Lanai Snorkeling
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 and the beaches on this island are down right deserted. The area around the Manele Bay hotel is particularly beautiful, with uncrowded beaches, fascinating tidepools, great snorkeling, red seacliffs, and lots of sun. 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!
Kevin's Activity Tips:
A Lanai Snorkeling 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 "no" Snorkel tours ar enot permitted to drop people in the water where dolphins are swimming … they are protected marine mammals. 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 swim swim on both sides of the bow of the boat just a few feet away from you.
Snorkel trips to Lanai stopped operating immediately after the Lahaina Fire in August of 2023. The downtown Lahaina Harbor was completely destroyed, as were most of the vessels docked there. Makai Adventures has replaced their lost vessel with a brand new boat, and they are now operating a Lanai snorkel trip on Tuesdays and Thursdays out of the Mala Wharf, which was not damaged in the fire. Ultimate Rafting did not lose their vessels, but they were displaced from Lahaina Harbor and are now operating out of Mala Wharf as well. Quicksilver is too large of a vessel to operate from Mala Wharf. They have relocated to Maalaea Harbor and are operating their Lanai snorkel trip from this Central Maui location on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.