Airports and Ports of Call in Maui

How to get somewhere is an important part of travel plans. Help your trip be easier with this quick reference. Smart planning means more time to enjoy your vacation!

Hawaii is a popular island chain in the South Pacific. Maui is one of the best vacation islands in the world, but you've got to get there first. Don't have your own yacht? Well, the odds are staggering that you'll need to book a flight there.

There are many airports, both big and small, in Hawaii. Maui is my favorite of the island chain. Here's the rundown on the airports on Maui.

• There are three airports in Maui; one big airport, and two smaller ones. Most people who fly from the mainland to Maui, land at the big airport, Kahului. Direct flights from the mainland United States to Maui are available on major carriers like American, Continental, Delta, and United Airlines, as well as Hawaiian and Aloha Airlines. There are (at this time) no direct flights to Maui from Asia; Japan and All Nippon Airways land in Oahu. Flights between the islands of Hawaii are available with smaller aircraft carriers, such as Island Air, and go! which is Hawaii's low fare airline.
• Take it from me: If your travel plans permit, try to book a direct flight to Maui. It makes for easier travel, and there's a decreased chance of your luggage getting lost (lost luggage makes for a bummer of a start for any vacation). Furthermore, if you're traveling with young children, stops along the way or connecting flights could really try their patience.
• Kahului Airport, the only big airport on Maui, is on the northwestern part of the island. Bear in mind: While it's the biggest airport on Maui, Kahului Airport is by no means comparable to LAX or O'Hare. It's an indoor-outdoor airport with helpful employees (it's nice to find one big business that still knows the meaning of customer service). You take a shuttle to the rental car zone, pick up your car, and go. Of course, if you're not renting a car for your vacation, there are plenty of taxis waiting to pick you up right outside the Kahului Airport as well.
• One of the two smaller airports, Hana Airport, is on east Maui, three miles northwest of Hana. Hana is a remote part of Maui that maintains much of the slower, mellow, and relaxed feel of old Maui. Unsurprisingly, the airport is similar: Small, and as relaxed as an airport can be in the 21st century. With one runway, Hana Airport is an air taxi and commuter airport, which supports some other general air transport activities. For example, while Hawaiian and Continental Airlines both theoretically land at Hana, they aren't direct flights. Your first stop is in Honolulu, where you switch to a smaller Pacific Wings commuter plane for the last leg of your trip.
• The other small airport is Kapalua Airport. This one is north of Kaanapali, on west Maui. Kaanapali and its sister town, Lahaina, are the busiest, most touristy parts of Maui, with shopping, young children and older kids running around, and hotels galore. The Kapalua Airport has only one runway, and is a solely a commercial service and commuter aircraft carrier airport. Islandair, Hawaiian and Aloha Airlines land small jets here, and there are no air cargo facilities.

Cruise ships, yachts, and ferries dock in Maui as well. There are three main harbors for ports of call here.

• A ferry service operates out of Lahaina Harbor, at the public loading dock there. Expeditions is a reliable, 10- year old company, and ferries passengers solely between Maui and Lanai. Lanai is one of the smaller populated islands in Hawaii; many people who vacation often in Hawaii never get around to seeing it. A day trip, or an overnight one, could enrich your overall knowledge about this South Pacific island chain. The folks at Expedition are helpful regarding arranging activities for a stay on Lanai.
• Maalaea is a coastal town between Lahaina and Kihei. Maalaea Harbor is beautiful, and pretty quiet for a harbor. The Maui Ocean Center is right there - this world-class aquarium is consistently voted a best family activity by travel guides like Zagats. My children especially love the shark feeding demonstration, and I liked strolling around the boat harbor and aquarium grounds. The Maalaea Boat Harbor is serene, and the yacht marina there is...well, impressive. You see a lot of fancy yachts there! Click here for a live Maalaea Harbor cam.

• Maui has one big state-run harbor for cruise ships and ferries, and it's in Kahului. (I've been there, and while you see plenty of aviation activity, the noise isn't as bad as you'd think.) The Hawaii Superferry is, obviously, a ferry service that will connect the Hawaiian islands - due to start in the summer of 2007. Plans include daily high-speed service between Maui, Oahu and Kauai. I'm looking forward to trying it next winter, and after I do, I'll be here to spread the word.

Related, on Suite 101:

The Best Hotels and Resorts on Maui

Maui - The Best Island in the World

Copyright Jennifer Miner and Suite 101. All rights reserved.

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