No traffic lights. One gas station. And over 700 cats.

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary isn’t just a unique visitor destination — it’s a sanctuary with a mission. We’re open 365 days a year, welcoming guests from around the world to connect with our rescued cats and support our mission to protect both feline lives and endangered native birds.

At our peak, we hosted over 16,000 visitors annually, many of whom returned year after year to enjoy purr-adise, meet our “Lanai Lions,” and witness the powerful transformation of once-feral cats. But since the devastating Lahaina fires, visitor numbers have dropped nearly 60% — a significant loss not just for our budget, but for our cats.

Here’s why your visit matters more than ever.

For our cats, guests aren’t just observers — they’re enrichment. When visitors hand out treats, offer ear scratches, or simply sit quietly with a shy cat, they’re helping that cat warm up to human interaction. Over time, this exposure transforms previously unadoptable cats into potential companion animals, ready for homes of their own.

It’s all part of our greater mission: to save cats (and protect birds) by providing compassionate care, building trust, and creating second chances — whether that’s in our sanctuary or a forever home.

One recent example? Jackson, our beloved 16-year-old greeter and Cat-idate, spent years charming visitors at the sanctuary before finding his forever home with a compassionate pilot. He now enjoys his golden years flying high in comfort — literally — after taking a private plane ride to his new life on Maui.

Planning a trip to Lāna‘i? Come visit us. Whether you’re flying from Oʽahu or hopping on the ferry from Maui, our gates are open every day. And if travel isn’t in the cards, you can still be part of the magic through our “Adopt in Place” or “Rent a Piece of Purradise” programs. Learn more and plan your visit here.