travel is spring (April to June) and fall (September to November, excluding Thanksgiving).

Winter in Hawaii can be slightly cloudier and wetter from December to March, but it is a popular time to travel simply because the rest of the Northern Hemisphere is so miserable and cold. If you stay in Wailea on Maui, you have the most chance of sunshine as Wailea is on the sunniest coastline on Maui.

Pricing is reduced at all the hotels in the lower season. November and early December often offer the cheapest time of year to visit. I reviewed the best way to get deals and special offers at Four Seasons Maui . The key is to book your next Four Seasons stay via our luxury travel concierge , as we can give you free loyalty-style benefits, room upgrades, and perks while matching the rates on the Four Seasons Maui website.

When comparing pricing, both hotels are similarly priced. If you find a date when one of these hotels is much cheaper than the other, I’d snap it up, as they are both great.

9. Resort Fee

Neither Four Seasons charges a resort fee, unlike some other nickel-and-diming resorts across these islands.

10. Conclusion

Four Seasons Maui offers a vibrant atmosphere with ample water sports, dining, and entertainment opportunities. Four Seasons Lanai provides a morerene experience. It feels more exclusive and peaceful and is perfect for most, but it lacks the party vibe if yo secluded and seu are traveling with teenagers (which is a plus for most of us!).

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6 of the Best Islands To Visit in Hawaii

H awaii is home to some of the most sought-after tropical waters in the world. The islands of Hawaii have lush rainforests, world-class beaches, and stunning volcanoes that attract millions of visitors every year . Marked by clear turquoise waters and vibrant green mountains, these islands provide picturesque views that are unparalleled.   

Along with the many environmental attractions and attributes of Hawaii, its culture is one of the most incredible features that travelers can experience. The Aloha Spirit, which many travelers get to experience as soon as they land, is a significant aspect of Hawaiian culture derived from Polynesian heritage. The term comes from the greeting “aloha,” which means the coordination of both the mind and heart (or compassion and harmony with mankind). This spirit exists across each of the islands of Hawaii. 

Hawaii’s many different islands offer unique features and gorgeous views. Travelers can have many different types of vacations, depending on their preferred island. While there are a total of eight main Hawaiian islands, only some of them are accessible to visitors. Check out these six Hawaiian islands that are the best to visit; whether a bustling tropical paradise or secluded getaway sounds ideal. 

Popular Tourist Islands 

These islands are tourist hot spots and provide convenient central locations. These locations come with top-notch hotels, delicious food spots, and metropolitan cities close to the water. The islands are a must-see for travelers aiming to get acquainted with the city and locals.  

The Big Island

The Big Island is full of hiking trails and beautiful parks and is known for its size. In fact, it has plenty of space for visitors with varying interests since it is the largest island in the United States (with over four thousand square miles of land). Beaches are one of the most beautiful spots to visit on the Big Island and a place for visitors to lounge, sunbathe, and have fun. A highly favored white sand beach is Mauna Kea, which is a half-mile long and extremely family-friendly. Mauna Kea is also the name of the nearby dormant volcano that is the world’s tallest mountain from (base to the summit), not to be confused with Mt. Everest (which is the tallest above sea level).

There are volcano sightseeing tours, stingray snorkel tours, and ship excursions on the Big Island. These activities, along with hiking, are the most popular. The Pololū Valley Trail is considered one of the most beautiful big island hikes since its overlook provides panoramic views of the nearby black sand beach. 

The best time to visit Hawaii’s big island is between September and November. This is technically due to the price changes for rooms, which change because of lower volumes of visitors. Since Hawaii has generally consistent weather, there is not too much to be worried about in terms of sunshine. Hawaii’s temperatures usually range from the 70s to the 80s. Surfers may want to visit between December and March, although this time period is when prices surge.

The island is beloved for its glorious coasts and unique experiences . Haleakala National Park has Maui’s highest peak, Haleakala, which is the largest dormant volcano in the world. Many visitors opt to book sunrise and sunset tours at the Haleakala National Park, which must be booked well ahead of time since they are so popular. There is even an adults only luxury resort in Maui. This island may be an ideal option for travelers who want to prioritize romance or quiet environments. 

Blue Hawaiian helicopter tours are another popular excursion that travelers can book to explore the island. With a helicopter tour of the island, travelers can get an aerial view of all the mountainsides and the scenic views of Maui. 

Travelers should visit Maui during the shoulder season, that is, during spring or fall. In spring (between April and May) and fall (from September and November), visitors can experience moderate weather while also avoiding the higher prices and crowds that visit during summer and winter. 

Oahu is well known since it is the site of Pearl Harbor and has one of the best shores for surfing. The tourism industry is thriving in Oahu, reflected in the quality of amenities and experiences it offers.  

Some of the most exciting things to do in Oahu include nature and historical landmarks. In fact, some of the most popular sights of Oahu are unique nature sites like China Walls or Electric Beach , which seem to exist miraculously. Of course, there are also historical sites that can be traced back to distinct events. There are Pearl Harbor tours that visit the museum, memorial and visitor’s center to provide more in-depth information regarding the events of Pearl Harbor. Many of these tours depart from Waikiki, which is a popular district of the city of Honolulu , Oahu.

Between April and June and September and December, attractions are less crowded, temperatures are moderate, and prices for travel decrease. The shoulder season is the best time to visit since the summer and surfing season crowds have not hit yet. 

Secluded Islands 

These islands of Hawaii are great options for those who want to reconnect with nature and have a sense of solitude. With more sprawling land than people, these locations will surely be the fix that tropical travelers need. 

Molokai 

Molokai is one of the four islands within Maui County and is one of the least visited of the major Hawaiian islands. The island is only 38 miles long and has a proudly undeveloped coastline. Molokai provides an off-the-beaten path and small-town feel, so large-scale tourism will not be found here. People planning to visit Molokai must be cognizant of the island’s people and resources since environmental and cultural preservation are local concerns. 

Molokai is a great place to have a relaxed and slow-going trip. Since the island is not commercially developed, there is a lot of wilderness. Enjoying the surrounding nature and the Aloha Spirit is the best way to spend time on Molokai. The most popular attractions are the Kalaupapa National Historical Park and Pāpōhaku Beach Park. The remote northern national park is a place of education and preservation and is actually only accessible by a mule ride, hiking tour or a small airplane. Pāpōhaku Beach Park (or three mile beach) has campsites, showers, and picnic facilities. Visitors will find that there is an abundance of space at the site since it is one of the longest white-sand beaches in Hawaii. 

The best time to visit Molokai is during the dry season when there are moderate temperatures and less rain. Between April and June, visitors can expect temperatures between the high 70s and 80s. Generally, since Molokai has no crowds, travelers will not have trouble visiting the island throughout the year. 

Kauai is the northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain and is known as the garden island since it is covered by tropical rainforest. The island also has breathtaking cliffs on the sea and beautiful flora and fauna. This destination has plenty of natural beauty and is a tropical paradise welcoming smaller towns like Waimea.

Travelers who love adrenaline-surging activities will appreciate the expanded possibilities that a less populated island provides. Travelers of Kauai enjoy things like exciting zipline journeys through the jungle, ATV backroads tours or kayaking trips on the Wailua River.

Visiting Kauai is better during non-peak seasons even though there is not a high volume of visitors compared to trendy tourist islands. Between September and December or April to June, there are lower prices on excursions and local accommodations . 

Lanai offers a luxury and remote experience that many romantics enjoy. Lanai has a historic town named Lanai City with small restaurants and shops for travelers to explore. The city is technically more like a small village since the community is so small. This island is a popular day trip destination, allowing tourists to experience authentic island living. 

Although the island is mainly uninhabited, there is plenty for visitors to see. There are unique sites to see on Lanai, including a well-known shipwreck at Shipwreck Beach (or Kaiolohia) that travelers go to see often. The 1940s shipwreck is a testament to how Hawaii’s windy and rocky beaches can be dangerous. Even though the beach has incredible views, visitors are not advised to swim there. 

The best time to visit Lanai is between June and November since those months are the warmest and driest months. Lanai is a secluded island, so travelers do not have to be concerned with crowds and can spend their time relaxing.

Learn about the best islands to visit in Hawaii. Pictured: A Hawaii black sand beach with a forest of palm trees

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2024 Day trips to Maui from Kauai? - Kauai Forum

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lanai tours from maui

This Fall 2024 I have nice stay planned on Kauai and wanted to take a Day or two day? trip to Maui. Any suggestions? Tour Companies, etc.?? Or do I have to plan the Plane and a Maui airport pickup/drop off on my own?? A night over is possible if not terribly pricy. I have not yet seen Maui and Island tour would be great .... Thanks !!!

4 replies to this topic

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Oahu is the only island I'd visit for fewer than three nights, and then only if I were connecting through it and sticking around the Honolulu area.

lanai tours from maui

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lanai tours from maui

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lanai tours from maui

  • ATV Tours & Off-Road Adventures (2)
  • Zipline Adventures (5)
  • Lanai Off-Road Adventures (1)
  • Haleakala Stargazing Tours (1)
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Lanai Off-Road Adventures

Hawaii Activities has the best Lanai off-road adventures and Jeep Rentals. Book early as they sell out quickly!

What type of vehicles do they use on Lanai off-road tours?

• Lanai Jeep Rental - Rent a Jeep Wrangler 4x4 to explore Lanai’s rugged off road terrain.

• Lanai Guided Trekker Tour - This guided island tour utilizes a 4x4 SUV.

How can I get ferry tickets to go to Lanai?

The round-trip ferry ticket from Lahaina to Lanai is already included on the price of both tours.

How far in advance should I book the tour?

Lanai Jeep Rental is a very popular activity, we recommend making your reservation at least 3-4 weeks in advance. For the Lanai Guided Trekker Tour, we recommend booking the tour at least 2 weeks in advance. Please call us at 808-690-9990 to check last minute availability.

What places can I visit on my Lanai Off-Road Guided Trekker Tour?

Visit famous Lanai landmarks like Lanai City, Shipwreck Beach, and Garden of the Gods. Experience the beauty of the Pineapple Island with an expert guide on the Lani Trekker Tour. You can also set your own itinerary and explore the island on your own with a Lanai Jeep Rental.

1. Shipwreck Beach (Kaiolohia) and Petroglyph Trail: 30 minutes from Lanai City, this stretch of beach is infamous for the numerous ships that have wrecked along its shallow channel. There is even the hull of an oil tanker that beached here back in the 1940s. Just beyond the Shipwreck Beach sign is the beginning of the trail leading to the site of ancient petroglyphs.

2. Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo): Located 45 minutes north of Lanai City, this area of north Lanai features a unique and almost Mars-like landscape of rocks and boulders of all sizes. On clear days, you can see Maui, Molokai, and Oahu for some of the most overwhelmingly stunning views in Hawaii.

3. Polihua Beach: Approximately one hour north of Lanai City is one of the most secluded and pristine beaches that you can visit in Hawaii. The 4x4 trail to the beach is very fun to drive and offers many exceptional views along the way. Although it is beautiful, it is highly recommended to stay out of the water here. Strong currents and deep water very close to the shore give the illusion of tranquility where the danger of the swift currents is hidden beneath the surface.

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Latest reviews of Lanai Off-Road Adventures

The best of lanai.

The trip was excellent. Parking at the Maalea harbor dock is a pain. In the future tell your clients to get the ParkWhiz app on their phone You can pay for close up parking on this app. The code reader at the dock is cr ... more appy. Our Lanai on site guide, Russ was a wealth of information and had as much fun with us and the other couple as we did with him and the tour. A nice day was had by all.

Lanai guided 4x4 sightseeing SUV tour

Russ is an excellent guide, knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating.

Wonderful Day in Lanai

A fantastic day trip providing lots of background on the island and an opportunity to view most of it. Russ is a great tour guide and made certain we had a great time. He also provided some recommendations for our aftern ... more oon at the beach. I absolutely recommend this tour to anyone looking to get the most out of a day trip to Lanai.

4X4 SUB Tracking.

Wes was wonderful in anticipating our needs (we are old!) and made our experience unforgettable. It was everything we hoped for and beyond. We highly recommend this activity to anyone visiting Lana'i

We had fun exploring an island not usually on a tourists itinerary.

Clive, our guide/driver was fantastic! So much information about Lanai and Hawaiian culture. Was great to see this island before it gets too developed. The beach was lovely and so not crowded with gorgeous views!

Easy way to see Lana'i

The early morning ferry was a smooth ride to the island. We were met by our guide, Russ, for the half day tour and along with another couple made our way into town to pick up a light breakfast at the local coffee spot. W ... more e stopped at Garden of the Gods which is like being on a whole different planet. The views were outstanding! The red dirt road out the GoG is rough and we were glad to have someone who was familiar with the area driving. We went on to see Shipwreck Beach. Again the dirt roads out to the beach were rough and even the Jeep tours from the Four Seasons were going at a snails pace while we manuvered our way around then. We parked in an area just shy of Shipwreck Beach where our guide's family had once had land, where some of the buildings still stand and walked the quiet beach strewn with old lava flows and had a good view of the wreck. Russ showed us how to tell if a coconut washed up on the beach was still good or waterlogged and even opened one up for us...it was a little old but still delicious. The drive through town was short and sweet...there's not a lot of town to see...and he dropped us off to explore the area. We, unfortunately didn't make it up to the Cat Sanctuary but we did hire a shuttle (he called and made the arrangements for pick up, $10/person) and went to Hulopoe Beach for the rest of the day. While at the beach I recommend following the beach to the east and checking out the many tidepools then walk just a short distance to see Sweetheart Rock. The walk back to the harbor is only about 10-15 minutes but get there early to get a good seat on the top deck. The ferry ride back was a little rougher compared to the morning. It was a great day and Lana'i, at least to me, is a must do because of the super chill vibe and aloha compared to any of the other islands.

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lanai tours from maui

IMAGES

  1. 11 Incredible Lana'i Snorkeling Tours from Maui (2023)

    lanai tours from maui

  2. Trilogy Maui Discover Lanai Tours from Maui (2023)

    lanai tours from maui

  3. Trilogy Maui Discover Lanai Tours from Maui (2023)

    lanai tours from maui

  4. Lanai Landing Dolphin Adventure

    lanai tours from maui

  5. Maui: Half-Day Lanai Snorkeling Adventure from Lahaina in Hawaii

    lanai tours from maui

  6. Making the Most of a Lanai Day Trip from Maui

    lanai tours from maui

VIDEO

  1. Lani Kai Beach in Kailua Hawaii

COMMENTS

  1. Maui to Lanai Day Trips

    Te Au Moana Luau with Dinner, Fire Knife Show & Open Bar at Wailea Marriott Maui. From USD 265.00. (48) 8. Expeditions - Maui to Lanai Ferry Boat Shuttle from Maalaea Harbor & Manele Bay. USD 30.00. (150) 9. Maui Nui Sunset Luau on Kaanapali Beach with Open Bar at Sheraton Resort.

  2. Lanai Island Guided 4x4 SUV Sightseeing Trekker Tour with Maui to Lanai

    Ferry-Boat information Expeditions: A 38 foot powerboat, white with "Expeditions" in red letters on its side.Coast Guard approved for 36 passengers, with a maximum of 24 covered seats. Expeditions Four: A 65 foot power catamaran, light gray with "Lahaina-Lana'i Ferry" in yellow letters on side.Coast Guard approved for 149 passengers, with a maximum of 120 covered seats.

  3. THE 5 BEST Lanai Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    Traveler rating. 1. Lanai Snorkel and Dolphin Watch from Maalaea. 2. From Ma'alaea: Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Encounter on Quicksilver. 3. Lanai Deluxe Dolphin Adventure & 3 Snorkel Sites. 4. Private Air Tour 5 Islands of Maui for up to 3 people See it All.

  4. Expeditions

    Go on board the Lanai Ferry and conveniently make your way between Maalaea Harbor on Maui, and Manele Harbor on Lanai. Sit on the open top deck or relax in the air conditioned cabin as you cross the Auau Channel on the way to your island destination. ... Maui to Lanai Day Trips other tours and activities . Lanai Island Guided 4x4 SUV ...

  5. Visit Lanai with Trilogy

    2605 Kaanapali Pkwy. Lahaina, HI 96761. Parking is available at Sheraton Maui Resort parking structure. The Parking fee is $15 with Trilogy validation. Please bring your parking ticket to your check-in so a Crew can stamp your pass.***.

  6. Day Trip to Lanai Itinerary

    Getting from Maui to the alluring shores of Lanai is a breeze, thanks to two primary transportation options: the ferry and flights. The ferry ride offers a scenic voyage across the Auau Channel, allowing you to soak in panoramic ocean views and increasing your chances of spotting magnificent humpback whales during the whale-watching season.

  7. Lanai Island Snorkeling Tour from Maui 2024

    Head to the neighboring Hawaiian island of Lanai on this snorkeling tour from Maui's Kaanapali Beach. With a guide, you'll cruise across the sea by boat to reach the coastline of Lanai, where you can hop in the water to explore with provided snorkeling equipment. Breakfast and lunch are included.

  8. Trilogy Maui Discover Lanai Tours from Maui

    Overview of the Discover Lanai Tour. The Discover Lanai Tour is an 8-hour excursion departing from Lahaina Harbor. There are two departure times; 6:30 AM and 10:30 AM. We opted for the 6:30 AM tour because we heard that the waters can be more calm and less risk of seasickness. I also wanted to see the sunrise!

  9. 20 Best Lanai Island Day Trips & Tours from Maui

    A private chartered guided tour to Lanai Island will set you back US$6,500 for 15 guests. Onboard you will be able to enjoy facilities such as private showers and underwater sea scooters! A diving trip to Lanai Island from Maui starts from US$200, and the price changes depending on specifics like a two-tank trip.

  10. Planning an Amazing Maui to Lanai Day Trip!

    If you are a guest of the Four Seasons, Lanai Air is also an option - at $500 one-way for two people. If visiting in the winter months of November through March, keep an eye out for humpback whales since they are usually in the water between Maui and Lanai. You may even see spinner dolphins and other marine life, too!

  11. Welcome to Trilogy Excursions

    Family-owned and operated, Sail First Class with Trilogy. Premium Maui Snorkeling Tours, Sunset Sails, Whale Watches and Private Charters. ... we experienced one of the best days ever on our Trilogy tour to Lanai. Wow! - Coronado Gaggle on . Great food, superb service and the crew ROCKS and so does the boat on the way back. OMG, it was the BEST ...

  12. Maui Lanai Dolphins

    Our Rate: $182.00 per Adult, $182.00 per Child (5-12) (plus 4.712% Hawaii sales tax) The Full-day adventure typically circumnavigates the entire island of Lanai and is available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Trip Length: 7-8 hours, depending on ocean conditions. Ocean Riders Half-day Lanai Adventure Rate.

  13. 11 Incredible Lana'i Snorkeling Tours from Maui (2023)

    Lana'i Coast Maui Sail and Snorkel Trip. Another one of the Lana'i snorkel tours setting sail from Lahaina is this 4.5-hour tour from Sail Maui. Enjoy both a breakfast and a deli lunch as you go to and from Lana'i on their new catamaran. Along your journey, you might see some spinner dolphins playing around in the water.

  14. West Maui or Lanai Snorkeling and Sailing Tour (Save 10%!)

    West Maui Lanai Snorkeling Tour Details. Head out from Ma'alaea Harbor at 10:00 am any day of the week for just over 5 hours of sailing and snorkeling. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or humpback whales ( seasonally) as you set out to the snorkel spots of the day! The first choice for snorkeling is heading to the coast of Lana'i.

  15. Discover Lanai Day Trip from Maui, Hulopoe Bay Snorkeling & Sweetheart

    Experience the best one-day Hawaii tour from Maui to Lanai, featuring snorkeling at Hulopoe Beach, a leisurely hike to Sweetheart Rock, swimming in tide pools, and a delightful breakfast and lunch with drinks included. A perfect island gateway! View details. Journey to the "Pineapple Island" of Lanai with the knowledgeable and friendly crew of ...

  16. Trilogy Discover Lanai from Maui Tour: Sailing, Snorkeling, Food & Fun

    Check-in at 9:30 am. Depart 10:00am. Return at 7:00 pm (This is the Sunset Tour) Check-in 30 minutes prior to activity start time. Total Duration: 7 hours. Maui Tickets For Less Cancelation Policy: A 72 hours notice is required for a refund. Only exception is a note from a local doctor. No-shows" will be charged full.

  17. Expeditions

    Lahaina Relief Donations Kindly consider making a donation to support our dedicated employees who were severely impacted by the fires. They help keep our ferry running. DONATE HERE An update to the people of Lana'i and Maui and to our

  18. Lanai Snorkeling & Dolphin Encounter

    Quick Details. Paid Parking: ALL QUICKSILVER PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED TO PARK AT MAUI HARBOR SHOPS / MAUI OCEAN CENTER LOCATED AT: 300 Ma'alaea Road, Wailuku, HI 96793. Tour Not Available?: If your dates aren't available online, please contact us at 808-442-3267.

  19. Maui's most exciting Lanai snorkeling tours

    This Maui snorkeling trip does not allow for guests with back injuries, neck injuries, or pregnant ladies. Must be 4yrs+ and able to swim. Our Maui Snorkeling Tours and Dolphin Watch depart from Mala Boat Ramp, 1229 Front Street Lahaina, Hawaii 96761 in Maui! Meet us there half hour before your snorkel tour!

  20. Maui Ocean Riders

    Maui Ocean Riders is ranked as a top Lana'i Attraction by TripAdvisor.com. Enjoy a full day Lana'i snorkel tour adventure! Traveling all the way around the island of Lana'i, we make three different snorkel stops and a remote beach landing. Book your full day or half day at sea online with a Lana'i snorkel tour.

  21. Lanai Snorkeling Tours from Maui

    The island of Lanai, also known as the Pineapple Isle for its plantation history, is surrounded by beautiful coastline that's rarely visited. Just a short boat ride from Maui will take you there to snorkel among the beautiful coral and fish that live in Lanai's sheltered waters. It's also a popular place for scuba divers, as the area features various underwater attractions such as lava ...

  22. Lanai Snorkeling Tours from Maui, Hawaii: Discount Snorkel Trip

    Maui Activities: Departing Lahaina, Lanai Snorkeling Tours from Maui, Maui Water Activities & Ocean Sports, Whale Watching Maui. $149.95 $163.30. per adult. see more. Ocean Riders - Circumnavigate Lanai. by Ocean Riders. Snorkeling off the coast of Lanai is now even more fun on a raft with Maui Ocean Riders.

  23. Lana'i Snorkeling Tour

    Sail Maui is proud to offer a destination snorkel sail to the exclusive island of Lana'i. Join us on our newest vessel 'Alihilani to discover why the island has been named one of the TOP 10 snorkel destinations in the world. Once known as the pineapple island, Lana'i is now famous for remote tropical beaches and tide pools, pristine reefs ...

  24. Four Seasons Maui Vs. Lanai. Which Is Best?

    Four Seasons Maui is one of the most resort-based Four Seasons hotels on the Hawaiian Islands. It is set within the exclusive resort area of Wailea. The hotel is just down the coast from Fairmont Kea Lani, Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, and the Wailea Beach Hotel by Marriott. The Andaz is a little further away but also located in Wailea.

  25. 6 of the Best Islands To Visit in Hawaii

    Lanai offers a luxury and remote experience that many romantics enjoy. Lanai has a historic town named Lanai City with small restaurants and shops for travelers to explore.

  26. Kauai Forum

    Lanai Villas Apr 20, 2024; How much better is Koloa Landing than Royal Sonesta? Apr 20, 2024; Captain Andy's sunset Nepali coast tour Apr 20, 2024; ... Take a food tour across Oahu, bike around Maui, and practice yoga on the beach in Kauai. By Laura Begley Bloom. 5 perfect days in Kauai.

  27. Lanai Off-Road Adventures

    Lanai is a secluded Hawaiian island located across from Maui, only a 45-minute ferry ride from Lahaina. One of the top things to do in Maui is to visit Lanai for the day. With only 30 miles of paved roads, most of Lanai's natural wonders can only be reached with a 4-wheel drive. The most popular way to visit Lanai's attractions is taking a guided off-road sightseeing tour or rent a 4x4 ...