Looking to hop from Maui to Honolulu? Whether you’re heading to Oʻahu for a city escape, a connecting international flight, or just to explore more of Hawaii’s island charm?
If you’re traveling to Honolulu last minute, you want to ensure you have lodging/tours ahead of time! Below are some of our top picks on Oahu!
🌴 Best Tours and Activities on Oahu:
- Full-day Oahu island tour (my top recommendation to see the island!)
- Waikiki afternoon glass-bottom boat trip (a Honolulu bestseller!)
- Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial Tour (essential!)
- Paradise Cove luau (a luau that is great for families!)
- Diamond Head morning hike from Honolulu
🛌 Best Hotels and Lodging in Honolulu:
- Moana Surfrider Hotel (a famous place that I love!)
- White Sands Hotel (budget – I stayed here many nights and enjoyed it!)
- Hotel Renew (budget option in HNL)
- Laylow (mid-range and stylish)
- Espacio the Jewel of Waikiki (luxury living in Waikiki)
🚗 Traveling to Oahu independently? Be sure to book your rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!
🏥 Looking for the best insurance for traveling to Hawaii? Click here to check Hawaii’s insurance rates with SafetyWing!
Here’s everything you need to know about how to get from Maui to Honolulu, from flights to tips and what to expect on arrival.
I also have a helpful guide on getting from Oahu to Maui if you’re planning a round trip between the islands. Plus, if you’re looking for things to do in Honolulu, check out my detailed article!
Contents
- Flights from Maui to Honolulu: Quick, Frequent & Affordable
- Typical Flight Prices
- Departing from Maui: Kahului Airport (OGG)
- Arriving in Honolulu: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Can You Take a Ferry from Maui to Honolulu?
- Return Trips: Can You Do a Same-Day Trip from Maui to Honolulu?
- What to Know Before You Travel
- Final Thoughts
- More How to Get Around in Hawaii Guides
Flights from Maui to Honolulu: Quick, Frequent & Affordable
Flying is by far the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Maui to Honolulu.
There are multiple daily flights from Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG) to Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), and the flight time is only about 40 to 50 minutes.
Airlines that Fly from Maui to Honolulu:
- Hawaiian Airlines – the most frequent inter-island carrier
- Southwest Airlines – budget-friendly and includes two checked bags
- Mokulele Airlines – small planes, scenic flights, and service to West Maui’s Kapalua (JHM)
Pro tip: Hawaiian Airlines runs inter-island flights almost hourly during the day. You can book same-day roundtrips if needed.
Typical Flight Prices
One-way fares start at around $ 45 to $ 80 if booked in advance. Last-minute fares may go up to 100 to 150 USD, depending on the season.
Booking tip: Tuesdays and Wednesdays usually offer the lowest fares.
Most airlines include one personal item. Carry-on or checked bags may be extra unless flying Southwest, which includes two checked bags free.
Departing from Maui: Kahului Airport (OGG)
Kahului is Maui’s main commercial airport and is easy to navigate.
Airport code: OGG
Security time: Allow 60 to 90 minutes before departure
Getting to the airport:
- Rental car drop-off: All major companies on-site
- Taxi/Uber/Lyft: Rides from Lahaina or Wailea can cost $40 to $100+
- Maui Bus: Routes 35, 40, and 45 serve the airport (budget-friendly, limited luggage)
Pro tip: Traffic into Kahului can back up during morning and late-afternoon rush hours, so plan your ride accordingly.
Arriving in Honolulu: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Honolulu’s airport is Hawaii’s busiest and the main hub for international travel.
Airport code: HNL
Terminal: Inter-island flights usually arrive at Terminal 1
Baggage claim: Easy to navigate; allow 10 to 15 minutes for pickup
Getting to Waikiki or Downtown:
- Taxi/Uber/Lyft: Around $30 to $40
- TheBus: Routes $19 and $20 go to Waikiki for just $2.75
- Shuttle: Available for around $15 to $20 per person
- Rental Cars: On-site or accessible via free shuttle
From HNL, you’re just 20 to 30 minutes away from the beach, Diamond Head, or your hotel in Waikiki.
Pro tip: If you’re staying in Waikiki and traveling light, TheBus is an easy and affordable alternative to rideshares.
Can You Take a Ferry from Maui to Honolulu?
Short answer: No.
There is currently no passenger ferry between Maui and Oahu. The Hawaii Superferry was discontinued in 2009, and no new services are scheduled.
Other search terms people use:
- Maui to Oahu ferry
- Boat from Kahului to Honolulu
- Can you take a ferry between the Hawaiian islands?
The only ferry routes in Hawaii are between Maui and the smaller islands of Lanaʻi and Molokaʻi. These do not connect to Oahu.
Return Trips: Can You Do a Same-Day Trip from Maui to Honolulu?
Yes. Flights are so short and frequent that a day trip to Oahu is doable. Ideal for visiting major sights like Pearl Harbor or shopping in Honolulu and then returning the same evening.
Here’s a sample itinerary:
- Morning flight from Maui to Honolulu
- Explore Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, or downtown Honolulu
- Late afternoon or evening flight back to Maui
Just make sure to leave enough buffer time for transportation and airport check-in on both ends.
What to Know Before You Travel
- Bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Check your airline’s baggage policies
- Download the airline’s app for boarding passes and gate updates
- Travel light, if possible, to avoid extra baggage fees
- Inter-island flights do not require COVID testing or vaccination as of now, but check airline websites for updates
Pro tip: Mokulele flights land at smaller terminals and may have looser check-in times, but give yourself extra time if unfamiliar with their process.
Final Thoughts
Flying from Maui to Honolulu is the fastest and most practical way to travel between the islands. With multiple daily flights, reasonable fares, and quick transit times, it’s easy to explore both islands—even in a single day.
Whether you’re heading to Oahu for business, sightseeing, or onward travel, booking a flight from Maui is the smart and stress-free choice.
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