As a critical means of providing Lanai residents with access to medical care and access between the islands for first responders, the Maui-Lanai Ferry, operated by Expeditions, restarted its interisland service, according to a Department of Land and Natural Resources news release.

What You Need To Know

  • Maui-Lanai Ferry will run Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, providing transportation for Lanai residents and first responders

  • According to Expeditions, which owns the ferry, additional routes will be added if demand is high

  • U.S. Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor and in surrounding waters; all incoming vessels must obtain USCG approval

The DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation has cleared the ferry dock of fire ash and debris at the Maalaea Small Boat Harbor to accommodate the ferry.

The ferry typically operates between Lahaina Small Boat Harbor on Maui and the Manele Small Boat Harbor on Lanai, according to DLNR. Because of the numerous burned and sunken vessels and debris in the water at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor, the U.S. Coast Guard has established a temporary emergency safety zone at the harbor and in surrounding waters. No vessels are allowed without USCG approval.

Expeditions has told DOBOR that ferry service is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to provide transportation for service providers and first responders.

“To the extent the demand is higher from the first responder groups or the community, additional routes will be added,” the company wrote in an e-mail to DOBOR.

“We had nearly 100 vessels moored in the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor before the fire and now only seven are above water,” said DOBOR Administrator Ed Underwood in the release. “The U.S. Coast Guard, which currently has jurisdiction over the water, has informed us that it will take some time to restore the ability of ferries to dock there. Fortunately, the new ferry dock at Lahaina is one of the few structures that appears to have withstood the flames.”

DLNR First Deputy Laura Kaakua said, “The Maui-Lanai Passenger Ferry is a lifeline between the islands and that’s especially true at this time. We’re pleased, that working together, service has been restored and we look forward to the day when the ferry returns to Lahaina.”