Flying from Maui to Oahu takes 35–40 minutes. Flights depart from Kahului Airport (OGG) and land at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. With over 70 daily flights operated by five airlines and fares starting around $44 one-way, it’s one of the most convenient inter-island routes in Hawaii.
The Quick Answer
| Flight time | 35–40 minutes |
| Departure airport | Kahului Airport (OGG), Maui |
| Arrival airport | Honolulu International Airport (HNL), Oahu |
| Airlines | Hawaiian, Southwest, Alaska, Mokulele/Southern Airways |
| Fares from | ~$44 one-way |
| Flights per day | 70+ |
Compare Current Maui to Oahu Flights
Airlines That Fly Maui to Oahu
Five airlines operate between Kahului (OGG) and Honolulu (HNL). Here’s how they compare:
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian operates the most flights on this route — typically 15–20 departures per day from OGG to HNL, running from early morning through late evening. It’s your best option if schedule flexibility matters. Full-service carrier with assigned seating, baggage fees, and a loyalty program (HawaiianMiles).
Best for: Frequent flyers, travelers who want maximum scheduling flexibility, HawaiianMiles members.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest doesn’t appear on Google Flights or most comparison sites — you have to book directly at southwest.com. Their biggest advantage is two free checked bags, which makes them competitive even when their base fare looks slightly higher.
Best for: Travelers with checked luggage, families, anyone who books early for the lowest base fares.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska operates several daily flights between OGG and HNL with competitive pricing and a solid loyalty program (Alaska Mileage Plan). Worth checking alongside Hawaiian and Southwest.
Best for: Alaska Mileage Plan members, travelers who find competitive fares.
Mokulele Airlines / Southern Airways Express
Smaller propeller aircraft, fewer flights per day, but serves Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui in addition to OGG. If you’re staying in Kaanapali or Kapalua, flying out of JHM saves a significant drive.
Best for: West Maui travelers, anyone wanting a unique inter-island experience.
How Much Do Maui to Oahu Flights Cost?
Fares on this route are competitive because of the high number of daily flights. Here’s what to expect:
| Season | Typical One-Way Fare |
|---|---|
| April–May (sweet spot) | $44–$85 |
| September–October (sweet spot) | $44–$85 |
| June–August (summer peak) | $70–$130 |
| December–March (winter peak) | $80–$150 |
| Holidays | $100–$200+ |
Booking tips:
- Book 3–6 weeks in advance for the best combination of price and availability
- Check Southwest separately — they don’t appear on comparison sites
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often cheapest
- Last-minute fares can reach $150–$200+ so don’t leave it too late
Kahului Airport (OGG): Departing from Maui
Kahului Airport is Maui’s main airport, located in central Maui near Kahului town. Here’s what to know when departing:
Getting to OGG:
- From Kaanapali/Lahaina (West Maui): approximately 45–60 minutes
- From Wailea (South Maui): approximately 20–30 minutes
- From Hana (East Maui): approximately 2–2.5 hours — plan ahead
How early to arrive:
For inter-island flights, arrive at least 60 minutes before departure. TSA lines at OGG can get busy during peak morning hours. 45 minutes is the bare minimum — don’t cut it close.
Parking:
Short-term and long-term parking is available at OGG. For trips of more than 2–3 days, returning your rental car and using the shuttle is usually more practical than paying for airport parking.
Rental car return:
Most rental car companies at OGG are located directly at the airport or a short shuttle ride away. Allow extra time during peak hours — the rental car return area can get congested in the morning.
Arriving in Honolulu (HNL)
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport handles inter-island flights at the Inter-Island Terminal, which is separate from the main international terminal. When you land at HNL from Maui:
- Baggage claim is in the Inter-Island Terminal — no customs or immigration required for inter-island travel
- Ground transportation — taxis, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), and TheBus all serve HNL
- Car rentals — located via shuttle from the main terminal
- Getting to Waikiki — approximately 20–30 minutes by car, 45–60 minutes by TheBus
Is There a Ferry from Maui to Oahu?
No. The Hawaii Superferry briefly operated between Honolulu and Kahului from 2007 to 2009 before being shut down by court order. There is currently no ferry service between Maui and Oahu in either direction.
The only active inter-island ferry in Hawaii is between Maui and Lanai, operated by Expeditions Ferry — a short 45-minute crossing.
Flying is the only practical way to travel between Maui and Oahu. With 70+ daily flights taking 35–40 minutes, it’s genuinely convenient.
👉 Read the full Hawaii Superferry history →
Maui to Oahu vs Oahu to Maui: Is the Return Flight Different?
The route is identical in both directions — same airlines, same flight time, same pricing structure. A few practical differences:
- Fares can vary slightly day to day in each direction — always check both directions if your dates are flexible
- Flight times are the same: 35–40 minutes regardless of direction
- OGG tends to be less congested than HNL for inter-island departures — lines at security are often shorter
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Where to Stay on Oahu
Planning to spend time on Oahu after your Maui trip? Here’s a quick overview:
Waikiki — the most popular area, walkable, beach access, wide range of hotels from budget to luxury. Best for first-timers.
Honolulu (outside Waikiki) — more local feel, closer to dining and culture, generally lower prices.
North Shore — surf culture, small towns, famous beaches (Sunset, Pipeline). Requires a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Maui to Oahu?
The flight from Kahului (OGG) to Honolulu (HNL) takes 35–40 minutes in the air. Total travel time including check-in, boarding, and deplaning is typically 2–2.5 hours door to door.
What airlines fly from Maui to Oahu?
Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Mokulele/Southern Airways Express all operate flights between Kahului (OGG) and Honolulu (HNL). Hawaiian operates the most daily flights.
How much does it cost to fly from Maui to Oahu?
One-way fares typically range from $44 on the best days to $150+ during peak season and holidays. Booking 3–6 weeks in advance generally gets you the best prices. Always check Southwest separately at southwest.com.
Is there a ferry from Maui to Oahu?
No. The Hawaii Superferry operated this route from 2007 to 2009 but was shut down by court order. There is currently no ferry service between Maui and Oahu. Flying is the only option.
What airport do you fly into on Oahu from Maui?
Flights from Maui land at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. It’s the main airport on Oahu and handles all inter-island arrivals.
Can I fly from West Maui directly to Oahu?
Yes — Mokulele/Southern Airways Express operates flights from Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui to Honolulu. This saves travelers staying in Kaanapali or Kapalua a 45–60 minute drive to OGG.
OahuToMaui.com covers everything you need to plan a trip between Oahu and Maui — in either direction. Flights, hotels, car rentals, ferry history, and more.