If Hawaii travel expenses haven’t been volatile enough, an ongoing legal battle brewing could raise airfares and other expenses for island-bound travelers. The case stems from allegations by Honolulu that oil companies knowingly contributed to climate change and could be headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
There’s a real possibility that the costs of travel, via fuel—could rise significantly. But what does this mean for your next Hawaii vacation? That’s complex.
What’s going on with the Hawaii lawsuit?
In late 2023, the Hawaii Supreme Court told the City of Honolulu to proceed with its lawsuit against major oil companies. The claim is that these companies allegedly misled the public for decades about the environmental impact of fossil fuels. As a result, the city argues that Hawaii has suffered environmental damage from climate change, particularly rising sea levels, which could cost billions in adaptation and repairs.
Honolulu seeks financial compensation to cover these damages, but the oil companies are fighting back. They argue that any climate change regulation should fall under federal jurisdiction, not state law, and that a decision in Honolulu’s favor could lead to a messy, state-by-state patchwork of related lawsuits.
While at this point, it may seem like a legal technicality, how this case evolves could have a widespread impact, especially on the price of your next flight to Hawaii.
The relationship with razor-thin airfare profit margins.
So, how does a lawsuit affect Hawaii travel costs? Fuel accounts for 20-30% of your airline ticket and almost 30% of operating costs. If the case goes forward and Honolulu prevails, the oil companies could face massive financial penalties.
Airlines typically operate on thin profit margins, so even a small increase in fuel prices can raise ticket prices. Given Hawaii’s distance from the mainland, fuel is already a major factor in the cost of flights to the islands.
IATA recently said, “Earning just $6.14 per passenger is an indication of just how thin our profits are—barely enough for a coffee in many parts of the world.”
Mike G., a frequent visitor to Hawaii, shared his thoughts with us. “My Hawaii flights are already more expensive this year, so if fuel costs go up, I’m guessing I’ll be paying even more for travel.”
However, not everyone is convinced this lawsuit will lead to skyrocketing travel costs. There’s always talk of rising prices, but I think airlines will absorb most of the costs, said one reader, while another told us, “It’s in airlines’ best interest to keep flights affordable and Hawaii visitors coming.”
How Hawaii visitors can prepare.
While we await the courts’ decisions on the future of this case, we can all keep this in mind when planning future travel to Hawaii.
If there’s an odd light at the end of the tunnel, it’s this. If fuel prices rise, there are still ways to minimize the impact on your travel budget. And with the soaring costs of accommodations, Hawaii airfares have taken a back seat to the cost of hotels.
First, consider booking flights earlier than you might otherwise.
Flight prices are increasing more than normal as the departure date approaches, and with the potential for rising fuel costs, locking in a price now could save money later.
Many readers have confirmed a valuable tip for budget-conscious travelers, which is using flight price tracking apps to find the best deals. You’d be surprised how much you can save if you’re flexible with your dates. BOH uses Google Flights for that.
Another tip is to stay flexible with your travel dates. Mid-week flights are often cheaper than weekend departures, although not always, and avoiding peak seasons can help you find better Hawaii airfare deals.
While the impact of rising fuel costs can’t be entirely avoided, savvy travelers can still find ways to make their dream vacation to Hawaii somewhat more affordable.
Could this case go to the U.S. Supreme Court?
It’s uncertain whether the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the case. In June 2024, the Court asked the Solicitor General for input. The oil companies argue that federal law, particularly the Clean Air Act, preempts state-level lawsuits like Honolulu’s. If the case reaches the Supreme Court, it could set a precedent that limits the ability of states to hold corporations accountable for such issues.
This case raises a big question about federal vs. state authority. And therein lies much uncertainty. If the City of Honolulu is allowed to proceed, the legal landscape could shift dramatically, potentially leading to higher airfare costs to Hawaii and across the nation.
The bigger picture for Hawaii’s future.
Beyond the immediate impact on travel costs, this lawsuit highlights some of the broader challenges Hawaii faces as rising sea levels and other climate changes continue to affect the islands. Without a doubt, the costs of adaptation will likely grow in the years ahead.
While travelers might feel the impact of higher prices in the short term, Hawaii’s long-term sustainability is on the other side of the token. Start with coastal erosion and sea level rise, the state must find ways to balance our tourism industry with the need to protect the natural environment. The sea level at Hilo has risen about 10 inches since 1950. That pace is said to have accelerated over the past decade and is now increasing by an inch every four years. Hawaii is a beautiful place, but clearly it’s also fragile.
Final thoughts: what should Hawaii travelers do?
For now, it’s simply about staying informed and being prepared. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, keep an eye on airfare trends and consider booking sooner rather than later.
The outcome and time frame of this lawsuit are still uncertain. While no one wants to pay more for a Hawaii vacation, the potential for rising fuel costs is very real.
We welcome your comments!
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Electric vehicles aren’t much more environmentally friendly. I’m reading about the environmental impacts “green energy” manufacturing has on the environment and it seems almost worst. Oh by the way…the landfills are going to be inundated with all this solar and electric tech in decades future when everyone updates their hardware. I’m not understanding environmentalism. 😕 support green energy, yet have zero understanding of the environmental impacts. I’m moving to Florida to avoid the 2035 mandates for EVs. My friend spent a ton of $ on a tesla only for it to crap out a few years later outside of it’s warranty… they had to pay 23K to replace the battery? Wtf…I’ve had my gas truck since 2015 without any issues at all. I’m not interested in green energy junk science. 😒
You hit the nail on the head Sas. The US power grid is no where near capable of supplying the power needed to convert very many vehicles to all electric. HI is particularly unprepared. Green advocates conveniently don’t include the entire environmental life cycle impact of what they are promoting. It’s clear that Maui’s power company and HI’s politicians focused too much on putting solar on every available roof and didn’t assure the rest of the infrastructure was safe. That’s not the only cause of the Lahaina fire but it was certainly significant.
Not sure where you got your sea level rise data for Hilo. According to NOAA buoy data (link below) that has been there since the 1930’s, the average relative (to land) sea level rise is approximately 3.11 mm/yr with no acceleration. You may be quoting IPCC model output projections, but if so it doesn’t verify with reality. For comparison Honolulu has about a 1.54 mm/yr relative sea level rise that goes back to almost 1900. Again, no acceleration. No impact from CO2 according to NOAA’s own buoys.
Hi Dave! It’s unfortunate that so many people believe what they are told, they are fed line and verse of information from sources that should be credible. When confronted with truthful information that’s verifiable they won’t bother checking, rather calling the person one of their catchphrases like “Denier!” The climate is changing, the real cause is that it’s a cycle that our planet has gone through many times before.
The issue of corporations v state in legal matters such as this makes a case for national reciprocity if corporations win.
“Flight prices are increasing more than normal as the departure date approaches, and with the potential for rising fuel costs, locking in a price now could save money later.”
You can also save a lot of money by not going to Hawaii. I personally have been traveling to Hawaii for well over 20 years, sometimes 2-3 times a year, but will skip the trip there starting in 2025. All I have to say is this, Hawaii will be a completely different place without tourists and visitors, and not for the better.
I believe that they are beginning to see that already. The pressure is on and they are looking to get money how ever they think they can.
For decades environmental laws and regulations have increased the cost of living and in some cases, taken away perfectly good products and services.
Think plastic bag bans and fees, bottle taxes, smog regulations on vehicles and even the ban on the Hawaii Superferry. All or part of this ever growing list of laws and regulations stem from environmental zealots, lobbyists, and politicians.
IATA said they made $6 per person, “just how thin our profits are” and “barely enough for a coffee”. But in 2023 they said the airlines made over 23 billion dollars net profit. IDK, that seems like a hell of a lot of coffee to me🤷🏿♂️
Maybe it’s all of those Fire Hazard Batteries and other Cargo that they put on every flight.
Meanwhile the elites fly around in their personal fuel guzzling jets .. Whats more absurd are the ones using their jets to fly across the globe to meet up to discuss how to tax and punish the average Joe for contributing to “climate change” when they could simply use Zoom !! It was good enough for our children to use during Covid scam but they cant use it. Why not? These people are hypocrites.
Zoom has been hacked so many times, no one has totally stopped it. They fly around trying to find the Best Tasting blend of Cat 💩 Poop Coffee to bring home. They should try the honey/caramel or chocolate/strawberry blends!
I am planning on going to Maui in November. Does anyone know if visitor numbers are up compared to this time last year? I was there in September of 2023 and it was really quiet. Is it still that way now? Regarding airfare. It is about $300 to $400 more comparatively!
I find that when school is in session is when you get less tourism. Just go when kids are in school and you’ll have a more relaxed trip.
Mike, I agree. That’s when we used to go. The last couple of times we found that the local “happy, good humor locals” had plenty of time on their hands to spread their version of “Love” towards tourists! I guess that their kids were in school too. Most Hawaiians, people that live there, are very friendly people.
There is zero chance higher fuel costs are not passed on to the consumer, if that is indeed the result of this lawsuit.
Do airlines want to keep airfare to Hawaii affordable? Only to the extent of staying competitive. Unfortunately, this latest round of consolidation (HAL/AS) combined with the current financial/management shakeup up at Southwest will likely reduce the appetite of management teams operating routes for break-even or a loss. Generally the times you see the super low fares is during competition for market share (either expanding or defending).
IMO any increase in fuel costs will absolutely be passed on to the consumers.
Global warming. You’re kidding me. With the volcanic lava flows and lava spewing from the ground on the big island daily how can Hawaii ever make a case for oil companies and airline emissions to ever being a source problem of global warming. You got an oven of hot lava surfacing from underground with sulphur gases leaching into the atmosphere daily. Just a pure money grab.
Exactly, Don. But when the Hawaiian Government is Desperate for Cash, they will try anything. Maybe they are hoping for a Court Sanctioned Settlement of Several Billion $.
Forget it Hawaii. The greenhouse gases don’t hover over the islands with all the tradewinds to ever change your temperature much. Your chance of skin cancer is way more likely being so close to the equator.
Why not choose to sue the government for being located so close to the equator? I thought Hawaii don’t want to be labeled as a us state but just an island in itself. You always choose to join the mainland when obtaining more government money. IMO greed pure greed.
Such stupidity. There is no definite correlation between jet fuel and climate. The earth is between ice ages, by the way. Hawaii is once again trying to cut off the hand that feeds it. I’m coming for New Year’s again, but I am probably considering this my last trip to this paradise. Many other beautiful places in the world would love to get my money. Hawaii needs tourism, but they don’t want to admit it. They also need fuel. I’d suggest that the oil companies cut them off as part of settling this lawsuit.
MaryKay, as much as I believe there is so much over hype and misinformation about global warming, cannot stand that term, there actually is some studies which was done years ago, maybe at least 1 2 years, that airplane exhaust does hamper with our ozone layer. Being airplanes are way up in our atmosphere it goes into the ozone layer and destroys it. Of course, any study has the right to be challenged.
Tom, even if it’s challenged, maybe it already has been, we will probably never hear anything about it. If you are a Scientist challenging it, you will find yourself without Funding, Your Credentials being pulled, and learning “would you like cheese on your burger?” The “Establishment” and Our Government really does “play hardball” with neigh sayers! BTW, Climate Change describes it too.
The solution is easy. Two factors affect airlines fuel and people costs.
Your vote matters in such affairs. Choose carefully but vote.
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”
Regarding voting-
The people of Hawaii need to stop “doing” (voting) the same thing over and over. It’s time to change the “results” !!
Hopefully they’re awake now and realize what their prior insanity has done to America and Hawaii. Change is at the box in November.
When deciding who to vote for, just disregard everyone else and every Commercial. Think for Yourself and ask Yourself: Am I Better Off today than I was 4 Years ago? That’s exactly what I’m Doing and how I Will Decide! There are more questions you could ask, that’s up to you. Forget the Misinformation Commercials!
It’s a move of Desperation. All that they are interested in is Money. If the Oil Companies are Smart, which they are, they would give in to the crazy arguments and leave Oahu without Any Fuel! Just say NO, leaving the entire County high and dry. As absurd as it sounds, their lawsuits certainly are. They are hoping to go to court in Hawaii where “sympathetic ears” would be more “understanding.” I’m Certain that anyone subverting a Fuel Embargo would find themselves included. They should perform the EMBARGO anyway, maybe that would make real and lasting change in Hawaiian Voters, although highly doubtful, Nothing else has!
I wonder how quickly Hawaii would surrender if those ships from Alaska quit dropping anchor off Barber’s Point to offload their cargoes of oil?
This is not an appropriate lawsuit, especially from a unit of government. The climate impacts caused by aircraft is unsettled. Even the IPCC acknowledges that climate models are inaccurate due to uncertainties of impacts of water vapor in the atmosphere. The same unknowns apply to the impact of cirrus clouds and contrails.
Honolulu is a City that is highly dependent on aviation, posturing on unsettled science, to the detriment of its constituents to cause travel costs to increase. Who is in charge in Honolulu? And who is behind this strategy of eco terrorism?
Meanwhile, I note the sea gauges do not show increase in the rate of sea level rise, and the NOAA shows Kahului experienced the last ten months each below temperature average.
Off the Atlantic Coastline in Canada it hasn’t changed either, from what I have read. Amazing, isn’t it!
The merits of the case are undeniable. Fossil fuel emissions are definitely contributing to climate change. But this is the wrong approach. An isolated monetary settlement for one state might bring in some temporary cash, but it won’t eliminate the problem. Federal court is the more appropriate venue, but even that is pointless. This is a global problem. Until the entire world dramatically reduces fossil fuel emissions, the problems are only going to get worse. A much bigger solution needs to be sought. Hawaii, along with island nations and many coastal areas are in serious trouble unless humanity finds the will to make and implement more intelligent choices.
Hawaii can be the First State in the Nation to mandate the use of Electric Cars Only. Here’s a good question, one that is bound to come up in Court: What has Oahu, specifically, done to curb the problem? Fossil Fuels include the use of Propane.
How does Hawaii generate the majority of its electricity to run these EVs? It doesn’t meet the current demand with solar, wind, geothermal. Now add several 100,000 electric cars.
Just because you plug into an outlet doesn’t mean that the electricity gets generated out of the air.
Really! Now you’re going to make people Think 🤔 Can’t every building, house, roadway medium and land alongside, beach, and volcano be fitted with Solar Panels? Wouldn’t that be enough? Maybe even the agricultural land too! Of course the birds and many animals would die, and the Islands would really start Heating Up, but there might be Abundant Energy to charge the cars! How Facetious of Me! 😁
Drew808, SAF (Sustainable Aircraft Fuel) is becoming readily available but it costs 4x what petroleum based jet fuel costs. SAF’s Carbon footprint is supposedly slightly less than petroleum but if the people pushing it are true to form, they are likely leaving out the pollution caused by the farmers when they produce the crops needed to make it. So pushing for it will simply raise ticket prices. Unless someone invents a nuclear aircraft engine, SAF is probably the best we can do. I agree with everything else in your post except I believe today’s contribution to global warming by aviation is tiny and impossible to measure.
J, how about using current technology that the airforce, actually Skunk 🦨Works, has used to build a Solar Powered Airplane. It has flown! Now, taking that and transferring it to a Commercial Application, everyone could fly without worrying about adding to Climate Change! If it were only possible, and no cloudy skies, everyone would find something else to complain about!
Drew, this is not accurate at all what you said, “Until the entire world dramatically reduces fossil fuel emissions, the problems are only going to get worse.”
Using electric instead creates nuclear waste, which is way more of a pollutant and just plain horrible. The radiation fallout is really bad. I am sure Hawaii has been polluted by it when Japan’s nuclear plant failed during the recent earthquake there.
Those battery powered electric cars, the batteries need metals which are being mined and polluting the land and waterways with horrible chemicals. And children are being used to mine these chemicals and they are dying due to the poisoning. Think about that every time you see an electric vehicle go down the road.
Windmills, kill birds, last only so long, use a lot of material to build. And where do you dump them when they fail?
Blaming the end all on using fossil fuels is not accurate at all.
I kind of remember something called Chernobyl that spread its Nuclear Waste and Radiation across the entire World also. Amazing how people forget! The Harrisburg Pennsylvania Reactor Meltdown wasn’t too bad.
It’s a real stretch to prove that burning petroleum-based jet fuel is causing measurable global warming. Environmental groups are quite willing to accept plant-based jet fuel. It’s being used every day. So it must be thought by them to cause less global warming? Really??? This smells like a simple money grab attempt. BTW, there’s no question that the earth is changing. Including temperature and sea level. But proving it’s man-made is very difficult.
The problem with plant based fuels of All Types is that it Clogs the Injectors, Can anyone imagine losing engines in the middle of the Pacific! That’s one way to cut back on Emissions, human and plane. You are Exactly Correct, Proving isn’t as Easy as Saying It’s So, and Believing Scientists that are being Paid, or Coerced, is Ridiculous to say the least!
Engines have to be certified for SAF. But I share your concern. Supply chain integrity is a potential hazard. Right now they are using a blend. Frankly, I think the small Eco-gain doesn’t justify the risk or cost. But I’m not in charge. As sensitive as ETOPS is, I wonder if SAF belongs in that program. {ETOPS has a special slang connotation}
Even blended the problems still exist. Another Huge Problem with the fuel, blended or not, is that the miles per gallon is significantly reduced, Another reason to use a Blend!
Love my trips each year to the Hawaiian island. I hope the price doesn’t go up.
Lots of Luck with that. If it’s not the ticket prices going up, it’s certainly the Hawaiian Government finding new ways to Increase Prices one way or another. Anyone going to Hawaii will probably get it from Both Ends!