Some facts are indisputable. First is that Hawaii Tourism remains depressed. Second is that these two airlines, even after five years of fierce competition, aren’t done quite yet.
While Hawaii airfare sales are fast becoming a rare commodity, today saw Southwest start anew. The renewed competition comes after this past Sunday marked five years that Southwest has been flying between the mainland and Hawaii. Then, as was totally expected, Hawaiian Airlines joined in this airfare sale squabble.
As an aside, we flew Southwest interisland on Sunday, and they were presenting lei to arriving passengers from the mainland. The mood was fun and celebratory. Even their executive vice president, Andy Watterson, who was previously an executive at Hawaiian Airlines, was here in Hawaii. That celebration, which comes in spite of recent significant reductions in Southwest Hawaii flights, continues with their Hawaii fare sale launch today.
Hawaiian Airlines airfare sale.
These can be booked directly on the Hawaiian Airlines website.
These one-way fares are not refundable, upgradable or changeable. Prices are for basic economy. Regular economy is on average $50 additional. Travel must only be on flights operated by Hawaiian Airlines. Other restrictions apply. Please see Fare Rules Terms & Conditions.
- San Diego to Kona $96.
- San Francisco to Maui $100.
- San Jose to Maui $100
- Oakland to Kona $106
- San Francisco to Kauai $106
- San Francisco to Kona $106
- San Jose to Kona $106
- Los Angeles to Maui $107
- Long Beach to Maui $107
- Phoenix to Kona $114
- Los Angeles to Honolulu $115
- Los Angeles to Kona $115
- San Diego to Maui $119
- Portland to Kona $121
- Portland to Kauai $121
- Phoenix to Kauai $141
- Phoenix to Maui $147
- San Francisco to Maui $149
30% off 2024 travel on Southwest Hawaii flights.
These can be booked directly on the Southwest Airlines website.This offer is valid on new Southwest Hawaii reservations (to/from the US mainland) booked by Thursday, March 21, 2024. As a reward, you’ll save 30% from select markets at one of the best times of the year for a Hawaii vacation.
Note: Travel dates are August 11 from the US mainland, and from August 13, from Hawaii, through September 30. Offer valid for travel from mainland Sunday-Wednesday and from Hawaii Tuesday-Friday.
$29 Hawaii interisland flight sale.
Both airlines are competing with interisland flights on sale for as little as $29 each way. The first available date at the time of publishing is April 10, for flights on Southwest. There are seats at that price through most of June, depending on the route. On Hawaiian Airlines, interisland flights are on sale only from late April to mid-May. Those dates vary by route. Availability is limited on these dates from both airlines.
Rules for the Southwest 5th-anniversary sale from the mainland are as follows:
- You must book your flights on Southwest by Thursday, March 21, 2024.
- The savings are listed as “Up to 30% base fare.” Plus taxes and fees.
- 21-day advance purchase is required.
- Seats and days are limited.
- Available in select markets and not on all Southwest Hawaii flights.
- Use code 5YEARS when booking to obtain the discount.
Free Waikiki Hula show is now sponsored by Southwest Airlines.
We went to the opening last month and gave the performance two shakas. The show is now sponsored by Southwest Airlines in what we think is a great marketing move. This marks the return of the historic Kodak Hula Show in Waikiki that was offered between 1937 to 2002. The new production, called the Kilohana Hula Show, expects to have eighteen dancers, four musicians, one chanter, and the emcee.
- Located at the Waikiki Shell Amphitheater at Kapiolani Park.
- Performances are Sunday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.
- No tickets or reservations are needed. Just show up.
- Nearby free parking is available.
- Bring sunscreen and water.
- Read our hula show review for more details.
I would feel safer on Hawaiian flights because so far they don’t use the Boeing Max planes. Overall commercial, FAA, and airline companies need to reprioritise customer safety first before profits.
If it’s Boeing I ain’t going.
Just the opposite (if there’s a choice) – I’m taking Boeing.
Happy days are here again! Like the good old days. About time. Too bad we already made plans other than Maui this year, breaking a 2x-a-year 30-year run. Hope those fares are around when we decide to try it again. We don’t regret not coming. Since our last Maui trip we discovered there are other places to see for a while. On another note, my accountant told us 2023 was a down year for vacation rentals in resort areas (including ours – not in Hawaii). Post-pandemic might have been the high water mark. Would love to hear theories on why.
West Maui is so slow. Check some calendars of condos north of Lahaina, so empty. Deals to be found, for sure!
Thanks for the info, BOH.
any deals on packages to Kona or Kauai stays. Airfare is great but when I look hotel and rentals to stay are high
Well so much for the prediction on sky high airfares… at least for now.
Any deals on business or first class from SoCal to HNL?
Mahalo!
Hi Rod.
We’ll be happy to check. When are you thinking about traveling?
Aloha.
Hi guys,
Sometime in August (for 2 weeks) and again on November 9 for about a week (my best buddy from the Marines will be interred at the Punchbowl then). I’m not sure of August dates, but I am waiting to hear from other relatives who are going (my dates are more flexible).
Mahalo,
Rod
Hi Rod.
We checked, LAX, SAN and LGB. No matter the airline, a starting point of about $600 each way is the rule. That’s true for both sets of dates. The only clear way to better that at this point might be through a mileage upgrade, if that’s possible.
Hope everything goes well tomorrow!
Aloha.
Thank you!
It’s strange, I’ll be 80 in August and have about a million frequent flyer miles in the “bank.” But, I hesitate to use them – don’t know why I’m saving them. Maybe I’ll burn them this year.
Thanks again,
Rod
Hi Rod.
Our pleasure! Yes we’d suggest that too if you can find some sweet spots. The value of frequent flyer points is Airways declining.
Aloha.
Cashed in most of my miles along with $11.20 for 2 of us to get to San Diego from the Big Island via Honolulu so that was a great deal for me since this will be my last trip to the Islands.