For most of us, finding cheap tickets to Hawaii can mean the difference between staying at a luxury beach resort or somewhere a little less relaxing. That's why Hopper's expert flight team has worked hard to break down all of the complex airfare data and bring would-be visitors this list of top tips for finding the cheapest time to fly to Hawaii.
The Cheapest Day to Buy a Flight to Hawaii is on a Wednesday
If you find yourself stuck in the office this Wednesday pining over the swaying coconut palms and scintillating beaches of Oahu, the Polynesian party dives of Honolulu, or the wild vistas of the Na Pali Coast, then why not indulge and start searching for air connections between the continental United States and Hawaii? Not only will a booking to that paradisiacal corner of the world go a long way to curing those midweek worker blues, but buying on a Wednesday could even help save some dollars on the flight!
The Cheapest Day to Fly to Hawaii is on a Tuesday or a Wednesday
Perhaps the only thing better than booking flights to Hawaii for conquering that Wednesday depression is actually leaving for Hawaii, which we've discovered could also help save would-be passengers some money on their trip. Indeed, from looking at millions of average ticket prices between airports and Hawaii over the last year, we've discovered that passengers who departed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays got the best deals overall. Oh, and they didn't have to contend with the weekend crowds at the airport either!
The Cheapest Day to Return from Hawaii is on a Tuesday or Wednesday
Rather unsurprisingly it's that unconventional midweek departure that comes in as the cheapest option for fliers returning from Hawaii to the continental United States. And while it may not fit perfectly with the usual hotel changeover days, leaving town on a Tuesday or a Wednesday does have its perks — whether its avoiding the weekend bottlenecks at the airport or affording travelers a couple of extra days to explore the party stops of Honolulu's Kuhio Avenue.
The Cheapest Time to Book a Flight from Hawaii is at Least 25 Days in Advance
Our statistics have shown that average flight prices between all airports in the United States and Hawaii steadily increase from around the 150 day mark. Then they dip quickly between 50 and 25 days before departure, which is the perfect time for any budget-conscious travelers to go looking for tickets. Be sure not to leave it too late either, because our graphs also show sudden and sharp increases in the days immediately before take-off, increasing ticket prices by an average of $200!
The Cheapest Time to Fly to Hawaii is from January to February
While Hawaii's high season occupies most of the early summer with its soaring 90-degree temperatures, calm seas and daunting average price tag of $750 for a return trip flight from the continental United States, the rainier shoulder-seasons are great news for the dollar-counting traveler, and — aside from offering savings in the region of $175 on airfares — also throw up some excellent surfing conditions, tantalizing hotel deals, empty beaches and oodles of fresh tropical fruits straight from the trees. January and February are the cheapest though, which is perfect for anyone eager to escape that cold American winter!
Download Hopper's mobile app to Get Information for Your Specific Route
Of course it's important to remember that the facts and figures we're discussing here are for all flights leaving all airports in the United States for Hawaii (calculated as aggregate averages across the board). If you're interested in getting data related to departures from a particular airport, then you'll need to download the new Hopper mobile app. Set up a fare alert for your home airport and favorite Hawaiian island and we'll not only give you helpful information about the cheapest days to fly and buy, but we'll also watch that flight for you and let you know when the price drops!
Check out Hopper's Deals Page to see Flash Sales from Your Airport to Hawaii
Imagine the satisfaction when you manage to bag a bargain flight from your hometown to Hawaii at some ridiculous reduction, like half-price or 75% off. Well, it's not as impossible as you may think, because Hopper's all-new deals page ensures that any travelers eager to capitalize on flash sales on flights departing for the Aloha State stay one step ahead of the game, helping them to book those super-cheap seats before they disappear for good.
Keep These Numbers in Mind when Searching for a Cheap Flight to Hawaii
It's important to remember that not all bargain-hungry flight seekers will manage to secure the lowest prices, and it's equally important to remember than many will end up paying much more than the average. That's why we think would-be fliers to Hawaii should consider purchasing anything below their regional average, which is $799 RT for the Midwest, $745 RT for the Northeast, $827 RT for the South and just $490 RT for the West Coast.
FAQs
Cheap flights to Hawaii
The cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is during February and March. The most expensive month to fly is December when the holiday period falls, with January being very expensive as well.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Hawaii for the best price? ›
On average, the best time to buy your ticket to Hawaii is between 21 and 121 days before departure, with the period between 40 and 50 days often mentioned as a golden rule. The figures mentioned above are valid for domestic flights within the USA.
Do flights to Hawaii get cheaper closer to the date? ›
For the best deals on flights to Hawaii with Faresmatch, it's advisable to book well in advance, ideally about 2-3 months prior to your desired travel dates. By booking early through FindURoute Flight Booking, you can often secure lower fares and better options for your trip.
Which Hawaii island is the cheapest to fly into? ›
Start by finding affordable flights to Hawaii's cheapest island, Oahu.
How much does the average trip to Hawaii cost? ›
Seven-night trip, shoulder season
$9,574: Four-star beachfront resort, with a seven-day rental car. $6,488: Three-star hotel, with a 10-minute walk to the beach and a rental car for two days. $4,936: Low-cost condo within walking distance to the beach, tightly budgeted meals and a two-day rental car.
What is the off season in Hawaii? ›
In general, you'll find cheaper rates and fewer visitors in late spring and fall (before Thanksgiving). Above: Visitors flock to Hawaii's warm, sunny beaches year round. Although Hawaii's rainy season is November through March, showers can fall anytime, mostly on the windward (northeastern) side of the Islands.
Which airline is best to fly to Hawaii? ›
If you're ready to find your way to the Hawaiian Islands, here are the six best airlines to nab your next ticket to paradise.
- Hawaiian Airlines. Hawaii's flagship airline is the obvious choice for getting to the Aloha State. ...
- Delta Air Lines. ...
- Alaska Airlines. ...
- Southwest Airlines. ...
- United Airlines. ...
- American Airlines.
What are the best and worst months to visit Hawaii? ›
The shoulder seasons in general from mid-September to Thanksgiving and April through May are the best times to visit Hawaii for a well-priced trip and good weather. Whatever month you choose for your Hawaii vacation, you won't regret it. December may sound bad but a December trip to Hawaii will still be memorable.
What is the best island to visit in Hawaii for the first time? ›
When it comes to experiencing the beauty and culture of Hawaii for the first time, Oahu is the perfect choice. This stunning island, also known as “The Gathering Place,” offers a unique blend of natural wonders, vibrant city life, and rich history that makes it an ideal introduction to Hawaii.
What is the cheapest day of the week to fly to Oahu? ›
Download Hopper's new mobile app to find the cheapest flights to Hawaii!
- The Cheapest Day to Buy a Flight to Hawaii is on a Wednesday. ...
- The Cheapest Day to Fly to Hawaii is on a Tuesday or a Wednesday. ...
- The Cheapest Day to Return from Hawaii is on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
It's no surprise that West Coast states offer the cheapest flights to Hawaii, with California, Washington, and Oregon leading the way. In fact, most of the top 10 cities are in California (with two notable exceptions: Bellingham, Washington, and Salt Lake City, Utah.
How much does it cost to fly to Hawaii and stay for a week? ›
Generally speaking, a one week trip to Hawaii will cost you about $4000. However, prices vary considerably depending on the time of year, the number of people you travel with, and where you stay.
What is the most affordable month to go to Hawaii? ›
Traveling to Hawaii during the Islands' “shoulder” months of April, May, September and October means you may find more affordable deals and less crowded beaches and roads. Flights also tend to be cheaper if you plan to fly on a weekday.
Which airline flies non-stop to Hawaii? ›
Airlines that offer direct flights between Hawaii and the rest of the US include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and many more.
What is the least expensive city to visit in Hawaii? ›
O'ahu
- O'ahu is recommended by many residents as the cheapest island in Hawaii to travel. ...
- The lowest accommodation cost here is $150-$200 per night. ...
- A must-do when coming to O'ahu is to emerge into its beaches: the Waikiki Beach with a view of the Diamond Head crater or the Lanikai Beach with crystal clear water.
What is the least crowded month to visit Hawaii? ›
January, February, September, and October have the fewest people on the Hawaiian Islands. To avoid the crowds, these months are the best time to visit Hawaii. September and October are the least crowded as visitor counts drop to the islands after Labor Day.
What month is the best month to go to Hawaii? ›
The best time to visit Hawaii is between March and September. This is when the islands see the highest temperatures and the lowest amount of rain. It's the perfect time to enjoy the beach or the water.
What is the coldest month of the year in Hawaii? ›
Hawaii's warmest months are not June and July, but August and September. Its coolest months, are not December and January, but February and March, reflecting the seasonal lag in the oceans's temperature.