What It’s Like to Visit Lanai Cat Sanctuary

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What is the Lanai Cat Sanctuary?

The beginnings of the Lanai Cat Sanctuary date back to 2004 when founders Kathy and Mike Carroll led efforts to sterilize and later shelter Lanai’s street cats in a horse corral in Koele. The sanctuary was established in response to the absence of an animal shelter on the island, emphasizing the founders’ commitment to the welfare of feral cats and native species. The sanctuary relocated to its current site in 2009 with its primary goal being to protect Lanai’s cats as well as its endangered birds (from said cats).

Since then the non-profit sanctuary has grown, not only in size, but in scope. Each cat in the sanctuary—these days numbering around 600—has an individual medical care plan and is sterilized on-site. Since 2014, the sanctuary has rescued over 1800 cats, and over 1000 of them have been adopted. The founders believe that cats deserve the highest quality of life possible, which is reflected in their commitment to providing a safe haven and addressing overpopulation through various initiatives.

Visiting the Lanai Cat Sanctuary is a cat lover’s dream, at least it was this cat lover’s dream for many years and I recently made that dream a reality! I’ve got to tell you, all my expectations were exceeded! The day I visited, it was raining and had been raining for several days so the red dirt made for a muddy experience, but it didn’t dampen my enthusiasm!

Upon arriving I checked in and made my voluntary donation (admission is free, donations are greatly appreciated) and was given a bag of cat treats and instructions. The sanctuary is divided into several large fenced enclosures in which the cats have free rein. There are kitten and senior enclosures as well as one for kitties that need extra special attention.

I spent several hours going from cat to cat and enclosure to enclosure giving treats, petting, brushing, and laughing at the antics of cats being cats. I wanted to take them all home with me! And that’s not out of the realm of possibility as many of the cats are available for adoption, but it just wasn’t in the cards for me… at that time.

All too quickly it was time for me to head back to the airport to catch my return flight to Oahu, but after years of wanting to go there, the Lanai Cat Sanctuary captured my heart and a return visit is something I want to do in the future, maybe with an extended stay on the island.

Practicalities

The sanctuary is open daily from 10-3 and no reservation is needed to visit. Located on the Hawaiian island of Lanai, it offers a unique experience for cat lovers. There is no admission fee, but your tax-deductible donation is gratefully accepted and goes to keeping the resident cats in kibble (among other things).

There are restrooms (glorified portapotties) on-site, but no food or drink is available for purchase, so bring water and snacks for yourself because you’ll want to stay a while! Cell service is pretty non-existent at the sanctuary and while there is WiFi, you’ll have to roam the property and contort yourself into odd positions to get a decent-ish signal. The entire sanctuary is outside, so wear sunscreen and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty (especially if it’s been raining).

How to Get to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary?

Mokulele Airlines (also known as Southern Airways Express) offers multiple daily flights from Oahu to Lanai. Prices start around $110/one-way.

Take the ferry from Maui (around $60/RT with two departures from each island daily) to Manele Harbor, which is about a 25-minute drive to the sanctuary.

Once you’re on-island, go beep beep in the Jeep with a rental to get to the sanctuary and explore the rest of Lanai (if you can tear yourself away from the kitties!) Prices and availability vary. Lanai is one of the most remote islands in the United States, offering a unique and secluded environment.

A more affordable option to get from the airport or the harbor is the Lanai City Shuttle (808-559-0230) but they’re notoriously hard to get a hold of! Lanai Taxi Service (808-649–0808, adejetley@gmail.com) is another option worth exploring.

See my 1-Day Lanai Itinerary for more things to do while you visit this beautiful island!

The Cats and Their Care

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary is home to over 830 spayed and neutered cats, each with their own unique personality and story. As you wander through the sanctuary, you’ll notice that the cats are divided into separate enclosures based on their age, health, and special needs. This thoughtful arrangement ensures that every cat receives the best possible care tailored to their specific requirements. The sanctuary’s medical system provides regular veterinary visits, vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatments to keep the cats in tip-top shape. Each cat is microchipped, spayed or neutered, and given a name, making it easier for visitors to connect with them on a personal level. The dedicated caregivers at the sanctuary work tirelessly to provide a safe and loving environment for the cats, and their hard work is evident in the happy and healthy felines that call the sanctuary home. It’s clear that at this cat sanctuary, the well-being of every lanai cat is a top priority.

Conservation Efforts

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary is not only a haven for cats but also plays a crucial role in the conservation of the island’s endangered bird species. The sanctuary works closely with local conservation organizations to protect native ‘Ua’u birds and other ground-nesting sea birds. By providing a safe and controlled environment for the cats, the sanctuary helps to reduce the number of feral cats on the island, which in turn helps to protect the bird population. Visitors to the sanctuary are educated about the importance of conservation and the impact of human activity on the environment. By supporting the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, visitors are contributing to the conservation of Hawaii’s unique and fragile ecosystem. It’s a wonderful place where the love for cats and the commitment to preserving nature go hand in hand.

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