Kai Ioh | August 2025
Because we live on islands, hopping between the Hawaiian islands becomes second nature. For many of my clients, and me personally, island hopping isn’t just a getaway. It’s part of everyday life.
Whether I’m heading to Oahu for meetings, helping clients explore homes, or taking a quick Waikiki, Kauai, or Maui staycation, flying from the Big Island always reminds me how connected Hawai‘i really is. Each island is stunning. And because they’re smaller, you can experience a lot in just a day or two.
Why Big Island Residents Fly Often
When you live in Kona, island hopping becomes part of the lifestyle. Oahu is the easiest to reach, with more than 20 daily direct flights from Kona Airport—16 on Hawaiian Airlines and 5 on Southwest.
The first flight leaves at 6:00 a.m. and the last flight back from Honolulu is usually at 9:00 p.m.
Flight time? Just 45 minutes. But with taxiing, takeoff, and landing, it can feel even shorter. You go up, you come right back down. And if you sit on the right side of the plane going to Oahu, or the left side coming back, you’ll catch views of Maui, Kaho‘olawe, Lanai, Molokai, and Waikiki before you land.
Quick Tips for Inter-Island Flights
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Book early and stay flexible. Fares range from under $50 to around $180 each way, depending on time and demand.
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Kona Airport is one of the easiest airports in the islands. TSA is usually smooth, and now you don’t even have to remove your shoes.
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Honolulu Airport is bigger, so give yourself extra time—especially on the return flight.
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Hawaiian Airlines’ Huakaʻi Program offers free luggage for Hawaii residents. Be sure to sign up!:
hawaiianairlines.com/huakai
Getting to Maui, Kauai, and More
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Maui is just 26 miles away, but direct flights are limited. About four flights go directly from Kona—others connect through Honolulu. Mokulele Airlines is another option, with 9-seat planes offering a more scenic (and adventurous) flight.
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Kauai has one direct flight from Kona per day. About an hour in the air. There are plenty of flights to Kauai, except you have to change planes at Honolulu Airport.
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Private jets? Kona is a known hub for private aviation.
Ground Transport Tips
Once you arrive, you can take Uber, a taxi, or rent a car. Personally, I’ve been using Uber more often. Private chauffeurs are available—expect to pay about $150 per hour.
Final Thought
The Big Island is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. It gives you space, quiet, and a strong sense of home base. But it also connects you to the rest of Hawai‘i in the most effortless way.
From morning meetings in Honolulu to sunset drinks in Maui, living here means you’re just one short flight away from a new adventure.