Travel
Island Hopping in Hawaii: How to Visit More Than One
How island hopping in Hawaii works, inter-island flights, how to plan it without wasting your trip, and the best island pairings to consider.
To island hop in Hawaii, you fly. Short inter-island flights, mostly routed through Honolulu, connect the main islands in about 30 to 50 minutes. There are no bridges and few ferries, so flying is the way to see more than one island. The key is not to overdo it: each move costs roughly a half-day.
How island hopping works
Most itineraries base on one island, then fly to a second. You return your rental car, fly, and pick up a new car on the next island. Because each transition takes time, two islands is a comfortable maximum for most trips, as covered in how many days you need.
Inter-island flights
Several carriers fly between the islands frequently. Fares vary, so book ahead and travel light to speed up airport transitions. Even though the flights are short, allow buffer time for check-in, security, and car pickup on arrival.
How to plan it well
Spend at least 3 to 4 nights per island so a travel day does not swallow your time there. Group the islands geographically and book reservation-required activities before you lock flights. Read getting around Hawaii for on-island logistics.
Good island pairings
Popular pairings include Oʻahu plus Maui for city and scenery, or Maui plus the Big Island for beaches and volcanoes. Compare all the options in which island to visit before you decide.
Compare inter-island flights
Search fares between the Hawaiian islands and line up lodging on each.
Planning a Hawaii trip?
Find the best flights and hotels across all islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you island hop in Hawaii?
Is island hopping worth it?
How long are flights between the Hawaiian islands?
We research each guide against primary sources: the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Mālama Hawaii, the National Park Service, the State of Hawaii and its Division of State Parks, the National Weather Service, and the U.S. Census. For culture, language, and history we lean on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Bishop Museum, and the scholarship of Mary Kawena Pukui. We send readers to those sources rather than speaking over them. When rules, prices, or conditions change, we update the page.