How to Travel Between Islands in Hawaii

First-time visitors often wonder how to travel between islands in Hawaii. Even repeat vacationers may find that options have changed since their last trip, so it’s a common question we get. 

And we’ve got answers for you! Island hopping is an excellent way to see Hawaii’s diverse and expansive beauty. But you need a good plan. Keep reading to discover all about traveling around Hawaii. We’ll cover transportation options, provide some itinerary ideas, and answer some of our most common FAQs. 

Our Top 10 FAQs about Traveling Between Hawaiian Islands

We’ll have lots of info in this article, but let’s start with a basic Q&A. This should get you on the right track for your island-hopping plans. 

Q: Can you drive between islands?

No. There are no bridges connecting any of the Hawaiian Islands. 

Q: Can you take a boat?

The simplest answer is no. There aren’t any ferry services except one that runs between Maui and Lanai. Some individuals will take their boats between islands, so it certainly isn’t impossible, but it’s not a commercial option. 

An exception we’ll cover later: cruise ships.

Q: So you have to fly between islands?

Yes, a plane is how you’ll travel between islands in Hawaii. Keep reading to learn all about it!

Q: How quickly can I travel between islands?

The flights will take around 30-60 minutes, but you’ll need to plan for time to get to the airport, return a rental car, arrive at the new airport, and get on the road there. So it could take four hours or more of your day. 

Q: Is it common to island hop?
Absolutely! Many vacationers enjoy spending time on multiple islands during their vacation. 

Q: Can you visit another island just for the day?

Yes, you can fly to a neighbor island early in the morning and be back to your hotel that night. You may feel rushed doing this, but it’s certainly possible. I’ve done it and really enjoyed it. 

Q: What are the most popular islands to visit?

Most first-time visitors vacation on Oahu, though Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island all have their draws. A few years ago, my family visited Oahu and went to Hawaii Island for the day to spend time in Hilo and at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 

Q: How much does it cost to travel between Hawaii’s islands?

Interisland flights cost $100 – $300 round-trip. 

Q: Is it easy to island hop?

For most flights, you’ll need to go through security, like any other domestic flight. You will also want to get your ticket in advance and plan for any new hotel and car bookings. So it feels like any other traveling experience – no harder or easier. 

Q: Should I travel between islands in Hawaii?

If you are visiting Hawaii for more than 5-7 days, we highly recommend island hopping so you can enjoy more sights and experiences. However, if you are on a time or money constraint, it’s not a must-do. You can enjoy a full vacation on any of the main islands. 

Q: What airport should I fly into from the mainland?

Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island all handle flights from the mainland. So you can fly into whichever island you plan to begin your vacation. You do not need to fly into Honolulu before island hopping if you don’t want to (unless if you’re flying to Molokai or Lanai)

How to Travel Between Islands in Hawaii

If you’ve decided island hopping is part of your dream Hawaii vacation, you’ll need a good plan. 

Is it possible to simply show up at the airport and request a ticket to another island? Possibly, as long as things aren’t booked up. But air travel involves lots of moving parts, and a good plan will ensure you actually enjoy your time in Hawaii. 

So here’s what you do:

1 – Decide which islands you’ll travel to

You’ll fly directly to your first island, as long as you’re vacationing on Hawaii Island, Maui, Oahu, or Kauai. From there, you can choose which other islands you’d like to visit. 

Like we mentioned, it’s certainly possible to take a day trip to neighboring islands, as long as you’re up for the long day. Or, you may choose to spend 3-4 days on each island to get more out of your time there. 

Here are a few island-hopping combinations we recommend

• Oahu followed by Kauai – The quiet atmosphere of Kauai will be welcomed after navigating the traffic and busyness of Honolulu. 
• Hawaii Island followed by Maui – Hawaii Island (AKA the Big Island) is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. On Maui, you can visit Haleakala National Park and enjoy the calm beaches and sprawling resorts. 
• Kauai followed by Maui – after a relaxed time in Kauai, you may welcome the liveliness of Maui.

2. Book your travel

Reserve your hotels, flights, and rental cars all at once so you know everything is synced up and ready to go. Hawaii Aloha Travel can be a big help with this, as we can make sure your multiple travel days are well planned. 

You’ll also want to reserve your must-do activities in advance. In-demand adventures and popular restaurants book up fast, especially during peak travel times. 

3. Enjoy traveling between islands

There is so much to do in Hawaii, and many vacationers aren’t able to make it to the islands again and again. Island hopping will allow you to see and do more during your precious and rare time in Hawaii. 

Flying Between Islands – What You Need to Know 

Want to book interisland travel? There are 3 airlines that fly between islands in Hawaii:

• Hawaiian Airlines
• Southwest Airlines 
• Mokulele Airlines

Hawaiian and Southwest operate like any other domestic flight. You’ll check your bags as needed, bring your carry-on through security, and wait at the gate to board. 

But Mokulele is a different experience. 

Mokulele Airlines in Hawaii

Mokulele Airlines flies to Honolulu, Molokai, Maui (Kahului, Kapalua and Hana), and Kona. Most of its fleet consists of small 9-passenger planes, though they also have a 30-passenger option. In Kahului, Honolulu, and Kona, Mokulele operates out of a commuter terminal that’s separate from the rest of the airport. This means you can avoid TSA lines and any big airport stress, but shuttles to these spots are few and far between.

Riding in these small 9-passenger airplanes is an experience in itself, and flying without having to access the main terminal feels like VIP treatment. But because of the small size of these planes, flights can be hard to come by, and delays are common. 

Island Hopping Hawaiian Cruises

Another way to travel between islands in Hawaii: a cruise. Cruise ships are always sailing in and out of Hawaii’s harbors, and it’s a great alternative for anyone who avoids flying. Not only can you cruise to Hawaii, but you’ll also travel between islands. 

With these Hawaiian cruises, you don’t have to worry about hotels and interisland flights. Though we do encourage all cruise passengers to get out and explore each island (that’s the whole point if you ask us!). 

For those who want simplified island hopping after flying into Honolulu, we have a great option for you. Our 7-day interisland cruise packageallows you to see Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island without the hassle of flying and booking new hotels. 

Hawaii’s Interisland Ferry

There is a ferry that travels between islands in Hawaii. Well, between two specific islands: Maui and Lanai. The Expeditions Lanai Ferry will take you between Maalaea, Maui, and Manele, Lanai. 

Tickets are about $70 each way, and kids are half off, so it’s a pretty good deal as far as interisland travel goes. But is a trip to Lanai worth it? 

There are so many fun things to do on Maui that a trip across the channel to Lanai probably won’t fall high on your bucket list unless you’ve dreamed of seeing the island. There’s a pretty beach within walking distance of the Lanai harbor, and you can also walk to the Four Seasons Resort. But to get to town, you’ll need to book a rental car or shuttle service. When I lived on Maui, this was a fun day trip, but nothing I’d choose to do if I had a limited amount of time during a vacation. 

So that’s the deal on Hawaii’s only commercial ferry service. It’s not our top recommended Hawaii activity, but it’s good to know about in case you want a little getaway during your time on Maui. 

Sample Itineraries for Traveling Between Islands in Hawaii

Before we leave you, we wanted to share a few sample itineraries that might be helpful when planning your Hawaii vacation. If you want a customized vacation plan from local experts, give us a call. We are eager to help recommend the best plan and places based on your unique vision and budget!

Oahu & Kauai Travel Plan

Days 1-4

Enjoy a busy vacation in Waikiki, complete with lots of shopping, a luau, and unique dining experiences. Take a road trip to Oahu’s North Shore, and set aside a morning to snorkel in Haunama Bay. 

Days 5-8

Once on Kauai, stay in the quiet north shore or more lively Poipu area. Relax with a full beach day and take a road trip to see Waimea Canyon, coffee farms, and small towns. 

Hawaii Island & Maui Travel Plan

Days 1-3

I prefer staying in Hilo during my Hawaii Island vacations because I enjoy the activities near there better. This puts me in a good place to enjoy Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, various botanical gardens, and waterfalls. But plan a day trip to Kona if you want to see more of the island. 

Days 4-7

Then it’s off to Maui, where you can stay in Wailea, Kihei, or Kaanapali to get a classic beach vacation. 

Kauai & Maui Travel Plan

Days 1-4

A few days in Kauai will allow you to get some R&R while also seeing some of its best sights. Top adventures include backcountry tubing, kayaking in the Wailua River, and snorkeling at Tunnels Beach. 

Days 5 – 8

Maui has many comforts of home, but is also incredibly relaxing. If you drove around a lot on Kauai, you may want to skip big trips on the Road to Hana or Haleakala. But these are great options if you’re ready to stretch your legs and see more of Hawaii.