How to Get From Maui to Kona on the Big Island

Hawaii is a group of 132 atolls and islands that's 3,860 kilometers away from mainland USA. Its eight main islands include Hawaii or Big Island, Kauai, Molokai, Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolawe. Kahoolawe is the only uninhabited island, while Niihau is privately owned by the Robinson Family. As the islands extend to about 2,400 kilometers from end to end, the longest inter-island travel sometimes takes up to 45 minutes. This guide shows you the ways you can travel from Maui to Kona on the Big Island.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Search for flights from Maui to the Big Island on the Internet. You can check out Hawaiian Airlines at hawaiianair.com and Mesa Airlines at iflygo.com for flight schedules, availability and rates for all inter-island travels. These carriers have regular flights not only from Maui to Kona on the Big Island but to other islands as well.

2. Go for commuter airlines. These airlines use small prop planes and puddle planes, and therefore do not use the airport's main terminal. This means no queuing for security checks, less hassle, and and saving a lot of time in travel. You can check out Island Air islandair.com, Pacific Wings at pacificwings.com, and Mokulele Airlines at mokuleleairlines.com

3. Book your flight. After booking, check the details of your travel ticket. Maui has two airports in Kahului and Kapalua. It might be farther that you expect it would be, so make sure you are heading to the right one. Meanwhile, Kona has one international airport.

4. Get to the airport early. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 90 minutes before your scheduled flight because you will have to go through a lot of inspection and security. This is especially true for flights that use the airport's terminals.

5. Try to get to Kona from Maui by sea. A great way to explore the islands of Hawaii, as well as the nearby Fanning Island and Republic of Kiribati, is via cruise. Cruises are available through Norwegian Cruise Lines, the sole cruise line that goes around the Hawaiian Islands. It operates year-round and can be contacted at 800-327-7030 or ncl.com.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are planning to ride the smaller commuter planes you'll be able to view magnificent scenes of the Hawaiian coastlines because commuter planes fly lower than jet planes. Ask the pilot which side of the plane offers the views, and sit on that side. Cruises between Hawaii's islands have one disadvantage: You will not be able to explore the islands at your leisure. However, lodging is taken care of on cruises.

References

• Different ways of traveling between Hawaii's islands
• Types of transportation and ports of entry and exit in Hawaii

Resources

• A blog about the different inter-island travel modes