Hawaii Inter-Island Travel: What's Allowed And What's Not

Inter-island travel in Hawaii is a hot topic, with a lot of interest in how easy it is to travel between the islands, and the best ways to do so. With a history of airline competition and fluctuating travel restrictions, there is a lot to consider when it comes to inter-island travel in Hawaii.

Inter-island flights are offered by Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Mokulele Airlines

Inter-island travel in Hawaii is only possible by plane or cruise, except for the smaller islands of Molokai and Lanai off Maui, which can also be reached by ferry. Inter-island flights are offered by Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii's biggest and longest-serving airline, and it offers the highest number of routes and the most inter-island flights. They offer direct flights between all four main islands, connecting most major airports. They also have a huge number of flights, with flights between Honolulu and Kahului as regular as every 30 minutes. On the less popular routes, flights are available at least once a day.

The price of flights varies greatly throughout the day, with the flights at the most popular times of day being twice the price or more of the off-peak flights. Experienced travellers suggest signing up for email alerts to find the best deals.

When flying on Hawaiian Airlines, no check-in luggage is included. However, the carry-on allowance is one bag up to 25 pounds, plus an additional personal item that can be as large as a backpack, as long as it fits under the seat in front. For Main Cabin passengers, a complimentary refreshment of fruit juice or water is included, with the option to purchase alcoholic beverages on afternoon flights.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is a more recent entrant to the Hawaiian market, having started flights to Hawaii and between the islands in 2019. They fly from eight cities in the American Southwest to various airports in Hawaii. On the most popular routes, they offer multiple flight times, although not as frequently as Hawaiian Airlines.

One advantage of flying with Southwest Airlines is that they include two checked bags in the ticket price, in addition to a carry-on bag and personal item. Only water is served on their short flights. Southwest Airlines accepts small pets in the cabin on inter-island flights, with a standard pet fee of $95.

Mokulele Airlines

Mokulele Airlines operates far smaller planes on most of their inter-island routes – Cessna Grand Caravan planes that seat just nine passengers (plus two seats for the pilot and co-pilot). They also fly the larger Saab 340B Plus on selected routes. They mainly operate services connecting some of the smaller airports in Hawaii, including many that aren’t served by other commercial flights.

The baggage included with Mokulele fares is less than for other airlines flying within Hawaii. You only receive one free piece of carry-on, with a weight limit of 15 pounds, due to the limited cabin space. Fees apply for checked baggage. Mokulele is the most pet-friendly airline in Hawaii, allowing both dogs and cats in the cabin for inter-island travel, with pets up to 80lb (36kg) permitted.

The only way to get between the major islands is by plane, except for Molokai and Lanai off Maui, which have a ferry service

Inter-island travel in Hawaii is allowed, and there are several options for travel between the islands. The most common way to travel between the major islands is by plane. Airlines such as Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, and Go! Airlines offer inter-island flights connecting the four main islands: Oahu, Hawaii Island, Kauai, and Maui. These flights are frequent, with some routes offering departures several times per hour, and the duration of the flights can be as short as 20 minutes.

However, it is important to note that there is a ferry service that operates between the smaller islands of Molokai and Lanai off Maui. This provides an alternative to air travel for those travelling between these specific islands.

When planning inter-island travel in Hawaii, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least one and a half hours before your flight's departure time. The time spent at the airport can be shorter for inter-island flights compared to international or even domestic flights, as there are no agricultural inspections required when travelling between the islands.

In terms of luggage, it is worth noting that different airlines have varying policies and restrictions. For example, Hawaiian Airlines does not include checked luggage on inter-island flights, while Southwest Airlines includes two checked bags in the ticket price. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific luggage allowances for your chosen airline before travelling.

Additionally, the cost of inter-island flights can vary, and it is worth comparing prices across different airlines. While Hawaiian Airlines has been the dominant carrier for many years, the entry of Southwest Airlines in 2019 has increased competition and provided travellers with more options and potentially lower fares.

The cost of a round-trip airfare for most travel times typically ranges from $118 to $239

Inter-island travel in Hawaii is only possible by plane or cruise, unless travelling to the smaller islands of Molokai and Lanai from Maui, which can be done via ferry. The cost of inter-island flights varies depending on the airline, route, and time of day.

The introduction of Southwest Airlines to the Hawaiian market in 2019 provided competition for Hawaiian Airlines, which had previously dominated the inter-island flight scene. This competition resulted in a price war, with Southwest initially offering one-way inter-island fares as low as $19. Although these extremely low prices didn't last, the competition has kept prices relatively low, with fares as low as $44 one-way.

The price of inter-island flights also varies depending on the time of day, with flights at the most popular times of day being twice the price or more of the off-peak flights. Generally, the price of a round-trip airfare for most travel times typically ranges from $118 to $239.

It is worth noting that some smaller airlines, such as Mokulele Airlines, tend to be more expensive, even though they often service fewer routes and have less frequent flights. Additionally, these smaller airlines may have different baggage allowances and policies, which could impact the overall cost of your trip.

When booking inter-island flights in Hawaii, it is recommended to compare prices and consider the different benefits and drawbacks of each airline to find the best option for your specific needs.

It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your inter-island flight

Inter-island travel in Hawaii is only possible by plane or cruise, unless travelling to the smaller islands of Molokai and Lanai from Maui, where a ferry service is available. Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines all offer inter-island flights.

When travelling between the Hawaiian islands, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight. This is to ensure you have enough time to check your bags, pass through security, and make it to the gate. While the inter-island flights are frequent, it is best not to miss your scheduled flight.

If you are checking luggage, it is recommended to arrive at the airport two hours before your flight. This is especially important if you need to exit security to collect your baggage, and then re-check it with your connecting airline.

You can save time by checking in online and printing your boarding pass in advance. This means you only need to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before your flight to drop off your bags and pass through security.

For those with TSA pre-check, arriving 60 minutes before your flight may be sufficient, but this is not recommended for those who are not frequent flyers. It is also important to consider the time of day you are travelling. There may be longer lines at the airport during peak times, so it is worth checking the current wait times in advance.

In summary, to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, it is best to allow ample time and arrive at the airport 90 minutes to two hours before your inter-island flight in Hawaii. This will give you plenty of time to navigate the airport, complete the necessary procedures, and make your flight with ease.

There is no seat assignment on inter-island flights, so it's first come first served

Inter-island travel in Hawaii is allowed and is a very common occurrence. In fact, it is often compared to taking a city bus. There are a few different airlines that offer inter-island flights, including Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines.

When it comes to seat assignments on these inter-island flights, it is important to note that there is no assigned seating. This means that it is a first-come, first-served basis when it comes to choosing your seat. So, if you want to have the best choice of seats, it is recommended to be at the front of the line when boarding the plane.

While there may be a rush to get a good seat, keep in mind that inter-island flights in Hawaii are frequent, with flights between popular routes departing as often as every 30 minutes. So, if you miss your scheduled flight or don't get your preferred seat, don't worry! There will always be another flight in an hour or two.

Additionally, the process of checking in for an inter-island flight in Hawaii is generally more relaxed and streamlined than for flights on the mainland. You typically don't need to arrive at the airport more than 45 minutes to 90 minutes before your flight, as there is no agricultural inspection to go through. However, it is still recommended to give yourself enough time to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Frequently asked questions