Hopping from the Big Island to Maui is a popular and unforgettable part of exploring the Hawaiian Islands.
If you’re traveling to Maui last minute, you want to ensure you have lodging/tours ahead of time! Below are some of our top picks on the island!
🌴 Best tours and activities on Maui:
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Molokini and Turtle Town snorkeling trip (#1 Maui bestseller!)
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Sunset cruise from Kaanapali (has an open bar!)
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Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton in Kaanapali (top-rated luau!)
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Small group Road to Hana trip (much better than driving!)
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Haleakala sunrise tour (with breakfast!)
🛌 Places to stay in South Maui (Kihei/Wailea/Makena):
- Four Seasons Resort Wailea (ultimate luxury- White Lotus filming location!)
- Mana Kai Maui
- Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa (amazing pool area!)
🛌 Places to stay in West Maui (Lahaina/Kaanapali/Kapalua):
- The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas (in Ka’anapali)
🚗 Traveling to Maui independently? Be sure to book your rental car in advance to ensure availability.
🏥 Looking for the best insurance for traveling to Hawaii? Click here to check Hawaii’s insurance rates with SafetyWing!
Whether you’re heading over for a few days of adventure or connecting to another island, this guide will walk you through how to get from the Big Island to Maui quickly, easily, and without stress.
Also, check out my guide to places to visit in Maui if you’re planning to stay on the island for an extended period and want to explore it thoroughly.
Contents
- Flights from the Big Island to Maui
- Airlines That Fly from the Big Island to Maui
- Flight Duration and Frequency
- Is There a Ferry from the Big Island to Maui?
- Getting to and From the Airports
- Can You Do a Day Trip from the Big Island to Maui?
- What to Know Before You Go
- Final Thoughts
- More How to Get Around in Hawaii Guides
Flights from the Big Island to Maui
The fastest and only practical way to get from the Big Island (Hawaiʻi Island) to Maui is by plane.
There are daily flights between the two islands, operated by several airlines, with travel times of around 35 to 50 minutes, depending on the route.
Departure Airports on the Big Island
You can fly out of two airports:
- Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west side (near Kailua-Kona)
- Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east side (near Hilo)
Most travelers fly from Kona, but if you’re exploring Volcanoes National Park or staying on the Hilo side, flying from ITO may be more convenient.
Arrival Airport on Maui
All flights arrive at Kahului Airport (OGG), the main airport on Maui, situated near central towns such as Wailuku and Paia.
Airlines That Fly from the Big Island to Maui
- Hawaiian Airlines – most frequent and reliable
- Southwest Airlines – often cheaper, includes two free checked bags
- Mokulele Airlines – operates smaller aircraft, including scenic flights between Kona and Kahului or Kapalua (West Maui)
Pro tip: Hawaiian Airlines typically offers more direct flights, while Southwest may include a stop in Honolulu depending on the time of day.
Flight Duration and Frequency
- Flight time: About 35–45 minutes (gate-to-gate)
- Flight frequency: Multiple flights daily from both KOA and ITO to OGG
- One-way fares: Start at around $45–$80 when booked in advance
- High season prices: Can reach $120–$150 one-way, especially during holidays or last-minute bookings
Pro tip: Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead, especially if you’re traveling during school breaks, holidays, or summer.
Is There a Ferry from the Big Island to Maui?
No ferry or boat service runs between the Big Island and Maui. Although people often search for “Big Island to Maui ferry,” no such option exists. The former inter-island ferry (Hawaii Superferry) ended in 2009 and hasn’t been replaced.
The only ferries in Hawaii operate between Maui and Lanaʻi or Maui and Molokaʻi.
Getting to and From the Airports
On the Big Island
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Kona Airport (KOA):
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Located about 15 minutes north of Kailua-Kona
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Accessible by rental car, taxis, and limited ride-share (Uber/Lyft)
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Hilo Airport (ITO):
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Located 5 minutes from downtown Hilo
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Accessible via rental car or taxi
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Pro tip: Public transportation is extremely limited on the Big Island, so most travelers rent a car to get to the airport.
On Maui (OGG)
- Rental car agencies are on-site
- Ride-shares and taxis are available outside baggage claim
- The Maui Bus system serves Kahului Airport and is a budget option if you’re packing light
Can You Do a Day Trip from the Big Island to Maui?
Technically, yes, but it’s not ideal. Flights are short, but schedules can be limited depending on your departure airport. A same-day round-trip might work best from Kona (KOA) rather than Hilo (ITO).
Sample outline for a same-day trip:
- Early morning flight from KOA to OGG
- Explore Central or West Maui (Paia, Iao Valley, Lahaina)
- Afternoon or early evening flight back to KOA
Pro tip: Don’t attempt to drive the Road to Hāna on a same-day trip—it takes too long and deserves more time.
What to Know Before You Go
- Bring a valid photo ID
- Check baggage policies (Southwest includes bags; others charge ~$30)
- Download the airline app for boarding passes and alerts
- Arrive at the airport at least 60–90 minutes before departure
- Flights are short, but plan for weather-related delays in the winter months
Final Thoughts
The only way to travel from the Big Island to Maui is by air—and fortunately, it’s fast, scenic, and easy to plan.
With multiple daily flights, reasonable fares, and two departure airport options, island hopping between the Big Island and Maui is a must for your Hawaii adventure.