THE COMPLETE GUIDE
Everything you need to plan the perfect trip from Oahu to Maui — flights, hotels, rental cars, itineraries, tours, and the best things to do once you get there.
Getting from Oahu to Maui
The flight from Honolulu (HNL) to Kahului (OGG) takes just 35–40 minutes. It’s one of the most frequently flown routes in Hawaii with over 70 daily departures operated by five airlines — Southwest, Hawaiian, Alaska, Mokulele, and Southern Airways Express. One-way fares start as low as $44 on the best days, with most travelers paying $65–$120 booked in advance.
There is no ferry between Oahu and Maui. Flying is the only practical option — but with flights this short and this affordable, it’s hardly a hardship.
Plan Your Trip
Not sure where to start? Here’s the order that makes sense:
1. Decide how long to stay — 3 days covers the highlights; 5 days is the sweet spot; 7 days lets you truly exhale.
2. Book your flights — Fares are competitive but rise as your dates approach. Southwest’s two free checked bags make them a strong default.
3. Book your rental car immediately — Maui has a well-documented car shortage. This is the one booking that can derail your whole trip if you leave it too late.
4. Choose where to stay — West Maui (Kaanapali) for first-timers; South Maui (Wailea/Kihei) for luxury or budget.
5. Book tours in advance — Haleakala sunrise permits and Molokini snorkel tours sell out weeks ahead.
➡️ See the complete Maui trip planning guide →
Maui Itineraries
How many days do you have? Here’s exactly what to do with your time:
3-Day Maui Itinerary →
The perfect long weekend from Oahu. Day 1: Arrive, Kaanapali Beach, sunset in Lahaina. Day 2: Road to Hana — full day. Day 3: Molokini snorkel tour, fly home.
5-Day Maui Itinerary →
The sweet spot — enough time to do it right. Adds Haleakala sunrise and South Maui beaches to the 3-day plan. The most popular choice for visitors flying from Oahu.
7-Day Maui Itinerary →
The full Maui experience. Adds a Lanai day trip, helicopter tour option, whale watching in season, and a genuinely unhurried pace.
Things to Do in Maui
Maui packs an extraordinary range of experiences into a relatively small island. Here are the highlights:
Road to Hana
A 52-mile coastal drive through rainforest, past waterfalls, over one-lane bridges, and to one of the most remote towns in Hawaii. One of the greatest road trip experiences in the United States. Plan a full day.
👉 Read the Road to Hana Guide →
Haleakala Sunrise
Standing at the 10,023-foot summit of a dormant volcano and watching the sun rise above the clouds is one of the most extraordinary experiences in Hawaii. Permits sell out weeks in advance — book early.
👉 Read the Haleakala Sunrise Guide →
Molokini Snorkeling
A partially submerged volcanic crater three miles offshore with water visibility up to 150 feet. Consistently ranked one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world.
👉 See all Maui tours and activities →
Whale Watching
Every winter (December–April), thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters around Maui to breed and give birth. Maui is the best place in the world to watch them.
👉 Read the Maui Whale Watching Guide →
Maui’s Best Beaches
From the wide white sands of Kaanapali to the dramatic black sand of Waianapanapa, Maui has more swimmable, beautiful beaches than anywhere else in Hawaii.
👉 See the Best Beaches in Maui →
➡️ See all things to do in Maui →
Where to Stay in Maui
Choosing the right area to stay in Maui makes a bigger difference than which hotel you pick. Here’s the quick guide:
West Maui (Kaanapali / Kapalua) — Best for first-timers. Walkable resort strip, great beaches, easy access to Lahaina. Mid-range to luxury. $300–$700/night.
South Maui (Wailea) — Best for couples and luxury travelers. Quieter beaches, world-class resorts (Four Seasons, Grand Wailea), more central location for day trips. $400–$1,500+/night.
South Maui (Kihei) — Best for budget travelers and families. Condo rentals with full kitchens, excellent beaches, most central location on the island. $120–$350/night.
How Much Does a Maui Trip Cost?
Maui is one of the most expensive destinations in the US — but the range is wide. Here’s what to expect per person for a 5-day trip:
| Trip Style | Estimated Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Budget (condos, food trucks, 1–2 tours) | $1,100–$1,500 |
| Mid-range (hotel, mix of dining, 3 tours) | $2,000–$2,500 |
| Luxury (resort, fine dining, premium tours) | $4,000–$6,000+ |
The biggest budget mistakes: not accounting for resort fees ($40–$105/night), Maui’s 18–19% lodging taxes, and the cost of the rental car including gas and parking.
➡️ See the full Maui cost breakdown →
Maui vs Oahu: Which Island is Right for You?
If you’re still deciding whether to visit Maui, Oahu, or both — here’s the honest comparison:
Choose Maui if you want quiet beaches, dramatic natural scenery, world-class snorkeling, Road to Hana, Haleakala, and a genuinely slower pace. Best for couples, honeymooners, and nature lovers.
Choose Oahu if you want Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, a lively urban scene, excellent diverse dining at every price point, and an easier trip without needing a rental car. Generally 20–40% more affordable than Maui.
Visit both if you can — the flight is 40 minutes and starts at $44.
➡️ Read the full Maui vs Oahu comparison →
Is There a Ferry from Oahu to Maui?
No — there is currently no passenger ferry service between Oahu and Maui. The Hawaii Superferry operated briefly from 2007 to 2009 before being shut down by court order following environmental challenges. No replacement service has launched since.
Flying is the only practical option — and with 70+ daily flights taking just 35–40 minutes, it’s genuinely not a hardship. Inter-island flights are affordable, frequent, and reliable.
➡️ Read the full story of the Hawaii Superferry →
Essential Maui Guides
Everything you need, in one place:
| Guide | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Flights from Oahu to Maui → | Airlines, prices, booking tips, airport guide |
| Maui Car Rental Guide → | Best companies, prices, insurance tips, Road to Hana |
| Where to Stay in Maui → | Areas, hotels, vacation rentals, price ranges |
| Best Maui Tours & Activities → | Molokini, Haleakala, Road to Hana, luaus, and more |
| Road to Hana Guide → | Every stop, mile by mile, tips, what to book |
| Haleakala Sunrise Guide → | Permits, tours, what to wear, what to expect |
| Best Beaches in Maui → | 12 beaches rated honestly for swimming and snorkeling |
| Whale Watching Guide → | Season, best tours, shore viewing spots |
| How Much Does Maui Cost? → | Full budget breakdown by trip length |
| Maui vs Oahu → | Honest comparison across every category |
| Travel Tips & What to Know → | Packing list, cultural tips, pre-trip checklist |
| Ferry from Oahu to Maui → | Why there isn’t one, full Superferry history |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get from Oahu to Maui?
Flying. The flight from Honolulu (HNL) to Kahului (OGG) takes 35–40 minutes and operates over 70 times per day. One-way fares start around $44–$65 on the best days.
How much does it cost to fly from Oahu to Maui?
Round-trip fares typically run $130–$240 booked in advance. Southwest, Hawaiian, and Alaska Airlines all operate this route competitively. Southwest offers two free checked bags, which can make a slightly higher base fare the better total value.
Do I need a rental car in Maui?
Yes — almost certainly. Maui has very limited public transportation and the island’s best experiences are spread out and require a car. Book as early as possible — Maui has a well-documented car shortage and prices rise significantly as your dates approach.
How many days should I spend in Maui?
Five days is the sweet spot for most visitors — enough time for Road to Hana, Haleakala sunrise, Molokini snorkeling, and genuine beach time without feeling rushed. Three days works for a long weekend from Oahu; seven days lets you add Lanai and truly relax.
Is there a ferry from Oahu to Maui?
No. The Hawaii Superferry operated from 2007 to 2009 and was shut down by court order. There are currently no plans for a replacement service. Flying is the only practical way to travel between the islands.
When is the best time to visit Maui?
April–May and September–October are the sweet spots — good weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices than peak season. December–March brings world-class whale watching but higher hotel rates. Summer (June–August) is popular for families but more expensive.
OahuToMaui.com is an independent travel guide covering everything you need to plan a trip from Oahu to Maui. We update our content regularly to reflect current prices, conditions, and travel requirements.