Lanai Cat Sanctuary
A unique island sanctuary offering a safe haven for over 600 rescued cats, dedicated to their welfare and local bird conservation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cats are active & staff available
Lanai Cat Sanctuary
Best Time
Cats are active & staff available

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique island sanctuary offering a safe haven for over 600 rescued cats, dedicated to their welfare and local bird conservation.
"A top 10 lifetime experience for cat lovers, with hundreds of cute and friendly felines."
🐾 Bring Treats for the Cats
Get a bag of treats upon arrival to delight the feline residents!
🚎 Book Shuttle in Advance
Transportation on Lanai can be tricky; pre-book the sanctuary's shuttle service.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Meet Hundreds of Friendly Felines
Sanctuary grounds
Interact with over 600-800 rescued cats, many of whom are friendly and eager for treats and pets.

Senior Cat Haven
Senior Center
See the special 'kupuna' (elderly) kitties in their dedicated senior center, receiving extra care and attention.

Conservation Efforts
Sanctuary grounds
Learn about the sanctuary's dual mission to rescue cats and protect native Hawaiian birds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Lanai
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Bring Treats for the Cats
Get a bag of treats upon arrival to delight the feline residents!
🚎 Book Shuttle in Advance
Transportation on Lanai can be tricky; pre-book the sanctuary's shuttle service.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
You might regret not spending the whole day here – it's that captivating!
❤️ Support the Sanctuary
Donations are crucial for their non-profit work. Consider donating or adopting!
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Bring Treats for the Cats
Get a bag of treats upon arrival to delight the feline residents!
🚎 Book Shuttle in Advance
Transportation on Lanai can be tricky; pre-book the sanctuary's shuttle service.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
You might regret not spending the whole day here – it's that captivating!
❤️ Support the Sanctuary
Donations are crucial for their non-profit work. Consider donating or adopting!
📸 Capture the Moments
Get ready for endless photo opportunities with hundreds of adorable cats.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, calling it a 'top 10 lifetime experience' for cat lovers. The sheer number of friendly, well-cared-for cats and the sanctuary's dual mission of animal welfare and bird conservation are major highlights. Some note that transportation on Lanai requires advance planning, and suggest allocating a full day to fully enjoy the experience.
"There were more than 700 cats there. All the cats were cute and friendly. Some of them came to us for patting and snack. The place was well managed and it was very clean and neat. Staff were very friendly. It was an impressive experience and impressive place."
Shelley Ting
"Visiting this cat sanctuary is a top 10 lifetime experience for me. My husband and I are avid cat lovers and chose to spend Valentine’s Day here. One of the best we have had so far.
The cats are so cute and friendly, letting you pet them, blepping (tongues out) , cute little meows, etc.
Upon check in, you get a bag of treats and a wonderful welcome committee.
I cannot recommend this place enough for any cat lover traveling to Hawaii. My only regret is that we only spent 1.5 hours here instead of the whole day.
Transportation on Lanai can be a bit dicey - so definitely recommend calling ahead for the shuttle service. We did not , since we thought it would be an off time for travel (February), but I think the shuttle just barely had room for us for the day.
We plan on returning to Maui for a future trip and will definitely come back to Lanai and the Lanai cat sanctuary for the whole day next time :)"
Rachel Nguyen
"If you are visiting the islands, and love cats, the Lanai Cat Sanctuary is a must visit! I had so much fun feeding all the cats bags of treats and seeing all their cute, fuzzy little faces. The city of Lanai is pretty cool too! It's just like Colorado with all the Cook pine trees and mountain backdrop but with a small town vibe. 11/10 Awesomeness!"
Aaron Beardslee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a 45-minute ferry from Lahaina, Maui, to Lanai. From the ferry terminal, the sanctuary offers a shuttle service. It's highly recommended to book this shuttle in advance, as on-island transportation can be limited.
While the sanctuary is a primary destination, parking directly at the sanctuary might be limited. Utilizing their shuttle service from the ferry terminal is often the most convenient option.
Absolutely! Many visitors take a day trip from Maui via the ferry to visit the Lanai Cat Sanctuary. It's a popular and worthwhile excursion for cat lovers.
The primary ferry service to Lanai departs from Lahaina, Maui. It's advisable to check the ferry schedule and book your tickets in advance, especially during busy travel periods.
The sanctuary is designed to be accessible, allowing visitors to roam freely and interact with the cats. Specific accessibility details can be confirmed by contacting the sanctuary directly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Lanai Cat Sanctuary operates on a donation basis. While entry is free, donations are crucial for their non-profit work and are highly encouraged to support the care of over 600 cats.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Lanai Cat Sanctuary website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date information on their opening and closing times.
Tickets are not required as entry is donation-based. However, booking your ferry and the sanctuary's shuttle service in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Yes, the sanctuary facilitates adoptions. They work to find loving homes for their rescued cats, and they also assist with transporting cats to mainland rescues.
While formal guided tours might not always be scheduled, the staff are friendly and informative. You can learn a lot by interacting with them and observing the sanctuary's operations.
🎫 🐈 Onsite Experience
You can interact with hundreds of friendly cats, feed them treats (provided by the sanctuary), learn about their rescue stories, and understand the sanctuary's conservation efforts for native birds.
The cats are generally very friendly and accustomed to human interaction. Many will approach visitors for pets and treats.
Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended. Consider light, breathable fabrics as Hawaii can be warm. Closed-toe shoes are a good idea for walking around the sanctuary grounds.
Yes, the sanctuary is family-friendly and a great experience for children who love animals. It's a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about animal welfare.
The sanctuary is quite expansive, housing over 600-800 cats in a free-range environment, allowing them ample space to roam and play.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The sanctuary itself primarily focuses on cat care and doesn't typically offer extensive food services for visitors. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to eat in Lanai City before or after your visit.
While you can bring your own snacks, be mindful of keeping them secure and away from the cats, as they have their own special diet. The sanctuary provides treats specifically for the cats.
Lanai City, a short drive or shuttle ride from the sanctuary, offers a few dining options. You can find local eateries and cafes there for a meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! It's a fantastic place to capture adorable cat moments.
Everywhere! The cats are often lounging, playing, or interacting, providing endless photo opportunities. Look for cats in sunny spots or engaging with each other.
Absolutely! Visitors are encouraged to take photos of the cats. Just be respectful of their space and avoid using flash photography directly in their eyes.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions, but always be mindful of the cats' comfort and avoid disturbing them. Professional photography sessions might require prior arrangement.
Photos often feature cats lounging in the sun, playing with toys, interacting with visitors, and showcasing their unique personalities. Many capture close-ups of their cute faces and playful antics.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Ensure children are supervised and taught gentle interaction with the cats. The sanctuary's shuttle service is convenient for families traveling from the ferry. Consider bringing extra water and snacks, as dining options on Lanai can be limited. The experience is both educational and incredibly enjoyable for all ages.
❤️ Cat Enthusiasts & Volunteers
If you're looking to contribute beyond donations, consider volunteering. The sanctuary often welcomes help with daily tasks, offering a more hands-on way to support their mission. Check their website for volunteer opportunities and requirements. The chance to directly help care for these animals is incredibly rewarding.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Tips for photographers: Bring extra memory cards and batteries! Focus on capturing candid moments of interaction, play, and relaxation. The natural light is often beautiful, especially in the mornings. Be respectful of the cats' space and avoid intrusive flashes that might startle them.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sanctuary's Mission: More Than Just Cats
Beyond feline welfare, the sanctuary plays a crucial role in environmental conservation. They actively work to protect the island's native and endangered bird populations by managing the cat population responsibly. This dual mission highlights their commitment to the island's ecosystem as a whole.
Visitors can experience this mission firsthand by interacting with the cats, learning their stories, and understanding the sanctuary's vital work. The sanctuary relies heavily on donations to continue its operations, making every visit and contribution meaningful.
Planning Your Day Trip to Lanai
Upon arrival at the Lanai ferry terminal, the sanctuary offers a shuttle service to transport visitors to the sanctuary grounds. Booking this shuttle ahead of time is highly recommended as other transportation options on Lanai can be limited and less convenient. This ensures a smooth transition from your ferry journey to your feline adventure.
Once at the sanctuary, you can spend several hours interacting with the cats, enjoying the peaceful island atmosphere, and learning about the sanctuary's important work. Many visitors find that a few hours are not enough and wish they had allocated a full day for their visit. Remember to check the sanctuary's operating hours before you go to maximize your time.
The Feline Residents: A Closer Look
A special section of the sanctuary is dedicated to the 'kupuna' or elderly cats. These senior felines receive extra care and attention, enjoying a comfortable retirement in a safe environment. It's a heartwarming sight to see these older cats being cherished.
Visitors are often given a bag of treats upon arrival, allowing them to directly engage with the cats. This interaction is a highlight for many, creating memorable moments and fostering a deeper appreciation for the sanctuary's mission. The sheer number and variety of cats make every visit unique and delightful for cat lovers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit