Fact checked by Vikki Velasquez
Hawaii is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and dramatic landscapes, making it a top vacation destination. But as anyone who has traveled there knows, getting to the islands can be expensive. The cost of airfare alone can be a significant part of the total trip. Fortunately, there are ways to score cheaper flights to Hawaii if you know when to book and how to plan your travel.
What You Need to Know
- Visiting Hawaii can be expensive, but there are ways to score cheaper airfares.
- Midwest and West Coast departures are generally cheaper than those from the East Coast or the South.
- No matter what time of year you travel, you may be able to score better deals if you travel midweek.
Cheapest Seasons to Visit Hawaii
Airfare to Hawaii can vary greatly depending on the season. In general, the best times to find lower fares are during the shoulder seasons—just before or after peak travel periods. We searched Google Flights for the best roundtrip fares to Honolulu for one week booked three months in advance. Here’s a breakdown of airfare costs based on departure cities:
- $424 out of Atlanta (with 1 stop)
- $465 out of New York (with 1 stop)
- $191 out of Oakland, California (direct)
Note that airfares change constantly, so you may not be able to replicate these results.
Airfare on Google Flights out of Atlanta varied greatly from $425 to $951. If you trickle into a summer month like June, fares climbed to between $770 and $1,170, depending on the departure date. Traveling out of Oakland for March was just under $200 and jumped to between $300 and almost $700 in June.
If you’re trying to save money, avoid traveling during peak holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Some say that traveling on an actual holiday, such as Christmas Day, can be cheaper, but we didn’t find that in our research. It could be worth checking, though, if you must travel during the holidays.
The chart below highlights the best times of year to travel to Hawaii, according to Hawaii Guide:
Budget Direct suggests you travel to Hawaii in February. Traveling during the second month of the year allows you to take advantage of cheaper fares. The weather is also warmer and there’s minimal rainfall during the month, which lets you enjoy the outdoors around Hawaii.
Want the cheapest fare possible? Consider traveling midweek and avoid Saturday departures.
Hawaii by the Numbers
A large number of Hawaii’s visitors hail from the continental United States. Other significant markets include Japan and Canada.
Hawaii’s travel and tourism industry showed an uptick in visitors and spending from the same month in 2023. As many as 774,617 people visited the island, spending $1.58 billion in October 2024. These numbers represent a 97.3% recovery rate from pre-pandemic levels and the spending actually increased from the $1.33 billion in October 2019.
Keep in mind that 2019 was a banner year: A record 10,424,995 million people visited the islands. That means that on any given day, the state hosted an average of 249,021 visitors.
Important
Fuel prices affect airfares, and it’s possible to see changes depending on current and anticipated fuel costs.
Do I Need a Passport to Fly to Hawaii From the United States?
You don’t need a passport if you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident flying to Hawaii. This means you can use any government-issued photo identification that you would use to fly anywhere else in the country. You can find a list of approved travel documents on the TSA website. A passport is required if you’re not a citizen or legal resident of the U.S.
How Can I Get the Lowest Airfare?
There are several tricks and tips you can follow to ensure you get the best possible airline fares. The most important thing is to be flexible in your travel dates. This may be difficult, but if you can look as far ahead as possible, you can certainly lower your travel costs. Other considerations include:
- Setting up price alerts
- Shopping in advance
- Looking for sales
- Comparing airline prices
- Checking budget sites and all-inclusive deals
You may also be able to find some great last-minute deals by scouring the internet or through travel agencies.
Is Hawaii an Expensive Place to Travel?
That depends on a few factors. Hawaii can be an affordable vacation destination if you avoid peak seasons. You can also find great deals on accommodations, including hotels and short-term rentals. Consider all-inclusive deals and packages that may come with attractions and other perks like a car rental. Having said all this, doing some research and comparison shopping, and knowing what you want to get out of your trip to the Hawaiian islands can help you get the most bang for your buck.
The Bottom Line
Airfare to Hawaii can fluctuate significantly throughout the year based on demand. Traveling during the off-peak seasons, such as late spring or early fall, can help you secure lower fares. Midweek flights are typically cheaper than weekend ones, so if you have the flexibility to travel on a Wednesday or Thursday, you can often save a significant amount. With some planning and flexibility, it’s possible to make your Hawaiian getaway more affordable.