Hawaii is one of the world's most popular vacation destinations. The Aloha State is well-known for its sunny weather, magical beaches, extraordinary scenery, and friendly natives. It’s a place with a lot of history and a very unique culture, ensuring that every visitor has truly special experiences during their time on the islands of Hawaii and heads home with some magical memories to look back on.
⮕ Maui to the Big Island Trip Overview
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Can visitors travel between islands in Hawaii?
- Many visitors to Hawaii spend most or all of their time on just one island, but some people enjoy island hopping to see more of the Aloha State.
- One of the best things about visiting Hawaii is that it’s actually very easy to get from one island to another, with lots of boats and planes making regular trips between the main islands.
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Can you take a day trip from Maui to the Big Island?
- Yes! Even if you're on the island of Maui and want to do a day trip to the Big Island (also known as the Island of Hawaii), you can do so quite easily.
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What are some places to visit on the Big Island?
- When you get to the Big Island, you can visit places like:
- Volcanoes National Park
- Waipio Valley
- Kahalu'u Beach Park
- And more!
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How can visitors plan a day trip from Maui to the Big Island?
- Read on to learn all about the best ways to plan and enjoy your day trip from Maui to the Big Island.
⮕ Getting to the Big Island from Maui
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What transportation options are available for island hopping in Hawaii?
- In many cases, when island hopping in Hawaii, you can choose between a few different options like commercial flights and ferries, or private air or sea transfers.
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Are there ferries from Maui to the Big Island?
- Sadly, there are no ferry services connecting Maui to the Big Island for your day trip, so you'll have to fly.
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Which airlines offer flights from Maui to the Big Island?
- There are a few commercial airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, offering services from Maui to the Big Island.
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What airports are on the Big Island?
- The Big Island has two airports:
- Kona International Airport – Situated just seven miles from Kailua Kona and the main airport for the Big Island.
- Hilo International Airport – Located on the eastern shore, just a couple of miles away from Hilo, mainly used for general aviation and small inter-island flights.
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Which airports on Maui offer flights to the Big Island?
- You can travel to both Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport from Maui.
- You can fly out of either:
- Kahului Airport – The biggest airport on Maui.
- Kapalua Airport – A smaller airport on Maui.
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How long does a flight from Maui to the Big Island take?
- Flights will take about 30-45 minutes on average.
⮕ Getting to the Big Island from Maui: The Facts
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How can visitors get around the Big Island?
- Most visitors to the Big Island will arrive at Kona International Airport.
- From there, you can rent a car with ease and start exploring the western side of the island.
- Popular landmarks to visit in the Kailua Kona area include:
- Mokuaikaua Church
- Kailua Bay
- Hulihee Palace
- Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark
- Visitors can get to these places using taxis, shuttles, or the free Hele On Bus between Kona and Hilo.
- If you land at Hilo International Airport, rental cars are also available.
- It's generally recommended to rent a car to make the most of your stay and see more of the island’s sights.
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When is the best time to visit the Big Island?
- The Big Island can truly be enjoyed at any time of year, and different seasons offer unique advantages.
- If you visit in the winter months, the weather will be cooler, but you’ll have a chance to do some whale watching.
- If you visit in the summer, you’ll experience the most sunshine and highest temperatures, but there will be more tourists.
- Visiting in spring or fall allows you to avoid the crowds while still enjoying mostly good weather.
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What are some things to do on the Big Island?
- The Big Island is famous for its incredible diversity.
- You can explore volcanoes in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and then discover lush, tropical jungles and waterfalls in the same trip.
- Amazing wildlife can be spotted, including rare and colorful birds.
- Visitors can also enjoy beautiful beaches and take part in adventurous activities such as:
- Ziplining
- Hiking
- Bike riding
- Horseback riding
- For a cultural experience, visit one of the main towns like Hilo or Kailua Kona to meet locals and enjoy island traditions and cuisine.
Plan Your Trip