This seemed like such a lively question, I thought I'd jump in. I'm no expert at all, but have been to Hawaii (various islands) a few times. A while ago, when I visited Maui, they had a trip to Lanai on a big Cat (boat versus mammal). I think the name of the charter group I used was Trilogy - but it went over to Lanai for a day snorkeling trip. This was before Lanai built it's hotels, but if that is still offered - it was a wonderful day experience. The boat ride was great, the crew was wonderful (incredible cinnamon rolls for breakfast), the snorkeling was quite good, they had a lunch on the beach - and then the ride back. You might want to look into something like that - because I wouldn't think it would be interesting to just go visit the couple hotels over there (we didn't when we were in Maui in May)....... Actually Sidney, you would know if they still have those kinds of things..... maybe you could comment on this suggestion..

Hey thanks for all the replys This is our third time to Maui and we were went for a week each time, it wasn't enough. So I know we won't have any problem with 12 nights. We are going during the whale season and have an oceanfront condo so we will have a nice little apartment to watch the whales every morning and evening. Just thought it might be intersesting to see the islands we can see from our room even if it's just for a day on the beach over there Aloha!!!

I have been reading posts here since my first trip to Maui in 2000. I have really enjoyed the advice from most so called experts!
Sidney has not been around that long, nor is he my favorite - very condescending and snotty!

The Trilogy idea is good if you want more of a beach day. Paragon Sailing www.sailmaui.com also offers a similar day trip to Lanai. If you want to explore more of the island (not necessarily the two resorts), go with the ferry/jeep combo. Stop at Pele's Other Garden in Lanai City for lunch if it's still around.

take the trip and decide for yourself. Some people, including Bill Gates, must think its a decent place to visit (He got married at Manele Bay).

I've been, and while I'd rather go to Kauai or BI, it's probably not a bad day trip. Esp. since you'll probably see whales on boat ride over.

Personally, after 7-8 days at a resort (or island), I get really restless. Yes, Sidney is right in that there are plenty of things to do in Maui. However, to do them you'll spend 2-3 hours driving each day (roundtrip). I'd rather go to a different island, spend maybe 4 hours total with the travel/check in, and all those new experiences at my fingertips.

Coachboy

I think Sidney is one of those people who moved to Maui to have his corporate breakdown. Take your meds and chill!

Actually, Diane, you should have stated that you had already been to Maui once before for 7 days in your original question instead of acting like it was your FIRST trip to Maui (VERY misleading)! Plus the fact that you apparently are "locked" into a condo rental on the island. Quite frankly, I think you WASTED everybody's time with your question!!

Sidney, just what are your qualifications as a "Hawaii Expert" ? Do you live in Hawaii ? How many times have you visited Hawaii ? What islands have you ben too ?

I don't see how it matters that I have been to Maui before or not since I have never been to the islands I was inquiring about, also if you noticed I asked about a day trip so it doesn't seem to matter if I was locked into a condo or not since I was only looking for something to do for the day. I do appreciate the info I got from the people who posted, but it is unfortunate that so many of you seen to take joy in putting other people down. So again thanks to everyone who gave me some very useful information.

Diane, you absolutely should take a day trip to either Lanai or Molokai. When I go to Hawaii I base myself in Maui and do one other island (day trip or a few days). I would suggest that Molokai might be more interesting than Lanai. Air is quite expensive for one day. The problem with the ferry is that it doesn't arrive on Molokai until about 9 am and it returns at about 3pm so that doesn't give you much time to rent a car and explore.

Hi Diane,

This was a great question. I have been to Maui for extended stays and have considered short trips to both Lanai and Molokai.

To Sidney: True it is not a good idea to island hop too much on a trip but if you book early morning flights it is not too bad. Just don't let your travel agent book you into those mid-day flights or you will waste an entire day on travel.