Planning a trip to Hawaii and dreaming of exploring multiple islands? Island hopping in Hawaii is a fantastic way to experience the unique beauty and diversity each island offers. This guide will provide you with all the information you need on How To Travel From Island To Island In Hawaii, ensuring a smooth and unforgettable vacation.
Hawaii island hopping is definitely worth it! Each island has its own distinct character, from the lush landscapes of Kauai to the volcanic terrain of the Big Island. Getting around is relatively easy. However, keep in mind that traveling between islands can take time. Ensure your trip is long enough to accommodate these extra travel days.
Here’s a breakdown of your options for making the most of your Hawaiian island-hopping adventure:
Options for Hawaiian Island Hopping
When it comes to island hopping in Hawaii, you have several options to choose from, depending on your budget, time constraints, and travel preferences. You can opt for airplane, ferry, inter-island cruises, or guided tours.
Let’s explore each option in detail:
1. Flying Between Hawaiian Islands
Flying is the most popular and often the least expensive way to travel between the Hawaiian islands. Several commercial airlines offer inter-island flights, making it a convenient option for most travelers.
Commercial Airlines Offering Inter-Island Flights:
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Hawaiian Airlines: As the largest operator of flights to and from Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines offers extensive inter-island routes. You can find direct flights between Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island, flying into the major airports on each island: Honolulu, Oahu (HNL), Kahului, Maui (OGG), Lihue, Kauai (LIH), Kona, Hawaii (KOA), and Hilo, Hawaii (ITO).
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Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines, a more recent addition to inter-island travel, operates on similar routes to Hawaiian Airlines. Known for their low-cost fares, they are often the cheapest option for inter-island flying.
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Mokulele Airlines: Mokulele Airlines utilizes small, turbo-prop planes that fly from the main airports as well as smaller airports on the islands. It’s the only airline that services both Molokai and Lanai. On the Big Island, they fly out of Hilo (ITO) and Kona (KOA), as well as Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUE). On Maui, they operate from Kahului (OGG) and Kapalua (JHM). They also fly out of Honolulu (HNL) and Lihue (LIH).
Things to Consider When Flying Interisland with Southwest and Hawaiian:
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Baggage Fees: Southwest offers free checked bags, which can be a significant savings if you don’t qualify for free bags on Hawaiian.
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In-Flight Experience: Hawaiian Airlines provides a distinctly island vibe with colorful decor and complimentary juice.
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Seat Assignments: Hawaiian Airlines offers better options for seat selection. Booking early allows you to reserve a free seat, and they also provide reasonably priced extra legroom upgrades.
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Premium Options: Hawaiian Airlines offers premium options like first class and extended legroom in economy.
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Connectivity: Southwest provides USB charging at your seat (pending fleet-wide installation).
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Cancellation Policies: Southwest offers simpler cancellation and rebooking policies. Hawaiian does not offer the ability to re-deposit and use funds as easily as Southwest.
Airports on Each Island:
Each Hawaiian island has at least one airport, making island hopping easier. Here’s a list of airport codes for each island:
- 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:
Inter-island flights are generally quick. Here are some sample flight times from Honolulu Airport (HNL) on Oahu:
| To Airport | Flight Time |
|---|---|
| Kahului (OGG) | 40 min |
| Hilo International Airport (ITO) | 55 min |
| Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) | 45 min |
| Lihue Airport (LIH) | 40 min |
Aerial view of Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui
2. Taking a Ferry Between the Hawaiian Islands
If you’re traveling between Maui and Lanai, you have the option of taking a ferry. Expeditions Lanai operates a ferry service for the 45-minute trip between the two islands.
Please note that the ferry now departs and returns to Ma’alaea Harbor, running 7 days a week and expanding operations as possible.
Unfortunately, the ferry service between Maui and Molokai was discontinued in 2016.
3. Cruising Between the Hawaiian Islands
If you prefer not to fly and want to see multiple islands in a short period of time, an inter-island cruise is a great option. Norwegian Cruise Line offers cruises that depart from and return to Oahu, making stops on the neighbor islands.
4. Guided Day Trips
If you want to visit a specific location, such as Pearl Harbor, for a day trip, a guided tour might be your best bet. Guided tours offer an efficient and stress-free way to see as much as possible in a short amount of time, without the hassle of making reservations, booking rental cars, or navigating a new location.
Is it Easy to Travel Between the Hawaiian Islands?
Traveling between the Hawaiian Islands is generally easy. Flights are short, typically lasting between 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, how far in advance you book your tickets, and the airline you choose. Flights can be found for as low as $39 each way on Hawaiian and Southwest Airlines, but expect to pay between $50 to $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 from door to door. This includes driving to the airport, returning your rental car, going through security, flying to the next island, picking up a new rental car, and checking into your hotel. Travel time can be even longer if you have a layover in Honolulu.
Island-Hopping in Hawaii: Fast FAQs
Are there ferries between the Hawaiian Islands?
Currently, the only ferry operating between Hawaiian islands is the ferry from Maui to Lanai. The Maui to Molokai ferry service was discontinued in 2016.
Cheapest way to travel between Hawaiian islands
The cheapest way to travel between Hawaiian islands is by flying with Southwest or Hawaiian Airlines by looking for deals or booking in advance.
Easiest way to travel between Hawaiian islands
The easiest way to travel between the Hawaiian islands is to fly using any of the airlines mentioned.
Alternatively, you can book an inter-island cruise to have all your island-hopping details taken care of for you.
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A pin graphic titled "Island Hopping in Hawaii – Do it Right"
Should you Visit Multiple Islands on Your Trip to Hawaii?
If you have the time, consider visiting multiple islands on your trip to Hawaii. Each island offers something unique. Aim to spend at least 5 days on each island to fully experience it.
Get a Good Deal on a Rental Car While Island Hopping
When you arrive on a new island, you will likely need a rental car. Discount Hawaii Car Rental is a great option to save money. They work with national carriers, and you don’t need to pay in advance to secure your reservation.
Hawaiian Islands’ Cheat Sheets
Download free cheat sheets for each of the four major Hawaiian Islands to help you get familiar with the islands. They include 4 can’t-miss activities on each island, a map with the main sights in town, & famous local grindz (eats)!
Conclusion
Island hopping in Hawaii is an incredible experience, offering a diverse range of landscapes, activities, and cultural experiences. By understanding the different transportation options, planning your itinerary carefully, and booking in advance, you can create a Hawaiian vacation that is both unforgettable and stress-free. Start planning your Hawaiian island-hopping adventure today!
