Logistics and Flight Times

Question

Aloha, I’m starting to plan our first trip to HI this July. We’re spending 13.5 days on the ground, roughly split across the Big Island and Maui. We’re flying into KOA on July 7 and home from OGG on July 21, but haven’t booked anything else in between. First, I want to make sure I’m thinking about the BI correctly.

We arrive KOA at 6:30pm on “Day 0,” so we’ll start on the west side for ~5 nights. Then we’ll go to the east side for ~2 nights, likely taking the north route. (These are flexible and assume a typical first-time itinerary. We could change the balance on BI, or even extend our time on BI.)

From the east side, we can either (a) fly ITO-OGG but the only nonstop flight is 8:15am, or (b) fly KOA-OGG with the latest nonstop flight at 1pm. These times are the same every day. Option (a) means waking up really early and landing really early, while (b) allows for a different drive west (Saddle) and convenient arrival time--but we’d still need to leave by 9am for a 1pm flight (to play it safe), So we’re waking up to an alarm no matter what.

Unless the Saddle Road is worth the trip back, feels like ITO is the better option? Rental car prices are similar either way.

Answer

It sounds like you’re planning an exciting trip to Hawaii! You’re correct in thinking that there are a couple of logistics to weigh when choosing between flying from ITO (Hilo) or KOA (Kailua-Kona) to OGG (Maui). Let’s go over the pros and cons of both options so you can make a more informed decision.

Option 1: Fly from ITO (Hilo) to OGG (Maui) on the early morning flight

This option would have you waking up early, as the only nonstop flight from ITO to OGG is at 8:15 am. You’d need to be up and on the road early, especially considering you’re staying on the east side of the Big Island. However, the upside to this is that you’ll get to Maui early in the day, giving you more time to explore when you land, especially if you are planning to visit areas like Paia or the Upcountry region. Hilo also tends to be a bit slower and less crowded than Kona, so the airport process might feel more relaxed.

Option 2: Fly from KOA (Kailua-Kona) to OGG (Maui) on the 1 pm flight

While the KOA to OGG flight gives you more time in the morning to relax or explore, you’ll need to leave by 9 am to make it to the airport in time for your 1 pm flight. This would give you a bit of a layover and potentially a more relaxed morning compared to the early flight from ITO. The drive along Saddle Road offers some of the most scenic views on the island and is a great opportunity for sightseeing, especially if you haven’t yet experienced it. However, you may find that you’ll be doing a bit more driving compared to the ITO option.

Pros of the 1 pm flight from KOA:
- More relaxed morning and no need to wake up early.
- Time to take the scenic Saddle Road route, if you haven't already done so.
- You can get to OGG around 2:30 pm, giving you a more leisurely arrival time in Maui.
Cons of the 1 pm flight from KOA:
- Potentially more driving, especially if you’re staying on the east side of the Big Island and need to drive to KOA.
- You may feel like you're losing half a day in Maui due to the flight and travel time.

Saddle Road (Hwy 200)

The Saddle Road is a beautiful route that cuts across the Big Island from the east side (Hilo) to the west side (Kailua-Kona). It offers stunning views of the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes and is a great way to see more of the island’s landscape. If you haven’t driven it yet, it might be worth it, especially if you enjoy scenic drives. It is a paved road, though it can be a bit winding, so you should factor in about 1.5–2 hours for the drive from Hilo to Kona if you take this route.

Pros of taking Saddle Road:
- Scenic drive through the heart of the Big Island.
- Great photo opportunities and a more “local” experience of the island.
Cons of taking Saddle Road:
- Can add an extra hour to your drive if you're staying on the east side and need to get to Kona airport.
- If you’re pressed for time, you may feel like you’re spending a lot of time driving for relatively little gain in terms of exploring the island.

Recommendations

Considering your timeline and the fact that you will already be experiencing the beauty of the Big Island, the flight from ITO (Hilo) to OGG (Maui) at 8:15 am may be the better choice if you're looking to maximize your time in Maui. It will allow you to start your Maui adventure earlier in the day, and the drive from Hilo to the airport is relatively quick. You’ll also avoid the additional drive time that would come with taking Saddle Road back to Kona, which could feel like a detour at the start of your Maui journey.

That said, if you really want to experience the Saddle Road and don’t mind the slightly longer drive to Kona, the 1 pm flight from KOA might offer a more relaxed morning and allow you to enjoy the scenic route before you head to Maui.

Ultimately, both options have their advantages, and it comes down to your preferences for the morning: waking up early and starting the day in Maui right away, or taking a scenic drive and arriving in Maui after lunch. Either way, you’ll be set for a great time on both islands!

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