How To Get To Maldives From Hawaii [2025 Guide]
The Maldives is a dream destination with white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and luxury overwater villas. If you’re in Hawaii, you might wonder how to get to this tropical paradise on the other side of the globe. Since there are no direct flights from Hawaii to Maldives, you’ll need at least two stopovers, but the journey is definitely worth it. This guide explains all the best routes, flight times, costs, and transfer tips to help you plan your Maldives vacation from Hawaii in 2025.
✈️ Option 1: Flights from Hawaii to Maldives via the U.S. West Coast
The most common way is to first fly from Honolulu (HNL) or another Hawaiian island to the U.S. West Coast, and then connect to the Maldives.
- Popular Stopover Cities:
- Honolulu → Los Angeles (LAX) → Doha (DOH) → Malé (MLE)
- Honolulu → San Francisco (SFO) → Singapore (SIN) → Malé (MLE)
- Honolulu → Seattle (SEA) → Dubai (DXB) → Malé (MLE)
- Airlines: Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Alaska Airlines, United, Delta, American Airlines.
- Duration: 28 – 34 hours (including layovers).
- Cost (Round Trip 2025): $1,100 – $1,800.
This is the most practical route, combining U.S. mainland flights with Middle Eastern or Asian carriers that fly into Maldives.
Option 2: Flights via Asia
Another option is to fly from Hawaii to an Asian hub city and then onward to Maldives.
- Popular Stopover Cities:
- Honolulu → Tokyo (HND/NRT) → Singapore (SIN) → Malé (MLE)
- Honolulu → Seoul (ICN) → Kuala Lumpur (KUL) → Malé (MLE)
- Honolulu → Manila (MNL) → Colombo (CMB) → Malé (MLE)
- Airlines: Japan Airlines, ANA, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines.
- Duration: 26 – 32 hours.
- Cost: $1,200 – $1,900 round trip.
This route is great if you want to combine a Maldives trip with an Asian stopover vacation.
Option 3: Multi-City Luxury Routes
If you prefer a luxury travel experience, you can book premium airlines via Doha, Dubai, or Singapore.
- Sample Itineraries:
- Honolulu → Los Angeles → Doha → Malé (Qatar Airways)
- Honolulu → San Francisco → Dubai → Malé (Emirates)
- Honolulu → Tokyo → Singapore → Malé (Singapore Airlines)
- Duration: 30 – 36 hours.
- Cost: $1,500 – $2,500 round trip.
Best for travelers seeking luxury cabins, business class upgrades, or extra comfort.
Airports to Know
- Departure from Hawaii: Honolulu International Airport (HNL) – main hub for long-haul flights.
- Arrival in Maldives: Velana International Airport (MLE), located in Malé, the capital city.
Transfers Within Maldives
After landing at Velana International Airport, you’ll need to transfer to your resort:
- Speedboat Transfer: $50 – $200 (30 mins – 2 hrs, depending on resort).
- Seaplane Transfer: $250 – $600 (20 – 60 mins, breathtaking aerial views).
- Domestic Flight + Boat: $100 – $300 (for distant atolls).
Always check with your resort; they usually arrange the transfer in advance.
Hawaii to Maldives Travel Summary
| Route Type | Duration | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast Route | 28 – 34 hrs | $1,100 – $1,800 | Most practical & common |
| Asia Route | 26 – 32 hrs | $1,200 – $1,900 | Combine with Asia trip |
| Luxury Route | 30 – 36 hrs | $1,500 – $2,500 | Premium travel experience |
Best Way to Get to Maldives from Hawaii in 2025
The most efficient way is to fly from Honolulu to Los Angeles or San Francisco, then connect via Qatar Airways, Emirates, or Singapore Airlines to Malé. This offers the best balance of cost, travel time, and convenience. If you’d like a cultural stop, consider routing through Tokyo, Singapore, or Seoul.
❓ FAQs on How To Get To Maldives from Hawaii
Q1. Are there direct flights from Hawaii to Maldives?
No, there are no direct flights from Hawaii to Maldives. At least two stopovers are required.
Q2. How long is the flight from Hawaii to Maldives?
The total journey takes around 26 – 36 hours, depending on layovers and routes.
Q3. How much does it cost to fly from Hawaii to Maldives in 2025?
Round-trip flights cost between $1,100 – $2,500, depending on the airline and booking time.
Q4. Which airlines fly from Hawaii to Maldives?
Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, and U.S. carriers like United, Delta, and American Airlines.
Q5. Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Maldives?
No, U.S. passport holders get a 30-day visa on arrival in Maldives.
Q6. What’s the cheapest way to get from Hawaii to Maldives?
The cheapest option is to fly from Honolulu to Los Angeles or San Francisco, then connect via Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, or Emirates.
✅ Final Travel Tip: Book early and compare routes via West Coast USA or Asia. For comfort, consider Emirates or Qatar Airways via Dubai/Doha. Don’t forget to arrange your speedboat or seaplane transfer with your Maldives resort in advance.
