Flying to Hawaii is more than just a practical step in planning your vacation—it’s the moment your island adventure truly begins. Whether you’re a backpacker seeking waterfalls and lava fields, a first-time visitor exploring Hawaii’s majestic volcanic landscapes, or a traveler simply craving warm beaches and ocean breezes, this guide covers everything you need to know before booking your flight.
With two airports, seasonal airfare changes, domestic travel rules, and budget considerations, flying to Hawaii Island can feel overwhelming at first—but don’t worry. This article breaks it down in a friendly, traveler-focused way so you can plan with clarity and confidence.
Let’s get you to paradise.
Some exciting changes have been going on with the airline offerings to Hawaii! First and foremost, Southwest Airlines has begun offering flights to Hawaii as of March 17, 2019. Their inaugural flight began with nonstop service from California to Honolulu. If you have ever scoped out flights to Hawaii, you may understand why this is big news. It means that Hawaiian Airlines will have some competition, which in turn means cheaper flights to Hawaii (win!) Southwest is even offering flights to the Big Island! One of their new airport stops is in Kailua-Kona, just a skip across the island from us. Check out their interactive flight map here.
Southwes and Hawaiian Airlines Flying to Hawaii Island
Don’t get us wrong, we love Hawaiian Airlines. They’ve consistently offered the most options domestically to fly to Hawaii for a long time. They show wonderful aloha via their flight attendants and pilots, and can usually be counted on for good, reliable service.
With that being said, one of the reasons it can be hard to vacation in Hawaii is that the cost of flights to and from the mainland United States (not to mention internationally) can be prohibitive. The average cost from the continental U.S., Japan, and Australia has remained between $400 and $2,000, depending on airline and time of year.
That’s why everyone is loving the addition of Southwest Airlines to the mix. Southwest will bring some much-anticipated cost relief to domestic flights to and from Hawaii. At the time of writing, Southwest is even offering an interisland flight deal for $49 on its home page. That’s not just a win for visitors, but for locals as well who are looking for flights between the islands. If you’re planning on using Southwest for a flight to Hawaii, we recommend booking in advance. As an example, a round trip flight from Portland, OR to Honolulu this month averages about $630, but if you book that same flight now for December, you could score a cost of $238.
Southwest and Hawaiian Airlines aren’t your only options for flights to Hawaii. If you live in the continental U.S., you can also find flights with Alaska Airlines and United Airlines as well. American Airlines and Delta have a few options, depending on your location, and there are others with inter-airline connections that could get you here.
International Flights Flying to Hawaii
If you’re looking for international flights to Hawaii, check out Japan Airlines, Air New Zealand, Air China, Korean Air, Qantas, Philippine Airlines, JetBlue, China Eastern, Fiji Airways, and Singapore Airlines. Of course, our own Hawaiian Airlines offers some international flights as well, including direct flights to Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland, Pago Pago, Papeete, Sappon, Tokyo, and Seoul.
Requirements for Flying to Hawaii
Flying to Hawaii Island is simple—especially if you’re arriving from the U.S. mainland.
What You Need
- Domestic travelers: No passport required. Flights from any U.S. state to Hawaii are domestic.
- International travelers: Passport + ESTA or tourist visa (depending on your home country).
- Agricultural inspection: Mandatory when leaving Hawaii. No fresh fruits, plants, or soil.
- Vaccines & health requirements: None currently required for entry.
- Inter-island flights: Quick, domestic, and TSA screening is identical to mainland flights.
Real-World Example
A backpacker from Oregon arrives with hiking gear, flies domestically, and passes through normal TSA—as simple as flying to California or Texas. The only surprise? The agricultural inspection is conducted when leaving the islands.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Hawaii Islands
If you’re stretching your budget, timing is everything.
Best Months for Low Fares
- September
- October
- Early November
These are Hawaii’s “shoulder seasons,” where demand drops and airfare follows.
Why It’s Cheaper
- Fewer visitors after summer
- Calm weather before winter holidays
- Increased airline competition
Tip
Use Google Flights price alerts to catch dips—flights from LAX to KOA sometimes fall below $300 round-trip in October.
Real Case Study
A traveler flying LAX → KOA:
- July: $670 round-trip
- October: $298 round-trip
Savings: $372
Airports to Fly Into on The Big Island (Kona vs. Hilo)
The Big Island has two major airports, each offering very different travel experiences.
Kona International Airport (KOA) — West Side
- Most popular airport
- Best for beaches, snorkeling, manta rays, and resorts
- Sunny and warm year-round
- Major car rental hub
Hilo International Airport (ITO) — East Side
- More affordable accommodations
- Best for Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, lava tubes
- Lush rainforest climate
- Easy access to local farmers markets & cultural attractions
How to Choose?
- Love beaches & sun? → KOA
- Love adventure, volcanoes, culture, and waterfalls? → ITO
- Want both? → Split your trip: 4 nights Kona + 3 nights Hilo.
Real Example
Sarah (snorkeler) flies into KOA; Eli (volcano chaser) flies into ITO. Both get the perfect home base for their goals.
Is It Cheaper to Fly Into Honolulu or Kona?
Generally, Honolulu (HNL) is cheaper because:
- It’s a major hub
- More airlines operate there
- Heavier competition lowers prices
But the catch?
You must add the cost of an inter-island flight:
- HNL → KOA or HNL → ITO: $70–$120 one way
- Extra time and layovers
When Kona Might Be Cheaper
- Direct West Coast deals
- Seasonal promotions
- Flash sales by Alaska, Hawaiian, or Southwest
Traveler Example
A traveler finds:
- HNL flight: $380
- KOA flight: $480
But after adding: - HNL → KOA flight ($95)
4 hours transit. Savings? Almost zero.
Best Month to Go to Hawaii
The overall best months are: April, May, September, October
Why?
- Mild weather
- Fewer crowds
- Lower prices
- Great visibility for stargazing and snorkeling
Special Seasons
- Whale-watching: December–March
- Merrie Monarch Festival: April (Hilo sells out fast!)
Case Example
A couple visits in October: calm seas for manta rays + lower hotel prices + clear skies on Mauna Kea.
Is $1000 Enough for a Week in Hawaii?
Your trip can be luxurious, affordable, or somewhere in between.
7-Day Trip Estimates – Budget Backpacker:
$900–$1,200
- Hostel or bunk rooms
- Public buses, hitchhiking, or carsharing
- Free beaches and hikes
Mid-Range Traveler:
$2,000–$2,500
- Hotel stays
- Rental car
- Guided tours
Luxury Traveler:
$3,500+
- Oceanfront resorts
- Fine dining
- Premium tours
Case Study
A backpacker spends:
- $298 flight
- $320 hostel
- $210 groceries
- $145 tours
- $50 bus + rideshares
Best Airline to Take to Hawaii
Each airline offers something unique.
Hawaiian Airlines
- Best in-flight experience
- Free hot meals
- Island-themed hospitality
Alaska Airlines
- Great for West Coast flyers
- Reliable schedules
Southwest Airlines
- Budget-friendly
- 2 free checked bags
United, Delta, American
- Good for East Coast & Midwest connections
Is Flying to Hawaii Considered a Domestic Flight?
Yes. Traveling from anywhere in the United States to Hawaii is domestic.
What That Means
- TSA screening only (no customs)
- No passport needed (for U.S. citizens)
- Domestic baggage rules apply
International travelers still go through U.S. Customs upon arrival.
How Safe Is Flying to Hawaii?
Flying to Hawaii is extremely safe.
Why?
- Aircraft operate under strict ETOPS certification for long ocean flights
- Highly trained pilots
- Reliable weather forecasting
- Excellent aviation safety record
Turbulence over the Pacific is common but rarely dangerous.
Reassurance Example
A nervous flyer takes the trip and is surprised by how smooth and professional the long-haul flight feels
Flying to the Big Island of Hawaii is easy, safe, and accessible for every type of traveler. Whether you’re landing in Kona for sunny beaches or Hilo for rainforest adventures, your journey is part of the experience—an airborne transition from your everyday life into one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
Choose the right time, the right airport, and the right budget strategy, and you’ll set yourself up for a Hawaii Island trip that’s unforgettable from the moment your wheels touch the runway.
Your adventure starts now.