Lanai: Getting There and Getting Around

Getting There
You can get to Lanai via an inter-island flight from one of the other Hawaiian islands. There is no service from the North American mainland or from Asia. While many visitors arrive by air, at least as many people get to Lanai via a shuttle boat from Maui. Regularly scheduled shuttles depart from Lahaina (on the western side of Maui) throughout the day.

Several companies provide ferry service between Maui and Lanai. We have had good luck with Expeditions, which runs five round trip shuttles each day. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs about $25 one way. If you make the trip during peak whale-spotting season (November through April), you may spot some whales, as we did, on our most recent crossing from Maui. We recommend that you sit inside the boat because you will get VERY wet if you sit on the upper floor, which is not covered. Call for departure times and reservations (recommended) at 808-661-3756.

There are no services at the Manele Bay Harbor, so you need to call ahead to make arrangements to be picked up. If you are staying at one of the hotels on Lanai, a hotel shuttle will pick you up. Same thing for the car rental company – one of their staffers will pick you up at the harbor and drive you to the car rental office, which is a 15 minute drive up into the hills in Lanai City.

Getting Around
Lanai is not an island that can be easily explored on foot. Although the island is quite small, few of the sights are within easy walking distance of the airport or the docking point at Manele Bay Harbor. Moreover, the steep hills will slow you down considerably if you are getting around by foot.

If you try to rent a car on Lanai, you will see why monopolies were outlawed in the United States. There is only one rental company represented on Lanai, and they charge you for the exclusivity: four-wheel-drive jeeps go for about $120 per day. Vehicles that can be driven only on paved roads go for about $60 per day. To rent a car on Lanai, call the Lanai Dollar-Rent-A-Car office at 808-565-7087 or e-mail the manager at ravee@aloha.net

"Damage" is one of the reasons for the high rental cost, since many renters return their jeeps in multiple parts. The jeeps also come back pretty dirty, although you will be charged a clean-up fee if they are outrageously muddy. On the other hand, a little mud won’t hurt anyone, and we would definitely say that you did something wrong if you return your jeep without some mud on it (see our article on four-wheeling on Lanai).

Insurance, or the lack thereof, is another issue you need to be aware of. Dollar does not offer any insurance options on their jeeps – no one will underwrite it. You may be covered by the collision insurance associated with your credit card, so read up on the coverage before you leave for Hawaii. Keep in mind that your coverage is likely to be voided if you operate the jeep in violation of the rental agreement, such as driving on roads that are off-limits even to four-wheel vehicles.

BOOK AN ACTIVITY
Make the most of your time in the islands by booking your vacation activities now! Click here to get tickets to tours, attractions and hundreds of other Hawaii activities. Or check out this collection of once-in-a-lifetime vacation experiences, including skydiving, helicopter rides, hot air ballooning and much more.

QUICK CLICKS
Cheap Tickets has some of the greatest travel deals on the web. Just click. You're there.
Hotwire Hot-Fares are airfare deals you won't find anywhere else - up to 50% off.
Luggage Online carries top brands in luggage, briefcases and travel accessories at great prices.

Site Directory: