Hawaii Island Hopping: Ultimate Flight & Airport Guide

🌺Just returned from an unforgettable 10-day trip exploring the Big Island and Oahu! Here’s everything you need to know about interisland flights, airports, and travel tips — tested and approved by a real traveler. ✈️ International Flights Route: Shanghai → Osaka (KIX) → Honolulu (HNL) Airline: Japan Airlines 🛫 Price: ~¥6,000 per person Why JAL?: Great service, good food, and solid value! Layover Tip: Kansai Airport T1 has limited dining — eat before you fly! On return, stayed at Haneda Airport Hotel — highly recommended! 🏝️ Interisland Flights: Southwest Airlines Route: Honolulu → Big Island (KOA) Price: ~¥1,300 per person Baggage Tip: 🧳 Free checked baggage is gone — pack light or pay extra Schedule Tip: Don’t let agents talk you into a later flight — 2 hours is enough for baggage claim + check-in! I changed back to my original flight via the Southwest app — smooth and easy 😊 Funny Story: Got a “free drink coupon” but flight was too short for beverage service 😂 Coupon expired the same day — classic! 🛬 Airport Reviews Kansai Airport (Osaka, T1) 🛍️ Shopping: Luxury brands, anime stores, drugstore, outdoor gear 🍜 Food: Limited — one ramen spot with long lines ⚠️ Tip: Check your gate — some require a shuttle ride! Honolulu Airport (HNL) Shopping: Polo Ralph Lauren + nicer ABC Store-style souvenirs Payment: Accepts Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay Vibe: Clean, busy, and traveler-friendly 🏝️ Kona Airport (Big Island) 🌴 Vibe: Open-air, relaxed, “island time” feels ❤️ Highlight: Friendly staff who told me about the “air-conditioned restroom” Photo Op: Feels like vacation starts the moment you step off the plane! Haneda Airport (Tokyo, T3)🍱 Food: Tons of options — from sushi to fast bites 🏪 Convenience: Lawson, hotels, and even an onsen! 🛌 Hotel Stay: Villa Fontaine Haneda — great rooms & airport access 💡 Pro Travel Tips 📱 Use airline apps for easy rebooking Pack light — interisland baggage fees add up Allow 2 hours for interisland connections — it’s enough! Bring cash & cards — not all airport vendors take digital payments 🏝️ Start with the Big Island if you love nature — it’s wilder and less crowded Whether you're island-hopping or soaking in the Aloha spirit, these tips will help you travel smarter — and with more smiles. Have you flown between Hawaiian islands? Share your experience below! 👇 #US #Hawaii #Honolulu