Flying from Honolulu to Maui is the only practical way to get between the islands. Here’s everything you need to know — which airlines to use, what to pay, when to book, and how to find the best deals.
The Quick Answer
Flying from Honolulu to Maui takes about 35–45 minutes in the air. Flights depart from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu and land at Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui. There are currently over 70 flights per day on this route operated by five airlines, with one-way fares ranging from around $44 on sale days to $200+ during peak season.
It’s one of the most heavily traveled inter-island routes in Hawaii — which means lots of options, competitive pricing, and frequent departures throughout the day.
Compare Flights: HNL to OGG
Which Airlines Fly from Honolulu to Maui?
Five airlines currently operate on the Honolulu to Kahului route. Here’s how they compare:
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian operates the most flights on this route — over 1,100 per month — making it the most reliable choice for schedule flexibility. Flights run throughout the day from early morning until late evening. Hawaiian is a full-service carrier with assigned seating, a loyalty program (HawaiianMiles), and a good track record for on-time performance.
Best for: Travelers who want the most departure time options or who collect HawaiianMiles points.
Note: Hawaiian Airlines recently merged with Alaska Airlines. The combined carrier continues to operate under the Hawaiian Airlines brand on inter-island routes, but the loyalty program integration with Alaska’s Mileage Plan is underway. If you collect Alaska miles, this merger may work in your favor.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest is consistently one of the most popular choices for this route, with about 43% of travelers choosing them according to booking data. Fares are competitive — often in the $62–$95 range one-way — and Southwest’s two free checked bags policy is a significant advantage, especially if you’re packing gear for outdoor activities.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, anyone checking bags, and those who want flexible change/cancellation policies.
Tip: Southwest doesn’t appear on Google Flights or most third-party booking sites. You have to book directly at southwest.com to see their fares — which means many travelers accidentally miss their deals.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska has entered the Hawaii inter-island market and frequently offers some of the lowest fares on the route — as low as $44 one-way on the best days. If you collect Alaska Mileage Plan miles, this is your best option. The merger with Hawaiian Airlines means Alaska’s network and Hawaii coverage are expanding.
Best for: Alaska Mileage Plan members and fare hunters looking for the lowest price.
Mokulele Airlines / Southern Airways Express
Mokulele (now operating as Southern Airways Express) flies smaller propeller aircraft on this route. Flights are shorter in duration since the planes fly at lower altitudes, but the smaller aircraft and limited schedules make this a niche choice. Some travelers love the experience; others find the smaller planes uncomfortable.
Best for: Travelers who want a unique experience or are flying to/from smaller airports like Kapalua (JHM) in West Maui.
Honolulu to Maui: What to Expect on the Day of Travel
Most flights from Honolulu to Maui depart from the Inter-Island Terminal at HNL. Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure — 45 minutes for TSA, 15 minutes to reach the gate. The flight from Honolulu to Maui is so short that there’s no meal service and you’ll barely reach cruising altitude before beginning descent.
What Does a Flight from Honolulu to Maui Cost?
Prices on this route are dynamic and change constantly, but here’s a realistic range based on current 2026 data:
| Booking Scenario | Typical One-Way Fare |
|---|---|
| Best sale fares | $44–$62 |
| Average off-peak | $65–$95 |
| Average peak season | $95–$150 |
| Last-minute / holiday | $150–$200+ |
Round-trip: Budget for $144–$200 round-trip on average, though deals well below this are available if you book at the right time.
When Is the Cheapest Time to Fly Honolulu to Maui?
Cheapest Months
September and October are consistently the cheapest months to fly between Oahu and Maui. May is also a good value month. January can be surprisingly affordable despite being winter — after the holiday rush ends, fares drop.
Most Expensive Months
December and the summer months (June–August) are the most expensive due to holiday travel and school vacation demand. July in particular sees significant fare increases.
Cheapest Days to Fly
Tuesday and Wednesday departures are almost always cheaper than flying on a Friday or Sunday. If you have flexibility on travel days, flying midweek can save a meaningful amount — especially if you’re buying multiple tickets for a family or group.
How Far in Advance to Book
Booking around 28–40 days in advance tends to yield the best prices for this route. Last-minute fares are available but unpredictable — sometimes cheap, often expensive. For peak season travel (summer, holidays), book as early as possible.
Important 2026 note: Airfares across all Hawaii routes are running higher than historical averages in 2026 due to airline consolidation and reduced capacity on some routes. Don’t wait and hope for prices to drop — if you see a reasonable fare, book it.
How to Find the Cheapest Honolulu to Maui Flights
1. Check Southwest Separately
Southwest doesn’t appear on Google Flights, Kayak, Expedia, or most comparison sites. Always check southwest.com directly alongside whatever comparison tool you use — their fares are frequently the lowest on this route.
2. Use Google Flights Price Tracking
Search your route on Google Flights and click “Track prices.” You’ll get email alerts when fares drop. It’s free and takes 30 seconds to set up. This is one of the most effective tools for finding deals without constantly checking manually.
3. Be Flexible on Days
If you can shift your departure by even one or two days — say, flying Tuesday instead of Friday — you can save noticeably. Google Flights’ calendar view makes it easy to compare fares across an entire month.
4. Book Sunday
Data from booking platforms suggests Sunday is statistically the cheapest day to purchase tickets on this route, with savings of 6–13% compared to booking on a Friday.
5. Consider Flying Early or Late
Early morning and late evening flights tend to be less popular and sometimes cheaper. They also have fewer delays since the aircraft is starting the day fresh rather than carrying over delays from earlier flights.
Airports: What You Need to Know
Departing from Honolulu: HNL (Daniel K. Inouye International Airport)
Inter-island flights depart from the Inter-island Terminal at HNL, which is separate from the main international terminals. If you’re arriving from the mainland and connecting to a Maui flight on the same day, allow extra time to get to the inter-island terminal — it requires taking a shuttle or walking and can be confusing if you haven’t done it before.
Arrive at least 60–90 minutes before departure for inter-island flights, and longer during busy periods like summer and holidays.
Arriving in Maui: OGG (Kahului Airport)
Almost all flights from Oahu land at Kahului Airport (OGG) in central Maui. This is the main airport on the island and where most car rental companies are located, either on-site or a short shuttle ride away.
Alternative Maui airports:
- Kapalua Airport (JHM) — Small airport in West Maui, served by Mokulele/Southern Airways. More convenient if you’re staying in Kaanapali or Kapalua, but very limited flight options.
- Hana Airport (HNM) — Tiny airport in East Maui. Very limited service. Most travelers don’t use this.
For the vast majority of visitors, OGG is the right choice.
How Long Does the Trip Actually Take?
The flight itself is only 35–45 minutes. But your total travel time is significantly longer. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Drive to HNL + parking | 30–60 min |
| Check-in and security | 45–60 min |
| Wait at gate | 30–60 min |
| Flight | 35–45 min |
| Deplane and baggage claim | 20–30 min |
| Rental car pick-up | 30–60 min |
| Drive to hotel | 30–60 min |
| Total door-to-door | 3.5–5.5 hours |
Plan accordingly. If you’re taking an early afternoon flight, you may not reach your hotel until early evening. A morning flight is almost always the smarter choice — you arrive in Maui with most of the day ahead of you.
Do You Need a Rental Car When You Land?
Yes, almost certainly. Maui has very limited public transportation and the island’s best experiences — Road to Hana, Haleakala, the beaches of West and South Maui — are spread across the island and require a car.
Maui also has a well-documented rental car shortage. Unlike Oahu where you can fall back on rideshare apps, Uber and Lyft availability in Maui can be limited outside of the main resort areas.
Book your rental car at the same time you book your flights — or even before. Prices go up and availability disappears fast, especially in peak season.
Baggage: What to Know for Each Airline
| Airline | Carry-On | 1st Checked Bag | 2nd Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Airlines | Free | $25–$35 | $40–$50 |
| Southwest Airlines | Free | Free | Free |
| Alaska Airlines | Free | $35 | $45 |
| Mokulele/Southern | Free (small) | $35–$45 | Varies |
Southwest’s free checked bags policy is a significant advantage — especially if you’re bringing snorkel gear, beach equipment, or luggage for a longer trip. Factor bag fees into your total cost comparison, not just the base fare.
Travel Insurance: Is It Worth It?
For a short inter-island hop, travel insurance isn’t essential the way it is for an international trip. But if you’re booking non-refundable hotels or tours in Maui, a basic policy that covers trip cancellation or interruption can be worth the small additional cost.
Things to consider:
- Southwest offers free changes and cancellations by default — less need for insurance if that’s your airline
- Hawaiian and Alaska have more restrictive fare rules on basic economy tickets
- If you’re booking a lot of tours and activities in Maui (Haleakala bike tour, snorkel trips, helicopter tours), a cancellation could cost you significantly more than a cheap insurance policy
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Honolulu to Maui?
The flight itself is 35–45 minutes. Total travel time door-to-door is typically 3.5–5.5 hours when you factor in getting to the airport, security, waiting, and picking up your rental car in Maui.
What is the cheapest airline from Honolulu to Maui?
Alaska Airlines and Southwest frequently offer the lowest fares. Southwest is particularly competitive because their two free checked bags can make a higher base fare cheaper in total than a lower fare with bag fees on another airline.
How often do flights run?
There are currently over 70 flights per day between Honolulu and Kahului, which works out to roughly one departure every 20 minutes during peak daytime hours. You have a lot of flexibility on departure times.
Should I fly Hawaiian Airlines or Southwest to Maui?
It depends on your priorities. Southwest is usually better for price and baggage; Hawaiian has more scheduling flexibility and is better for frequent flyers collecting HawaiianMiles/Alaska miles. Compare total cost including bags before deciding.
Is there a ferry from Oahu to Maui?
No. There is no passenger ferry operating between Oahu and Maui. Flying is the only option. For more detail on this topic, see our dedicated guide.
➡️ Is There a Ferry from Oahu to Maui? →
Can I do Maui as a day trip from Oahu?
Technically yes, but it’s tiring and you won’t see much. You’ll spend a significant portion of your day just getting between airports and picking up/returning a rental car. An overnight stay — ideally 3+ nights — is strongly recommended to make the trip worthwhile.
What airport do I fly into for West Maui (Kaanapali)?
Most visitors fly into OGG (Kahului) and drive to Kaanapali — about 45 minutes. Kapalua Airport (JHM) is closer to West Maui but has very limited flight options from Honolulu and is only served by small propeller planes.
Do I need ID to fly from Oahu to Maui?
Yes. Inter-island flights within Hawaii are domestic flights and require a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license or passport both work.
Next Steps: Plan the Rest of Your Trip
Once your flights are booked, here’s what to tackle next: