Maui Lanai passenger ferry

I hear the Lanai passenger ferry moved to a different location after the Lahaina fire. Does it still depart from Maalaea Rd in Maui?

Good question — yes: after the 2023 fires and closure of Lāhainā Small Boat Harbor, the Maui–Lānaʻi Passenger Ferry (operated by Expeditions) has indeed shifted its Maui-side departure point to Māʻalaea Harbor (on Maui).

Here’s the up-to-date picture — what’s changed, and what’s confirmed so far:

• Because Lāhainā Harbor was badly affected by fire (sunken/abandoned boats, debris, and a safety zone by the U.S. Coast Guard), passenger-ferry service out of Lāhainā was suspended for safety.
• The ferry resumed service in August 2023 — but now operates between Māʻalaea Harbor (Maui) and Mānele Small Boat Harbor (Lānaʻi).
• According to the current schedule (as of 2025), there are multiple sailings per day from Māʻalaea to Lānaʻi, and return trips from Lānaʻi to Māʻalaea.
• The ferry check-in and departure dock is at Māʻalaea Harbor’s small-boat harbor/loading dock rather than at Lāhainā.

What this means if you plan to take the ferry from Kihei:

• Māʻalaea Harbor is more convenient than Lāhainā Harbor for many south- or central-Maui residents/visitors (Kihei, Wailea, etc.), as it’s easier to reach by car or rideshare. So for you in Kihei, this shift likely makes ferry departure more accessible.
• Because the ferry now leaves from Māʻalaea Harbor, check travel times from your lodging in Kihei to the harbor: the extra ground-transport ride is part of your logistics.
• Given the post-fire context, services and schedule might still evolve — so it’s good to confirm with Expeditions before booking (especially for return trips or luggage/transport logistics).

Conclusion: Yes — the Maui–Lānaʻi ferry currently departs from Māʻalaea Harbor (not from Lāhainā) for the foreseeable future. If you are staying in Kihei, this relocation may make the ferry more convenient to reach, but you should plan travel time from Kihei to Māʻalaea when comparing with other transport or travel plans.

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