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What Is the Distance Between the Hawaiian Islands?

Distance Between the Hawaiian Islands

Want to make the most of your trip to the Aloha State? While Oahu tends to be the most popular island with tourists, Big Island and Maui – at the minimum – are worth a visit while you’re here. As the islands are relatively near to each other, a two-week trip can be enough time to see the highlights of many if you plan your time carefully. So, what is the distance between the Hawaiian Islands?

At North Shore Shark Adventures, we encourage all visitors to Hawaii to see as much of the Aloha State as possible. For many people, visiting Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime affair, so squeezing some excitement and mind-opening adventures into your trip is a must. On that note, you might be interested in our shark cage diving tours, which are perfectly safe for families and guarantee shark sightings with every tour.

Below, we look a little closer at the distance between the Hawaiian Islands, but don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about our tours.

Distance Between the Hawaiian Islands: A Brief Guide

Here are some interesting facts and useful information about the distance between the Hawaiian Islands:

1. Distance Between Oahu and Maui

If you’re planning to travel from Oahu (Honolulu) to Maui (Kahului), you’re looking at about 100 miles (160 km) between the two islands. This distance makes it a short, easy trip, typically taking just 30 minutes by plane. There are also ferry services that can get you from Oahu to Maui in about 45 minutes, though ferry schedules can be more limited. Whether you’re heading over for a quick visit or to explore Maui’s beaches and volcanoes, the short distance makes it a convenient option.

2. Distance Between Oahu and the Big Island

The distance between Oahu (Honolulu) and the Big Island (Kailua-Kona) is around 185 miles (298 km). Flights between these islands usually take about 40 to 45 minutes, making it an easy hop over to explore the Big Island’s unique landscapes, including volcanoes, lush rainforests, and black sand beaches. While the distance is a little longer than between Oahu and Maui, it’s still a quick trip that allows you to experience a completely different side of Hawaii.

3. Distance Between Maui and the Big Island

Maui (Kahului) and the Big Island (either Kona or Hilo) are separated by about 90 miles (145 km), which is another quick journey. If you’re flying, the trip usually takes around 30-40 minutes. With such a short distance between the two islands, it’s easy to visit both in one trip. You can experience Maui’s scenic beauty and then head over to the Big Island to witness the stunning volcanic landscapes, such as the active Kilauea volcano.

4. Distance Between Kauai and Oahu

Kauai (Lihue) and Oahu (Honolulu) are just 70 miles (113 km) apart, making it one of the shortest inter-island trips. The flight between the two takes about 25 minutes, which means you can easily travel between them to experience Kauai’s lush green landscapes and Oahu’s vibrant city life. Whether you’re after Kauai’s stunning waterfalls or the history of Pearl Harbor on Oahu, the quick flight makes hopping between the islands a breeze.

5. Distance Between Molokai and Lanai

Molokai and Lanai are the closest of the Hawaiian Islands, with only about 8 miles (13 km) between them. This makes for a very short trip, and ferry rides between the islands usually take about 30-40 minutes. Both Molokai and Lanai offer peaceful, off-the-beaten-path vibes, with Molokai’s unspoiled beauty and Lanai’s luxury resorts. With such a short distance between them, you can easily visit both islands to enjoy their unique charms.

Want to Travel the Distance Between the Hawaiian Islands?

As you can see from the above, the Hawaiian Islands are close enough to each other to make it possible to visit many of them in a single vacation. However, if you are short of time and are looking for a few highlights, you won’t regret booking a shark cage diving tour, where sightings and safety are guaranteed. Learn more about our tours or contact us for more information.