Best Months for Affordable Travel
If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful island of Maui and want to make the most out of your budget, consider traveling during spring or fall.
These seasons offer more affordable travel options as demand for accommodations is lower than in peak seasons, such as summer and winter.
For example, travelers looking for a fantastic deal on flights can expect an average cost ranging from $470 with a long stop on the west coast to $650 nonstop – depending on airline choices – when booking their journey to paradise in mid-April.
In contrast, January stands out as the cheapest month overall for flying directly into Kahului Airport (OGG), based on two years’ worth of data that revealed ticket prices being up to 20% lower than the yearly average.
Credit: Bryan Murphy with Hawaii’s Best Travel
Tips for Booking the Cheapest Flight to Maui
To get the best deals on flights to Maui, it’s essential to book in advance, have a flexible travel schedule, consider alternative airports, and sign up for fare alerts – keep reading to learn more!
Best Time to Book Your Trip to Hawaii
Booking your flight to Maui well in advance can significantly increase your chances of finding an affordable ticket. According to CheapAir.com, the “Prime Booking Window” for the best deals on flights is approximately four months before departure.
For example, if you’re planning a vacation for January – which is considered the cheapest month to fly – start scouting for tickets around September.
However, even if you miss this window or are unsure about your travel dates, booking 2-3 months ahead still tends to yield favorable prices.
Be Flexible with Travel Dates
One of the best ways to find the cheapest flight to Maui is by being flexible with your travel dates. Airline prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year and day of the week you choose to fly.
Using a flexible date calendar, such as Google Flights, can help you determine which days are cheaper than others. For example, flying mid-week tends to be more affordable than weekends.
Furthermore, if you’re planning ahead earlier enough for your vacation itinerary and have some flexibility in your schedule, keep an eye out for airline promotions and flash sales that offer reduced rates for specific dates or routes throughout the year.
Some airlines even offer rewards programs that allow loyal customers access to exclusive deals and discounts throughout their booking process.
Consider Alternative Airports
If you’re looking for the cheapest flight to Maui, it’s not just about finding the right month to travel. You should also consider alternative airports when booking your flight.
Kahului Airport (OGG) is the primary airport on Maui, but there are other options to fly into as well. For example, Kapalua Airport (JHM) offers direct flights from Honolulu and commuter flights from Oahu’s Kalaeloa Airport (JRF).
Hana Airport (HNM) and Lanai Airport (LNY) are also options for travelers who don’t mind taking a puddle hopper to get to Maui.
Sign Up for Alerts on Cheap Flights
Want to know the secret to finding the cheapest flights to Maui? Sign up for fare alerts! Many airlines and travel sites offer this service, which sends you notifications when there are price drops or deals on flights to your desired destination.
For example, Google Flights allows you to set alerts for specific dates and routes, and will send you an email notification if the price changes. You can also sign up for text message alerts from some airlines, such as Hawaiian Airlines.
These alerts will notify you of any last-minute deals or sales that may be happening on flights to Maui.
Best Month to Fly to Maui Wrap-Up
If you’re looking for the cheapest time to fly to Maui, January is your best bet. However, you can still find affordable flights during the low season between April and June or mid-August through mid-September.
To book the cheapest flight possible, remember to book ahead of time and be flexible with travel dates. Keep an eye out for fare alerts and consider alternative airports as well.
FAQs for the Cheapest Time to Fly to Maui
1. What is the cheapest month to fly to Maui?
January is the most affordable month for flying to Maui, offering flights at prices approximately 20% lower than the annual average. Conversely, the peak season for Hawaii flights encompasses June and July, during which fares are typically higher.
2. How far in advance should I book my flight for a cheaper rate?
Booking your flight at least 3 months prior to departure date can often provide better deals than last-minute bookings. However, it’s always worth checking for any ongoing promotions or flash sales that can help you save even more money on your trip to Maui.
3. Are there any other ways I could save money while traveling to Maui?
Apart from booking your flight tickets early, you can try looking for hotel accommodations and rental cars through discount sites or membership-based services that offer lower prices compared with typical stands rates at brick-and-mortar hotels or car rental agencies.
4. When would be the worst time of year expense-wise if planning a trip to Maui?
Traveling to Hawaii during the winter holidays, especially around Christmas and New Year’s, can be pricey because lots of people want to go then. Airfare and hotels cost more.
But smart travelers can save money by using points from airline loyalty programs or buying vacation packages that include everything.
