Is There a Ferry Between Maui and Kona?
If you’re wondering whether there’s a ferry running between Maui and the Big Island (Kona side), the short answer is no. There is currently no ferry service operating between these two islands.
Unlike shorter routes, such as the ferry between Maui and Lanai, the waters between Maui and the Big Island pose challenges that make a ferry service unfeasible.
The best and only practical way to travel between Maui and Kona is by plane. Several airlines run daily flights from Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui to Kona International Airport (KOA) on the Big Island.
Flight times are short—about 30 minutes—and ticket prices vary depending on demand and booking time.
But why is there no ferry, and will there ever be one? Let’s break it down.
Why No Ferry Exists Between Maui and Kona
Hawaii’s Ocean Conditions – The Alenuihaha Channel, which separates Maui and the Big Island, is notorious for its strong winds and rough seas.
This makes it one of the most treacherous waterways in the Pacific, posing serious safety concerns for ferry operations.
Past Failures – The Hawaii Superferry, which operated between Oahu and Maui from 2007-2009, was supposed to expand to the Big Island.
However, environmental and legal challenges forced it to shut down before that could happen.
Lack of Demand – While people frequently travel between the islands, the demand isn’t high enough to make a ferry economically viable, especially compared to air travel.
Government and Environmental Issues—Previous ferry attempts have faced legal battles due to concerns about invasive species, marine life protection, and local opposition.
The Best Way to Travel Between Maui and Kona
Since a ferry isn’t an option, let’s talk about the alternatives.
Flying – Your fastest and easiest choice.
- Airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, and Mokulele offer direct flights.
- Prices range from $50 to $150 one-way, depending on when you book.
- Flight time is 25-35 minutes.
Private Boat Charters – While no commercial ferry operates, you can charter a boat if you’re willing to pay.
Costs can run $2,000 or more, and it takes several hours.
Weather conditions can make the trip rough.
Cruise Ships – Some Hawaiian cruise lines stop in both Maui and the Big Island, but you must book the full cruise (not just inter-island travel).
Cruise schedules are fixed and typically include multiple islands.
Hawaii Superferry – Why It Failed
The Hawaii Superferry was launched in 2007 to provide inter-island ferry service, with plans to connect Honolulu, Maui, and later, Kona on the Big Island.
It operated a high-speed catamaran, Alakai, capable of carrying 866 passengers and 282 vehicles.
However, it never expanded beyond Oahu and Maui before shutting down in 2009 due to legal and environmental issues.
Opposition centered on marine life protection, the spread of invasive species, and competition with airlines and shippers.
In March 2009, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that the Superferry lacked a proper environmental review, making its operation illegal.
Facing mounting costs and no clear path forward, the company declared bankruptcy in May 2009. The U.S. government repossessed the vessels, later selling them to the U.S. Navy.
The failure of the Superferry explains why a Maui-Kona ferry remains unlikely today.
The Alenuihaha Channel, separating these islands, is one of the roughest in the Pacific, making ferry travel both dangerous and unreliable.
Any new ferry service would face the same environmental, legal, and financial hurdles.
With no ferry operating, flying remains the only viable way to travel between Maui and Kona.
Despite occasional discussions, the challenges of running an inter-island ferry in Hawaii mean it is unlikely to return anytime soon.
Could a Ferry Service Be Established in the Future?
The idea of a ferry between Maui and Kona has been discussed, but major obstacles remain.
Technology Advances – New ferry designs could handle rough seas better, but costs remain high.
Environmental Regulations – Any new ferry would need to pass strict Hawaii environmental laws.
Cost vs. Demand—Even if a ferry were launched, it might be too expensive to operate profitably, leading to another shutdown.
Government Support – Without subsidies or state investment, private companies have little incentive to try again.
For now, a ferry seems unlikely unless there’s a major shift in technology, demand, or policy.
Inter-Island Ferry Services in Hawaii
Hawaii has limited ferry options, with the Maui to Lānaʻi ferry being the only operational service.
Expeditions run this route between Lahaina (Maui) and Manele (Lānaʻi), with multiple daily departures and a 1-hour travel time.
Other ferry routes once existed but were discontinued. The Maui to Molokaʻi ferry stopped in 2016 due to low ridership and financial issues.
The Hawaii Superferry, which briefly operated between Oʻahu and Maui from 2007-2009, was shut down due to legal and environmental challenges before it could expand to the Big Island.
Proposals for new ferry services, including a Maui-Molokaʻi-Lānaʻi public ferry system, have been made, but none have been approved.
A sea glider initiative was also announced to introduce electric hydrofoil boats for inter-island travel, though its future remains uncertain.
With no ferries between the main islands, air travel is the primary mode of transport. Airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, and Mokulele offer frequent short-haul flights.
For those looking for a slower alternative, cruise ships, such as Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, offer multi-island itineraries.
At present, Hawaii lacks a reliable inter-island ferry system outside of the Maui-Lānaʻi route, and proposals for expansion face significant economic, environmental, and legal obstacles.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a ferry between Maui and Kona, you won’t find one—because it doesn’t exist. The rough Alenuihaha Channel, past failed attempts, and economic challenges make ferry travel impractical.
For now, flying remains the best option, with multiple daily flights taking only 30 minutes.
While the idea of a ferry keeps coming up, unless major changes happen in technology, policy, or demand, it’s unlikely we’ll see one anytime soon.