Is the ferry from Maui to Oahu still available?

If you are wondering whether the ferry from Maui to Oahu is still available, the short answer is: it’s not, unfortunately! However, don’t go away. In this post, I will tell you all the available options to get from Maui to Oahu.

I’ve lived in Maui for the past six years, and one of my favorite things to do is visit different islands. So I am here to help you find out the best way to get to Oahu from Maui.

Is There a Ferry from Maui to Oahu? (Service not available)

There’s no ferry currently from Maui to Oahu. Still, the Super Ferry was a popular option for inter-island travel. 

Service between Maui and Oahu started in 2007. Unfortunately, it had to stop operating in 2009. 

This was primarily due to environmental concerns, but it did cause the company to file for bankruptcy two months later. 

The US Maritime Administration purchased both ships from the company, so it’s unlikely that the Super Ferry will ever return to service. 

⛴ How Long is the Ferry Ride from Maui to Oahu?

The Ferry ride from Maui to Oahu lasted about three hours. The majority of the trip just consisted of ocean views from all sides. 

You could roam the Ferry, check the shops, or get a snack while traveling. 

The voyage could be either smooth sailing or choppy, depending on the weather.

⛴ Maui to Oahu Ferry Time and Schedule

The Ferry ran between the islands twice daily: a morning ride and an afternoon one. Taking the Ferry took up a good chunk of the day, so it wasn’t a great option for day trips. 

⛴ How Much Does a Ferry Ride from Maui to Oahu Cost?

The Super Ferry was an incredibly affordable option for inter-island travel. While the costs varied, one-way passenger fares sold for as low as $39 a trip and vehicle fares for $55. 

⛴ Is it Safe to Travel from Maui to Oahu by Ferry?

Traveling between the islands by Ferry was a safe way to travel. That doesn’t mean the high winds and large distances between the islands didn’t pose some challenges. 

The biggest question was the environmental impact that they posed. Many weren’t sure if the Ferry was safe for the fragile ecosystems of the islands and ocean.  

Then, How Do You Travel From Maui to Oahu?

Okay, so we’ve established that traveling between Maui and Oahu is not a viable method of inter-island travel. However, you can still easily travel between islands using an airplane. I do it all the time, and, unlike the Ferry, flights are short and easy. 

Over 200 flights connect the islands every day. You’ll probably fly Hawaiian Airlines or Southwest, although Mokulele Airlines also offers some options. 

👉🏽 Alternative 1: Flying from Maui to Oahu

If you’re on Maui and want to fly to Oahu, you’re in luck! You can take a flight early in the morning and stay for however long. 

I’ve done numerous day trips and enjoyed shopping, eating delicious food, and visiting the North Shore. If you book one of the first flights over and one of the last flights back, you’ll have plenty of time to explore. 

Of course, you can always book a hotel or an Airbnb for a few nights to see more of the island. 

⏳ How Long is the Travel Time from Maui to Oahu by Plane?

The distance between Kahului and Honolulu is around 100 miles. This means flights are typically 23 minutes long! 

Of course, weather factors and total travel time (i.e., sitting in the airport waiting for your flight) can vary. Plan on total travel time taking 1.5 to 2 hours.  

💰 How Much Does a Flight from Maui to Oahu Cost?

Flights between the islands aren’t usually costly. A round-trip ticket typically costs around $60-150. 

Southwest has many deals, and if you book for the middle of the week, you can sometimes fly for as cheap as $40. Weekends and holidays are always more expensive.

👉🏽 Alternative 2: Maui to Oahu Day Trip

If figuring out the flights and a car for your island-hopping excursion fills you with existential dread, you can always book a tour. 

Not only will they purchase your airfare, but they’ll handle the transportation on Oahu and make it an easy-breezy experience. 

✔️ Day Trip from Maui to Oahu: Pearl Harbor Deluxe

4.5 ⭐️ 25 Reviews

If you’re planning a trip to Maui but are disappointed not to get to visit Pearl Harbor, this day trip makes that possible. 

You’ll fly from Maui to Oahu and spend the day exploring the Arizona Memorial Visitor Center, the Arizona Memorial itself, and the USS Bowfin. Now a museum and park, this submarine is sometimes called the “Pearl Harbor Avenger.”

Finish the day with the Battleship Missouri Memorial before heading back to Maui.

Great guide! Moana was very knowledgeable and accommodating! Would absolutely recommend this tour to my friends!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sandra_L, Sep 2023

👉 BOOK YOUR day trip ON viator

Getting Back from Oahu to Maui

Whether you stay in Oahu for a night or two or head back to Maui that same day, there are plenty of flight options. 

The last flight is typically around 9:00 p.m., so you’ll have time to get dinner and watch the sunset before returning. I like booking the second-to-last flight— just in case! 

Tips for Traveling from Maui to Oahu 

Taking an inter-island trip from Maui to Oahu is supremely easy.

If you want to spend most of your day shopping in Waikiki and checking out the beaches on the south shore, you won’t need to rent a car. There’s plenty to do, see, and eat, all within walking distance.

I love renting a car and spending more time on the north shore. Plus, having a safe place to stash your backpack during the day is nice. 

If you plan a day trip to Oahu, I recommend wearing comfortable clothing and versatile shoes. Throw a microfiber towel, swimsuit, and camera in your backpack, and you’ll be ready!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Ferry Maui to Oahu

While taking a plane may not be as romantic as taking a ferry from Maui to Oahu, it does make island-hopping easier and more convenient. 

With so many things to do and see in the Hawaiian archipelago, don’t limit yourself to only one island!

You’d be surprised how different each island feels. Enjoy the calm, relaxed vibe on Maui and the vibrancy of Oahu, all on the same trip!