Visiting the Lanai Cat Sanctuary What to Expect on Your Feline-Filled Adventure

I love discovering unique places when I travel. The Lanai Cat Sanctuary in Hawaii is one of my favorite finds.

If you like cats or want a relaxing day surrounded by animals, you’ll enjoy this special spot. The sanctuary is home to over 650 rescue cats.

Everyone is welcome. You don’t need an appointment, so it’s easy to plan a visit.

When I visited, I noticed how much space the cats had to play. Many of them were friendly and loved attention.

The peaceful setting and open hours from 10 am to 3 pm made it a perfect place to unwind. I met new furry friends and explored at my own pace.

For anyone planning a trip to Lanai or Maui, the Lanai Cat Sanctuary is a memorable stop.

What Is the Lanai Cat Sanctuary?

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary sits on the Hawaiian island of Lanai. Hundreds of rescue cats live here and enjoy a safe, caring home.

The sanctuary’s work helps both the island’s wildlife and the local community.

Mission and Purpose

When I visited the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, their main mission stood out right away. The sanctuary rescues feral cats from wild areas where they might harm local birds, like the endangered ʻUaʻu or Hawaiian Petrel.

By bringing cats into the sanctuary, the team protects these rare birds and saves the cats. The mission isn’t just about animal rescue; it’s also about balancing the environment.

The sanctuary provides food, medical attention, and lifelong care for the cats. Every cat gets shelter and love, which keeps them safe from hunger or illness.

They encourage people to care about both cats and wildlife. By teaching visitors about the effects of feral cats on native species, they help others understand why this work matters.

History and Founding

I learned that the Lanai Cat Sanctuary started small over ten years ago. Volunteers saw too many cats struggling to survive on the island.

These cats had no homes, little food, and faced tough conditions. In response, a group of devoted animal lovers founded the sanctuary.

At first, it was just a small shelter. As more people heard about the work, support grew, and the sanctuary expanded.

Today, it covers four acres of land and is home to over 700 cats. The founders focused on rescuing cats and solving a bigger problem.

By giving feral cats a safe place to live, they keep cats out of sensitive areas where they might threaten birds. This vision has shaped the sanctuary into what it is now.

Unique Features

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary feels open and welcoming. When I visited, I saw there are no cages.

The cats roam freely across the grounds and find shaded huts, open lawns, and cozy spots to nap in the sun. Admission is free, and it’s open daily from 10 am to 3 pm.

I brought my own lunch and stayed as long as I wanted, since there’s no food or drinks for sale. This made it easy to take my time with the cats and enjoy the setting.

The sanctuary stands out because it’s not just a shelter—it’s a place where cats and people both feel at home. Spending time with so many happy rescue cats in one spot was a wonderful experience.

Find more details and visiting hours on the Lanai Cat Sanctuary official site.

Planning Your Visit to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary

I found it simple to plan my trip to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary. With a bit of prep, I got the most out of my day.

I made sure I knew how to get there, the best times to visit, and what rules or fees to expect.

Location and Directions

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary sits just outside Lanai City on the island of Lanai, Hawaii. To reach the island, I took the ferry to Maui or caught a direct flight.

The ferry made for a scenic experience. From Lanai City, the sanctuary is only a short drive away.

I booked taxis and shuttle services easily. Having directions or a map helped me stay on track.

I also checked out detailed directions and transportation options before my trip. This made the journey simple and stress-free.

Best Times to Visit

The sanctuary is open most days through the year, but it’s smart to check their holiday schedule ahead of time. The best hours to visit are in the morning or late afternoon.

The cats are more active and it’s less hot during these times. If I arrived early, I watched feeding time and saw the cats at their happiest.

Midday visits can get warm, and the cats might nap in the shade. Spring and fall have milder weather and fewer visitors.

Weekdays felt less busy than weekends, which made my visit more peaceful.

Admission Details and Reservations

Admission to the sanctuary is free, but donations are encouraged. Suggested donation amounts are posted at the entrance.

While walk-ins are often accepted, I made a reservation online just in case. It helped the staff prepare and made my arrival smoother.

Group visits or volunteering spots require booking early, since those fill up fast. For current admission information and reservation rules, I checked their website.

Visitor Experience at the Sanctuary

When I visited the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, I saw open green spaces and hundreds of cats. The area was calm, clean, and set up to welcome guests of all ages.

The staff and volunteers made sure my time with the cats was safe and fun.

Cat Interaction Guidelines

Before I could interact with the cats, I followed a few simple rules. I washed my hands at the washing station before petting any cats.

This helped protect the cats and keep them healthy. The sanctuary encourages gentle petting and quiet voices.

I picked up a cat only if it came to me first. If a cat walked away, I respected its space.

Treats and food from outside are not allowed, to avoid upsetting the cats’ special diets. Children are welcome but need to be supervised at all times.

Staff are available if I have questions about which cats are okay to pick up or play with.

Facilities and Accessibility

The sanctuary grounds are easy to walk around, even with a stroller or wheelchair. Wide pathways and shelter structures give good access to most areas.

Shady spots are scattered around, so I didn’t have to worry about being in the sun all day. Maps and signs clearly mark where I can go.

There are benches and picnic tables near the cat shelters. Restrooms are available on site and kept clean.

I found staff easily when I needed directions or help. The spacious layout makes the sanctuary comfortable for visitors of all ages and abilities.

On-Site Amenities

There are no food or drink options sold at the sanctuary. I brought my water bottle, as suggested on the website, since the Hawaiian sun can get hot.

Guests are welcome to bring their own lunch or snacks and eat at the outdoor picnic tables. A small gift shop near the entrance sells shirts, hats, stickers, and other cat-themed items.

I picked up a souvenir to help support the sanctuary and the cats. Free parking is available right on site, so I didn’t need to worry about finding a spot.

The grounds are well-maintained and quiet. My time with the cats was relaxing and special.

For more details on planning a visit, I found helpful info on the official Lanai Cat Sanctuary website.

Supporting the Lanai Cat Sanctuary

I want to help the Lanai Cat Sanctuary because it gives hundreds of cats a safe place to live, get care, and find new homes. There are clear ways I can support their mission, whether I live on Lanai or am just visiting.

Donation Opportunities

Making a donation is one of the most direct ways for me to help the cats. The Lanai Cat Sanctuary depends on people like me for funding, since it is a nonprofit and does not receive government support.

There are several donation options to choose from:

• One-time gifts: I can give any amount to help with daily needs.
• Monthly donations: This helps with long-term planning and care.
• Sponsorship: I can sponsor a cat and get updates about my chosen cat.

Most of the funds go toward food, medical care, and supplies for the over 650 cats living there. Some donations support cat adoptions and facilities as well.

I can donate online by visiting the official Lanai Cat Sanctuary website.

Volunteer Programs

If I want to give my time instead of money, there are volunteer programs at the cat sanctuary. Volunteers help with feeding cats, cleaning enclosures, and giving out love and attention.

Some tasks I might help with include:

• Daily care: Feeding the cats and keeping the sanctuary clean.
• Cat socialization: Playing with shy or new cats to help them trust people.

Feral Cat Management

Managing feral cats in Hawaii is a big challenge. The sanctuary team captures stray and feral cats and brings them to a protected area.

Here, the cats receive food, shelter, and medical care. They cannot harm island wildlife.

This approach keeps native birds and animals safer. At the same time, the cats get a second chance at life.

Visitors can meet the cats in a peaceful setting. Fewer wild cats outside the sanctuary means fewer threats for species like the Hawaiian Petrel.

Find more details at Lanai Cat Sanctuary: A Haven for Cats and Visitors.

Exploring Lanai Island Beyond the Sanctuary

Lanai Island is small but full of unique places to see. After spending time with the cats, I found lots to explore, from quiet parks in Lanai City to the famous rusted boat ruins at Shipwreck Beach.

Nearby Attractions in Lanai City

Lanai City sits in the center of the island and has a small-town charm. The town square is surrounded by colorful buildings and tall pine trees.

I took a walk in Dole Park, a calm place with picnic tables and plenty of shade. Local shops and cafés line the streets, giving me a nice spot to relax with a cold drink.

Lanai Culture & Heritage Center was a must-visit for me. It shares stories and artifacts about the island’s history, from early Hawaiian times to its pineapple plantation days.

On weekends, local markets appear in the area. There are stalls with snacks, crafts, and sometimes live music.

If you like art, check out the small galleries. Most things are within walking distance, so it was easy for me to get around.

Visiting Shipwreck Beach

I loved my trip to Shipwreck Beach. This long, windy stretch of sand is famous for the remains of a World War II-era boat stuck on a reef offshore.

The wreck is easy to see from land, and I enjoyed taking photos there. I drove a rough dirt road to get there, so I recommend renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Swimming isn’t safe because of the strong current. I enjoyed searching for shells and looking at the unique coastline.

It was a quiet spot with only a few other visitors. The beach offers a great view of Hawaii island in the distance.

I brought snacks and water since there are no shops or food stands nearby. This part of Lanai felt wild and peaceful.

Helpful Tips for a Memorable Visit

I want my visit to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary to be comfortable and fun. It’s important to respect the cats and the environment.

Being prepared helps me enjoy my time while keeping the sanctuary safe for everyone.

What to Bring

When I visit the sanctuary, I use a short checklist to help me make the most of my day. I always bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat because the area is sunny and there’s little shade.

It’s smart to dress in light, comfortable clothing and wear closed-toe shoes for walking around the grounds. There isn’t any food or drink sold on-site, so I pack my own snacks and a reusable water bottle.

Since hand-washing is important after petting cats, I use the sinks provided and carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer just in case. I also pack my camera or phone for photos, and I turn off the flash to avoid startling the cats.

What I pack:

Responsible Tourism

I think it’s important to protect the cats and respect the staff’s guidelines.

The cats at the sanctuary are friendly but need calm, gentle treatment. I let any cat come to me and never chase or pick them up unless staff allows it.

I avoid feeding the cats my food because staff manages their diet for health.

To keep the sanctuary clean, I use trash cans and wash my hands often. I do this especially after petting animals or eating.

Bathrooms and sinks are available, so I always wash my hands.

I watch for rules about photography and noise. I avoid loud music or yelling so the cats stay calm.

I follow posted instructions and help children in my group behave kindly. I show respect for both the staff and other guests.

Before my trip, I review the official visit guidelines for more tips and details.