Amazing Hawaii Summer Airfare Sales
Today is the day of days for 2009 Hawaii summer airfares. When you add these to all of the other Hawaii airline deals we’ve seen this week, it is completely unprecedented for mid-June through mid-August peak summer travel dates. These are round-trip airfares, plus total tax of $20-$40. Most require 14 day advance purchase for travel between 3-60 days.
I’ve checked to be sure that the fares listed below are widely available as of this afternoon.
Obviously, don’t wait, these deals are teasers. There are more cities and more sales than those listed. I suggest you try using a flexible date search at one of the online travel agencies in order to find your deal.
Honolulu
Atlanta $324 (Delta (limited mostly to first two weeks in August)
Baltimore $320 (American, Continental, Northwest, United)
Boston $326 (United)
Newark $366 (Delta, Northwest)
Orlando $319 (American, Continental, Northwest, United)
Seattle $308 (Northwest)
Washington DC $362 (American (limited), Delta, Northwest, United)
Kahului
Boston $342 (American, Delta (limited), United)
Los Angeles $309 (American (limited), Delta, United)
New York $338 (United)
Sacramento $270 (Delta, Northwest, United)
San Diego $276 (American (limited), Northwest, United)
Kona
Los Angeles $320 (American, Delta, United)
Sacramento $284 (United, Delta and Northwest are about $10 more)
San Diego $290 (American, Delta, United)
San Jose $306 (American, Delta, United)
Lihue
Los Angeles $320 (American, Delta, United)
New York $354 (United)
Sacramento $284 (United, Delta is $10 more)
San Jose $277 (American, Delta, United all have limited availability)
San Diego $290 (American (limited), Delta, United)
Note: Hawaiian and Alaska are not participating at this time.
Thanks so much for the heads-up. I just booked August for $362 roundtrip IAD->HNL. Never thought I would ever see prices like that.
Okay…where are the Hawaii airfare deals leaving from Seattle? Both Alaska and Hawaiian actually raised their prices yesterday to the islands leaving from Seattle or Portland. Do you think these airlines will get in the game?
Thanks for the comments.
Yes, Alaska and Hawaiian seem to be dancing to a different tune, so to speak. That obviously won’t work so long as the other carriers continue to discount.
Right now the only things available are low $300′s Seattle or Portland to Honolulu summer fare available on Northwest.
I’ll post any Northwest deals as soon as they happen.
Aloha, Jeff
If I’m going in November when is the best time to buy? I passed up a sweat deal in February because I was waiting on a decision from my hubby….now it is around $500. and I need 4….really bad.
Probably August.
I am so glad I discovered your website. Great information and I am enjoying checking in daily–sometimes more than daily! Do you have any thoughts about when end of Aug/Sept aifaires might be on sale? I have been checking from SFO to Maui for a couple months now and it remains the same.
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for your nice comment. I’d expect to see fall fares perhaps mid to late July. This year is odd though, so do stay tuned as it could happen earlier, or later. Last year, the fall airfares were distinctly late, and mostly didn’t happen until late August/early September.
Aloha, Jeff
Hi guys… Thanks so much for the warning. Without you, I’d be paying a lot more. I booked a package with air on United from LAX to Kona through Pleasant Holidays for the last of July. Thank God I booked the insurance because I canceled and booked the SAME flight on United for $320 a ticket. A price I haven’t seen in years and really, only from Aloha Air in my area.
My next question is: what’s your take on Hilton’s Waikoloa Village? My husband and I have gone to the Big Island in the past but stayed at the Mauna Lani Hotel and Bungalows or Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. We now have 2 small children, 3 and 5, and I was told the Hilton was the place for kids. I have to admit, I’m a little nervous about it. Any thoughts?
Hi Suzanne,
Thanks for your comment. Glad you got that great deal. As for Hilton Wailoloa, while I don’t personally like it, it is unquestionably a wonderful place for kids. We took my nephew there and he still remembers it 12 years later.
Aloha, Jeff
Jeff, can you expand on why you don’t like the Hilton Waikoloa? I’ve read mixed reviews and that’s why I’m curious. I want to know the truth about this place. People say it is far too large and hard to get around. And although I’ve read it is perfect for children I want to not hate it! My husband isn’t thrilled about that choice. I’d rather know going in what it is really like.
Thanks again-
Suzanne, it just felt superficial, somewhat reminiscent of staying at a Disney hotel. Not to say there’s anything wrong with that, but it just didn’t appeal to me.
Aloha, Jeff
Hi Jeff,
I just found your website and I really enjoy reading all the information you have posted. I apparently missed the airfare deals to HNL from SFO that you posted about earlier today. I am tyring to travel July 5th and was wondering if you think airfare will be cheaper in the near future if I wait to book the flight? I would also like to fly United as I would like to combine it with air miles I need to use; any thoughts?
Hi Susan,
Sorry you missed that deal.
It looks like the prices for departure July 5, are in the $470 range (depending on the return date, which you did not mention). Also, I’m assuming HNL as your destination.
I checked all bay area airports, and the only cheaper departure for that date is San Jose, at about $50 cheaper.
It’s a tough call. If those are your only possible dates and your determined to be in Hawaii, I’d suggest buying at $470. That is not a bad price at all, compared with prior years. If you have any flexibility at all, there are cheaper dates, later in the month.
Hope that helps. Let me know.
Aloha, Jeff
Hi Jeff:
Just found your website and you seem to have a lot of good info. Here’s my issue. Traveling to HNL in August from PA to take my daughter to her freshman year at UH Manoa. Looking for the cheapest flights and it’s very frustrating. Saw a fare of $357 on Expedia but when I tried to book it the fare jumped to $500+. It seems like the prices are so fluid and it’s hard to decide which site to book through (the online discount sites, the airlines themselves, etc.). I can go from Phila or Newark and dates are somewhat flexible, so I thought I’d have more luck. My husband insists that we should wait to book until later (June, July) because he thinks the fares will come down. Also have an issue because my daughter only needs a one way ticket and they’re more than the round trip! Help! We’re on a college-strapped budget. Any advice???
Hi Bobbie,
Delta, Northwest and United all have $350-400 round trip all-inclusive fares during August (cheaper in the 2nd half). The one way fare is the same or more than the round-trip, so likely you’ll be best off just buying all round-trips. Unfortunately, these tickets are mostly 60 day validity, so I doubt your daughter can ever use the return half. These are great prices and I would buy them now.
I like to use any of the online travel agency or reseller websites’ flexible date search (Travelocity as one example), but then buy on the airline’s site directly. I’ve written about this quite a bit before.
Aloha, Jeff
Thanks for the speedy reply, Jeff. The problem with those fares is that when you go to actually book them, the fare magically goes up by a couple hundred dollars! I’ll just keep trying and maybe I’ll get lucky. Thanks again for the info. Your website looks like it will be very helpful to me as I plan this trip.
Bobbie
If you tell me your specific dates (and airline preference if any) Bobbie, I’ll tell you what I find. Those fares are definitely still bookable at the prices I mentioned.
Aloha, Jeff
Hi Jeff
Again thanks for the reply. My dates are August 11 to Aug 25th, with some flexibility of a day or so on either end. Any airline is okay.
Thanks,
Bobbie
Bobbie,
Go to ual.com. amd just put in those specific dates. The result I is $350 total per round-trip. I went right through to the point of paying.
Have a great trip.
Jeff
Jeff
Great web site!!! My wife and I are planning a trip from Dallas to Maui in September/October time frame. When is a good time to get a deal? Right now airfare is about $800 r/t. This is a direct flight on American.
Also we were looking at to different hotels, the Royal Lahaina and the Kaanapali Beach Club. Any thoughts on these two hotels or maybe an alternate suggestion. I was stationed in Hawaii but my wife has never been. We are looking for an oceanview room.
Thanks for your help.
Hi Eric,
Yes, right now the AA non-stop is $752 (all-incl.), with one-stops running just under $600. If you’re flexible enough to plan your exact dates later, we’ll see the Fall airfare sales likely start appearing late July (or even sooner, this year). We don’t have much personal experience with Maui hotels, so I suggest seeing if anyone else responds, cautiously checking review sites, or using the Maui Revealed guidebook.
Aloha, Jeff
hello– not sure how this works– loved all the info on the site and all the info from people sharing — i am going to big island — honokaa and am trying to find a flight from okc to either hilo or kona — i was also considering going to honolulu and then taking a flight to hilo – since that airport is closer and i hear nicer –unfortunately in my search so far hilo seems to be expensive to fly into — anyway — i did not know if i should wait til wed to make reservation – i am leaving june 1-aug 31 – and i am a bit afraid of waiting too long –also i was wondering if you have any suggestions on long term car rental — or should i consider renting for a week then buying a cheap car and sell it when i leave? i wrote earlier but was not sure if it was to the right place — my head is spinning with these searches — another option is that i have a friend i could visit in la and then fly out of there— i would appreciate any input or thoughts on any of the topics – again wonderful site !!! take care, catherine
Hi Catherine,
If it were for me, I would not wait any longer to find air and car.
I spent quite some time looking at many combinations, but nothing came up that stood out as great. Part of the problem is that your trip is of three months duration and many if not most fares are for a maximum of 60 days. To make a long story short, for your dates, the best I’m finding is $719 RT fare available on U.S. Air. Another choice is to fly to Phoenix for $237 RT on Continental, then to Kona for an additional $464 RT on United. LA to Kona by comparison is $527 RT.
Regarding a three month car rental, typically there are discounts for long-term rentals. Basic price otherwise looks to be about $2,000. I’d try searching online for “car rental codes” and see if those help. Costco is often has good codes, if you’re a member. Also, try bidding for a car, and using one of the bidding forums to see what other people have been able to achieve. I’m not sure about buying and selling a car, but obviously you’ll have to get Hawaii insurance and a safety inspection, at the least.
You don’t have an easy situation. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Aloha, Jeff
thank you jeff– i finally got done finding a good combo– i am glad you did not suggest waiting till wed — i was getting nervous about them going up — i ended up with flying into okc to portland on frontier for 288.00 and then portland to kona for332.00 for a total of 620– of course i will have to pay for checking in my bag–but oh well — when i found that out i was sooo exhausted with my search i settled — it may not be the smoothest travel but i like to read sooo—
thank you for your great suggestions — next step a car — i think i will take a break before i tackle that — take care, catherine
Hi Catherine,
Let us know how your car rental affair goes. It will be helpful to others I’m sure. As for the air, it sounds like you got about as good a deal as possible, under difficult circumstances.
Thanks for your comments.
Jeff
I was wondering if you think that airfare from LAX to HNL will come down in the next week? I would like to go around the July 4th weekend and stay 10 days. Love the site and the information that you provide. I have found that right now it 400+ which is way too expensive and I would prefer to fly direct.
Thanks
Hi Susan,
This year is anything but predictable. My gut says there will be nothing new right now between LAX/HNL for summer travel.
Tonight I’m finding July 4 to July 13, for between $297 and $354, round trip all-inclusive on United and Delta. The cheaper one routes you via SFO. That’s pretty much a steal for those dates. Most years it would easily be double that. Hope that helps.
Aloha, Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Can you tell me did you find those airfares on United and Delta’s websites, or somewhere else? Thanks for all your help and keep the great info coming. I would prefer to fly out of SFO if you can find those great deals for the same travel dates.
Hi Susan,
Try using one of the online travel agency flexible date search to find available dates on the deals. I verified the pricing I gave you on the airline sites directly. I’m not sure I understand about preferring to fly out of SFO, as your prior comment said LAX to HNL. I’ll post any new sales (LAX and SFO) as quickly as they happen.
Aloha, Jeff
HI Jeff,
I just found this site and read all the good advice. I am looking for great deals for our sons honeymoon. This is our gift to them. Aug. 16 -23 to Oahu. Does it really save much booking the hotel together. I have enough for 1 ticket with air miles. Any comments on using it for 1 ticket? Can you book a round trip plus hotel for one and then just use air miles for the other ticket? Even though it is their honeymoon the hotel doesn’t have to be extravagant because they will be out trying to take in everything they can. And what about an inter-lsland flight for a day or two? prices and hotels that won’t break up parents. Thanks in advance for your help
Thanks ,Wendy
Hi Wendy,
No rule of thumb on packages vs. separate purchases for air, hotel and car. Try it all and see how it works. Pleasant Holidays is a huge player in the Hawaii packages, but also try the online travel agencies (Orbitz, etc.).
As for the mileage ticket, I’d check out availability to use that first (typically not available to Hawaii in summer).
I’m not sure what island(s) you intend to send them to, but perhaps head over to the library and pick up a guidebook or two to get some ideas. There are just so many choices. Feel free to post more questions.
Best aloha,
Jeff
Hi I need help. Im looking to book a flight from Syracuse new york to HNL or Kauai. Apparently I missed the good prices. Should I hold out a few more days or go ahead and book for $742 – which is what I have been seeing.
Thanks!
Hi Julie,
You didn’t mention your dates. I’m assuming after mid-June and before mid-August. There are still a few dates available for a $534 plus tax round-trip on Continental that ends mid-June.
After that, it looks pretty expensive in the mid $700′s or more. I just don’t have a feeling about further summer fare sales from the east coast. I more expect to deals added from the West Coast frankly.
You could put two round-trips together. Syracuse to LA and then LA to Honolulu for example.
Hope that helps.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Thanks. My dates are July 4th – July 12th I’ve tried piecing two flights together but can’t find any of the deals you’ve mentioned, including the continental one you just mentioned. I get priced over 1K.
I’ll keep trying & checking your site!
J
Hi Julie,
On the Continental deal all travel must complete by mid-June, so it wouldn’t work for your dates.
On your dates I just found United on Orbitz for $620! UA7365/531/57 outbound, then UA76/1774/3360 on return. Most everything else is in the $700′s or more.
Aloha, Jeff
Man your killing me!! How come I can’t find these flights? What do you have that I don’t? Orbitz is telling me $834!!
Jeez….
Try starting on Kayak. I’m still getting $620 via two sources. Hope it works!
J
Hi Jeff, I just happened to find your site today! I’m totally bummed, I waited too long for the sale fares to get my laggard group of friends to purchase together, and now I’m kicking myself for it. I’m looking for either RT NYC-KOA, or NYC-LIH from 6/29-7/4. They’re all 800+ now. I’m thinking of waiting but every day these fares go up and up. Any suggestions?
Hi Sue,
For your exact dates, the best I see this morning is about $800 to Kona or Lihue, as you said. I’m sorry you missed the better deals. If you have date any date flexibility (which I assume you do not at this point), that would help a lot. I don’t feel confident about the East Coast to Hawaii summer deals coming down again, so if it were me, I’d play with dates, or lock in the best you can find sooner than later.
Aloha, Jeff
Hi Jeff!
I just booked a flight from Syracuse to HNL for $594. Thanks so much for all of your tips!! This is a great website.
Julie
Thanks Julie!
Glad it worked out. Have a wonderful trip.
Aloha, Jeff
Hey Jeff,
I live in San Francisco and I’m trying to find the cheapest possible flight to Hawaii. I’m pretty flexible considering I don’t care which Island, anytime in July or August works, and I’m traveling alone, BUT I can’t find of the deals you talk about from sfo or any airport within the bay area. The cheapest I could find was $352 on United, do you have any links?
-Alicia
Hi Alicia,
If you look at the subsequent post you’ll see that I said those SFO deals are gone. They may or may not come back, but if they do I’ll definitely be writing about them. Deals come and go very quickly, lasting between a few hours and a few days, by their very nature.
Deals I write about are bookable through the on-line travel agencies or directly on the airline sites. There are no specific links.
The currently available $364 fare is still a bargain, and is about $300 less than summer pricing in other years.
Aloha,
Jeff
PS: The
Hi Jeff:
I just booked RT from JFK to HNL for 5 people, $400.00 each using Expedia. Traveling in August to take my daughter to UH Manoa for her freshman year. Thought this was a pretty good price considering only yesterday the fares were $588+ from Newark. Thought you might like to pass this along…don’t know how long it will last but I thought I probably wouldn’t get much better pricing by waiting any longer to book.
Your site has a lot of great info. Thanks.
Bobbie
Hey there,
I’m an Au Pair and have a extra 13th month for traveling which is July. I really really want to go to Honolulu and Ive seen pretty good prices 2 weeks ago – like 350-400$. But I had to wait for a friend because we wanted to book together. Now, that we can book, the prices are 600+ and I can’t afford it anymore.
Are there any airlines who still offer a cheaper flight or did I miss my chance?
We wanted to go from Washington, IAD Airport.
I would be really thankful for an answer!
Hi Marietta,
Check back daily or subscribe to our emails, as these deals come up all the time, and are random and relatively unpredictable.
Aloha, Jeff
Hey Jeff !
I found your site & signed up yesterday. I got excited when seeing fares from LA to Kona. However, I found it impossible to find these great deals anywhere. Is this info all bogus ? I went to airline sites, not even close.
Hi Frank,
Sorry for any confusion. From our contact us page:
“Deals are valid at the time at the time they are published. By their very nature, however, one can obviously not assume that deals are valid at a later time, or that links to them will always continue to work. These deals are time sensitive, and sometimes that means they’re only available for hours or days. In other cases they’re available much longer.
The very best way to get Hawaii travel deals as they happen, when they are still available, is to subscribe to our site. If you don’t see a deal from your location, please check back again soon.”