How to travel from honolulu to maui

Getting to Maui

Many airlines offer non-stop flights direct to Maui. You may also fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu before heading to Maui on a short, 30-minute flight. There is also daily ferry service to and from the nearby island of Lanai.

Travel by Ferry

It is not currently possible to take a ferry directly from Oahu to the outer islands. Ferries run only between the islands of Maui and Lanai and between Maui and Molokai. Catch a ferry between Lahaina on Maui and Manele Bay on Lanai with the Maui-Lanai Expeditions company.

If you want to visit both destinations during a Hawaiian vacation, the only way to travel from Honolulu to Maui is by cruise ship or plane. It’s a short flight, and the logistics of the trip are generally quite straightforward.

It is possible to take a ferry between Maui and Lanai with the Expeditions Lanai Passenger Ferry. The hour-long journey will cost you about $30 one-way (kids $20), but there are only five departures and returns each day, so you have to plan day trips carefully.

The ferry trip takes 90 minutes.

Maui vs Honolulu: The Verdict

Honolulu is the most populated and developed island and is famous for its spectacular beaches and great waves. On the other hand, Maui is a great choice for those who want to enjoy beautiful beaches and also spend some time snorkeling and hiking.

Kauai. Kauai’s lush greenery makes it the most beautiful of all the Hawaiian islands. It is home to waterfalls, hiking trails and a variety of eco-adventures.

Day Trip From Maui To Honolulu Oahu

There is no boat from Maui to Oahu, so you need to fly between the islands to do this one–day excursion. It is possible to do this day–trip on your own, but it is difficult to arrange the timing to fit in everything you want to see.

Maui Day Trips from Oahu includes a full-day tour of the Hana Rainforest, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and Hana town. This is a great way to get out and enjoy the REAL Hawaii. Tour includes: Round-trip transportation to/from Waikiki hotels, round-trip airfare to Maui, and guided tour to Hana-Maui.

Being from Oahu, Oahu will always be my home, but Maui definitely stole my heart. How far is Honolulu from Maui driving? The distance from Honolulu to Maui is approximately 104.5 miles.

Maui vs Oahu: Oahu is right for you if you want more of a cosmopolitan vacation, enjoy the nightlife, are excited about historical and cultural activities, or want to travel on a budget. Maui is right for you if you’re looking for a romantic island, great snorkeling, a relaxing vacation, or more outdoor activities.

Oahu (Honolulu) and Maui (Kahului) tend to be the two cheapest Hawaiian airports to fly into from the continental United States, but this may not be the case for your particular route. Always compare airports and consider tailoring your vacation itinerary if a different arrival airport offers better savings.

Usually, I recommend that first timers start off with a trip to Oahu. It’s the most popular Hawaiian island, as well as the cheapest. Plus there are tons of attractions, activities, great food, and shopping. That’s why I think it’s the best island to visit in Hawaii for the first time.

I recommend at least one week in order to experience all that Maui has to offer. You can still get a flavor Maui even if you just visit for one day. However, as a minimum, try to plan 3 to 5 days in Maui.

Do I need a car to get around on Maui? You can get around Maui by shuttle, tour bus, taxi or public transportation. But to really experience Maui, you should consider reserving a rental car in advance from the Kahului or Kapalua airports.

The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.

South Maui Weather

December and January are the rainiest months, but still only average about 2.5 inches of rain each (not too bad for the “rainy” months)! May through August average less than 1/2 inch per month.

If you’re looking for the best deals on accommodations, spring and fall are the cheapest months to visit the island because demand is down. This means the island is less crowded as well, which is another benefit of visiting during these months. Our personal preference is April – May.