Getting between the Hawaiian islands

The Hawaiian islands sit in the middle of the Pacific, and moving between them is a trip in itself. Most journeys are made by air, with short flights linking the main islands, while a few routes are served by ferry. Island hopping can transform a holiday, but it also takes time and planning. This guide explains how to move between the islands and how to build an itinerary that makes the most of every day.

Flying between the islands

Inter island flights are short, often under an hour, and there are frequent departures between the main airports. For many visitors, flying is simply the fastest and most practical way to see more than one island in a single trip.

Book early for the best fares, especially in the busy seasons, and allow generous connections if you are arriving on a long haul flight. A delay on the mainland can easily cost you a tight connection to an outer island.

Baggage rules and fees vary between carriers, so check the allowance before you pack. On short flights, travelling with hand luggage only can save both time and money.

Ferries and boats

Ferry services operate on a limited number of routes and are not available between every island. Where they run, they offer a scenic and sometimes cheaper alternative to flying, though the crossing can be rough in winter.

For trips between islands that are close together, a ferry can be a pleasant way to travel with a vehicle, but schedules are limited and should be checked well in advance. Availability can be a constraint during peak periods.

For visitors, the ferry is most useful on specific routes rather than as a general tool for hopping. Confirm that a service is running, and book ahead, before you build your plans around it.

Planning an island hopping itinerary

The golden rule is to allow enough time on each island to justify the travel. Moving every second day means spending much of the holiday in airports, so fewer islands with longer stays usually beats a rushed tour of them all.

Give the larger islands three or more nights and the smaller ones at least two, and keep the first and last days light. Arrival and departure days are poor for sightseeing, so build in a margin for delays.

Think about what each island offers and match it to your interests, whether that is volcanoes, beaches, hiking or nightlife. A focused itinerary is more rewarding than a checklist of every island.

Costs and practicalities

Inter island travel adds cost to any trip, between airfares, extra transfers and the time spent in transit. Budget for it at the planning stage rather than treating each flight as a small extra along the way.

Rental cars are often the best way to explore once you arrive, and they are usually booked out in peak season. Reserve early and confirm whether you can return the car at the airport you are flying from.

Luggage limits on small aircraft can be tighter than on long haul flights, so pack with the inter island legs in mind. A single well chosen bag makes every transfer easier.

When to stay on one island

For a short trip, one island is often the right answer. A week spent exploring a single island in depth can be richer than the same week split across two or three, with none of the travel stress.

If you are based on one island, day trips and local flights can still add variety without the cost of moving all your luggage. This approach keeps the holiday relaxed and the budget under control.

Choose a base that matches your priorities, whether that is beaches, volcanoes, culture or hiking, and let the other islands wait for a future visit.

Making transfers run smoothly

Check in online where you can, arrive at the airport with time to spare, and keep documents and medication in your hand luggage. Small habits like these prevent most of the problems that affect island hopping trips.

Stay flexible with the weather, as inter island flights can be delayed by conditions. A spare half day and a willingness to adjust your plan will keep a disruption from spoiling the whole holiday.

• Allow at least two or three nights on each island you visit.
• Book inter island flights early, especially in busy seasons.
• Check baggage allowances, as small aircraft limits are tighter.
• Keep arrival and departure days light to absorb any delays.
• Reserve a rental car in advance if you plan to explore.
• For a short trip, consider one island instead of several.

Island hopping can be the making of a Hawaii holiday, but only if it is planned with time and cost in mind. Choose your islands carefully, leave a margin for the unexpected, and the journeys between them will be part of the adventure rather than a chore.