We are flying into Honolulu on Delta, then will be flying from HNL to Maui on Hawaiian Airlines. Our arrival from the states is 3:15pm. I don't know how much time to allow in between flights, since we will need to pick up our bags at the carousel, and then check-in at Hawaiian Airlines. Does anyone know how long it generally takes to get bags and begin another check-in? I am wondering if 45 to 50 minutes is long enough, and if not, then the soonest would be about 2 hours. Thanks for any help with this.

When you figure that you are supposed to be at your gate to start boarding 30 minutes before the scheduled flight, then 45 minutes can't possibly be enough. 45-50 minutes is the minimum I would do when my baggage is checked through to my destination, and I'm traveling on a single ticket.

I think you should take the 2 hours. I'd say that no matter what airport you were going through.

Take the 2 hours (imho 45-50 minutes is not enough time to change planes in any airport if you have to claim bags, change airlines, etc.)

Thanks, I kind of thought I should book the flight 2 hours out, but was just wondering if anyone knew first hand about locations of baggage claim and the hawaiian airlines counter. I'm probably wishing too hard, because I just don't want to wait any longer than I have too I will go with the later flight. I appreciate the input.

It will be a long walk from Delta baggage claim to the other building where Hawaiian is located. Won't Delta tag your bags all the way to Maui? If not, I'd take the 2 hour layover. Baggage claim may be slow as the afternoon flights are usually quite full.

(PS: you are not arriving "from the states". Hawaii is the 50th state. Just a helpful fact as we snicker when people from the mainland talk like Hawaii is a different country. )

Also, If you have to pick up your bags, you'll have to go through security at the interisland terminal. Are you sure Delta won't check your bag all the way?

Have you checked to be sure there is no baggage arrangement between Delta & Hawaiian?
Regardless of how long your layover is, it would be great if the bags transferred directly, if possible.

I agree with suze's comments about baggage transfers. This brings up the idea that some airlines have a minimum layover time in between flights for having your bags transferred. So check on that for sure. I think that time was 75 minutes at one time (for AA and Hawaiian bag transfers).