The short flight between Honolulu (HNL) and Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG) has long been one of the busiest domestic routes in North America, and this year, it continues to make waves. According to the latest data from OAG, the Honolulu-Maui route ranks third in domestic flight volume, only behind Vancouver-Toronto and Atlanta-Orlando.
In 2024, this route saw a staggering 3,369,790 seats, just shy of overtaking Atlanta-Orlando, which recorded 3,474,713 seats. Vancouver-Toronto remains in the lead with 3,498,835 seats. Despite its close race with mainland giants, the Honolulu-Maui connection tells a fascinating story of sustained demand, fierce competition, and the unique travel dynamics of Hawaii.
The Surprising Popularity of the Honolulu-Maui Route
It may surprise some that a 100-mile flight between two islands in Hawaii consistently ranks among North America’s busiest, considering the larger, multi-hub mainland routes that service millions of residents. Yet, this route’s volume continues to grow, outpacing many mainland connections, and even surpassing previous levels seen in 2019.
Reader “AlohaMike” highlighted this impressive feat, noting, “OGG-HNL now ranks second in the U.S. in terms of seat capacity, just behind Atlanta-Orlando where Delta runs connections to Disney World.” Despite its relatively short distance, the Honolulu-Maui flight is a key lifeline for both residents and visitors, maintaining a high frequency of flights, with nearly 20 daily departures from Hawaiian Airlines alone.
Hawaiian Airlines’ Dominance and Southwest’s Retreat
Hawaiian Airlines remains the clear leader on this route, operating the majority of flights and maintaining its status as the primary choice for interisland travel. Offering up to 20 daily flights in each direction, Hawaiian Airlines provides a reliable service that caters to both tourists and Hawaii residents, with one-way fares starting as low as $60.
However, the landscape is shifting. Southwest Airlines, once a disruptor in the Hawaii market, is scaling back its interisland services, including on the Honolulu-Maui route. The airline’s decision to focus on more profitable long-haul routes starting in 2025 will likely reduce competition on this key route, raising concerns about future fare hikes.
As Southwest retreats, Hawaiian Airlines and its parent company, Alaska Airlines, could find themselves in a duopolistic position, potentially leading to higher prices for travelers. The concern, as AlohaMike pointed out, is that with fewer competitors, these airlines could raise prices without the pressure of competition.
Why Honolulu-Maui Remains Essential
The Honolulu-Maui flight is crucial for both tourism and the daily lives of Hawaii residents. Honolulu remains the state’s primary gateway for international and mainland arrivals, while Maui is one of the top vacation destinations in Hawaii. Many visitors to Honolulu continue their journey to Maui, and residents of both islands rely on this route for work, family visits, and other essential travel.
The short distance and the use of smaller aircraft by Hawaiian Airlines allow for high-frequency flights, contributing to the route’s impressive seat capacity. For Hawaii residents, the flight is not just a convenience but a necessity, making it an integral part of life in the islands.
Rising Costs and Future Implications
While the Honolulu-Maui route remains highly frequented, there are concerns about rising fares, particularly with Southwest’s pullback. With Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines poised to dominate, some worry that the reduction in competition could lead to higher prices, especially for interisland travel.
As AlohaMike noted, “The concern is that with fewer competitors, Hawaiian and Alaska could easily collude to raise prices, which would be detrimental to residents and visitors alike.”
What’s Next for Honolulu-Maui?
The Honolulu-Maui route is a cornerstone of Hawaii’s air travel system, and its near-top ranking among the busiest domestic flights in North America underscores its importance. While it may never rival global routes like Jeju-Seoul, which serves over 14 million seats annually, the Honolulu-Maui connection stands out for its unique combination of high frequency, demand, and its critical role in connecting the Hawaiian islands. As travelers and residents alike await the impacts of Southwest’s retreat, this route remains a key piece of Hawaii’s travel puzzle, one that continues to evolve in the years ahead.
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