I know when coming to Maui you have a list of things you want to do and see in a short amount of time that even thinking about visiting another island might seem out of the question. But in my opinion this trip is definitely one not to miss. Trilogy is a well-known and respected company that has been running for over 35 years. In fact, it is the only company in Hawai’i with permission to bring guests to the Hulopo’e Beach and Marine Preserve on Lana’i. The Discover Lana’i trip is an all day adventure that begins the moment you set foot on the catamaran.
Trilogy Catamaran
I set sailed on the earlier sail that began at 6:15 am. And yes I had a little argument with myself as I was getting up about why I chose such an early trip, but that all changed when I got to the harbor. The morning time is quiet on the island as the dawn breaks and the sky still holds that beautiful color of purple before it turns its flawless blue. The Trilogy staff is very welcoming and when you get on board they begin handing out coffee, fruit and fresh homemade cinnamon rolls (Trilogy tradition). With coffee in hand and the cool air on my face, we set forth to Lana’i and that is when I can’t think of a better way to start my day.
The trip to the island has spectacular views of the coastline of Lana’i, including Sweetheart Rock. The rock has a little history to it with a great story too, but I won’t spill the details of the story here because I really do suggest you read about it and make the hike once on Lana’i. After we arrived on Lana’i we made our way to the beach where they hand out snorkel gear and gave a quick overview for people who hadn’t snorkeled before. When that was done,
Tide Pools
I headed over to check out the tide pools and the sea life that find their homes there. Now these aren’t the smooth rocks of the west coast that I am used to…these tide pools were formed from lava and are somewhat painful to walk barefoot on. But I ignored the pain of my feet and climbed up a lava rock wall to the trail that takes you to the incredible view of Sweetheart Rock. I will let the photo take it from here.
View of Sweetheart Rock
Lana'i
After the hike, I snorkeled at Hulopo’e Marine Preserve. This place was pretty amazing and away from all the crowds which was even better. One of my favorite Hawaiian fish is called the Uhu aka Parrotfish. Now in other parts of the islands these guys are speared and caught but here they are protected here. I had never seen an Uhu so big until I got to see them on Lana’i. After snorkeling it was around 11: 00 am and we could either hang out at the beach until lunch or go on a tour of the island and its plantation town. So I decided to go and see more of the island of Lana’i that was once the leader in production of pineapple. The tour was led by a true Lana’i native named Jo. She was full of so much interesting information about the island, from the pineapple plantations days to Bill Gates buying out all the commercial airfare to keep his wedding private and to how her family puts on their own Luaus. She said she loves to come to Maui and pretend to be a “tourist” and go to a Luau. Jo said, “It’s is the only time I don’t have to cook, dance and clean up after a Luau.” Not only does Lana’i have only 3, 000 people, it is also a very much community island where everyone helps one another. If it is someone’s wedding or special birthday don’t be surprised by 1, 500 guest attending. The town has a park that is surrounded by a café, general store, bar, laundry mat, barber and so on. Everything you need and nothing more, it makes you think that it is what life should be like..simplicity that brings everyone together.
What a View!
The tour van drops us off at the Trilogy Pavilion to have lunch. I gave Jo a hug goodbye and told her Mahalo for the great tour. She was great lady and I would love to be adopted by her for a month or two to experience her way of island living. The tour included a tasty BBQ lunch before we sailed back to Maui. I was pretty relaxed on the way home as I laid out on the trampoline and took in the sun and tranquility of such a fulfilling day. The great thing about being on a catamaran sailing in the blue Hawaiian waters is that you never feel like you are on a tour. You feel like you are on your friend’s boat just living true island hospitality.
Sailing Back to Maui
Things to know:
Lana’i Sunrise Sail
Monday –Friday
6:15 am check-in and returns approx. 3:30pm
Departs from Lahaina Harbor
Lana’i Sunset Sail
Monday –Friday10:00 am check-in and returns approx. 7:00pm
Departs from Lahaina Harbor
