Maui County is moving forward with a publicly operated interisland ferry service, aiming to take over the existing Lāna’i route next year and restore Moloka’i service by 2029. The plan involves purchasing Expeditions’ fleet for over $46 million and requires an annual subsidy of nearly $2 million.
- Maui County plans to acquire and operate the current Expeditions ferry service between Māʻalaea Harbor and Lānaʻi, with expanded Moloka’i service targeted for 2029.
- A feasibility study estimates the county would need $46M+ to buy and expand the fleet and nearly $2M per year in operating subsidies.
- Fares would be reduced under the county-run model, and an outside contractor would be hired to operate the service.
- Routes may run from both Māʻalaea and Lahaina harbors depending on progress of Lahaina’s post-wildfire rebuild.
- Expeditions, the current private operator, has struggled with revenue losses since COVID-19 and the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, which destroyed one of its vessels.
Source: Maui Now
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