:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-plane-over-hawaii-FLYHICHEAP1024-084c1aabb5dd4ecda3edecc844654e3d.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "Cheapest time to fly to Hawaii")
Lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and a unique cultural heritage make Hawaii a must-visit destination for many travelers, but a trip to Hawaii can come with a hefty price tag, especially during peak season. While there is no ‘bad’ time to visit, there is certainly a cheaper time to visit, especially when it comes to airfare. By following a few smart booking tips, you can make your dream Hawaiian vacation more affordable by arranging cheap (or cheaper) flights to the islands.
Here are the cheapest times to fly to Hawaii, plus more budget-friendly travel tips.
Factors that influence flight prices
Airlines use dynamic pricing, which means prices increase during periods of high demand and decrease during periods of low demand. The holidays in particular are a time of high demand in Hawaii, just like summer. “For example, if you fly during the hectic Christmas rush, the busiest days are December 20 through 22, which are also the most expensive days, often costing more than $100 more than flying on Christmas Eve or opting for the quieter days of December 16– 18,” says an Expedia spokesperson Travel + Leisure.
However, high demand periods are not limited to seasons or holidays. “Major events such as the total solar eclipse, the Olympics or major sporting events can also drive up prices for certain routes and destinations, so if flight prices seem unusually high it’s worth checking if anything special is happening during your travel dates. ‘, says the Expedia spokesperson.
A surfer in Waikiki, Oahu.
Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure
Cheapest time to fly to Hawaii
If you’re looking for cheap flights to Hawaii, September is the best month to travel. “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 crowds and lower costs,” says the spokesperson for Expedia. “Although it falls within hurricane season, hurricanes hitting the Hawaiian Islands are relatively rare.”
Tips for finding cheap flights
Sign up for price alerts.
So, how do you determine what actually constitutes a cheap flight? Start at set price alerts to find out what the normal price is for your route. Then, when you notice the price drop, you can book that cheaper rate.
View different destinations and departure points.
Hawaii has several airports with flights from the mainland; you don’t to have to fly to Honolulu. Check prices for different airports in Hawaii as it may be cheaper to fly into one or the other. Please note that you will need to factor in the cost of an inter-island flight if that cheaper option is not your final destination.
In general, flights to Hawaii from the west coast are 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 to Hawaii from there. Please allow extra time for a stopover if you are traveling with two separate tickets. The airlines are not responsible for rebooking if you miss your connection.
Don’t wait until the last minute to book.
Per Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Reporttravelers who book domestic flights 28 days before departure save up to 24 percent on airline tickets. If you wait longer, prices usually rise.
Keep your price alerts active after you book.
That said, you don’t have to worry about booking your flights too early. If you keep your price alerts active after booking, you can see if the price drops. If so, you can usually get a credit from the airline for the price difference. Keep in mind that airline credits often have an expiration date, meaning you’ll need to book a new trip soon (usually within a year).
Compare rate options carefully.
Beware of the basic economy rate. “It may be cheaper initially, but once you add in seat selection or baggage fees, the savings may not be as notable,” the Expedia spokesperson says. Only book Basic Economy if you’re traveling light and don’t mind potentially getting stuck in the middle seat.
Other ways to save money on your trip
Black sand beach in Maui.
Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure
Stay in hotels near the beach.
As a general rule of thumb, the closer you are to the beach, the more expensive your hotel will be. If you don’t mind being a few blocks from the beach, you can usually save some money.
Skip the ocean view.
Likewise, if you book an oceanfront hotel, don’t pay for the ocean view; choosing a city or garden view is usually cheaper. How much time are you actually going to spend in your hotel?
Book accommodations with a kitchen.
Eating out can quickly become expensive. And while we absolutely support dining at local restaurants, we know it’s difficult to do so on a daily basis. So consider booking a hotel room with a kitchen so you can save some money by cooking ‘at home’.
Dine at food trucks.
If you are looking for tasty and affordable food, visit a local food truck. Hawaii has loads of them, serving just about every type of food imaginable.
If you rent a car, make sure you complete all your driving trips in one go.
Cars are essential for exploring many Hawaiian destinations. Instead of booking a rental car for the duration of your visit, consider booking a car for just a few days; cram all your riding into those few days and use the rest of the time for some R&R on the beach.
Visit free attractions and attend free events.
This may be a no-brainer, but there are plenty of activities in Hawaii that are completely free, whether that’s hiking, visiting certain parks and gardens, snorkeling, or watching surfers catch waves.