Island-hopping in the Pacific
This is leg 2 of 2, the final leg.
Travel leg · Hawaii Paradise
Maui to Big Island
Maui and Big Island sit about 156 km (97 mi) apart in a straight line, with Big Island to the south-east. It is leg 2 of 2 on our Hawaii Paradise itinerary, a 10-day trip. This one most likely involves a water crossing, so check flight schedules early.
- Straight-line distance
- 156 km · 97 mi
- Est. road distance
- Water crossing likely
- Est. drive time
- Not estimated
- Direction
- Heading south-east
- Curated routes
- 1 itinerary
This leg most likely crosses water, so we don’t estimate road distance or drive time. Check ferry or flight schedules for the actual crossing.
Ways to get there
We don't have live routing data, so the figures below are labelled estimates built from the straight-line distance. Use them to plan the day, then confirm in a maps app.
By plane
This leg most likely crosses open water, and our Hawaii Paradise guide mentions flights between the islands, so a short flight is worth checking. Leave time for airport transfers on travel days.
Short inter-island flights connect Maui, Oahu and the Big Island, so build in airport time on each transfer day. On every island a rental car gives the most freedom, though Waikiki and central Honolulu are easy without one.
Worth stopping for
Picks from our curated guides at both ends.
When you arrive in Big Island
Plan 3–4 days split between Hilo/Volcano on the east side and Kona on the west; distances are long.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Walk crater rims, steam vents and lava tubes around active Kīlauea.
Kīlauea Iki Trail
4-mile loop through rainforest and across a still-steaming crater floor.
The Rim at Volcano House
Park lodge dining room with windows over Halemaʻumaʻu crater.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Restored royal grounds and place of refuge on a lava shoreline.
Greenwell Farms
Family Kona coffee farm with free tours and tastings.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Jet-black sand beach where green sea turtles haul out to rest.
Before you leave Maui
Give Maui 3–4 days: one for Haleakalā sunrise, one for the Road to Hana, and time for snorkeling and Paia.
On this curated route
Where Maui → Big Island sits in the full itinerary. Highlighted stops are this leg.
Going the other way? Big Island to Maui is the same 156 km in a straight line, heading north-west. Reverse directions in Google Maps ↗
Weather at each end
The biggest gap comes in December, when Big Island averages highs 10°C cooler than Maui. Over a year, Big Island gets about 1,200 mm more rain.
| Measure | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maui high | 20° | 20° | 20° | 20° | 21° | 22° | 22° | 23° | 23° | 23° | 22° | 21° |
| Big Island high | 10° | 10° | 10° | 11° | 12° | 13° | 14° | 14° | 14° | 13° | 12° | 10° |
| Maui rain | 61 | 63 | 83 | 47 | 37 | 28 | 32 | 40 | 38 | 55 | 65 | 71 |
| Big Island rain | 147 | 155 | 224 | 192 | 138 | 106 | 120 | 140 | 119 | 135 | 169 | 171 |
Temperatures in °C, rain in mm per month. Long-term monthly averages from NASA POWER satellite climatology — a guide to typical conditions, not a forecast. Month headings link to Big Island month guides.
Maui to Big Island: questions travelers ask
How far is Maui from Big Island?
Maui is about 156 km (97 mi) from Big Island in a straight line, with Big Island to the south-east. The trip most likely involves a water crossing, so the distance you actually travel depends on the ferry or flight route.
How long does it take to drive from Maui to Big Island?
We don't estimate a drive time for this one: it most likely crosses water, so check flight schedules before you plan the day.
Which itineraries include the trip from Maui to Big Island?
Our Hawaii Paradise itinerary includes this leg. Hawaii Paradise runs about 10 days across 3 stops, best in Apr – Oct.
Getting to Maui
- Oahu to Maui 187 km
Guides for both ends
- Maui travel guide
- Maui weather best time to visit
- Big Island travel guide
- Big Island weather best time to visit
Big Island by month
Plan Maui → Big Island with your crew
Add this leg to a shared itinerary, poll the group on where to stop, split fuel and tickets, and keep everyone's packing list in one place in TripsCircle.