The Question Every Visitor Asks

When people plan a Hawaii trip and want to see more than one island, one of the first questions they ask is simple: can I just take a ferry? It seems logical, but the answer surprises most travelers. Hawaii does not have a network of inter-island ferries the way some other island destinations do. Here is the real story and how people actually get from island to island.

The One Ferry That Still Runs

There is currently just one regular passenger ferry between Hawaiian islands: the Maui to Lanai ferry. It crosses the short Auau Channel in under an hour and is popular for day trips to quiet Lanai. Beyond that single short route, there is no ferry connecting the major islands like Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai.

Why There Is No Big Ferry System

The main islands are separated by wide, deep, and often rough ocean channels, like the powerful Alenuihaha Channel between Maui and the Big Island. A large inter-island ferry, the Hawaii Superferry, operated briefly in the late 2000s but shut down after legal and environmental challenges. Since then, flying has remained the fast, practical way to travel between islands.

Getting Between the Islands

  • Ferry: only the short Maui to Lanai route runs regularly.
  • Flights: the main way to travel, with short hops between all major islands.
  • Cruise: a multi-day option that circles several islands.
  • Day trips: a guided flight-based tour lets you see a second island and return the same day.

Flying Is Faster Than You Think

The good news is that inter-island flights are quick, frequent, and scenic. Most hops take about 30 to 50 minutes, and the views of the islands and channels from the air are unforgettable. For a one-day visit to another island, flying is by far the most efficient choice, giving you the most time to explore once you land.

See a Second Island the Easy Way

Since there is no ferry to hop between the big islands, a guided inter-island day trip is the simplest way to add another island to your trip. We arrange the flights, timing, and ground transportation, so you get all the adventure without the planning. Ask us about our day trips from Oahu and the Big Island.