If you’re trying to get from Oahu to Maui, here’s the honest answer:
👉 Most people spend $300–$500 per person total
You can do it for less, and you can definitely spend more—but that’s the range most travelers land in.
This guide breaks down exactly where that money goes—and where people usually overspend.
✈️ Flights: What You’ll Actually Pay
Since there’s no ferry, flying is your only real option.
Here’s what flights really cost (not the “best case” prices you sometimes see):
- Good price: $70–$120 one way
- Typical price: $100–$180 one way
- Expensive / last-minute: $200–$300+
👉 Roundtrip, most people pay:
$150–$300 total
What people get wrong
- Booking too late (prices jump fast within 7 days)
- Flying weekends instead of midweek
- Assuming flights are always cheap (they’re not during holidays)
What usually works best
If you want a solid price without overthinking it:
Book about 2 weeks ahead and fly Tuesday–Thursday.
That alone can save you $50–$100.
🧳 Bags: The Sneaky Cost
This is where people underestimate.
- Carry-on: usually free
- Checked bag: $30–$60 each way
👉 Roundtrip with one bag:
$60–$120
Simple way to save
If it’s a short trip:
Don’t check a bag. It’s the easiest $100 you’ll keep.
🚗 Rental Car: Worth It for Most People
Maui is not very walkable outside resort areas.
Typical daily prices:
- Low: $50–$80
- Normal: $80–$120
- Peak: $120–$200+
👉 2–3 day trip:
$150–$350 total
Honest advice
If you want to explore even a little (Road to Hana, beaches, food spots):
Just get the car. People who skip it usually regret it.
🚕 If You Skip the Rental Car
You can—but here’s what that looks like:
- Uber from airport: $30–$70
- Limited flexibility getting around
- You’ll rely on tours or stay in one area
👉 Works if:
- You’re staying at a resort
- You don’t plan to explore much
🏨 Hotel Costs (If Staying Overnight)
If you’re not doing a same-day trip:
- Budget: $150–$250/night
- Mid-range: $250–$500/night
- High-end: $500+
👉 Maui is not cheap—this is often the biggest cost after flights.
💰 What People Actually Spend
Here’s what it looks like in real life:
🟢 Cheapest Possible Trip (Day Trip)
- Flight: ~$120
- No bags
- No car
👉 Total: $120–$200
🟡 Typical Trip (What Most People Do)
- Flights: $150–$250
- Bags: $60–$100
- Rental car: $150–$300
👉 Total: $300–$600
🔴 More Comfortable Trip
- Flights: $200–$350
- Bags + flexibility
- Rental car + hotel
👉 Total: $600–$1,000+
🧠 Where People Overspend (and how to avoid it)
1. Booking flights too late
Prices spike fast. Don’t wait until the last week.
2. Overpaying for rental cars
Check prices early—Maui inventory fluctuates a lot.
3. Bringing too much luggage
Checked bags add up quickly on short inter-island trips.
❗ About the Ferry (Quick Reality Check)
You might still be wondering if there’s a cheaper option.
👉 There isn’t.
There is no passenger ferry between Oahu and Maui, and flights are the only realistic way to travel.
🏁 Bottom Line
If you want a realistic expectation:
👉 Plan for $300–$500 per person
- Lower if you keep it simple
- Higher if you want flexibility and comfort
That’s the range most travelers end up in—no surprises.
👉 What to Do Next
Now that you know the cost:
- Check current flight prices
- Decide if you want a rental car
- Plan where to stay in Maui
Start here:
→ Flights from Oahu to Maui
→ Where to Stay in Maui
→ Maui Travel Tips