- How to Travel Between Islands in Hawaii
- Cost to Fly Between Hawaiian Islands
- Time to Fly Between Hawaiian Islands
- Other Ways to Travel Between Hawaiian Islands
The islands of Hawaii each offer a unique experience. It can be difficult to decide which island to choose and risk missing out on all the amazing things other islands have to offer. After spending time on Oahu, Maui, and The Big Island (Island of Hawaii) with the hopes of going back to also see Kauai, I can honestly say, seeing only one island just isn’t enough and island hopping is something you should highly consider when planning your trip to Hawaii. Luckily, there are simple ways to get between islands so you can enjoy each of their unique landscapes and cultures.
How to Travel between Islands in Hawaii
Flying Between Islands
Taking a flight between islands is a cheap, and quick way to see more than one island in Hawaii. Hawaiian airlines offer flights from Oahu to Maui every 15 – 60 minutes. Flights leave as early as 6am to as late as 9pm so you don’t have to plan around single flight times. Checking out of your hotel at 11am? Grab your flight to Maui shortly after by booking a 1pm flight and not wasting a single second waiting around.
Oahu to Maui Ferry
The Hawaii Superferry used to be a great option to travel from Oahu to Maui. However, due to environmental impact issues, the ferry service was discontinued in 2009. There is no longer any vehicle or passenger options to get between islands. But the good news for you, is that flights are more convenient, quicker, and plenty of flight times are available to choose from!
Cruise Between Hawaiian Islands
An alternative option, if you are looking to see multiple islands in Hawaii, is to opt for a cruise. Most cruises pass through Oahu, Maui, and The Island of Hawaii, allowing you to experience all three options without the hassle of the planning. Cruises really do have the benefit of allowing you to relax, knowing everything has been planned out for you – transportation, locations, and excursions – everywhere you go.
My opinion with cruising, however, is that you are limited to a short window of time on each island; it can take an hour or longer to get from one side of an island to another. For example, the Oahu cruise ports are located in Honolulu – a small area of the island which has a population upward of 300,000 people. Although I love Honolulu, there are so many other great parts of the island to see, and Honolulu can begin to feel busy and touristy. On the north side of the island, you can escape some of the tourist traps, see turtles, go shark diving, and get a more authentic, local experience. It takes 1 hour by car to get from Waikiki Beach to The North Shore which is absolutely do-able if you are on a cruise, it might simply mean some additional advanced planning to make it happen such as pre-booking a rental car or looking into the bus options. I will always advocate and encourage people to get away from the tourist attractions at least for one day of your trip as there is s much more to see than just one city.
Cost to Fly Between Hawaiian Islands
Hawaiian Airlines offers cheap routes between all main islands in Hawaii and generally run at $178 CAD round trip ($129 USD). These prices fluctuate of course, and booking in advance will tend to save you a bit of money. However, this airline offers so many flights each day that booking ahead is not strictly necessary. On the date I am writing this blog, I can book day-of flights for no extra cost than booking one month in advance. Although this is not advice, I am demonstrating how easy it is to island hop in Hawaii with the convenience of the Hawaiian Airlines flight schedule.
When budgeting for your trip, it is also important to incorporate the costs between airports to your final destination. Some islands offer fantastic bus options while others require vehicle transportation. Luckily, the islands have great Uber and Lyft coverage. While prices fluctuate drastically on these apps, a rough estimate of the cost from the Daniel K. Inouye Internation Airport (Honolulu) to Waikiki Beach on Uber is $25 – $50 USD. A very reasonable cost for the distance to travel and the convenience of the service.
Time to Fly Between Hawaiian Islands
Flights between Hawaiian Islands are quick and convenient and are offered throughout the day. With the first flight of the day leaving at 6am, you can arrive at a neighbouring island at 7am and begin your day without losing any time for activities.
Flight times vary depending which islands you are flying between, but it remains fairly standard for a flight to take 45 minutes. This makes it the most convenient and cheap way to island hop and allow you to see as much as possible on your trip.
Other Ways to Travel Between Hawaiian Islands
There are few other ways to get between islands such as chartering a boat or sailing your own boat (if you’re into that kind of adventure). Keep in mind the distance between islands is very long and the trip can be dangerous. These options require significant time, resources, and sailing expertise. Unless you’re prepared for a multi-week journey and possess the necessary skills, sticking to flights or cruises is recommended for most travelers.
Have Questions About Island Hopping in Hawaii?
Still have burning questions about island hopping in Hawaii? Leave a comment and I will get back to you within the week.