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 ix different islands in Hawaii are open to tourism. Most first-timers planning a trip to one
or more than one island have numerous questions relating to where
exactly to go and how exactly to get there. This primer will answer
those questions.
All interisland flights are through
Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha Airlines, or Island Air. Best prices will usually be through the website or through your mainland flight company.
Oahu is the hub of Hawaii transportation. Most mainland and International flights will fly into the Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Travelers heading on to another island may have to deplane and
get on an interisland flight to reach their final destination. The
airport is located on the outskirts of Honolulu, about a 20 minute
drive to Waikiki and about a 45 minute drive to the North Shore. There
are no ferries from Oahu to any other island.
Maui has three airports. The major airport is Kahalui Airport (OGG) which allows direct flights
from the West coast of the U.S. mainland. The drive from the airport to
Kihei or Wailea is less than half an hour, but can take an hour to
Lahaina or Kaanapali. Much closer to the Lahaina area is Kapalua
Airport (JHM), but you can only fly there from Honolulu. Hana (HNM)
also has an airport if you don't want to drive, but you'll be taking a
very small plane. Check with Pacific Wings. You can normally find day
ferries from Maui to Lanai and Maui.
The
Big Island (named Hawaii, but called the Big Island to avoid confusion)
has two airports, Hilo International Airport (ITO) and Keahole Airport
(KOA). These two airports are a 2.5 hour drive from each other. Hilo is
closest to Honokaa, Kapoho and Volcano. Keahole is in Kailua-Kona which
is closest to all of Kona, Puako, Kohala, Waikoloa and Waimea. There
are direct flights from the mainland only to Keahole. There are no
ferries from the Big Island to any other island.
Kauai
has one airport, Lihue Airport (LIH), in Lihue, and you can find direct
flights from the mainland on some carriers. Lihue is about halfway to
everything on the island—but a bit closer to Poipu than Princeville.
There are no ferries from Kauai to any other island.
Molokai
has one airport, Molokai Airport (MKK) in central Molokai. You will
probably have to take a small airplane in, usually no bigger than a 20
seater. Island Air will fly you in from Honolulu or Kahului. Small commercial boats will ferry you from Maui to Molokai.
Lanai
has one airport, Lanai Airport (LNY), near Lanai City. Lanai airport
also only accepts small airplanes. Island Air will fly you in from
Honolulu. Small commercial boats will ferry you from Maui to Molokai.
By
2007, Hawaii Superferries should be operating between all the islands,
and will hopefully revolutionize our current expensive and inefficient
interisland travel systems. Until then, book your flight online and
early.
Lisa lives on the Big Island of Hawaii and operates an online Hawaii travel guide at andHawaii.com
Editor's Note: ALL links in this article were placed by the
editor and DO NOT constitute referrals by the authors, who
DO NOT assume any responsibility for same, mahalo.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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