5-Year Showdown Spurs Hawaiian/Southwest Sale Amid Tourism Slump

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.