Planning a Hawaiian vacation often includes the exciting prospect of island hopping. Each island boasts a unique charm, from Oahu’s vibrant city life to Maui’s serene beaches and the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes. But How Do You Travel From Island To Island In Hawaii efficiently and affordably? This guide covers everything you need to know to make your island-hopping adventure a breeze.
Island hopping in Hawaii is undeniably rewarding. However, keep in mind that travel days can consume a significant portion of your vacation. Ensure your trip is long enough to accommodate these travel days, allowing you to fully enjoy each island.
Hawaii Island Hopping Options: Planes, Ferries, and Cruises
You have several options for traveling between the Hawaiian Islands. Depending on your destination and preferences, you can choose between airplanes, ferries, inter-island cruises, or guided tours.
1. Flying Between Hawaiian Islands: The Most Popular Choice
Flying is the most common and often the most economical way to island hop in Hawaii. Several airlines offer inter-island flights, making it easy to connect between the major islands.
Commercial Airlines for Inter-Island Flights:
- Hawaiian Airlines: As the largest operator of flights to and from Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines provides extensive inter-island routes. You can find direct flights between Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island, flying into major airports like Honolulu (HNL), Kahului (OGG), Lihue (LIH), Kona (KOA), and Hilo (ITO).
- Southwest Airlines: A relative newcomer to the inter-island market, Southwest Airlines offers direct flights between the four major islands. Known for its competitive fares, Southwest is often the cheapest option for inter-island travel.
- Mokulele Airlines: Mokulele Airlines operates smaller, turbo-prop planes, serving both major and smaller airports across the islands. It’s the only airline that flies to both Molokai and Lanai, offering unique connectivity options.
Southwest vs. Hawaiian Airlines: Key Considerations
Choosing between Southwest and Hawaiian Airlines for inter-island flights involves weighing a few factors:
- Baggage Fees: Southwest offers free checked bags, a significant savings if you don’t qualify for free baggage on Hawaiian Airlines.
- In-Flight Experience: Hawaiian Airlines provides a distinct “island vibe” with colorful decor and complimentary juice.
- Seat Selection: Hawaiian Airlines offers better options for seat assignments. Booking early allows you to reserve a free seat, and reasonably priced extra legroom upgrades are available.
- Premium Options: Hawaiian Airlines offers first-class and extended legroom in economy class.
- In-Seat Charging: Southwest provides USB charging at your seat (pending fleet-wide installation).
- Cancellation Policies: Southwest offers simpler cancellation and rebooking policies, making it easier to re-deposit and reuse funds.
Hawaiian Island Airports: A Quick Reference
Each accessible Hawaiian island has at least one airport, streamlining island hopping. Here’s a list of airport codes for easy reference:
- Oahu: Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu (HNL)
- Maui: Kahului Airport (OGG), Kapalua Airport (JHM)
- Hawai’i (Big Island): Hilo International Airport (ITO), Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUE)
- Kauai: Lihue Airport (LIH)
- Lana’i: Lana’i Airport (LNY)
- Molokai: Molokai Airport (MKK)
Flight Times Between Islands:
Inter-island flights are remarkably quick. Here are some sample flight times from Honolulu Airport (HNL) on Oahu:
| From Honolulu Airport (HNL) on Oahu to… | |
|---|---|
| Airport | Flight Time |
| Kahului (OGG) | 40 min |
| Hilo International Airport (ITO) | 55 min |
| Kona International Airport (KOA) | 45 min |
| Lihue Airport (LIH) | 40 min |
Daniel K. Inouye Airport in Honolulu (HNL)
2. Hawaiian Island Ferry: Maui to Lanai
If you’re traveling between Maui and Lanai, you can take a ferry. Expeditions Lanai operates a ferry service for the 45-minute trip between the two islands. The ferry departs from and returns to Ma’alaea Harbor.
Unfortunately, the ferry service between Maui and Molokai was discontinued in 2016.
3. Inter-Island Cruises
If you prefer not to fly but still want to see multiple islands, consider an inter-island cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line offers cruises that depart from and return to Oahu, with stops on the neighbor islands.
4. Guided Day Trips
For a hassle-free day trip to a specific location like Pearl Harbor, a guided tour is an excellent option. These tours handle transportation, reservations, and navigation, allowing you to maximize your time and minimize stress.
Is it Easy to Travel Between the Hawaiian Islands?
Yes, traveling between the Hawaiian islands is generally easy. Flights are short, typically lasting only 30 to 45 minutes.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel Between the Hawaiian Islands?
The cost of inter-island travel varies depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. You can often find flights for as low as $39 each way on Hawaiian and Southwest Airlines, although expect to pay between $50 and $100 for a one-way ticket on average.
How Long Does It Take to Travel Between the Hawaiian Islands?
While the flights themselves are short, the entire island-hopping process can take 4 to 5 hours, door to door. This includes travel to the airport, rental car returns, security checks, the flight itself, and picking up a new rental car on the next island.
Island-Hopping in Hawaii: Fast FAQs
Are there ferries between the Hawaiian Islands?
The only ferry currently operating between Hawaiian islands is the one from Maui to Lanai.
Cheapest way to travel between Hawaiian islands
Flying is typically the cheapest way to travel between the Hawaiian islands.
Easiest way to travel between Hawaiian islands
Flying is the easiest way for most people. If you prefer a completely hands-off experience, an inter-island cruise is the easiest way to travel between the islands.
4 Ways to Island Hop in Hawaii
Should You Visit Multiple Islands on Your Trip to Hawaii?
If you have the time, visiting multiple islands is highly recommended. Each island has its own unique character and attractions. Aim to spend at least 5 days on each island to fully experience what it has to offer.
Get a Good Deal on a Rental Car While Island Hopping
You’ll likely need a rental car on each island. Discount Hawaii Car Rental is a great resource for finding affordable rental cars.
Hawaiian Islands’ Cheat Sheets
As you continue planning your Hawaiian vacation, download free cheat sheets for each of the four major Hawaiian Islands to help you get familiar with each island.
