There are flights, and then there are experiences. The United Airlines Island Hopper is one of the most legendary routes in commercial aviation — a journey that takes you across the vast Pacific Ocean, hopping from island to island through some of the most remote and breathtaking destinations on Earth.
In January 2026 I embarked on this bucket-list adventure, departing from Newark (EWR) and making my way westward to Tokyo Narita (NRT) via Honolulu and the stunning islands of Micronesia — before returning home to where it all began.
The Route
- Newark (EWR) → Honolulu (HNL)
- Honolulu → Majuro (MJU) → Kwajalein (KWA)
- Kwajalein → Kosrae (KSA) → Pohnpei (PNI) → Chuuk (TKK)
- Chuuk → Guam (GUM) → Tokyo Narita (NRT)
Why This Flight Is Special
The Island Hopper isn't just a flight — it's a window into the Pacific's hidden world. You'll see turquoise lagoons, WWII history, tiny airstrips surrounded by ocean, and communities that live thousands of miles from the nearest continent. Each landing feels like a mini-adventure, with passengers getting on and off, cargo being loaded, and the unique atmosphere of each island visible right from the tarmac.
For aviation enthusiasts, this is the ultimate experience: multiple takeoffs and landings in a single day, stunning approaches over coral atolls, and the rare opportunity to visit airports that most travelers will never see.
The Return
After exploring Tokyo — one of my favorite cities in the world — the journey came full circle with a transpacific flight straight back to Newark (EWR), closing the loop on an epic 15,000+ mile adventure around the Pacific Rim.