Inter-Island Airline Update

Updated 1/31/10:

The lowest price for inter-island travel remains $58 (Go!’s attempt to raise it to $63 has thus far failed).  The base price fares remain widely available, although I’ve recently seen economy one-way fares as high as $127. Be mindful of significantly higher fares for last minute and other in-demand dates and times, and plan early. There is also a 25% off offer available from Hawaiian in conjunction with trans-Pacific Coach Plus service.

Hawaiian and Go! are still planning to set the bottom price at $69-$79, which is still likely to stick at some point very soon.

Suggestions:

• If  you’re buying or soon will be, I suggest you do so as quickly as possible, as the only pressure here, is upwards.

Much of this resulted from Mokulele’s recent departure from Hawaii in what has been terms a “merger” with their fierce competitor Mesa’s Go! Airlines.  Thereafter Hawaiian announced an upcoming capacity reduction of 5-8%.

Inter-island airfare prices are based on one segment, which means between Honolulu and Kahului, Kona or Lihue for example.  Kahului to Lihue is considered two segments.

We’ll likely continue to see continued price fluctuations so long as we have three players, so stay tuned.

Important note:

Booking early is now key to getting the lower priced tickets at the best times, so don’t delay buying inter-island tickets.  Also don’t forget to try Go!, instead of Hawaiian.

If you want the deals you find today, however, don’t wait to buy them as prices have been fluctuating very rapidly.

Photo taken across the street from the Park Shore Waikiki Hotel.