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This place is a cat-lovers dream!!! Nearly 1000 cats to see, play with and feed. The staff was very welcoming and take great care of the cats as well ad the facility. Not going to lie, it was quite a trek to get to, but it was also fun to explore this little island and what life is like for the people on it. We will definitely be back whenever we return to Maui again!
If you ever find your self on the beautiful island of Lana'i and love cats, you need to make your way to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary. When you think of Lana'i, you normally wouldn't think of a cat sanctuary, but thanks to the Sanctuary's founder and their amazing staff through out the years, there's a home for these lovable cats. I am fortunate to have visited the Sanctuary many times and each time I've enjoyed myself. This current visit, I went with my cousin and her family, who were also visiting from Oahu. There were ample of parking as we were the only ones there. It did pick up though after half an hour into our visit. We were greeted by a very helpful staff member who informed us about the Sanctuary and also gave us mini bags of cat food that we can feed the cats. Also available were homemade cat toys we can use to play with the cats. The Sanctuary consist of my different areas where the cats has plentiful of space and room to roam around. Each area is designated depending on the cat's age. There's an area where all the older cats go, as well as younger cats and adult cats. We visited all areas and I think our favorite area was where all the kupuna cats were. They were so chill and loved being petted and held. Side note: not all cats were as friendly as they are still considered feral cats, so some caution when trying to handle them. All in all, my cousin and her kids enjoyed the Cat Sanctuary. So much that one of them did not want to leave! It is such awesome place to visit if ever on the island and it's mission to save and protect the cats, as well as the island birds, this place definitely deserves a place on this beautiful island of Lana'i!
Attention all cat lovers visiting Maui: absolutely plan a day on Lanai, to include the amazing cat sanctuary! Home to literally hundreds of cats from across Maui County, the sanctuary does incredible work to feed, shelter, and care for these beautiful animals. You can sponsor one (or more!) of the cats, and even adopt one if you're smitten during your visit. Most are friendly and will interact with you, especially when you've got a baggie of kitty treats (which the staff provide when you arrive) in your hand. There are toys you can use to play with the cats, who have plenty of cool areas to hide, sleep, play, eat, and just hang out. It's a fun place to relax and get your cat fix while you're away from home. How to do it: book a trip there and back on the ferry, then book the Lanai City shuttle. They will pick you up at the ferry dock, then drive you to the sanctuary. When you're done there, you can take the shuttle back to the dock, or get off in Lanai City for lunch and some exploring...then catch another shuttle from there back to the ferry. You will have a fun and memorable day :)
Wow!!! I can't believe I finally made it to the lanai cat sanctuary. This has been on my bucket list for so long. Lanai cat sanctuary hosts over 800 kitties throughout their enclosures on the property. They have several different enclosures to meet the needs of the sanctuary. The manager of the operation told us she knows close to 300 names of all the kitties. Upon arriving they give each visitor a small Bag of treats complimentary. All of the cats are eager to get pets and treats! I was surprised how friendly and outgoing the cats were on our visit. It was an absolute must stop for us and we can't wait to come back!
Full disclosure - I am not a cat person, but I give this place full stars based on their mission and ability to execute. This cat sanctuary came about as a way to protect the bird population by removing the feral cats that would hunt them and eat their eggs. These cats are now housed at this cat sanctuary and have been microchipped, spayed/neutered and are available for adoption. This shelter is super clean, doesn't smell, has lots of activities for the kitties, perches and catwalks, as well as small cathouses for resting. It's an amazing place that all cats would find delightful. They also separate the cats based on their needs, such as age and infirmities - to help the cats in the different enclosures have an environment that is accommodating to the individual cat. They are very thoughtful about their care of all these cats. I enjoyed the "teenager's" enclosure. Quite a bit more energy with these kitties and some were more interested in getting human interaction than eating the kitty food. You won't be able to walk away from this place if you love cats.
This was such an amazing experience! We loved it! The staff is very knowledgeable, very caring of the cats, and they genuinely look happy to be there! They are willing and ready to answer any question anyone might have, and are happy to help! We will definitely be returning soon! This was an unforgettable experience! The cats are awesome!! 10 out of 10, totally recommend!!
Is this paradise? Yes? No? Meow? THIS WAS SIMPLY AMAZING. WOW. Okay so first of all, I love cats. I might be biased, but this was an incredible experience. Also, Lana'i Cat Sanctuary is home to around 700 cats and I'm surprised how well taken care of each and every cat appeared. You'd also think it'd smell quite a bit like poop but it did not!! Of course with any animal you will get a whiff of their poo/pee if you're near the potty area, but considering the amount of cats, it was extremely clean. We were informed each cat was microchipped, had a name, and was neutered/spayed. This was absolutely wonderful to hear how responsible the sanctuary handled their cats! Additionally, sooo many were very well socialized. The minute you walked in, multiple came to greet newcomers with little mews and a whole lot of head bumping. As soon as I sat down, a lap cat snuggled onto my lap and purred. Granted, I was also holding a bag of treats, but even after the treats were finished the lap cat stayed! They had an array of cats, from the classic tabby to midnight black, some calico, and even a ginger. They also had a tuxedo cat that reminded me of our late family cat named Samuel. All-in-all, an awesome experience with a bunch of adoptable fur babies that deserve all the love and pets the world has to offer!
The cat sanctuary not only does amazing service for Lāna'i and the cats there, but also for visitors looking to enjoy themselves and relax with the cats. There's so many cats there and they're all really friendly and fun to feed/play with so long as you respect them and give them their space.
I saw a video of the Lanai Cat Sanctuary a few years ago and it was a must-do on my trip to Maui. This place isn't easy to get to, but I honestly think that's a good thing, because it keeps it from being too crowded with tourists, and it is definitely worth the trek! We were greeted by a staff member who asked us to wash our hands, provide some info about ourselves, then gave us a bag filled with cat treats to feed the kitties! There are three different sections, which you can roam about freely. My favorite was the medium-sized section with the mango tree, where there were 20+ cats sitting throughout different branches, some of which must have been 10ft+ high up there! The cats are almost all friendly, and they were really active when we went (around 1:00pm) and loved the treats we gave them. There were only about 5 or so other groups when we went, so it's definitely pretty intimate. The staff give more details on how the sanctuary works, how it was started, and how donations can help them, so I think it's really important for any and all visitors to give at least a little donation! It is free to visit after all! This is a must do for any cat lover, and getting to the sanctuary ended up being a fun adventure in itself. We took a ferry from Maui, took a shuttle to Lanai City (there will most likely be shuttle drivers waiting at the ferry dock), then rented a Jeep in Lanai City to drive to the sanctuary. I believe the shuttles also go directly to the cat sanctuary if that's all that you're interested in doing on Lanai.
Is this purradise? Yes it is! There is truly something special about the Lana'i Cat Sanctuary. It could be the passion of the manager that was there to welcome us and give us bags of cat food. Or the volunteers that are keeping this place pristine. Or it could be that these cats are just so happy to see you. I grabbed a brush and spent a good twenty minutes brushing the cats in the kupuna sanctuary. Not all these cats are old, some have special diets or need special attention or medication. Nevertheless, this is a feel good, well maintained establishment. The founders own the art gallery in town and they sell a variety of t-shirts that were designed by the founder's husband. I heard so many other visitors sharing how much they missed their cats. If you are on vacation and need some cat love, this is your spot to reconnect!
The actual happiest place on earth! I had wanted to visit for several years and it was even better than I imagined! We spent a few hours at the cat sanctuary and had the best time! There are SO MANY ADORABLE, HAPPY CATS! They are relaxing in cat bungalows and in trees, on every horizontal surface, playing in every hiding spot. We got to visit the cats and feed them treats. I particularly enjoyed meeting the cats in the special needs area and the senior cats. All the cats seemed to be happy and well cared for, and like they were enjoying hanging out in "Purradise." This was a highlight of the trip and well worth the trip over to Lanai! Definitely bring cat treats if you can. We brought some of the tubes of liquid cat treats and they loved them! The people here are doing great work for cats from Lanai and Maui! They have a small gift shop area and options to donate, sponsor a cat, adopt a cat (I wish I could have!), or sponsor and name one of the cat bungalows.
If you are a cat lover, this is a MUST-DO day trip if you are staying in maui. I found there wasn't much else to do in lanai so I would pay for the cat sanctuary package which handles all needed transport (https://lostonlanai.com/product/lanai-cat-sanctuary-ferry-combination-package/). Once you arrive at the sanctuary you receive a bag of treats and you can meander freely through the section of the cat sanctuary. There are 2 areas for adult cats, 1 for kittens, and 1 for senior cats. The cats are very social and I had a great time. I was impressed by the facility and the cats seem to be thriving.
One of the best places on earth! All the cats are fully adoptable and they have kittens, middle aged kitties as well as seniors. There are over 600 cats at the sanctuary and it's a whole lot of fun. Take a ferry for $30 from Maui and spend the day there. They close at 2, so you want to take either the 630am or 930am ferry to ensure you have enough time to spend there or in Lanai city. They provide you with treats to feed the kitties, but I would definitely suggest bringing your own as well. It was all I could do to not come home with one of the kitties! We were able to grab a shuttle right at the port to get to the sanctuary. As another reviewer mentioned, they have shirts for purchase and some are no longer being printed, so they are discounted.
28 days ago
Going to Lana'i on our most recent trip to Maui was a lovely time. This sanctuary is doing so much good for these cats and the island, we very much enjoyed seeing the kitties and giving them treats! Of course a few liked to be pet but it was sweet just watching them lounge, nap and be their cute selves. Very well kept, large with lots of space and every worker on site was kind and open to any questions we had. The only thing I will say is bring your sea legs to the ferry, the waters can be quite bumpy leaving Lana'i! read more
Such an amazing experience. The folks who work here, the volunteers, and the facility is wonderful. They do an amazing job caring for every cat - from those who are young, spry, and healthy, down to those who are medically fragile and on "quality of life watch". There are 650+ cats on site and YES most are adoptable!! They will ship the kitties to you, also. This is a worthy mission with a fantastic outcome. Not all kitties are friendly or willing to interact, but they give you treats to give the kitties to help them socialize with you. You can also bring wet food treats (the tubes) to feed them and win their love immediately. Haha. We didn't come here for this particular experience but it definitely influenced our decision. Love this! read more
18 days ago
5 months ago
This place is a cat-lovers dream!!! Nearly 1000 cats to see, play with and feed. The staff was very welcoming and take great care of the cats as well ad the facility. Not going to lie, it was quite a trek to get to, but it was also fun to explore this little island and what life is like for the people on it. We will definitely be back whenever we return to Maui again! read more
2 years ago
If you ever find your self on the beautiful island of Lana'i and love cats, you need to make your way to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary. When you think of Lana'i, you normally wouldn't think of a cat sanctuary, but thanks to the Sanctuary's founder and their amazing staff through out the years, there's a home for these lovable cats. I am fortunate to have visited the Sanctuary many times and each time I've enjoyed myself. This current visit, I went with my cousin and her family, who were also visiting from Oahu. There were ample of parking as we were the only ones there. It did pick up though after half an hour into our visit. We were greeted by a very helpful staff member who informed us about the Sanctuary and also gave us mini bags of cat food that we can feed the cats. Also available were homemade cat toys we can use to play with the cats. The Sanctuary consist of my different areas where the cats has plentiful of space and room to roam around. Each area is designated depending on the cat's age. There's an area where all the older cats go, as well as younger cats and adult cats. We visited all areas and I think our favorite area was where all the kupuna cats were. They were so chill and loved being petted and held. Side note: not all cats were as friendly as they are still considered feral cats, so some caution when trying to handle them. All in all, my cousin and her kids enjoyed the Cat Sanctuary. So much that one of them did not want to leave! It is such awesome place to visit if ever on the island and it's mission to save and protect the cats, as well as the island birds, this place definitely deserves a place on this beautiful island of Lana'i! read more
Business owner information
Keoni V.
Wow — mahalo nui loa for such a beautiful and detailed review! We’re…
3 months ago
Attention all cat lovers visiting Maui: absolutely plan a day on Lanai, to include the amazing cat sanctuary! Home to literally hundreds of cats from across Maui County, the sanctuary does incredible work to feed, shelter, and care for these beautiful animals. You can sponsor one (or more!) of the cats, and even adopt one if you're smitten during your visit. Most are friendly and will interact with you, especially when you've got a baggie of kitty treats (which the staff provide when you arrive) in your hand. There are toys you can use to play with the cats, who have plenty of cool areas to hide, sleep, play, eat, and just hang out. It's a fun place to relax and get your cat fix while you're away from home. How to do it: book a trip there and back on the ferry, then book the Lanai City shuttle. They will pick you up at the ferry dock, then drive you to the sanctuary. When you're done there, you can take the shuttle back to the dock, or get off in Lanai City for lunch and some exploring...then catch another shuttle from there back to the ferry. You will have a fun and memorable day :) read more
Business owner information
Keoni V.
Mahalo for sharing not just your experience but also such helpful…
Wow!!! I can't believe I finally made it to the lanai cat sanctuary. This has been on my bucket list for so long. Lanai cat sanctuary hosts over 800 kitties throughout their enclosures on the property. They have several different enclosures to meet the needs of the sanctuary. The manager of the operation told us she knows close to 300 names of all the kitties. Upon arriving they give each visitor a small Bag of treats complimentary. All of the cats are eager to get pets and treats! I was surprised how friendly and outgoing the cats were on our visit. It was an absolute must stop for us and we can't wait to come back! read more
Full disclosure - I am not a cat person, but I give this place full stars based on their mission and ability to execute. This cat sanctuary came about as a way to protect the bird population by removing the feral cats that would hunt them and eat their eggs. These cats are now housed at this cat sanctuary and have been microchipped, spayed/neutered and are available for adoption. This shelter is super clean, doesn't smell, has lots of activities for the kitties, perches and catwalks, as well as small cathouses for resting. It's an amazing place that all cats would find delightful. They also separate the cats based on their needs, such as age and infirmities - to help the cats in the different enclosures have an environment that is accommodating to the individual cat. They are very thoughtful about their care of all these cats. I enjoyed the "teenager's" enclosure. Quite a bit more energy with these kitties and some were more interested in getting human interaction than eating the kitty food. You won't be able to walk away from this place if you love cats. read more
Business owner information
Keoni V.
Thank you for taking the time to review our Sanctuary and giving us a…
2 years ago
2 years ago
This was such an amazing experience! We loved it! The staff is very knowledgeable, very caring of the cats, and they genuinely look happy to be there! They are willing and ready to answer any question anyone might have, and are happy to help! We will definitely be returning soon! This was an unforgettable experience! The cats are awesome!! 10 out of 10, totally recommend!! read more
Is this paradise? Yes? No? Meow? THIS WAS SIMPLY AMAZING. WOW. Okay so first of all, I love cats. I might be biased, but this was an incredible experience. Also, Lana'i Cat Sanctuary is home to around 700 cats and I'm surprised how well taken care of each and every cat appeared. You'd also think it'd smell quite a bit like poop but it did not!! Of course with any animal you will get a whiff of their poo/pee if you're near the potty area, but considering the amount of cats, it was extremely clean. We were informed each cat was microchipped, had a name, and was neutered/spayed. This was absolutely wonderful to hear how responsible the sanctuary handled their cats! Additionally, sooo many were very well socialized. The minute you walked in, multiple came to greet newcomers with little mews and a whole lot of head bumping. As soon as I sat down, a lap cat snuggled onto my lap and purred. Granted, I was also holding a bag of treats, but even after the treats were finished the lap cat stayed! They had an array of cats, from the classic tabby to midnight black, some calico, and even a ginger. They also had a tuxedo cat that reminded me of our late family cat named Samuel. All-in-all, an awesome experience with a bunch of adoptable fur babies that deserve all the love and pets the world has to offer! read more
1 year ago
Business owner information
Keoni V.
We’re so happy to hear you had an amazing time — and with your…
The cat sanctuary not only does amazing service for Lāna'i and the cats there, but also for visitors looking to enjoy themselves and relax with the cats. There's so many cats there and they're all really friendly and fun to feed/play with so long as you respect them and give them their space. read more
I saw a video of the Lanai Cat Sanctuary a few years ago and it was a must-do on my trip to Maui. This place isn't easy to get to, but I honestly think that's a good thing, because it keeps it from being too crowded with tourists, and it is definitely worth the trek! We were greeted by a staff member who asked us to wash our hands, provide some info about ourselves, then gave us a bag filled with cat treats to feed the kitties! There are three different sections, which you can roam about freely. My favorite was the medium-sized section with the mango tree, where there were 20+ cats sitting throughout different branches, some of which must have been 10ft+ high up there! The cats are almost all friendly, and they were really active when we went (around 1:00pm) and loved the treats we gave them. There were only about 5 or so other groups when we went, so it's definitely pretty intimate. The staff give more details on how the sanctuary works, how it was started, and how donations can help them, so I think it's really important for any and all visitors to give at least a little donation! It is free to visit after all! This is a must do for any cat lover, and getting to the sanctuary ended up being a fun adventure in itself. We took a ferry from Maui, took a shuttle to Lanai City (there will most likely be shuttle drivers waiting at the ferry dock), then rented a Jeep in Lanai City to drive to the sanctuary. I believe the shuttles also go directly to the cat sanctuary if that's all that you're interested in doing on Lanai. read more
Is this purradise? Yes it is! There is truly something special about the Lana'i Cat Sanctuary. It could be the passion of the manager that was there to welcome us and give us bags of cat food. Or the volunteers that are keeping this place pristine. Or it could be that these cats are just so happy to see you. I grabbed a brush and spent a good twenty minutes brushing the cats in the kupuna sanctuary. Not all these cats are old, some have special diets or need special attention or medication. Nevertheless, this is a feel good, well maintained establishment. The founders own the art gallery in town and they sell a variety of t-shirts that were designed by the founder's husband. I heard so many other visitors sharing how much they missed their cats. If you are on vacation and need some cat love, this is your spot to reconnect! read more
1 year ago
The actual happiest place on earth! I had wanted to visit for several years and it was even better than I imagined! We spent a few hours at the cat sanctuary and had the best time! There are SO MANY ADORABLE, HAPPY CATS! They are relaxing in cat bungalows and in trees, on every horizontal surface, playing in every hiding spot. We got to visit the cats and feed them treats. I particularly enjoyed meeting the cats in the special needs area and the senior cats. All the cats seemed to be happy and well cared for, and like they were enjoying hanging out in "Purradise." This was a highlight of the trip and well worth the trip over to Lanai! Definitely bring cat treats if you can. We brought some of the tubes of liquid cat treats and they loved them! The people here are doing great work for cats from Lanai and Maui! They have a small gift shop area and options to donate, sponsor a cat, adopt a cat (I wish I could have!), or sponsor and name one of the cat bungalows. read more
If you are a cat lover, this is a MUST-DO day trip if you are staying in maui. I found there wasn't much else to do in lanai so I would pay for the cat sanctuary package which handles all needed transport (https://lostonlanai.com/product/lanai-cat-sanctuary-ferry-combination-package/). Once you arrive at the sanctuary you receive a bag of treats and you can meander freely through the section of the cat sanctuary. There are 2 areas for adult cats, 1 for kittens, and 1 for senior cats. The cats are very social and I had a great time. I was impressed by the facility and the cats seem to be thriving. read more
5 years ago
One of the best places on earth! All the cats are fully adoptable and they have kittens, middle aged kitties as well as seniors. There are over 600 cats at the sanctuary and it's a whole lot of fun. Take a ferry for $30 from Maui and spend the day there. They close at 2, so you want to take either the 630am or 930am ferry to ensure you have enough time to spend there or in Lanai city. They provide you with treats to feed the kitties, but I would definitely suggest bringing your own as well. It was all I could do to not come home with one of the kitties! We were able to grab a shuttle right at the port to get to the sanctuary. As another reviewer mentioned, they have shirts for purchase and some are no longer being printed, so they are discounted. read more
5 years ago
One of the highlights of my vacation. This is a cat lady's dream! Acres of well cared for cats to feed, pet and play with. They take such good care of the cats so please donate if you can. We had two nights on Lāna'i and visited the sanctuary twice. Don't forget to check out the old cats area and the newer area in the back to make sure all the cats get some love! read more
1 year ago
Business owner information
Keoni V.
Mahalo for your kind words! We’re so glad you enjoyed your visit and…
There's different areas to discover and explore so make sure to get through all of them. Try to give the seniors more love (not many people go through there!). They give you a bag of treats to hand out to the cats, and will also give you more treats if you ask. Be careful of the cats trying to get out (Ferrari, here's looking at you and how I allowed you to escape twice so you can try to steal food from the seniors). Cats will come up and immediately befriend you. There are more shy cats hiding in trees, grass, back areas etc. Some of these cats have claws and are not afraid to claw! Not aggressively but just wanting attention or food. I bled and learned my lesson Bring cash if you want to donate to the sanctuary. Things to keep in mind if you are doing a day trip: -The Ferry from Maui to Lana'i takes 45 mins. HOWEVER, keep in mind the boats don't leave on time (people are late, loading etc). So factor that buffer travel time -When pre-booking shuttle service (Rebaca's), the shuttle also takes time to load and the shuttle will make different stops on the way there (if you are only doing a day trip this will make a difference since ferries are pre-booked) -You really only need like 1.5-2 hours or so read more
This cat sanctuary is a MUST SEE if you visit the island of Lanai. We just spent 2 hours with over 600 cats spread out in different enclosures. Many cats are socialized and friendly. We enjoyed hearing about the origins of this place and it's mission to not only help save the bird population but also provide a humane and safe home for the cats that get collected across the island. I highly recommend a visit here, donations if you're inclined, and you can follow them on IG@lanaicatsanctuary.org. read more
3 years ago
Honestly, this was my favorite part of visiting Hawaii. I had lost my 17yr old kitty just weeks before our vacation and my heart was hurting. I spent a solid 4 hours with all the kitties and it was wonderful. Very clean place for the amount of cats there. They all seemed pretty happy. read more
3 years ago
The cats are so cute! Many of the cats are very tiny and round. A few cats are shy but most are very friendly and love pets and treats. One of the cats in the senior cat zone found a very cozy spot on our laps and did not want to move. The cats seem to enjoy back scratches and treats. read more
5 years ago
Beautiful place to visit! If you love cats you will be very happy! Make sure and spend time with the Senior cats and other areas! Beautiful grounds and caring staff! read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
My husband and I spent my birthday here and had the Purrrfect time and loved our exPurrience at the cat sanctuary. I admire how passionate and caring the staff are and how well-organized the shelter is. I wish more people would visit and support this wonderful place. It's definitely worth a visit when coming to Lanai read more
4 years ago
So many cats! It was heaven. There was a shuttle from the harbor that took us straight there. Good stuff! read more
WELL...For the price we paid to take the Ferry, plus lunch, plus donation, plus van ride to the sanctuary..It was ALOT of money. The cats were definitely strays that found themselves a perfect home! It's great that they have such a place for them. But I would say if you are going to make them trip to Lani'i make sure you figure out the other things to do! If you are "just" going to see the sanctuary~was was too much! Ferry was $30 each way per person, Van $10 each way per person, donation((we did $20), lunch $20. But make sure you take LOTS of adorable photos! The cats were all friendly and cute to talk to. read more
4 years ago
Even if you are not an animal lover, this place will change your mind! Staff is very friendly and kind. There are over 660+ cats rescued. The cats are friendly and loving. It was fun to see so many different personalities. Please help support this great cause by donating, every dollar counts! read more
1 year ago
4 years ago
Loved spending time here. So clean, quiet, serene with amazingly friendly cats! This place is well kept, no smell and cats are adorable!!! Please donate so they continue this great sanctuary for cats as well as humans read more
2 years ago
Business owner information
Keoni V.
Mahalo for making the trip after seeing our ad at the Maui Airport —…
5 years ago
If you find yourself in Maui, or Lanai, absolutely visit the cat sanctuary! Bring a packed lunch and spend the day with these beautiful cats. The cat sanctuary made my trip to Hawaii. Thank you for your incredible work and for protecting the cats of Lanai. read more
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Ask the Community - Lanai Cat Sanctuary
How long is enough to explore?
We planned on staying from 11a-4p or closing but we found that by 2pm we were exhausted from the pure emotion of this magical place. We also were going back to Maui on the ferry. Remember to bring treats for the kitties and ensure to visit the…
