Planning a trip to the breathtaking islands of Hawaii? One of the first and most crucial steps is choosing the right airline to get you there. Whether you’re flying from the continental United States or island hopping within Hawaii, understanding your airline options is key to a smooth and enjoyable journey. This guide will explore the major Airlines That Travel To Hawaii, ensuring you have all the information you need to make the best choice for your Hawaiian adventure.
Major Airlines Connecting the Mainland US to Hawaii
Several airlines offer direct and connecting flights from various cities across the continental United States to Hawaii. These airlines cater to different needs and budgets, so it’s worth exploring what each offers.
Hawaiian Airlines
As the flag carrier of Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines naturally has a strong presence in flights to and from the islands. They offer a wide range of direct flights from numerous mainland cities, particularly on the West Coast, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Seattle. Beyond the West Coast, you can also find direct Hawaiian Airlines flights from cities like New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Austin (AUS), and Las Vegas (LAS).
Hawaiian Airlines is known for its authentic Hawaiian hospitality, which begins the moment you step onboard. Passengers often praise their friendly service, complimentary meals on long-haul flights, and Hawaiian-inspired onboard entertainment. For those looking for a truly immersive Hawaiian experience even before landing, Hawaiian Airlines is a solid choice.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has significantly expanded its service to Hawaii in recent years, becoming a popular option for budget-conscious travelers. They offer flights from various mainland cities, often with connections, to Hawaiian destinations including Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Lihue (Kauai), and Kona (Island of Hawaii).
Southwest is renowned for its flexible booking policies, including no change fees (fare difference may apply) and two free checked bags4. Their open seating policy and generally cheerful cabin crew are also distinctive aspects of the Southwest flying experience. While they may not offer the same level of frills as some legacy carriers, Southwest provides reliable and affordable travel to Hawaii. Keep an eye out for promotional deals, like the 25 percent off promo code mentioned in some offers8, which can make your Hawaiian trip even more budget-friendly.
United Airlines
United Airlines is another major player in the Hawaii travel market, offering a comprehensive network of flights from its various hubs across the US. You can find direct United flights to Hawaii from cities like Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., among others.
United provides a range of cabin classes, from basic economy to Polaris business class, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. As a large global airline, United often has partnerships and alliances that can be beneficial for travelers in terms of mileage programs and connecting flights.
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines also provide extensive services to Hawaii. American Airlines offers direct flights from cities like Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, while Delta Air Lines operates direct flights from hubs including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Salt Lake City, and Seattle.
Both airlines offer a variety of cabin options and are part of major airline alliances, providing travelers with numerous options for connections and loyalty programs. Choosing between them often comes down to factors like departure city, preferred alliance, and specific deals available at the time of booking.
Island Hopping: Airlines for Inter-Island Travel
Once you arrive in Hawaii, you might want to explore multiple islands. Inter-island travel is convenient and relatively quick, with several airlines facilitating island hopping.
Hawaiian Airlines (Inter-Island)
Hawaiian Airlines dominates the inter-island market, offering frequent daily flights between Oahu (Honolulu), Maui (Kahului and Kapalua), Kauai (Lihue), and the Island of Hawaii (Kona and Hilo). Their inter-island service is efficient and reliable, making it easy to explore different islands during your trip.
Southwest Airlines (Inter-Island)
Southwest Airlines also provides inter-island flights within Hawaii, offering another competitive option for travelers. While their inter-island network might be slightly less extensive than Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest still provides frequent flights between the major islands, often at attractive prices, especially with promotions for inter-island travel8.
Mokulele Airlines and others
For travel to smaller airports or less frequent routes, regional airlines like Mokulele Airlines can be useful. Mokulele operates smaller aircraft and serves destinations like Kapalua (West Maui) and Molokai, offering a more intimate flying experience.
Finding the Best Deals and Flights to Hawaii
Securing the best deals on flights to Hawaii involves some strategy and flexibility. Here are a few tips:
- Book in Advance (or Last Minute): While it’s often recommended to book in advance, sometimes last-minute deals can emerge. Keep an eye on fare trends and be ready to book when prices drop.
- Be Flexible with Travel Dates: Flying mid-week or during the off-season can often yield lower fares than weekend or holiday travel.
- Compare Airlines and Routes: Use flight comparison websites to check prices across different airlines and routes. Consider connecting flights if direct flights are significantly more expensive.
- Sign Up for Airline Alerts: Many airlines offer email alerts for fare sales and promotions. Signing up can help you snag a deal when it becomes available.
- Consider Package Deals: Sometimes booking flights and accommodation together as a package can be more cost-effective.
Conclusion
Choosing the right airline is a vital part of planning your Hawaiian vacation. Airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, United, American, and Delta offer a range of options for traveling from the mainland US to Hawaii. For island hopping, Hawaiian and Southwest are primary choices, with regional airlines like Mokulele serving specific niche routes. By considering your budget, desired level of service, and travel preferences, you can select the airline that best suits your needs and ensures a fantastic start to your Hawaiian adventure. Remember to check for the latest deals and promotions to maximize your travel budget and make your dream trip to Hawaii a reality.
