✈️ Flight Guide: Ontario (ONT) → Kahului (OGG)

For domestic flights from Ontario International Airport (ONT) to Kahului Airport (OGG) in January, arrive at least 90 minutes before departure if you have only carry-on luggage and 2 hours if you need to check bags. Peak holiday travel and winter traffic can increase wait times, so planning extra time helps with parking at ONT and possible TSA lines. If you’re traveling from nearby major cities like Los Angeles, Riverside, or San Bernardino, allow additional transfer time.

Direct flights between Ontario International Airport (ONT) and Kahului Airport (OGG) are sometimes seasonal and vary by airline; in January you may find nonstop service offered by select carriers, but many itineraries include one stop via Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) or Phoenix (PHX). Check airline schedules and book early to secure nonstop options when available, and compare connecting itineraries for total travel time and layover convenience.

Typical total airborne time for nonstop flights is approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes to 5 hours and 45 minutes, depending on winds and routing. If your itinerary includes a connection (commonly via LAX or PHX), expect total travel time including layovers to range from 7 to 12+ hours. Always check the scheduled block time listed by the airline for the most accurate planning.

Baggage allowances depend on your carrier and fare class; many low-cost carriers charge for checked bags while legacy carriers include at least one checked bag on standard economy or premium fares. For Maui vacations in January, bring clothing for varying weather—light layers—and note any additional fees for oversize items like surfboards or golf equipment. Always confirm baggage size, weight limits, and fees on your airline’s website before packing.

Options include rideshare services, shuttle vans, private car services, and driving yourself; travel time to downtown Los Angeles from ONT typically ranges from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. If connecting via LAX, consider a direct shuttle or a short rideshare to avoid added stress—allow significant buffer for LA freeway congestion, especially during weekday commute hours.

As travel guidance evolves, check federal and state health advisories, airline requirements, and Hawaii-specific entry or testing policies prior to travel. In January, Hawaii occasionally updates protocols for visitors—verify any testing, vaccination, or mask rules with official sources and your airline before departure to ensure a smooth trip to Kahului Airport (OGG) and top Maui destinations like Lahaina, Kihei, and Hana.

From Kahului Airport (OGG), travelers can rent a car, take a shared shuttle, taxi, or rideshare to reach Lahaina or Kaanapali; driving typically takes 45 to 75 minutes depending on traffic and exact resort location. January is moderately busy with island visitors, so book rental cars or shuttles ahead—Wailea and Kihei are also common Maui destinations accessed from OGG.

January on Maui is part of the island’s cooler, wetter season with daytime highs in the 70s°F (low 20s°C) and occasional rain showers—especially in windward and upcountry areas like Hana and Haleakala. Ocean conditions may vary, so check local surf and snorkeling advice; pack waterproof layers and light sweaters for higher elevations.

While some travelers use shuttles or organized tours, having a rental car at Kahului Airport (OGG) provides the greatest flexibility to explore Maui’s top sights—Haleakala, Road to Hana, and West Maui beaches. January demand for rentals can be high; reserve early and compare insurers and fuel policies to save money.

Hawaii’s travel entry requirements can change; as of January travel planning, check state health guidance, airline policies, and Maui County advisories before flying. Confirm vaccination, testing, or pre-travel registration expectations if any, and monitor official sources for last-minute updates to avoid arrival delays at Kahului Airport (OGG).

Kahului Airport (OGG) provides car rental counters, ground transportation, luggage services, and local vendor kiosks for arrivals; expect visitor information booths and limited dining options suitable for quick meals. For extended services or shopping, travelers often connect via nearby Kahului town and top destinations like Paia or Wailuku.

January sees steady tourism traffic with peaks around holiday weekends and early January departures; morning and late afternoon arrivals are common due to inter-island schedules and transpacific connections. For shorter waits, consider off-peak arrival times or pre-booked shuttles and rental cars to bypass peak lines.