Which airlines do you suggest to get from Oahu to either Big Island and/or Maui and back. I saw on an earlier thread that there are inter-island flights as cheap as $19.00. Really? Are these safe airplanes?

Also, I appreciate the advice to do no more than two islands in 7 days. Is the helicopter tour of the volcano and falls good enough to justify staying in Big Island and giving up Maui?

Is a cruise a good alternative to get more in?

These are major airlines with excellent safety reconds. I think Hawaiian has won the on time record of US airlines for many years.

Whats happening is that go!/Mesa air recently came into Hawaii and there is a huge fare ware going on. Eventually one of the three- I'm betting either go! or Aloha- will fail. It has happened before and the local airlines were able to weather it, but go! may have deeper pockets than Aloha this time.

Anyway, get your inter-island flying done now while it's so cheap!

A cruise can be fun, but I think you actually see less of the islands, as you have such limited amount of time on land at each stop.

there is no volcanic activity going on at this time, so the helicopter tour over the volcano probably wouldn't be worth it, but a day at the park would be good. there are helicopter flights over the other side of the island to see valleys and falls that you might like. the volcano could change at any time so you can make that choice when you get here.

We earned a bunch of NWA frequent flier miles years ago as part of an MCI long-distance promotion but we never end up flying on NWA. We were able to use those miles with a NWA partner airline for free flights between Maui & Oahu. We used some UAL miles that were going to expire for the rest of the family.

These flights take less miles than a usual ticket but it is not worthwhile unless you have expiring miles or miles you never use.

lcuy, you may be right. I have been working with the inter-island airlines on my events, and go! has stepped up to the plate in the biggest way. Hawaiian is *trying* to be aggressive in matching go! in their efforts, but it's turning out kinda lame. And Aloha has not stepped up at all.

Elaine, you should sign up to get email specials from these airlines and see what you come up with. The fares have gone as low as ONE dollar (not including taxes & fees) but most of the time the sales are in the $19 range.

'I flew Aloha airlines to kauai, and it was for 19 each person. I felt safe, however, I did notice something dripping from the side jet on the wing, and a lady kept mentioning, but the ticket lady just ignored her. I kinda started feeling weird, but we made it with no problems. So in the end, it might have just been humidity leakage? They were quick trips, and all trips included Guava juice. first time i've ever drank it, and it was great.

Elaine,
I booked a $9 flight ($15 after taxes) from Honolulu to Hilo on Go!Airlines one month ahead of flight date. You might just bookmark their site & keep checking; the cheapest flights go quickly.

Signup for email alerts with each one as they all try to stay about the same.
Aloha Air aloha.com
Go Air iflygo.com
Hawaiian Air hawaiian.com
Island Air islandair.com
Be aware Island Air has lower weight limit on luggage but they usually give a very scenic flight if you are able to take one.