After we decided what islands we wanted to visit in Hawaii (Oahu, Big Island and Maui), we then had to think about how to travel between them. I thought boat may be the cheapest option but upon further research it appears they no longer run a service (apart from cruises) in an attempt to preserve marine sanctuaries that surround the Hawaiian Islands. Therefore flying is the only way with the two main carriers being Hawaiian Airlines and Island Air (Aloha Airlines used to be the second main airline but it no longer runs).
We chose our flights based on availability and price. Two out of the three trips, Hawaiian Airlines were cheaper. Our first trip with them was to the Big Island from Oahu and then again from the Big Island to Maui. The annoying thing with Hawaiian Airlines though, we couldn’t get a direct flight to Maui, we had to go back via Honolulu airport. I do believe you can get direct flights, however they are limited and unsurprisingly sell out the quickest. Due to the transfer between flights we had a slight hiccup with our luggage not being on the same plane as us to Maui, but it arrived on the next flight 45 mins later so it wasn’t the end of the world.
Overall I was happy with Hawaiian Airlines. The distances between islands are so short, that by the time you have finished ascending it is literally time to descend. Despite this, they still had time to come around the cabin and offer a cup of P.O.G (passionfruit, orange and guava, a favourite in a Hawaii) or a cup of water.
Our flight details:
24th May 2014
Oahu to Kailua-Kona
USD $103 incl. taxes but ex. luggage ($17)
44mins
28th May 2014
Kailua-Kona to Honolulu
43mins
Honolulu to Maui
37mins
USD $118.50 incl. taxes but ex. luggage ($17)
Every Country 