Lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and a unique cultural heritage all make Hawaii a must-visit destination for many travelers, but a trip to Hawaii can come with a hefty price tag — especially during peak travel seasons. While there’s no “bad” time to visit, there’s certainly a cheaper time to visit, especially when it comes to airfare. By following a few smart booking tips, you can make your Hawaiian dream vacation more affordable by snagging cheap (or cheaper) flights to the islands.
Here are the cheapest times to fly to Hawaii, plus more budget-friendly travel tips.
Factors That Impact Flight Prices
Airlines use dynamic pricing, which means prices go up during high-demand periods and down during low-demand periods. The holidays, in particular, are a high-demand period in Hawaii, as is the summer. “For instance, if you’re flying during the hectic Christmas rush, the busiest days are Dec. 20–22, which are also the most expensive, often costing over $100 more than flying on Christmas Eve or opting for the quieter days of Dec. 16–18,” an Expedia spokesperson tells Travel + Leisure.
High-demand periods aren’t limited to seasonality or holidays, though. “Major events like the total solar eclipse, the Olympics, or big sporting events can also drive prices up for certain routes and destinations, so if flight prices look unusually high, it’s worth checking to see if something special is happening during your travel dates,” says the Expedia spokesperson.
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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 over 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 Expedia spokesperson. “While it falls within 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 actually constitutes a cheap flight? Start by setting price alerts to find out what the typical price is for your route. Then when you notice the price drop, you can book that cheaper fare.
Check various destinations and departure points.
Hawaii has several airports with flights from the mainland — you don’t have to fly into Honolulu. Check prices for various airports in Hawaii, as it might be cheaper to fly into one versus another. Note that you’ll have to factor in the cost of an inter-island flight if that cheaper option is not your final destination.
Generally speaking, flights to Hawaii are cheaper from the West Coast than they are anywhere else in the country. So if you live somewhere else, consider flying to the West Coast on a budget airline, then taking a separate flight to Hawaii from there. Just make sure you have extra time for a layover if you’re traveling on two separate tickets — the airlines aren’t responsible for rebooking if you miss your connection.
Don’t wait until the last minute to book.
Per Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report, travelers booking domestic flights 28 days before departure save up to 24 percent on airfare. If you wait longer, prices usually rise.
Keep your price alerts active after you book.
That said, don’t fret about booking your flights too early. If you keep your price alerts active after booking, you can see if the price drops. If it does, you can usually get an airline credit for the price difference. Just keep in mind that airline credits often have an expiration date, so you’ll have to book another trip soon (usually within a year).
Compare fare options carefully.
Beware the basic economy fare. “It may be cheaper initially, but once you’ve added in seat selection or baggage fees, the savings might not be as notable,” says the Expedia spokesperson. Only book basic economy if you’re traveling light and don’t mind potentially being stuck in the middle seat.
Other Ways to Save Money on Your Trip
Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure
Stay at hotels off 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 off the beach, you can usually net some savings.
Skip the ocean view.
On a similar note, if you do book an oceanfront hotel, don’t pay up for the ocean view — opting for a city or garden view is typically cheaper. How much time are you really going to spend in your hotel, anyway?
Book accommodations with a kitchen.
Dining out can get expensive fast. And while we absolutely support dining at locally owned restaurants, we know that it’s hard to do so daily, 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’re looking for good, affordable eats, visit a local food truck. Hawaii has loads of them, serving just about every type of food imaginable.
If you’re renting a car, plan to do all your driving in one stint.
Cars are essential for getting around many Hawaiian destinations. Rather than book a rental car for the duration of your visit, consider booking a car for just a few days instead — stack all your drivable activities in those few days, then use the rest of the time for some R&R at the beach.
Visit free attractions and attend free events.
This one might be a no-brainer, but there are plenty of activities across Hawaii that are completely free of charge, whether that’s hiking, visiting certain parks and gardens, snorkeling, or watching surfers catch some waves.
