Flights To The Hawaii — Compare & Book

Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

✈️ Flight Search

Find the Best Deal

Real-time prices from 728+ airlines and OTAs.

How much do Hawaii flights cost right now?

Around $620 round-trip from New York (JFK) to Honolulu (HNL) is the current average for economy class in peak season. You can snag flights for $480 if you book early and avoid July/August. That's $140 less than the peak price.

Delta flies JFK-HNL for $520 round-trip in September. United's similar route hits $590. Don't trust the headline "cheap" deals from budget airlines—they often add $100+ for checked bags.

What's the best airline for Hawaii flights?

American Airlines wins for comfort on the 6-hour 15-minute flight from LAX to HNL. Their Airbus A321s have 32" seat pitch—way more than Hawaiian's 30". You actually get space to stretch your legs.

Delta's service is reliable but their seats feel cramped. I've sat in their economy seats on the LAX-HNL route and it's tight for anyone over 6 feet. Hawaiian Airlines? Avoid their domestic flights—they charge $35 for a single checked bag on a 400-mile hop.

When should you book flights to Hawaii?

Book 3-5 months ahead for the best prices. Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Honolulu (HNL) average $580 when booked 120 days out. Wait until 90 days and it jumps to $670.

April and May are the sweet spots. You get lower prices than summer and avoid the worst crowds. A round-trip from Boston (BOS) to HNL costs $540 in April versus $710 in July. The weather stays perfect too—highs in the low 80s.

Which airports serve Hawaii for the best deals?

Honolulu (HNL) is the main hub but Lihue (LIH) on Kauai and Kona (KOA) on the Big Island often have cheaper flights. You can find $390 one-way from Los Angeles to Kona (KOA) if you fly midweek.

Don't fly into Kahului (OGG) on Maui—unless you're already there. It's 20 minutes from the main resort areas and flights are usually $200 more than HNL. For the best value, stick with HNL or KOA.

Pro tip: Use Google Flights' "cheapest month" tool. For example, flying to Kona in February saves $120 over December. I've seen this work consistently for my clients.

How to avoid Hawaii flight pitfalls?

Hawaiian Airlines' baggage fees are brutal. They charge $35 for your first checked bag on domestic flights. I've seen travelers pay $70 for two bags on a 400-mile flight from Honolulu to Kona. That's insane.

Always check the total price before booking. A $299 flight from Seattle (SEA) to HNL might cost $530 with fees. Airlines like Alaska Air include one checked bag in the base fare—save yourself the headache.

My biggest caveat? Don't book last-minute flights. I've had clients get stuck paying $900 for a Saturday trip when they could've had $450 on a Tuesday. Hawaii's demand is high year-round—plan ahead.

Q: What's the cheapest month to fly to Hawaii?

A: April and May. You avoid summer crowds and get prices 20% lower than July. A round-trip from Dallas (DFW) to HNL averages $490 in May versus $610 in August.

Should I fly direct or connect for Hawaii?

Always direct. Connecting flights add 2+ hours and risk delays. A direct LAX-HNL flight takes 6 hours 15 minutes. A connecting flight via Denver (DEN) takes 9 hours with a 3-hour layover—no thanks.

Q: How do I find the absolute cheapest Hawaii flights?

A: Set Google Flights price alerts for your dates, fly midweek (Tues/Wed), and book on a Tuesday morning. I've saved clients $150+ this way. For example, a Tuesday booking from Atlanta (ATL) to HNL cost $460 last month versus $610 on a Friday.

Plan Your Trip

Watch: The Hawaii Travel Guide 2025

Video by YouTube · For informational purposes only

Flavia Voican

Travel entrepreneur & founder of 360 Business Tour. Writing about flights, destinations, and travel hacks since 2011.