No matter where youʻre traveling from, the journey to the islands isnʻt short. So youʻll want to make it worth it and see as much as possible.
Planning a Hawaii vacation often comes down to one question: do you want to see more islands, or get more familiar with one?
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Table of Contents
How long does it take to get to Hawaii?
For most visitors, getting to Hawaii is a long-haul travel day. Your total time depends on your departure city, connections, and whether you continue on to another island.
Can you fly directly to Hawaii?
Yes. Honolulu is the primary arrival point, with direct service from many mainland U.S. and international cities. Several neighbor islands also have direct flights from select destinations.
What cruise ships go to Hawaii?
Hawaii is served by Hawaii-focused cruises, Pacific crossings, and repositioning itineraries. They offer different ways to combine the journey with your vacation.
Which Hawaiian island is best for a first visit?
There is no single best island. Oahu offers one of the broadest mixes of beaches, history, hiking, food, city life, and scenic drives, making it a particularly versatile first visit.
How are the Hawaiian islands different?
Each island has its own character. Oahu is diverse and activity-rich; Maui is known for resorts and scenery; Kauai is lush and quieter; and Hawaii Island offers volcanoes and expansive landscapes.
How many days do you need on one Hawaiian island?
You can easily spend a week on one island. For shorter trips, staying put usually gives you more vacation time; with around 10 days or more, adding a second island becomes easier to justify.
Is there a ferry between the Hawaiian islands?
At one time there was. But there is currently no regular passenger ferry connecting the major Hawaiian islands. Most visitors traveling between islands fly.
How long does travel take between Hawaiian islands?
The flight may be short, but the complete transfer takes longer. Allow time for getting to the airport, rental-car logistics, airport procedures, luggage, and getting settled at your next destination.
One of the biggest Hawaii traveler mistakes is thinking all the islands are the same. Each one is unique and offers a completely different style. But donʻt worry, weʻll cover that in a moment.
Tour Guide & Local Founder
One of the coolest jobs Iʻve had over the last 20 years in Hawaii let me work on the neighbor islands regularly. Iʻve traveled between them by sea and by air, experiencing and researching over a 100 tours along the way.
"Felt so very relaxed but also energized and inspired" — Tony
Island Hopping at a Glance
No matter where youʻre traveling from, if you plan, you can typically get here in three connections or less. For those looking for discounts, it’s usually closer to the latter, and international visitors may tack on a stop or two.
You basically have two options to get to Hawaii: fly or take a cruise. Of course, thereʻs the occasional adventurer who prefers to sail themselves, or even take a rowboat.
Getting to Hawaii: Your First Travel-Day Decision
But most people’s first destination will be Oahu. But itʻs not the only international airport in Hawaii, and a couple of the smaller islands have regional airports for commuter planes.
| ✓ Oahu – Most popular first visit destination with the most variety |
| ✓ Maui – Famous for beaches, road to Hana, and Haleakala volcano |
| ✓ Kauai – Jurassic views perfect for couples and adventure seekers |
| ✓ Hawaii – Two distinct sides and Volcanoes National Park |
*Molokai and Lanai are very different experiences and much smaller communities. They are typically considered as specialty trips for return visitors, rather than default first-time choices.
- Pro Tip: If you are staying anywhere outside of Honolulu for more than one day, you will most likely want a rental car.
Direct flights vs discount flights to Hawaii from around the world
Regardless of which island you decide to visit, the vast majority of people choose to fly to the islands. There are plenty of great ways to book discount flights, but if you canʻt wait to get on vacation, here are several popular direct routes.
| Non-Stop Flights | States & Cities |
|---|---|
| The West Coast | ✓ LA, San Francisco, Seattle, Anchorage |
| Southwest Direct | ✓ Las Vegas, Salt Lake, Denver, Dallas |
| Midwest & South | ✓ Chicago, Minneapolis, Atlanta |
| The East Coast | ✓ New York, New Jersey, Washington DC |
| Across Canada | ✓ Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto |
| Within Oceania | ✓ Auckland, Fiji, Tahiti, Pago Pago |
| From Australia | ✓ Sydney, Melbourne |
| Direct from Asia | ✓ Japan, Seoul, Manila |
You can expect to be in the air for anywhere from 5-12 hours to get here. So settle in, and if you have points, upgrade these long-hauls, not the interisland flights.
- Pro Tip: For longer flights, stretch your layover to break up the trip or book multi-destination. Itʻs a great way to save money.
Different Hawaii cruise ship options from around the world
While flying is certainly the quickest way to get to the islands, itʻs definitely not the only way. Many visitors choose a cruise ship, especially those who want to see as much as possible. You might as well make the journey part of the adventure.
| Hawaii Cruise Ships | States & Cities |
|---|---|
| West Coast & Canada | ✓ All major lines (Primarily winter) |
| Pacific crossings | ✓ Alaska, Circle Pacific, Australia |
| Worldcruises | ✓ Holland, Princess, MSC, boutique |
| Hawaii only | ✓ Norwegian Cruise Line (year round) |
- Pro Tip: For those who want a fancy ship or test your luck with "games of chance", youʻll need to visit an International Port.
When a Hawaii Cruise Makes More Sense
Cruising is the easiest way to sample several islands and check off the Hawaii bucket list, without repeatedly changing hotels. But it gives you less time on each island.
- Oahu → Maui → Hawaii → Kauai
- Ports & order vary between ships
- Typically 1 or 2 days per island
They simplify the cost and logistics of seeing several islands. Especially when you factor in hotels, transportation, and meals.
- Pro Tip: Book activities through the ship or get trip insurance to protect against last-minute changes. You may be glad you did.
When Island Hopping Makes Sense
Inter-island flying is straightforward, but it isn’t as quick as the flight time suggests. If you donʻt have kids, or theyʻre well traveled, itʻs a manageable inconvenience. Hopefully one with a window seat.
- Oahu → Any neighbor island
- Variety of flights leaving daily
- Any neighbor island → Oahu
- Typically shorter flight windows
- Simplest and most popular
- Tram from Airport to Pearl Harbor
- Any island → Hawaii island
- Visit Volcanoes National Park
- Consider flying in to/out of Hilo → Kona
- Oahu or Maui → Lanai
- Recommend multiple days if possible
The direction and side of the plane you choose can add to the experience. If youʻre flying south within the chain, try to sit on the port side, or behind the pilot. So if youʻre heading North, itʻs vice versa.
- Pro Tip: If you plan to island hop, leave the checked bags at home and bring only carry-on. Itʻll save time, money, and stress.
Multiple Islands or one Deep-Dive?
Views and accommodations differ drastically from island to island. The neighbor islands are the best bet for those looking for expansive resorts and a quieter vibe. But Oahu also has more isolated options like the Turtle Bay Resort.
But if you prefer to relax and are here for a week or less, most people choose to settle in on one island, generally Oahu. You have several transportation options to places like the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which is just a few minutes from the Airport.
- Pro Tip: For multi-day trips to more islands, you can sacrifice beach front resorts in Waikiki. The ocean is within a few blocks.
Travel Time Reality Check
Donʻt forget to account for the time spent waiting, not to mention traveling to and from the airport or rental office. Many people think it’s just a 30-minute flight, but they fail to account for the logistics of the process.
30 min
45 min
90 min + flight
15 min
3+ hours
30 min
45 min
90 min
30 min
15 min
3+ hrs
- Pro Tip: To see multiple towns quickly, we recommend the Pride of America. No sea days, and 5 unique ports on 4 islands.
Why one island (especially Oahu) Can Fill an Entire Week (or more)
Getting anywhere from Kapolei to Sandy Beach Park is relatively simple, with or without a car, as long as you avoid the traffic. But if you’re staying outside the city, or on any neighboring island, you will probably want a rental car for your entire stay.
| ✓ Pearl Harbor – Pay your respects to the sailors of the USS Arizona |
| ✓ Historic Honolulu – Visit the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom |
| ✓ Waikiki Beach – See one of the most famous beaches on Earth |
| ✓ Striking Coastlines – North, South,West, and Windward Shores |
| ✓ Botanic Gardens – Dryland, dense rainforest, and city gardens |
| ✓ Scenic Hiking – Volcanic ridges and tropical jungles with waterfalls |
| ✓ Beaches & Coves – Nearly every mile of coast is dotted with sand |
| ✓ Local Food – No other island offers the variety of flavors like Oahu |
For a similar feel to an interisland trip, mix in a stay at the Ko Olina Resorts or on the North Shore, and head into Waikiki if you don’t want to deal with the travel. If you time it right, you can even skip the traffic.
- Pro Tip: The W-Line will take you within a block of the car desks at the airport from Waikiki. Save on parking with daily rentals.
A Better 7-Day Oahu Strategy
Assuming you choose Oahu, youʻll have plenty of things to fill your time. Pretty much everything is within an hour-and-a-half drive, and options to hike to a waterfall or the top of a volcanic tuff cone are within minutes of the world-famous Waikiki beach area.
| Flexible Schedule | Oahu 7 Day Itinerary |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Check-In | ✓ Arrive, Waikiki & Sunset Catamaran |
| Day 2: History Time | ✓ Pearl Harbor & Historic Honolulu |
| Day 3: Beach Day | ✓ Surf Lessons & Diamond Head |
| Day 4: Sightseeing | ✓ South Shore, Windward Oahu, & Kualoa |
| Day 5: Transfer | ✓ North Shore & Haleiwa, Aulani or Turtle Bay stay |
| Day 6: Resort Time | ✓ Relax on the beach or by the pool |
| Day 7: Return Trip | ✓ See what you missed, shop & eat until departure |
- Pro Tip: For a red-eye flight out, get a courtesy room and spend all day at the ocean. Youʻll be asleep as soon as you take off.
Don't Want to Drive Every Day?
Planning on going to Hanauma Bay for snorkeling but donʻt want to reserve a time? Thereʻs now an official shuttle with tickets included. Sightseeing tours offer a great taste of the island with a local guide, plus you can relax and enjoy the ride instead of looking for the next exit.
- Pro Tip: Research what activities require reservations around Oahu. Otherwise you might miss out on something special.
Best Oahu sightseeing options
Most people mix a variety of activities and transportation options on Oahu, which isn’t nearly as possible on the neighbor islands.
- Rent a car or motorcycle → 2 or 3 days
- Self-guided excursions → Driving & walking tours
- Guided sightseeing options → Multiple-day tours
- Travel Days → Airport, Cruise, or Hotel Transfer Tours
But if you prefer to relax and are here for a week or less, most people choose to settle in on one island, generally Oahu. Although you can easily sneak in 2 different islands with a week or more.
- Pro Tip: The further you get from the city, the fewer transportation options you have. So make sure to plan ahead.
The Bottom Line: How Many Islands Should You Visit?
That depends on your style and how much time you have. But as long as you know what you are in for in advance and allow some flexibility in your island itinerary plans, you should have a great time.
| If You... | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| 3–6 day visit | ✓ One island is usually best |
| Have 7 days & hate logistics | ✓ 1 Island or a Cruise |
| Want to sample several islands | ✓ Cruise or 2 weeks |
| Have 10–14 days | ✓ Two islands becomes practical |
| Have 14+ days | ✓ Island hopping becomes much easier |
| Hate changing hotels | ✓ Cruise or 1 day trip |
| Want maximum flexibility | ✓ Oahu / private tour |
| Love independent road trips | ✓ Oahu + GPS audio tours |
| Arriving/departing by cruise | ✓ Transfer Tour With Bags |
| Want a custom family vacation | ✓ Private Oahu tours |
Although weʻre certainly biased, we hope youʻll visit the city and take a custom private tour of Oahu, no matter how long you get to visit these islands.
