Majuro is a ribbon of coral and lagoon in the central Pacific, and its capital district sits only a few metres above the sea. Bhutan, by contrast, is one of the most mountainous countries on Earth. Linking the two takes some imagination and a well-planned set of flights. The journey begins at Amata Kabua International Airport (MAJ), along the atoll from the main town, and this guide explains what comes next.
Leaving Majuro: Amata Kabua and the Honolulu Flight
Our Marshall Islands guide describes the most common opening leg: a flight from Amata Kabua International to Honolulu, Hawaii, operated by United Airlines, which links the Pacific islands with the United States. This is the key flight of the whole trip. Confirm it first, then build the rest of your plan around it.
Because Honolulu is a US airport, check what documents your passport requires for arrival or transit there before you book.
Crossing the Pacific Twice: Honolulu to Asia
From Honolulu, the guide explains, you continue to Asian gateways such as Bangkok in Thailand, Kathmandu in Nepal or Delhi in India, using carriers like United, Hawaiian Airlines or their Asian partners. From the gateway, the final leg to Paro is served only by Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines.
One quirk worth understanding: Majuro lies west of the International Date Line, while Honolulu lies east of it. Flying to Hawaii you arrive on the previous calendar date, and flying on to Asia you cross back again. It is easy to misread an itinerary because of this, so double-check every date on your tickets and hotel bookings. And as ever, check current schedules, since frequencies vary through the year.
Majuro to Paro: A Worked Example
This sample plan shows how the trip might be arranged; it is not a promise of specific flights.
- Day 1: fly United from Majuro to Honolulu, arriving on the previous calendar date, and stay overnight.
- Day 2: take a long-haul flight from Honolulu towards Bangkok, crossing back over the date line.
- Day 3: arrive in Bangkok and recover at an airport hotel.
- Day 4: board the short Drukair or Bhutan Airlines hop into Paro, where your guide is waiting.
Overnight stops in Honolulu and Bangkok make a long trip far more comfortable. The Bangkok night also guards against delays at Paro, where the approach is visual-only and weather can hold back flights.
Bhutan Runs Six Hours Behind Majuro
The Marshall Islands keep UTC+12 throughout the year, and Bhutan keeps UTC+6; neither uses daylight saving. So Bhutan is six hours behind Majuro. When it is 6pm in Majuro, it is noon in Thimphu.
Because your route goes east to Hawaii and then west to Asia, your body clock gets pulled in both directions. Ending the journey with a westward shift is usually easier, and many travellers find they wake early in Bhutan, ready for sunrise walks.
Majuro's Lagoon Heat and Himalayan Chill
Majuro is warm and humid all year, with rain falling across the seasons and trade winds offering some relief. Bhutan's climate is shaped by altitude. Its two favourite seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), both bringing mild days in the valleys. Summer (June to August) is the monsoon. Winter (December to February) is cold but clear, especially at higher elevations.
For an island resident, even a spring or autumn morning in Paro will feel cold, so pack a warm jacket, fleece, hat and good walking shoes. Paro Tshechu takes place in spring and Thimphu Tshechu in autumn, though both follow the lunar calendar and change dates every year.
Marshallese Passport Holders: Visa, SDF, Insurance
Citizens of the Marshall Islands need a Bhutan visa, applied for online before travel and usually handled by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Our guide notes that approval typically takes around 72 hours, after which an eVisa approval letter is emailed to you to present at Paro.
- Documents: passport valid for at least six months from entry, a recent photo and your flight itinerary.
- SDF: a nightly charge of USD 100 per adult applies to most international arrivals. Check the latest rates with the Department of Tourism before booking.
- Insurance: required, covering every night of your stay in Bhutan.
Bhutan's currency is the ngultrum, pegged to the Indian rupee. ATMs are mainly in towns, so carry some cash, and remember that US dollars will need exchanging.
Trip Lengths That Fit a Pacific Departure
With several days of travel in each direction, we suggest making the most of the effort:
- Seven to eight nights: Paro, Thimphu and the central valleys at a gentle pace.
- Ten to twelve nights: add hikes, villages and time to adjust.
- Two weeks or longer: a trek, a festival, or a combined trip with Thailand or Nepal.
Majuro FAQ
Is Honolulu really the best route from Majuro?
Our guide describes the United flight to Honolulu as the most common starting point, and it connects well with onward services to Asia.
Will the date line affect my visa dates?
It can cause confusion. Make sure your Bhutan arrival date matches the local date in Paro, not the date you left Majuro.
Can my tour operator help with flights?
Licensed operators routinely book the Drukair or Bhutan Airlines leg and can advise on connections.
For more on the whole journey from your islands, read How to Travel to Bhutan from Marshall Islands. Our team would be happy to help you plan the route from Majuro to Paro.
