Cheapest time to fly to Hawaii

Lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and a unique cultural heritage make Hawaii a must-see destination for many travelers, but traveling to Hawaii can be very expensive – especially during peak travel seasons. While there is no “bad” time to visit, there are certainly cheaper times to visit, especially when it comes to airfare. By following a few booking tips, you can make your dream Hawaii vacation more affordable by purchasing cheap (or cheaper) airfare to the islands.

Here’s the cheapest time to fly to Hawaii, plus more tips for budget-friendly travel.

Factors influencing airfare prices

Airlines use dynamic pricing, which means prices rise during periods of high demand and fall during periods of low demand. The holidays, in particular, are a high-demand period in Hawaii, as is the summer. “For example, if you’re flying during the Christmas rush, the busiest days are December 20-22, which are also the most expensive, often costing over $100 more than flying on Christmas Eve or choosing the quieter days of December. 16-18,” says an Expedia spokesperson. Travel + Leisure.

However, periods of high demand are not limited to seasonality or holidays. “Major events such as a total solar eclipse, the Olympics or major sporting events can also cause prices to rise on certain routes and destinations, so if airfare prices seem unusually high, it’s worth checking if there’s anything special going on during time of your trip. ” says an Expedia spokesperson.

Cheapest time to fly to Hawaii

If you’re looking for cheap flights to Hawaii, the best month to travel is September. “September is one of the cheapest months to visit Hawaii, with savings of more than 25 percent, or nearly $245, off peak prices, making it a great time for deal hunters to enjoy fewer people and lower costs,” says Expedia representative. “Although this falls during hurricane season, hurricanes affecting the Hawaiian Islands are relatively rare.”

Tips for finding cheap flights

Sign up for price alerts.

So how do you determine what a cheap flight actually is? Start by setting up price alerts to see the typical price for your route. Then, when you notice a price drop, you can book a cheaper rate.

Check out different destinations and departure points.

Hawaii has several airports with flights from the mainland. have fly to Honolulu. Check prices at various airports in Hawaii, as it may be cheaper to fly to one than another. Please note that you will have to factor in the cost of inter-island flights if this cheaper option is not your final destination.

Generally speaking, airfare to Hawaii from the West Coast is cheaper than anywhere else in the country. So if you live elsewhere, consider flying to the West Coast on a budget airline and then taking a separate flight from there to Hawaii. Just make sure you allow extra time for your connection if you’re traveling on two different tickets—airlines aren’t responsible for rebooking if you miss your connection.

Don’t wait until the last minute to book.

According to Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks report, travelers who book domestic flights 28 days before departure save up to 24 percent on airfare. If you wait longer, prices will usually go up.

Keep price alerts active after booking.

However, don’t worry about booking your flights too early. If you leave price alerts active after booking, you can see if the price drops. If so, you can usually get an airline credit for the difference in price. Just keep in mind that airline credits often expire, so you’ll have to book another trip soon (usually within a year).

Compare tariff options carefully.

Beware the basic economy fare. “It may be cheaper initially, but once you add in seat selection or baggage fees, the savings may not be as noticeable,” says an Expedia spokesperson. Book basic economy only if you’re traveling light and don’t mind being stuck in the middle seat.

Other ways to save on your trip

Stay in hotels near the beach.

As a general rule, the closer you are to the beach, the more expensive your hotel will be. If you don’t mind living a few blocks from the beach, you can usually save money.

Skip the ocean view.

Likewise, if you book an oceanfront hotel, don’t pay for an ocean view—choosing a city or garden view usually costs less. And anyway, how much time are you really going to spend at your hotel?

Book accommodation with a kitchen.

Eating out can get expensive quickly. And while we absolutely support eating out at local restaurants, we know it’s difficult to do on a daily basis, so consider booking a hotel room with a kitchen to save some money by cooking “at home.”

Dine at food trucks.

If you’re looking for delicious, inexpensive food, visit your local food truck. There are plenty of them in Hawaii, serving just about every type of food you can imagine.

If you rent a car, plan to make the trip in one go.

Cars are necessary to get around many destinations in Hawaii. Instead of booking a rental car for the duration of your visit, consider booking a car for just a few days—pack all of your water activities for those few days, then use the rest of the time to relax on the beach.

Visit free attractions and attend free events.

It may not be difficult, but there are plenty of things to do in Hawaii that are completely free, whether it’s hiking, visiting certain parks and gardens, scuba diving, or watching surfers catching waves.