Reviewed by: Jan & Cathy
We wanted to explore all 6 of the main Hawaiian islands on our trip and so included a trip to Lanai. We signed up to take the ferry, shuttle, & Jeep rental package. We drove to Lahaina on Maui & rode the 9:15 AM ferry for the 45 minute ride to Manele Bay on Lanai. We then took the shuttle to the Dollar rental place in Lanai City (a small community in the center of the island with no traffic lights) and we were given an almost new air conditioned Jeep to drive around for the day. We were well aware of the landscape on Lanai - so it wasn't a surprise to see very little vegetation and no good beaches there. We took our time and drove east to Shipwreck Beach & then north to the Garden of The Gods (a truly unique moonscape like place). Then back into town for a casual lunch & finally out to the west coast to see the barge harbor (not much there). We turned in our Jeep (after filling up with $4.50 per gallon gasoline) & were taken back to the ferry dock & ferry ride back to Lahaina in the evening. A very full day and worth it - not something to do again, but worth it to say that we explored this very little visited island. We had no problems with the ferry, shuttle or Jeep reservation.
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Packages: | 2 Door Jeep Rental |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2015/05/07 |
Activity Date: | 2015/04/18 |
Reviewed by: gary
a must see for hawaii visitors. Bowfin was interesting with tour guided headsets that allow you to proceed at your pace through the submarine. arizona memorial a somber moment for all. Tour guide keeps group moving on schedule.
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Packages: | Arizona, Missouri, USS Bowfin, & Pacific Aviation via Island Air (from Kahului) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2015/05/03 |
Activity Date: | 2015/04/08 |
Reviewed by: Dean
I wish that the people on the phone would have alerted us that the lodge at Koele was closed to have us make a decision if we wanted to go to the island or not. Maybe it was left out of the discussion on purpose.
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Packages: | Lahaina to Manele (Round-Trip) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2015/04/26 |
Activity Date: | 2015/04/23 |
Reviewed by: Amy Prchlik
The ferry ride was fun. We went to the beach for awhile and then visited the small town. It was a very friendly town with such nice people. It was a great day trip!
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Packages: | Lahaina to Manele (Round-Trip) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2015/04/25 |
Activity Date: | 2015/04/01 |
Reviewed by: Oregon Trekkers
Great tour, informed guide, interesting island! We'd definitely do this again.
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Packages: | Half Day Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2015/04/22 |
Activity Date: | 2015/04/19 |
Reviewed by: Alex
This snorkel cruise was such good fun and definitely worth it! The captain took us to the spots where he thought were the best and he took us to another spot when he was informed that the original place was no good, which is impressive to still give us the chance to snorkel. We were fortunate enough to see whales, dolphins and turtles along with the coral and fish. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. They provided floatation devices for anyone who wanted one, and also a snorkel lesson for the first timers. There was a fun slide off the top deck into the water which was very cool! We would definitely recommend this activity to anyone (but make sure you have something for seasickness).
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Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2015/04/20 |
Activity Date: | 2015/04/15 |
Reviewed by: Isabel B
The Maui to Lanai Snorkel Trip was awesome and definitely value for money! The staff were all super friendly and helpful from the moment we got on board. The boat was lovely with table and chairs on top and a lovely deck around the outside. We really appreciated that the captain took us to another location when the seas were too rough to snorkel in the original place, and we still got in 2 locations to snorkel. The staff were very informative about snorkelling and there was options to take floatation devices out on the water with you, good for first time snorkelers. The lunch was a great BBQ with different meats and options. There was also a slide off the side of the boat which was awesome! Would definitely recommend!
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Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2015/04/20 |
Activity Date: | 2015/04/15 |
Reviewed by: JoZippinMaui
We woke up early and lined up at the harbor to check in for the cruise. The Captain and crew introduced themselves and explained the rules (three points of contact, breakfast and lunch will be served, dive with a buddy, and snorkeling gear will be provided). Once we boarded, the captain kept us apprised of where we were going, what we were seeing and how long it would take. At one point, we saw a group of whales. The Captain stopped the boat and explained that we were watching a mother whale and her new baby. We were also told that the two males following the mother were fighting for the attention of the mother. We then went on to snorkel in two spots. All gear was provided, including masks, snorkels and floating devices. A couple of crew members stayed in the water to watch the group and to point out interesting fish and turtle populations. Overall, it was a great morning and afternoon. And the food was good, too.
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Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2015/04/12 |
Activity Date: | 2015/04/08 |
Reviewed by: BGalindo
First thing, the boat Captain Lilly and her crew of Cody, Robby, and Robin made us really feel like we were part of there family. They were very attentive to everyone. On the trip besides my wife were our 3 children ages 13, 11, & 7. As we left the harbor and headed out on our very spacious boat, we had some breakfast treats and were fortunate enough to see some whales on the way to Lanai too. As we got halfway across the Bay, Mother nature provided a little wind but the Captain and crew took us to Sweetheart Rock which was very calm and beautiful. After we spent an hour or so there, we headed off to another location and were greeted by a pod of spinner dolphins. That was a great treat as the boat allowed for easy viewing, and as a matter of fact, you felt like you could reach in the water and touch them. As we cruised back to Lahaina we again came upon some more whales, this was truly a magical experience seeing these giant animals up so close. Our final snorkeling spot was just outside of the harbor and we we entered the water, the kids were able swim along with the turtles. The kids were blown away as this was there very first trip the islands and there very first snorkeling trip. As we anchored down, we had had a very nice lunch and plenty of sun and scenery to take in. As we enjoyed the experience, one of the boat engine had trouble so we had to wait for a mechanic to check it out. That was really a blessing, as we had extra time to snorkel and soak in the views. The entire family was actually happy to have the delay as we got some spend extra time on the boat and in the water....We could have stayed all day. The next time we are back Maui, we are going to do it all over again....
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Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2015/04/06 |
Activity Date: | 2015/03/27 |
Reviewed by: Telma Chicas
As we walked up to the harbor the staff was friendly and guided us in the right direction (since there's several different boats departing near each other) Right from the start the captain was very friendly. She introduced herself as well as her staff. As you get on the boat the captain explains to you what stops we will be making and exactly where we will be snorkeling. Unfortunately for us the first stop (right in front of lanai) was too windy so we had to go straight to our second stop. On our way there we saw a baby humpback whale with her mama whale. We stayed at our snorkeling spot for about half an hour to 45 minutes. We saw plenty of fish but unfortunately there were no turtles. Either way the view was very beautiful. On our way back to maui (from lanai) we drove right next to a pod of dolphins and that was probably the highlight of the trip for me. It was amazing seeing all the Dolphins jump out of water and they were very close to us!!! . As we saw the Dolphins and the whales, the captain would give us some info about them and she was very informative. The crew was helpful with making sure everybody was comfortable. They cook hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch and it was pretty yummy. It's a little bit hard to walk on the boat so the crew helped us take our food to the table, they walk around to pick up the trash, they hand out snorkel gear for those who need it, and the captain instructs us on how to dive in and where to snorkel. They also passed out some cookies after everyone ate and those cookies were delicious. They also offered complimentary beer or cocktails for those of age. Overall it was an awesome experience with awesome people. I would definitely recommend it. Some of the people got a little sea sick so I definitely recommend taking something before getting on the boat for those who have sensitive tummies.
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Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2015/03/30 |
Activity Date: | 2015/03/27 |
Reviewed by: Loving maui
Everything about the trip was great. Breakfast consisted of muffins, granola bars, fresh fruit platter juices and coffee. Plenty to eat. The ship consisted of two decks. Top deck was a great place to whale watch on the way over to Lanai. The first snorkel sight was just off a cove near Lanai. Saw lots of colorful fish. Rode back through channel was only negative. It was windy and the waves were rough. Crew was very amazing. Felt safe with the captain and crew. Went to another cove off maui. Saw turtles and other fish. Lunch was great! Burgers, hot dogs, chicken and veggie burgers chips, cookies and pasta salad. Plenty to drink. Saw lots of whales along the way! I would do this trip again. :)
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Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2015/03/19 |
Activity Date: | 2015/03/13 |
Reviewed by: Shaka Erin
This was a great trip that is highly recommended. The shuttle pick up from the hotel was very convenient and saved us the hassle of having to find parking. The captain (Lily) and crew were super chill and the breakfast and lunch served were ono! The BBQ lunch consisted of burgers, hot dogs and chicken. We saw a ton of whales on the trip up close but we missed out on the dolphins. The two snorkel spots were great - the coral was so healthy and multi colored. Lots of good fish diversity as well. Snorkel gear and wetsuits provided were a great addition. No complaints whatsoever - definitely book this trip!
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Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2015/03/14 |
Activity Date: | 2015/03/11 |
Reviewed by: Kenedy
This is a great trip to do with your family! Plenty to eat for breakfast and lunch. The crew is helpful and knowledgable. Lots of whales to see. Snorkeling sites had lots to see.
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Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2015/03/14 |
Activity Date: | 2015/03/13 |
Reviewed by: Tayler Kiteley
We did the snorkel excursion during a week long family trip to Maui, Hawaii. Capt Lily was amazing and the other staff/crew were as well. Everyone in my group had a blast and it was definitely a highlight of my trip. We got to see so much, and actually meet cool people as well! It is advertised as a snorkel excursion but count on it to be a whale/dolphin watching as well! We had a great time. Thank you!!
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Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2015/03/04 |
Activity Date: | 2015/02/18 |
Reviewed by: Sheldon Wasylenko
I found the excursion very fun. The best part about the trip was the amount of information that we all learned from our crew members. The amount of whales we saw was incredible, and how Captain Lilly put the attention of the boat on the whales and spinner Dolphins that were close by. She told us what was happening and taught us some very cool things that she was clearly very passionate about. I found the other crew members very helpful as well, they were always offering us help with anything that we needed. I felt very safe on the boat and as well in the areas we snorkelled, which was thanks to the crew members putting our safety first. I thought our crew members did a very excellent job at making our trip a very enjoyable learning experience.
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Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2015/03/03 |
Activity Date: | 2015/02/18 |
Reviewed by: Traci & Shawn W
Our family returned from Maui less than a week ago. We squeezed in a lot of outings and adventures in our time there, but the 7 of us all agreed the snorkel trip was by far the highlight of our vacation! We have been on a few other snorkel excursions over the years, but the Dolphin Watch & Snorkel BBQ Lunch Cruise far exceeded our expectations. We were very fortunate that there were only a couple dozen people on the boat so it was quite personable. We were greeted warmly with a light breakfast of fruit and pastries. Weather wise, we could not have picked a better day!
We had anticipated to see some whales, but WOW is all I can say! Capt Lily was genuinely as excited to see the things we saw even though I'm sure she's seen them all dozens of times before. She was very knowledgeable and stopped often, positioning us for the best viewing as the whales were so active. We also saw spinner dolphins which was exciting. We boated out to Lanai and had the opportunity to snorkel in two different places. At our first stop the kids saw numerous fish and were lucky enough to see a sea turtle! Our second stop was at Sweetheart Rock where there were a ton of different fish. The boat had a slide that a few people took the opportunity to enjoy.
The staff was extremely friendly and professional and went out of their way to ensure everyone was comfortable. They had noodles and boogie boards for those that weren’t strong swimmers. There were always a minimum of two staff in the water with us, often more.
We were treated to a lunch BBQ’d right on board! We enjoyed burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, fruit, chips and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages. One of our kids is a vegetarian, and they were able to accommodate her with a veggie burger without prior warning.
The total excursion was 6.5 hours and flew by! Everyone enjoyed every minute of it and we will all have great memories for years to come! Thank you to the wonderful staff for making our day truly memorable!
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Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2015/03/02 |
Activity Date: | 2015/02/18 |
Reviewed by: Rosy and Stephen
We took the ferry from Maui to Lanai for a day. It was a good ferry rid in the morning but it was a little shaky in the evening due to the ocean. Lanai is a very small place. "What happens in Lanai stays in Lanai and it can happen twice", said the Lanai people.
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Packages: | Lahaina to Manele (Round-Trip) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2015/02/27 |
Activity Date: | 2015/02/24 |
Reviewed by: Michele T
The ferry boat is clean, roomy and the crew is ready to assist. It was well worth the money.
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Packages: | Lahaina to Manele (Round-Trip) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2015/02/22 |
Activity Date: | 2015/01/27 |
Reviewed by: ruru
エクスペディションの船は快適でした。デッキの席は少し揺れが大きいですので酔いやすい方は一階の室内の席をお勧めします。
私は朝一の便で行きましたが、丁度日の出が見られて素敵でした。2月に行ったので、遠くでクジラも跳ねてました。
冬場だったので、フルポエ湾は波が強くシュノーケリングもあまり楽しめなかったのですが、フォーシーズンズのランチは絶品で、いい景色の中優雅な時間を過ごしました。
楽しみにしていたイルカも前日の夕方遅くに来ていたみたいで、午前中には来ませんでした。朝と16:00頃に来ることが多いそうです。
船を降りたらラナイシティにいくシャトルバスがあるのですが、なんとなく行ってみてしまったのですが一人往復$25もする上に、朝はどこも開いておらず何も見るものがありませんでした。騙された気分ですがしょうがありません。
昼間だったらもう少しよかったかも。
冬場に行くなら朝一の便じゃなくて、昼ぐらいから夕方までいるのがいいかもしれませんね。
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Packages: | 往復プラン |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2015/02/14 |
Activity Date: | 2015/02/11 |
Reviewed by: John Costello
We expected lush vegetation, waterfalls, and pools. We got desert and a jeep with no air-conditioning, and one beach. We expected to be taken to the car rental, but were lied to by a shuttle service and conned into paying $20.00 to get there, from the dock, since there was no one to pick us up. There was nothing lush about this island, and only the beach was worth seeing and experiencing. The cost was close to $300 for the experience, and as far as we are concerned a complete waste. We would never do it again and would never recommend it. It was a compete waste of time and money, and I feel we were completely deceived for the very purpose of getting money out of our pockets into yours. I guess you got what you wanted. And I learned my lesson.
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Packages: | 2 Door Jeep Rental |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2015/01/03 |
Activity Date: | 2014/12/08 |
Reviewed by: Chris
We had a great time driving around Lanai in a Jeep Wrangler with the top down. The roads that were open and on the 'allowed' list were a lot of fun and filled up the time we had open to us. The only problem with this activity is that it is a loooong day. We had to wake up at 4:30am to drive to the ferry, take the ferry, take the shuttle, enjoy the day, then shuttle/ferry/drive back to our hotel around 6:00pm.
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Packages: | 2 Door Jeep Rental |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2014/12/30 |
Activity Date: | 2014/12/27 |
Reviewed by: Barbara Angeja
The boat on this tour was quite old and needs attention to cleanliness and accomodations for serving of food left a little to be desired. The access to the water for snorkeling was not pleasant. The very steep ladder was unpleasant. The second stop for snorkeling I just jumped off the boat instead of trying to get down the steep stairs. The crew seemed to be short handed. They could have used one more crew member. Aside from the above, the staff really made our trip worthwhile. Snorkeling off the island of Lanai was very beautiful, the coral pristene, water calm and inviting. The second snorkel stop on the Maui side was not pleasant but it was not the fault of the crew. The weather front came in and made it almost impossible to snorkel with the strong current.
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Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2014/11/29 |
Activity Date: | 2014/11/24 |
Reviewed by: stroey
We had a great time on this trip - the crew were friendly and informative, the snorkel locations (2) were varied with clear calm water and the scenery along the way spectacular.
Unfortunately on this trip, no dolphins. However, the added bonus was at least 6 humpback whales, with one curious juvenile circling the boat and the crew provided in-depth information about whale migration and habits which enhanced the viewing experience. Amazing!
Only detraction for me was that I felt more information could have been provided around the snorkel portion (e.g. type of fish, function of coral reefs) and the islands themselves would have really enhanced the experience.
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Packages: | 2-for-1 Review Rebate Special |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2014/11/18 |
Activity Date: | 2014/11/12 |
Reviewed by: DAT
Lanai is worth seeing (once) and we are glad we went. We chose this tour because we didn't just want to go snorkling or sit on a beach but wanted to see the whole island. We did not want to drive ourselves and wanted some history. Unfortunately, the tour company booked our full day tour along with another couple's half day tour. Our guide Tony is a really nice person, but as he said, they only call him when the other regular guides are all booked. He struggled to make two different tours work together, and we were the losers. We simply drove to Garden of the Gods, had a brief moment outside the GM four wheel drive suburban (in which my wife and I sat in the far rear seats for the time with the other couple, which was pretty uncomfortable), and then drove back and out to Shipwreck beach. Then Tony dropped us off to buy our lunch in Lanai City while he drove the other couple to the ferry to conclude their half day tour. He picked us up at 1:30 in Lanai City, and we drove around about every street which was sociologically interesting but not much about seeing the island. Then we drove to the old pineapple loading harbor, and down to the residential area around the Four Seasons at the beach. We asked to terminate the tour early and took an earlier ferry back. Tony repeated most of his morning stories in the afternoon. He is a nice guy, a safe driver and grew up on the island so had many personal stories, but not a lot of history outside the personal stories.
Do not take this tour unless the company confirms that they are not booking two conflicting tours together. Try to get the other guides.
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Packages: | Full Day Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2014/11/09 |
Activity Date: | 2014/11/06 |
Reviewed by: Sherry Ezell
This was an awesome trip. A bit of confusion with the booking on this, but Dan was very accommodating. He took us on a wonderful, fast, boat ride that was amazing. We snorkeled a bit, but had a lot more fun on his awesome boat.....THE INSANITY! Would definitely recommend this trip again.
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Packages: | Half Day Morning Snorkel (7:15 am Departure) |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2014/10/26 |
Activity Date: | 2014/10/23 |
Reviewed by: Megan
Bruce was a fantastic guide. He was really passionate and knowledgeable and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Can highly recommend it especially if you can get Bruce to show you around. We did the half day tour and saw a lot and then spent the rest of the day on the beach. Do this if you want to get the full experience of the island and what it has to offer.
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Packages: | Half Day Tour |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2014/10/24 |
Activity Date: | 2014/10/15 |
Reviewed by: AmyB
Lots of bad reviews about this activity can only mean they were written by people having much too high of expectations of what Lanai is about. Lanai City is probably one of the smallest in America, on a remote island with only 3 main rds - all others being only tracks in the sand/dirt/mud. THERE IS ONLY 1 RENTAL CO & 1 GAS STN, and of course they are expensive (imagine the costs of repairs after tourists wreak havoc on those 4x4s). However, we met the rental owner & he was so down to Earth w/ a lot of Aloha!! Told us not to worry about scratches, just bring her back in 1 piece. We got a soft top & took the top down (have them do it for you if you're unfamiliar). Our jeep was dirty & beat up (inside & out), but I expected that, & you see why after being on those trails! We minded our P's & Q's w/ the locals & the mud, & we did not have to pay extra for cleaning/traffic tickets/towing. We got DIRTY, TAN & WINDBLOWN, but the landscapes & wildlife were amazing... we experienced RAW HAWAII at its best! WORTH EVERY PENNY!!
So, if you come, have respect & Aloha for this place & its people. Keep your expectations realistic. Get the hard top if you don't want to get as dirty or as sun worn... soft top if you want the real experience! Helps to have a driver with 4x4 experience (maybe some mechanical too). **A 6:45a departure / 4:30 return gives you appx 9a-3p in a jeep. If you need more time, request the last ferry. But, be on time for the shuttle, or you'll be paying to stay at the Four Seasons & for morning ferry tickets! Again, it's just about having respect for where you are!
Most dirty fun we've ever had! You are paying for the experience, NOT LUXURY, and it's worth every single penny!! Aloha Lanai... be back soon!
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Packages: | 2 Door Jeep Rental |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2014/10/14 |
Activity Date: | 2014/10/10 |
Reviewed by: Bill Farrant
The Ferry was clean, the staff was well organized and we sat in the shaded air conditioned area upstairs as we didn't need any more direct sunlight. The return time is flexible and we liked touring the top up Lanai as it is more of an alpine experience than we expected for Hawaii. We had lunch at a very nice little diner and the wife bought a painting from a local artist - All in all a good, enjoyable day and an alternative to being on Maui all week long.
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Packages: | Lahaina to Manele (Round-Trip) |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2014/09/30 |
Activity Date: | 2014/09/02 |
Reviewed by: corrie wijbenga
We booked this one because my husband wanted the offroad experience. And it was great! We started early in the morning by going to the Lahaina harbour, from there the ferry took us in about 45 minutes to Lanaï where we were brought to Dollar and get a beat up Jeep and a roadmap with roads we could drive on and roads we weren't allowed to drive on( which we did anyway). We went to Shipwreck beach, Garden of the gods, Polihua beach,Hulopoe bay,Keomoku village and Lanaï city. We drove around Lanaï almost the whole day and snorkeled a bit in a tidepool at Hulopoe bay.
Because we took the last ferry back to Mauï , we were exhausted at the end of the day. But it was worth it.
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Packages: | 2 Door Jeep Rental |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2014/09/29 |
Activity Date: | 2014/09/12 |
Reviewed by: shareen
we had a wonderful time. this was an awesome trip!
the beaches were beautiful. off roading was fun.
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Packages: | 2 Door Jeep Rental |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2014/09/25 |
Activity Date: | 2014/09/22 |
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Reply from activity provider
An unexpected error has occurred. Please go back to the previous page and try again, or wait a few minutes and try once again.
Warm Aloha,
We are sorry to hear that the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele was unavailable during your visit, and due to the ever changing nature of hotels and activities throughout the islands, we are not always made aware of specific closures. Had we known about this, we would have been more than happy to let you know.
Thank you very much for you choosing HawaiiActivities - VELTRA, and we hope that you were able to enjoy your visit to island of Lanai.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
HawaiiActivities - VELTRA Customer Support