Want to visit more than one Hawaiian island? Traveling between the Big Island (Hawaii) and Maui is easy and popular—especially if your itinerary is a week or longer. The roughly 45-minute flight offers postcard-worthy views of volcanoes and the Pacific Ocean.
Here’s a quick view out the window…
Traveling between Big Island and Maui
Typical one-way fares range from about $75 to $125. When direct flights are sold out, a connection through Honolulu is often the next best option and still keeps travel time reasonable.
The Kona and Kahului airports are refreshingly open-air, which makes the whole experience feel like an extension of your vacation. Check-in, baggage claim, and boarding often take place outdoors, so you’ll enjoy fresh island air, local fruit stands, and small cafes where you can grab a bite or a cold Kona beer before you fly.
Onboard Hawaiian Airlines or other inter-island carriers, the short flight is comfortable and scenic. You’ll likely hear Hawaiian music as you settle into your seat, and many travelers find in-flight entertainment or Wi‑Fi unnecessary because the coastal and volcanic scenery is the main attraction.
A note on baggage checkpoints
Airports in Hawaii have additional baggage screening procedures designed to prevent non-native pests from being transported between islands. This is an important biosecurity measure. Note that most fresh fruit is restricted from inter-island travel; uncut pineapple is a common exception.
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If you’re planning a multi-island trip, allow at least a day or two on each island to enjoy local attractions without feeling rushed. With short flight times and frequent service, hopping between Maui and the Big Island is a convenient way to experience Hawaii’s varied landscapes, from volcanic fields to lush beaches and waterfalls.