By Ferry or Tour Boat

A small-boat public ferry service for people (no cars) takes five daily trips between Maui and Lanai. Another small-boat public ferry takes one trip a day between Maui and Molokai. From the decks of these boats you can see the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe. Many private tour boat operators, including Tom Barefoot's Tours, Trilogy Excursions and Expeditions (as of early 2011) have sightseeing cruises departing from Lahaina, Maui--all making stops to let you enjoy part of the day on Molokai and Lanai. Molokai is lush, tropical and has waterfalls and viewpoints. Lanai used to be known as the Pineapple Island but is now best known for Hulopoe Beach's clear waters, which are good for spotting tropical fish with a snorkel mask.

By Plane

Hawaiian Airlines and go! Airlines are the major carriers offering inter-island routes. Check routes carefully as many are routed through Honolulu and bad connections can waste valuable holiday time. Pacific Wings and Island Air are small airlines that offer service on turbo prop jets. With a big budget you can charter a plane and make your own itinerary. If you choose Waikiki on Oahu for your holiday but are keen to see a volcano in action you can travel from Honolulu to Hilo on the Big Island and either rent a car or join a tour to see the Kilauea volcanoes. The flight takes less than an hour each way and as of February 2011, costs about $100.

By Ship

Cruises around the islands depart and arrive back on Oahu and stop at Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. You can choose short stop-overs on the various islands, lasting only a day or two, or you can spend a week or two at each destination. Be warned: The shorter stop-overs will entice you to make a return trip to your favorite island. As of early 2011, your cruise line options include Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Holland America among others. The ships are up-scale, floating hotels providing a host of amenities, dining options, activities and entertainment. You can book tours with a variety of options for your port stops or explore the islands on your own.

By Helicopter

Helicopter trips in the Hawaiian Islands abound and for good reason. You'll burn up your camera's video card travelling in air-conditioned comfort and experience Hawaii's amazing scenery with a bird's eye view. If you want to splurge you can do all your island-hopping in a few hours without touching the ground or you can take a less expensive trip around the island you're based on. As of early 2011, companies include Blue Hawaiian, Paradise Helicopters, Safari or Sunshine.