Lanai Day Trip

Calling all Lanai Daytrip Experts:

I am looking at the Trilogy trip to Lanai that includes a van tour of the island. I am wondering . . . . it sounds like alot of the island is 4 wheel drive roads only. If so, does the van tour not really show you that much of the island?

If we rented a jeep ourselves, would we see alot more of the island, or is the van tour fairly comprehensive?

Is there anyone who has done this trip both ways? What are the major differences ??

Thanks so much !!

Dinky

Lanai Day Trip

Hi Dinky ~

I would recommend renting a jeep on your own from Adventure Lana%26#39;i Ecocentre (808.565-7373; info@adventurelanai.com). I%26#39;m not sure where the van tour would take you, but being with a group would restrict you if you wanted to stay longer at one sight or go somewhere really remote. For example, when we went to Lopa Beach, we watched the turtles feed for hours. You might not be able to do that on scheduled tour.

If you take the ferry over, the jeep will be waiting for you in the parking lot or Michelle will meet you at the dock. Then, you can venture out on your own. Later in the afternoon, come back to Hulopo%26#39;e Beach for some fantastic snorkeling before the ferry leaves.

After you see Lana%26#39;i, you%26#39;ll want to come back for more than a day trip!

Lanai Day Trip

Thanks NatureCat

I do like the idea of being on our own, but how is the ferry ride over? From all the stuff I have read, it is nowhere near as nice as the Paragon or Trilogy boats. I guess I would like the best of both worlds . . . HA ! I want the nicer boat to get over there, but then to be able to be on my own, with our our jeep.

Anybody else have any input?

I used the exact same group that NatureKitty did and it was great...Can%26#39;t add much to that excellent post of NK%26#39;s. I went all over Lanai, hung out in Lanai City, snorkeled, and even went on the Monro trail. (Me and no one else there all day long I don%26#39;t think...maybe one jeep sometime earlier...should have gone earlier...got cloudy and messy)

Only regret: Just a ONE day trip to Lanai :)

Forgive me for calling you NatureKitty please, old dear NatureCat! Sorry

Hey! NatureCat is still pretty young!

Dinky,

The Expeditions Ferry is mainly a commuter ferry. So, it%26#39;s not fancy, but it is certainly nice enough for a ride to/from Lana%26#39;i. There is usually plenty of seating (if you don%26#39;t go during the holidays). Reservations are recommended, just in case. On Monday morning, we sat up on the top deck and at one point I stood near the railing (holding on tightly!) so I could get a closer look at the whales spouting in the distance. It seemed perfectly fine to me.

There are a handful of spots in Lana%26#39;i City to grab lunch (Cafe 565, Blue Ginger, Canoe%26#39;s) or take a picnic from Pele%26#39;s Other Garden and then you can go, go, go!

Thanks for the advice guys. I will have to decide soon because we are going in about 3 weeks !!! WOOHOO ! Will post a report on whichever route we ultimately decide on.

We did the Trilogy sunset tour last year and it was AWESOME...yes we took the bus tour after snorkeling/swimming, did not drive ourselves. But that was also fun..having grown up in a small town in Idaho, I could relate, Lana%26#39;i is really a micro/culture and it was great to learn about it! That said, we are are more into culture and history than beaches.

BTW...great people and great food! It was a wonderful trip. I suggest you do it.

Yes Caddy, the famous pink speedo. I%26#39;ve read so much about it! I will know how to recognize you if you make it back to Hulopo%26#39;e Beach one of these days.

Aloha Dinkydi,

NatureCat, as always, gave great advice. I think your decision hinges on what you are looking for from the visit to Lana%26#39;i. If your are looking for a guided tour, a sail boat ride, food privided by Trilogy, and snorkeling with the equipment supplied by Trilogy, then going with them would be best. I think the van just takes you on the paved roads. So you will see the town, the resorts, and probably views up the coast from the big boat harbor.

If you want to see the best parts of the island (only accessible with a 4x4), explore the island on your own time, eat at fun places in town and/or at FS Manele Bay overlooking the ocean, snorkel on your own, take the comfortable ferry ride, and save some money in the long run, then go that route.

You can see my preferences showing through. Adventure Lana%26#39;i Ecocentre (www.adventurelanai.com) will also supply you with snorkel equipment with your Jeep if you ask, or you can bring snorkel gear with you from Maui if you have already rented it for the week.

Lana%26#39;i has a lot to offer, and you can check this link to TA%26#39;s inside page on things to do on Lana%26#39;i. It is more geared to longer stays, but it has plenty for day trip visitors too:

tripadvisor.com/Travel-g29219-c2257/Lanai:Ha…

Have a great visit to my favorite island!

-DrV