Getting Around Hawai’i
Planning your dream Hawaiian holiday? Whether you’re flying in from Australia or already soaking up the island vibes, navigating the Hawaiian Islands is easier than you think. From flights and boats to inter-island travel and getting around without a car, here’s everything you need to know.
Where is Hawai’i?
Hawai’i is a tropical paradise located in the central Pacific Ocean, about 3,900 kilometres southeast of Japan and approximately 8,000 kilometres from Australia. It’s the 50th state of the United States and consists of eight major islands, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture and aloha spirit. The most popular islands for travellers include:
- Oahu – Home to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach
- Maui – Known for its luxury resorts and scenic Road to Hana
- Big Island (Hawai’i) – Famous for active volcanoes and black sand beaches
- Kauai – The “Garden Isle” with lush rainforests and dramatic cliffs
Getting to Hawai’i
Travelling to Hawai’i is straightforward with plenty of international flight options. Here’s how to get there:
- Direct flights to Honolulu depart from many major Australian cities and operate regularly.
- Aside from our Hawai’i holiday packages, you can also cruise to Hawai’i
Book your Hawaiian holiday with My Hawaii for exclusive packages, flight deals and island-hopping adventures.
Australia to Hawai’i flight times
Curious about how long it takes to fly from major Australian cities to major Hawai’i? Here’s a quick guide:
Melbourne to Hawai’i flight time
- Approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes
- Some flights may have layovers in Sydney or Auckland, depending on the airline
Brisbane to Hawai’i flight time
- Approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes
- Some flights may have layovers in Sydney or Auckland, depending on the airline
Sydney to Hawai’i flight time
- Approximately 10 hours and 15 minutes
- Sydney offers the most frequent direct flights to Honolulu
These flight times may vary slightly based on weather conditions.
Can you travel around Hawai’i without a car?
Yes, you can travel around Hawai’i without a car, especially if you’re staying in urban or resort areas like Waikiki on Oahu. Public transport, ride-sharing apps and tours make it possible to explore without the stress of driving. Here’s how:
- Oahu has the best public transport system with TheBus covering most areas
- Taxis and ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are widely available
- Shuttle buses often run from hotels to major attractions and airports
- Walking and biking are great in towns like Lahaina (Maui) and Waikiki (Oahu)
However, if you want to explore remote areas, national parks or do day trips on your own schedule (especially on the Big Island and Kauai), renting a car is recommended.
Can you get around Hawai’i by boat?
Hawai’i has inter-island ferry and boat options, though limited.
- The only passenger ferry currently operating is between Maui and Lanai, and takes around 45 minutes
- Most inter-island travel is done by plane due to the distances and lack of public ferry systems.
- Dinner cruises, snorkelling trips and coastal tours by boat are popular on every island.
So while you can enjoy scenic boat rides around the islands, you’ll need to fly between them.
How to travel between Hawaiian Islands?
Island hopping in Hawai’i is easy and exciting. Since there are no bridges or public ferries between most islands, air travel is your go-to option.
Best ways to travel between Hawaiian Islands:
- Catch a quick and frequent inter-island flight with Hawaiian Airlines, as they offer the most routes.
- Venture from Honolulu to Maui in just 40 minutes
- Maui to Big Island takes 45 minutes
- Get from Oahu to Kauai in 40 minutes
- Private charters and helicopters are available for more luxurious and scenic experiences
- Limited ferries operate between Maui and Lanai or Maui and Molokai
Plan your Hawaiian adventure with ease
Hawai’i offers so much more than just sun and surf, it’s a vibrant, multi-island destination with something for every traveller. Whether you’re hopping between islands or relaxing on a single beach for the week, understanding how to get around Hawai’i makes a world of difference.
Ready to explore Hawai’i?
Let My Hawaii help you plan the ultimate escape with all-inclusive packages, flights, accommodation and exclusive extras. From Sydney to Honolulu, Melbourne to Maui or Brisbane to the Big Island, we’ve got you covered.
