Several airlines operate inter-island flights within the Hawaiian Islands, with the main carriers being Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, and Ohana by Hawaiian.
Hawaiian Airlines is the largest carrier, providing extensive coverage and numerous daily flights between islands. They offer a seamless travel experience with their unique services, including complimentary refreshments.
Mokulele Airlines operates smaller aircraft, catering primarily to regional travel. Their focus on the smaller islands allows for convenient connections that larger airlines may not service directly.
Ohana by Hawaiian is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Airlines, focusing on providing inter-island flights. They emphasize community-based service, making it a great option for locals and visitors alike.
Hawaiian Airlines vs. Competitors
Hawaiian Airlines stands out from competitors like United, Alaska, and Southwest through its singular focus on the Hawaiian experience. They pride themselves on exceptional customer service, with staff trained to offer authentic Hawaiian hospitality.
Unlike other airlines, Hawaiian Airlines often provides more direct routes between islands, reducing travel time. Their loyalty program, HawaiianMiles, offers benefits tailored to frequent flyers traveling within Hawaii.
While United and Alaska Airlines do operate in Hawaii, they primarily focus on mainland connections. Southwest has recently entered the Hawaiian market, but they still lack the local knowledge and specialized services that Hawaiian Airlines offers.
| Airlines | Primary Service | Fleet Size | Destination Islands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Airlines | Inter-island and international | ≥ 20 | All major islands |
| Mokulele Airlines | Regional inter-island | ≤ 10 | Smaller islands |
| Ohana by Hawaiian | Inter-island | ≤ 10 | All major islands |
Pro Tip: If you’re planning multiple inter-island flights, consider booking a Hawaiian Airlines multi-island pass for potential savings and ease of travel.
Many travelers wonder about the frequency of flights between islands. Hawaiian Airlines typically offers multiple flights daily to each major island, while Mokulele and Ohana might have fewer options due to their smaller fleet sizes.
Here’s a simple flight planner tool to help you plan your inter-island travel. Input your departure and arrival islands to find available flights.
Flight Planner Tool
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only.
What airlines fly between the Hawaiian Islands?
Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, and Ohana by Hawaiian are the primary airlines operating inter-island flights.
How often do flights operate between islands?
Hawaiian Airlines offers multiple daily flights, while Mokulele and Ohana have fewer options due to smaller fleets.
What is the best airline for inter-island travel?
Hawaiian Airlines is often considered the best for inter-island travel due to its extensive network and customer service.
Are there budget airlines in Hawaii?
Mokulele Airlines can be considered a budget option for regional travel, but they still offer quality service.
Can I use my HawaiianMiles for inter-island flights?
Yes, HawaiianMiles can be redeemed for inter-island flights with Hawaiian Airlines.
🌺 Hawaiian Airlines · Route Network
Interactive map · Click markers for airport details · Routes color-coded by region
🌴 Neighbor Island
- Honolulu (HNL) ⇔ Kahului (OGG)
- Honolulu (HNL) ⇔ Lihue (LIH)
- Honolulu (HNL) ⇔ Kona (KOA)
- Honolulu (HNL) ⇔ Hilo (ITO)
🗽 North America
- Honolulu (HNL) ⇔ Los Angeles (LAX)
- Honolulu (HNL) ⇔ San Francisco (SFO)
- Honolulu (HNL) ⇔ Seattle (SEA)
- Honolulu (HNL) ⇔ New York (JFK)
- Maui (OGG) ⇔ San Francisco (SFO)
🌏 International / Polynesia
- Honolulu (HNL) ⇔ Tokyo (HND/NRT)
- Honolulu (HNL) ⇔ Seoul (ICN)
- Honolulu (HNL) ⇔ Sydney (SYD)
- Honolulu (HNL) ⇔ Auckland (AKL)
- Honolulu (HNL) ⇔ Papeete (PPT)