With eight major islands and more than 100 islets to explore, Hawaii will tantalize even the most settled homebodies into adventure.
(Who needs Mount Everest when you can bag the exposed peaks of an immense undersea mountain range? Fun fact: The Big Island’s own Maunakea is actually the world’s tallest mountain.)
Whether you want to visit the entire archipelago of the Hawaiian Islands or simply head over to the next luau, read on for an essential guide to island hopping.
Flights
Flying is by far the most popular way to travel between the four largest Hawaiian islands: Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and of course the Big Island. With four companies offering interisland flights, you’re sure to find a trip to sate your wanderlust.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines offers about 170 flights a day between Honolulu, Kahului, Lihue, Hilo, and Kona. Missing the big city? Nonstop flights between Kona and Honolulu take a mere 45 minutes.
Mokulele Airlines
With at least 120 daily flights, Mokulele Airlines will connect you directly from Kona to O’ahu, Maui, or Molokai. Once a week they fly directly from Waimea and Kahalui.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest flies several interisland routes: Hilo to Honolulu, Kona to Honolulu, Kona to Kahului, as well as Kona to Lihue.
And yes, if you really need to go back to the mainland, Southwest flies nonstop to Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Oakland, San Jose, Sacrament, San Diego, and Long Beach… but what do those places have on the Big Island?
Makani Kai Air
This local aviation operator flies small planes connecting the Big Island to Kauai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu.
Heads Up: A 2020 merger between Makani Kai Air and Mokulele Airlines means you have to book flights through the latter’s website.
Ferries
If you’re hanging out (or hanging ten) on Lanai, why not take a ferry ride to Maui? (Some people swim the 9.6 miles of the Maui Channel, but no judgment if you’d rather boat it.)
This large catamaran ensures smooth cruising through the Auau Channel to beautiful Manele Bay Harbor and offers trips between the two islands at four different times throughout the day. Not only is this boat shuttle the most convenient way to travel between Maui and Lanai, it gives you an on-the-water view of these stunning shores.
Local Tip: Ferries are only available between Maui and Lanai, so be sure to take advantage of this unique travel opportunity if you’re visiting either island.
Tours
Want someone else to figure out the logistics? No problem! Book a custom luxury tour around Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
Enchanting Travels offers private tours geared toward your preferred activities: nature & landscape, adventure & outdoors, heritage & culture, wildlife, beaches & relaxation, or island hopping.
Come Home to the Big Island
The end of a week-long Hawaiian adventure is always a bummer. But don’t head back to the mainland just because vacation is over. Watching the sunset from your breezy lanai sounds much better than a five hour flight, right?
Let’s schedule a chat to figure out how we can make the Big Island your final relaxation destination.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.