Planning a trip to Hawaii and dreaming of exploring multiple islands? Island hopping in Hawaii is an incredible experience, offering diverse landscapes, cultures, and activities. This guide will walk you through the best ways to travel between the islands, ensuring a smooth and unforgettable Hawaiian adventure.
Hawaii island hopping is definitely worth it! Each island has its unique charm and it’s easy to hop from one to another. However, it’s crucial to factor in travel time, so ensure your vacation is long enough to accommodate these extra travel days.
Options for Hawaii Island Hopping
When it comes to traveling between the Hawaiian Islands, you have several options: flying, taking a ferry, embarking on an inter-island cruise, or joining a guided tour. The best choice depends on your budget, time constraints, and preferred travel style.
1. Flying Between Hawaiian Islands
Flying is the most popular and often the most convenient way to island hop in Hawaii. Several commercial airlines offer inter-island flights:
Commercial Airlines Offering Inter-Island Flights:
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Hawaiian Airlines: As the largest operator of flights to and from Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines provides extensive inter-island routes. They offer direct flights between Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island, flying into the major airports: Honolulu (HNL), Kahului (OGG), Lihue (LIH), Kona (KOA), and Hilo (ITO).
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Southwest Airlines: A relatively new player in the inter-island travel market, Southwest Airlines operates on similar routes to Hawaiian Airlines, offering direct flights between the four major islands. Known for their competitive fares, they are often the cheapest option.
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Mokulele Airlines: Mokulele Airlines utilizes smaller, turbo-prop planes, flying from main and smaller airports. Notably, they are the only airline serving Molokai and Lanai. On the Big Island, they operate from Hilo (ITO), Kona (KOA), and Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUE). On Maui, they fly from Kahului (OGG) and Kapalua (JHM), along with Honolulu (HNL) and Lihue (LIH).
Things to Consider When Choosing Between Southwest and Hawaiian:
- Baggage: Southwest offers free checked bags, a significant advantage unless you qualify for free bags on Hawaiian.
- In-flight Experience: Hawaiian Airlines provides a more distinct “island vibe” with colorful decor and complimentary juice.
- Seat Selection: Hawaiian Airlines offers better seat assignment options, allowing you to reserve a free seat early or upgrade to extra legroom.
- Premium Options: Hawaiian Airlines has premium options like first-class and extended legroom in economy.
- In-seat Charging: Southwest offers USB charging at your seat (pending fleet-wide installation).
- Cancellation Policies: Southwest simplifies canceling and rebooking, while Hawaiian’s process is less straightforward.
Airports on Each Island:
Each accessible Hawaiian island has at least one airport:
- 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 Hawaiian Islands:
Flights between the Hawaiian islands are quick. Here are some sample flight times from Honolulu Airport (HNL):
| From Honolulu Airport (HNL) on Oahu to… |
|---|
| Airport |
| Kahului (OGG) |
| Hilo International Airport (ITO) |
| Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) |
| Lihue Airport (LIH) |
2. Taking a Ferry Between the Hawaiian Islands
Currently, the only ferry service operating between the Hawaiian Islands is between Maui and Lanai. Expeditions Lanai offers a 45-minute ferry trip between the two islands, departing from and returning to Ma’alaea Harbor.
Expeditions Lanai Ferry to Lanai
Image alt text: Passengers Edie and Henry with beach bucket deboarding Expeditions Lanai ferry after island hopping from Maui to Lanai.
Unfortunately, the ferry service between Maui and Molokai was discontinued in 2016.
3. Cruising Between the Hawaiian Islands
For a relaxed and comprehensive island-hopping experience, consider an inter-island cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line offers cruises departing from and returning to Oahu, with stops on the neighbor islands. This option allows you to see multiple islands without the hassle of repeated flights and airport transfers.
4. Guided Day Trips
If you’re primarily interested in visiting a specific attraction, such as Pearl Harbor, a guided day trip can be an efficient choice. These tours handle all the logistics, including 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 30 to 45 minutes.
How Much Does it Cost to Travel Between the Hawaiian Islands?
The cost of inter-island travel can vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. While flights can sometimes be found for as low as $39 each way, expect to pay between $50 to $100 for a one-way ticket.
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, including travel to and from the airports, security checks, and rental car pick-up. Non-direct flights with layovers in Honolulu can extend the travel time even further.
Island Hopping in Hawaii
Image alt text: Four ways to travel between Hawaiian Islands including plane, ferry, cruise ship, and guided day trip.
Island-Hopping in Hawaii: FAQs
Are there ferries between the Hawaiian Islands?
The only ferry currently operating is between Maui and Lanai.
Cheapest way to travel between Hawaiian Islands
Flying is typically the cheapest option, with fares potentially as low as $39 each way.
Easiest way to travel between Hawaiian Islands
Flying is generally the easiest for most travelers, with numerous daily flights available. Cruises offer an alternative for those seeking a hassle-free experience with all details taken care of.
Hawaii Island Hopping Guide
Image alt text: Text overlay on ocean and mountain background reads “Island hopping in Hawaii, do it right”.
Should You Visit Multiple Islands on Your Trip to Hawaii?
If you have the time, visiting multiple islands is highly recommended. Each island offers a unique experience. Aim to spend at least 5 days on each island to fully appreciate its offerings.
Get a Good Deal on a Rental Car While Island Hopping
Upon arriving on a new island, securing a rental car is essential for exploring. Discount Hawaii Car Rental can help you save money on your rental car.
Plan Your Perfect Hawaiian Island Hopping Adventure
With careful planning, island hopping in Hawaii can be an incredible and rewarding experience. Choose the transportation method that best suits your needs, budget ample time for travel, and prepare to be amazed by the diverse beauty of each Hawaiian island.
