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This article about Hawaii island hopping is designed to give you an idea of what you may experience when visiting the islands.
Have you ever dreamed of vacationing in Hawaii with your family? Your family is creating memories together with crystal clear blue waters and magnificent sunsets over the ocean. It seems hard to beat, but Hawaii is a vacation destination limited only by your creativity.
Of the main Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is the oldest. Consequently, the most eroded. Years of resistance to wind, rain, and waves have sculpted the island with deep canyons and dramatic ridges. The most popular, known as the Kalalau Trail, require reservations. Those lucky enough to obtain a permit can enjoy a narrow, winding path that winds around towering cliffs before ending at a secluded sandy beach.
Most island hopping in Hawaii is done from the air – what better way to see the breathtaking aerial views of your favorite vacation destination?
If you live on Oahu, Honolulu airport is 35 minutes from the public-use Lanai airport, just 3 miles from the city of Lanai. Arguably the best way to get from Oahu to the other main Hawaiian islands (Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, and Molokai) is flying.
When Kalalau is not on the itinerary, other excursions such as kayaking the Wailua River, hiking Waimea Canyon, surfing Hanalei Bay, or paddle surfing the Hanalei River offer an exhilarating outdoor experience in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Kona and Hilo are the two main airports available on the Big Island. Direct flights are available here from the west coast. Visitors can drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (about 29 miles away). From Kona Airport, visitors can go to the Hilton Waikoloa Village (about 10 miles away).
Kauai is known for outdoor activities. Here you can also experience world-class scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and hiking the active volcanoes on the Big Island.
The Kona coast is known for some of the best sport fishing in the state (1,000-pound marlin is everyone’s favorite), but it also offers divers the rare opportunity to dive at night with dozens of wild manta rays. Gathered around an underwater “cleaning station,” the manta rays, with a wingspan of up to 4 meters, offer divers an aquatic experience considered one of the best in the state.
The Big Island is, as you may have guessed, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is very diverse in climate and landscape. Some of the best things to do on the Big Island are exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visiting Heiau, seeing waterfalls, and experiencing the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Most visitors make reservations on Kona, where there are many resorts.
Most people fly into Hilo on the windward (east) side of the island. The leeward (west) side is usually more populated and sunny. It’s where you want to be if you hope to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This island has two active volcanoes. Kilauea erupted in 2018 and is now free of lava. Manua Kea is currently inaccessible to the public.
Traditionally, Hawaiian Airlines was the dominant airline for inter-island travel and remained a common option with several daily flights. However, Southwest airlines is now a very strong competitor in Hawaii, which is great for travelers looking for the best deal on flights to the Big Island, Maui or Kauai. Southwest flies from hnl to Kauai (lih), Maui (Ogg), Hilo (ITO), and Kona (koa). However, note that on these flights, you fly via Honolulu. So, flying nonstop from Kona to Kauai, your best choice for these types of routes is probably Hawaiian Airlines.
As you drive around the Big Island of Hawaii, you will find that the microclimates are constantly changing, but so are the ambiance and neighborhoods. Hilo will have more of a local feel than Kona, which I love. It’s also much lusher and jungle-like. There are also a few snorkeling spots, like Richardson Beach Park and Keaukaha Beach Park, but you might not be impressed if you enjoyed Two-Step and the dolphins. However, the food and restaurants are great. I especially liked the vegan food at Vibe, the poke at Suisan Fish Market, and Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack for quirky flavors.
Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii’s largest and longest-serving airline, serving airports on all four main islands. It is the primary provider of travel between Honolulu and Lihue on Kauai, Kahului on Maui, and Kona and Hilo in Hawaii, with an average of more than 170 daily flights within Hawaii. Talk about Hawaii Island hopping! Flights to and from Lanai, Molokai, and West Maui, Hawaiian Airlines offers flights between Honolulu and Molokai, Kapalua, and Lanai through its turboprop operation, `ohana by Hawaiian, in partnership with empire airlines.
Fortunately, there are two ferry routes in and around the Hawaiian Islands. Both lines operate from the island of Maui. These affordable ferry services operate between Maui and Molokai and between Maui and Lanai. Molokai and Lanai are two perfect island destinations if you and your family have booked accommodations on Maui. Roundtrip ferries from Maui to Lanai and Maui to Molokai cost less than half the flights from Honolulu or Maui to Lanai.
Of course, if you want your island-hopping adventure in Hawaii to be off the hook, there’s also the option of a cruise ship. You would think that there are many cruise ships that travel between the Hawaiian Islands; however, there are many laws that prevent cruise lines from taking this route. Instead, there are two options: Norwegian Cruise Line and Uncruise Adventures.
A “must see” on your Hawaiian vacation is on the eastern part of the island, almost 9 miles from Hilo. The garden is located on the Hamakua coast, on the four-mile scenic drive, at the back of the Onomea Valley. The spectacular gateway to this award-winning garden is directly across the street from a beautiful new visitor center with ample free parking, surrounded by lush rainforest. You’ll notice the ohi’a beams supporting the lanai (porch) roof as you enter the Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Gardens visitor center.
With 120 islands, award-winning beaches, spectacular scenery, and one of the driest and wettest places on earth (all on one island), Hawaii offers a diversity unlike any other travel itinerary. In Hawaii, you get it all from the North Shore of Oahu, where visitors can watch impressive (and equally harrowing) professional surfers ride 12-meter waves, to exploring Hawaii’s only city, Honolulu, with its vibrant nightlife.
If you stay on Maui, your family can travel to Lanai and Molokai for less. It’s by far the cheapest way to travel between these Hawaiian islands.
Aptly named 1 of the most beautiful islands on earth by Conde Nast Traveler, the island of Maui can be a stunning tourist destination that is certainly blessed to have a wide selection of amazing natural, cultural and historical attractions. As a tropical paradise, Maui boasts a very tranquil and relaxed environment that is ideal for men and women on the hunt to gather apart from the hustle and bustle and noise of everyday city life. Aside from its best tropical setting and its success in terms of attractions, Maui is also known for housing some of the best and most luxurious hotels and resorts globally.
What’s the best way to have a complete vacation experience in paradise? by taking an island hopping trip in Hawaii! each island has its personality and unique attractions, so make the most of your journey. Are Hawaiian volcanoes at the top of your “to-do” list…maybe pearl harbor…or have you heard how beautiful Hana road is? You’ll have to go exploring to see any of these incredible sights because they aren’t on the island itself.
A quick 90-minute ferry will take you and your family from bustling Maui to Molokai, “the friendly island.” Molokai is the least developed of the 8 main Hawaiian Islands and the perfect getaway for any family looking to explore pristine beaches and mysterious jungles. From Lahaina, Maui, the ferry departs at 7:15, 10:45, and 18:00, so you can easily spend a full day on Molokai.
Book an all-inclusive Hawaii island hopping cruise to the Hawaiian Islands for the ultimate “island hopping” experience.
Is it time to start planning your Hawaii vacation? When we booked our first trip to the Hawaiian Islands, our initial excitement turned to panic when we realized the amount of research ahead of us. How easy is it to travel between the Hawaiian Islands, how far apart are they, what is the cheapest way to travel between the Hawaiian Islands, and what is the fastest way? Can you travel between the Hawaiian islands by boat, and if there is a ferry, do you have to book it in advance, how long does it take to travel between the islands of Hawaii, and should you combine your trip to Oahu with a stay on Maui or a holiday on the big island of Kauai, which is the best islands in Hawaii for families, and where are the most spectacular hotels or dreamy Airbnb in Hawaii, and what are the best places to stay in Hawaii?
Planning your first island hopping trip in Hawaii can be intense. So you don’t feel as overwhelmed as we did, read this – before you book your flights – and you’ll know exactly how to island-hop in Hawaii. This is the must-have travel guide we wish we’d had when we booked our trip. So, let’s dive in and find out the best way to travel between the Hawaiian Islands.
Island hopping in Hawaii is the best way to see it all, well, almost all! Almost every vegetation zone on earth is represented on this island, so the landscape is diverse. Hawaii is a team of passionate Hawaii experts who love Hawaii and will make your Hawaii vacation a fantastic experience. Inter-island flights travel between one Hawaiian island and another. Planes and boats between Maui, Oahu, Honolulu, Kauai, Hawaii, or the Big Island. The island of Hawaii, sometimes called the Big Island, is the youngest and by far the largest of the islands of Hawaii. The six main islands are connected by dozens of daily flights.
Mokulele operates more than 120 daily flights between most of the Hawaiian Islands. These flights offer direct flights from Kona to Oʻahu, Maui, and Molokai. Mokulele also operates a direct flight (once a week) between Kamuela-Waimea Airport (IATA code: me) in Waimea and Kahalui on Maui. Mokulele offers more than 120 daily flights between most of the Hawaiian Islands.
Here is a map of the Hawaiian islands. Here are all the airlines that fly between the islands, along with some notes that also say something about the local background. (Note that you can visit these airlines’ websites directly for the latest deals, flight maps, schedules, and more.) This airline is the most established and has the largest inter-island fleet of all. They fly to all the major islands. Hawaiian Airlines.
The cost of island hopping in Hawaii varies depending on the time of year and which islands you fly between. But traveling between Hawaiian islands has never been easier. Simply travel between the Hawaiian Islands on an inter-island flight.
The island of Hawaii has an incredibly diverse landscape consisting of multiple climates and subclimates. Lush green flora and waterfalls, arid desert and sandy beaches, rolling grasslands, and tall forests meet alpine tundras and snow-capped peaks, all in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
This wild and untamed island is a masterpiece of nature in motion. While visiting, take a day trip through the visually stunning Hamakua Heritage Corridor, which stretches from Hilo to the Waipio Valley Overlook. Along the way, stretch your legs at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, home to more than 2,000 species of tropical plants from around the world.
Oahu is the hub of Hawaii and inter-island travel. International flights to Hawaii land here, as well as most flights from the continental United States. You can fly from Honolulu International Airport (hnl) to almost all of the major neighboring islands. If you’re not sure which islands you want to head to on your Hawaiian vacation, it’s still a pretty safe bet to book your main flights in and out of hnl. However, don’t get too comfortable and stay in Waikiki all the time because Hawaii gets much, much better the more you explore.
Next, hop back on and head to Akaka Falls State Park, one of the largest waterfalls on the island. Continue north past overlooks, sea cliffs, rainforests, and plantation towns to Waipio Valley overlook.
If you are staying on Oahu, your options for travel to the islands of Lanai and Molokai are limited to air service to the islands. Airfares on Hawaiian Airlines between Honolulu and lanai city start at $550 roundtrip for a party of 4, making a one or two-day trip to Lanai easily accessible without the long ferry wait.
This influx of people who want to continue living on these small islands is like the dreaded relatives who come to visit and never leave. Instead of coming for a week’s vacation as planned, they decide to stay and become annoying hangers-on. They make our house their home without permission, literally. They take advantage of natural resources that were not meant to stretch as far as they stretch today. They don’t seem to understand that the Hawaiian island chain is small amounts of land with small amounts of water and natural resources.
Here’s an idea of prices you may find when searching our site depending on the time of year, etc.:
Hawaii is an island paradise where as a traveler, you are compelled to dance the hula. Hawaiians have been dancing the hula for as long as they have lived on the islands. Women, girls, and men study and practice this dance. Children have been studying the dance since they could walk. This dance, more than the printed word, expresses the stories of the Hawaiian people and their culture.
There’s nothing worse than going on vacation and coming home more tired than when you left. A family vacation should be a place where everyone can relax and have a good time together… or apart. It’s important that when you book your trip, you don’t try to squeeze too much out of your vacation. If you are going to Hawaii for 5 days, consider a day trip to the island with a local guide.
You can make an in-depth trip to 2 or 3 islands and come back another time to visit the others or do a quick review of 4 islands to get a “feel” for the ones you want to return to. Don’t think you can get out of this place with just one visit. Hawaii is more addictive than peanut M&Ms.
So you’ve decided to travel to Hawaii, but now how do you decide which island – or islands – to visit? Time is a restriction, so if you are only visiting for a week, it might be best to focus on one. After all, you’ve already traveled so much that you shouldn’t be spending your valuable vacation time at rental car counters, checking into hotels or airports. But with seven or more nights, a little Hawaii island hopping is definitely in order.
Hawaiian volcanoes are at the top of your “to do” list…maybe Pearl Harbor…or you’ve heard about how beautiful the Hana Highway is. In any case, you won’t be able to see any of these amazing sights on just one island. You have to go from island to island in Hawaii. We call this Hawaii island hopping!
Because the craters of Mount Kilauea have shown constant volcanic activity for almost 20 years, they have become the most visited volcano in the world. Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can be the experience of a lifetime, and people who have been there say there is nothing better than seeing Mother Nature’s hand at work.
Most who travel to the Hawaiian Islands arrive on a commercial airplane, although there are some exceptions to this general rule. You may not need air miles for inter-island travel if cash fares are low enough. We always recommend doing the math to make sure you’re getting fair value for your points. But if you fly Southwest (fixed value points), or if fares are over the $100 threshold, it’s worth considering using miles.
Considering there are no bridges and limited ferry service, the best way to island-hop is to fly between islands. There are 4 airlines with flights between the Hawaiian Islands.
There used to be two other airlines offering inter-island flights in Hawaii, namely island air and pacific wings. However, island air closed at the end of 2017, and pacific wings closed in 2014.
In addition to active volcanoes, natural geological wonders, such as volcanic steam vents and lava tubes, will show you a side of nature you never thought possible.
The incredible natural wonders of Hawaii volcanoes national park are a great reason to island-hop. Take a volcano tour today
Of, if you live on Kauai, Oahu, or Maui, you can take a day trip to Hawaii volcanoes on an amazing volcano eco-tour; this is the hottest way to island hop in Hawaii!
Valley island’ is the perfect introduction to Hawaii. The island offers an excellent combination of gorgeous resorts, lush nature, and the best beaches in the world. There are no cities, just a few small towns, so it never feels crowded (unless you drive down the Hana Highway, but that’s another story).
Everyone will feel right at home on Maui. Just off the popular Kaanapali Beach strip is Black Rock, one of the best snorkeling spots on the island.
The next most popular port for cruises to and from the Hawaiian Islands is Hilo, located on the lusher, wetter side of the Big Island. From hiking to waterfalls to lava hunting, you are sure to find a perfect shore excursion during your stay in Hilo.
The number one waterfall in Hawaii that you should definitely visit is ‘Akaka Falls – a 422-foot waterfall that is easily accessible by a short hike. To get a better taste of Hilo culture, book a coffee and chocolate tour to local farms.
If you want to relax on your Hawaii cruise, book a shore excursion to Coconut Island, which is a perfect place to relax and swim for a few hours.
If you fly into the Hawaiian island of Oahu, you can easily make your way to the Hilton Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. This is just steps from Waikiki Beach, where you’ll be in the perfect location to start your Hawaiian vacation. Hotel amenities include a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, fantastic restaurants and bars, and much more. Nearby you will find stores, restaurants, and bars and experience Hawaiian culture.
Kailua Kona is the capital of the Big Island and offers many outdoor activities for avid Hawaiian cruisers. This fabulous cruising paradise welcomes sunny weather most of the time.
Kealakekua Bay is a perfect place to explore the stunning Kailua Kona coastline. Here you’ll find a remarkable coral reef known as one of the best snorkeling spots in all of Hawaii. Later, head to Pu’uhonoa or Honaunau National Historical Park, where you can step back in time to understand Hawaii’s rich history.
If you choose to travel between the Hawaiian Islands by boat, you’ll need to book a cruise. You can find several Hawaiian island hopping cruises on cruise direct or Expedia.
If you want to stay in Maui and still see historic Pearl Harbor, this Maui island excursion is perfect for you.
Some of the most spectacular scenery is only accessible by boat and helicopter tour: the Napali Coast boasts some of the most beautiful coastlines in all of Hawaii and is a must-see on Kauai. On Kauai, you can hike, see waterfalls, beautiful gardens and beaches and watch dolphins (Na Pali Coast). If you are staying in Kauai, be prepared for quiet nights. Also, there are no big cities or tourist areas for shopping like Waikiki or Lahaina on Maui. There are small pockets of shopping and restaurants all over the island.
Three weeks is enough time to combine the big island with two smaller islands, as we did. Or you can spend the days on the three smaller islands at a slower pace. Whichever option you choose, after three weeks of island-hopping in Hawaii, you’ll have explored some amazing places.