Putting Hawaii travel costs in perspective. From the Honolulu Clipper take off to today’s landing.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Putting Hawaii travel costs in perspective. From the Honolulu Clipper take off to today’s landing.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
My first trip to Hawaii was in 1972. I flew on Pan Am with a good friend of mine. We stayed in Honolulu and I fell in love with it. Since that trip I have been back many times and it is my favorite place to visit and since I worked for TWA and AA I have been all over the world but I still love the Hawaiian the best. I have been to all the islands but my favorite is the big Island. We go at least twice a year. My last trip was to Kauai in Jan 2019 but had to cancel my trip in Feb 2020.
Looking forward to another trip once things get better. Aloha!
Hi Anne.
Thanks.
Aloha.
My first flight to Hawaii was from Dallas on Delta and TWA in 1968. My husband flew Flying Tiger from Vietnam and we met at Ft. DeRussy for R & R. We stayed at the Hawaiian Village for $25 a night, and spent a night at the Coco Palms Resort in Kauai. In 1971 we met for another R & R and I flew on Braniff direct from Dallas.
Since then we have visited all the islands almost every year flying PanAm, different charter flights, and now AA. We have stayed in many hotels that have changed names like the Rockefeller Hotel on the Big Island.
We love the Hawaiian people and still believe it is the most beautiful place in the world.
Hi Nancy.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Can you answer an unrelated subject for me? I am curious if you can confirm that the two “cruises from hell” that you reported on, did either ship have any cases on board?
Our first flight was for our 15th anniversary December 1989. We had barely gotten to our hotel in Waikiki before I was talking about coming back with our children. It took nearly 2 years before we got a timeshare exchange to Kauai. We loved it and bought our own so we are back now 2-3 times a year, most often in Princeville.
First trip in 1993 for the navy. Sat next to my future wife on the plane. Married in 1995. Planning on going back this year for our 25th anniversary if the issue is over.
My first flight to Hawaii was from Vancouver, B.C., Canada on Oct., 1961 on Canadian Pacific Airlines. The flight left at midnight during Hurricane Freda (worst storm on record in the Pacific Northwest). After graduating from high school, me and four school friends saved for a year to visit Hawaii. In those days
we wore hats, gloves and suits for travelling and laugh about it in todays’ world. Consequently, we all
fell in love with Hawaii and have been back many many times to this day. It is truly a magical place.
Our first trip to Hawaii was in 1971 for a business meeting for my husband. We took our 20 month old son, also. We were on Pan Am out of Seattle. A week later we returned to Seattle and the plane was crowded as United had gone on strike. My baby had to sit on the floor along with other kids as there were no seats available. We return regularly now as my younger son lives in Kailua and owns the winery (OENO). He considers Hawaii his home, and was recently married there. We live in Las Vegas now (the 9th island) and fly over a couple of times a year. Aloha!
Hi Karen.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Aloha,
I have enjoyed reading your reports for a few years now, but this is the first time I have written to you. My wife and I are deeply saddened that we have to cancel our 2-week trip to Kauai in April.
We first went to Kauai in 1982 for our honeymoon and we instantly feel in love with the island. We have been back many, many times (over 20 times)and we love it even more now than we first did. We have been to the Big Island and Maui, but we keep coming back to Kauai.
I remember meeting an older gentleman at the old Waiohai Hotel where we honeymooned, and he said that it was his 17th trip to Kauai. I couldn’t imagine coming to the island that many times, now we have exceeded that. With hopefully more to come.
We hope to be able to come back in September, but we will just have to wait and see. But, in the meantime we will enjoy “The Beat of Hawaii” and be praying for all of you there and elsewhere as we fight against this.
Hope to see Kauai soon!
Hi Phil.
Thank you!
Aloha.
My first trip to Hawaii was in the summer of 1960 to visit my grandparents. My mother and I returned again in 1962. We flew Pan Am from LAX to Honolulu. I remember meeting the pilot, who gave me wings to pin on my blouse, I was given playing cards and a bag with the Pan Am logo on it. I remember on one of the trips there was a fold down bed (I think where luggage is today). The flight attendants were very nice. I’m not sure if I was a novelty because I was 7 years old or the fact that flying to Hawaii was still new and exciting. When we landed in Honolulu we were given lei’s and the smell of pineapple and plumeria permeated the air. I knew I had landed in paradise!
My first flight to Honolulu was on Pan Am, probably around 1952 but not sure if that was the year. I do remember having to be dressed up as travel was more formal at that time. I also remember being invited to go down the circular stairs in the plane to the cabin area below the passenger seats. It was quite an adventure travelling from Massachusetts.
We visited grandparents and relatives on Oahu. My mother was born and raised in Honolulu and there have been many stories over the years of the wonderful island. I am glad I had a chance to experience Honolulu and Waikiki Beach before all the building. It was truly a bit of paradise.
First time to Hawaii(Maui) was 1989 on our honeymoon. Aloha Airlines wide body jet. My wife was a smoker at the time and we sat in the back ‘smoking section’ of the plane. This section was merely a curtain to separate the cabins. This was also previous to the extensive TSA checks so we had mini bottles of Vodka along to make our own in-flight drinks. We stayed in Kihei which was much, much less built up than it is today.
How times have changed but still love going back as much as we can.
My dad was stationed on a Destroyer in Pearl Harbor during WW2. He fell in love with the people and Hawaii. He then took my mom back in 1958 when I was 8 years old, to show her the beauty of Hawaii and what he fell in love with. Growing up in the house all I heard was, Hawaii this, Hawaii that. With my dad born and raised in San Diego and being one of the first lifeguards in Ocean Beach. He got me into surfing at 10 years old. In 1966 my friend and I scrapped together enough money and booked a trip to Oahu and stayed in Waikiki for one week in the summer time. And just like my dad, I fell in love with Hawaii too. I moved back to Hawaii on Feb. 14th 1970, (yes, I still remember the date) to Oahu and resided on the North Shore of Oahu on the point at Sunset Beach. My love blossomed for Hawaii while living there. The food, the local people, the waves, the weather, the long hikes in the mountains and on and on. Then in 1978 I met my future wife at Sunset Beach. We moved back to Pacific Palisades so I could learn a plumbing trade. Then in 1986 I moved the whole family, (my wife & I with 4 girls under 10 years old). I bought a house up in Pupukea and started a plumbing business in Pearl City and did projects all over the islands from custom homes to restaurants in Waikiki to government projects on all the bases. Then the recession hit in 1991 and Hawaii just shut down with no work. We decided in 1993 to pack it up, rent the house out and move to the Bay Area where work could still be found. Now after 27 years, I live in Santa Cruz Ca. and fly back and forth as much as I can to work to on my house, go surf and hang with my friends. Thank god for frequent flyer miles, cheap tickets, ATA yearly passes, credit cards that build up points, buddy passes from pilot friends and any other means to keep the aloha going. Now for the past 12 years, I have gotten in the routine of flying back every two months now. The most memorable airline was when ATA started selling yearly passes for under a $1,000. I was flying back and forth every weekend for a couple years. I made a lot of friends on those flights. Hawaiian then started to be my go to airline for sometime because my neighbors in Hi., Michelle and her husband were both pilots for Hawaiian. They would always helped me out with their buddy passes. Now with Southwest in the market they are my go to airlines to get to Hi. Hi is my second home and will always be. I have my whole family hooked on Hi. now.
Thanks Greg B, I really enjoyed reading your story.
Greg B,
It was so exciting to hear how you keep the aloha going. You really did have the system, work ethic, mental strength to make it happen and that is what the succesful (transplants) have to do to make it there. I envy that you had it. I did not have the guts to follow through, but Still remain to have the love and save all my money for return trips. Thats all my husband hears, is Hawaii this and Hawaii that! Thanks for sharing. Bless your Dad!
My first trip to Hawaii was on American Airlines. I flew with my Sister and her 2 children, June 1985. I fell in love. My favorite place in the world and I go back every chance I get. It is like going home.
My first trip to Hawaii was in 1990 on an American DC-10. I still recall the excitement as Oahu first came in to view. Stunning ! I fell in love with Hawaii immediately, and have been back numerous times. Looking forward to returning as soon as pandemic is over. Aloha !
Hi Ron.
Thank you.
Aloha.
My first flight to Hawaii was in 1977, my brother lived in Oahu and we went there for my nephews wedding. We have been back many times since then, lots of fond memories.
Hello, My first flight to Hawai’i was a surprise for my Mum’s 75th Birthday in 2009 – so I flew from London with my Mum, husband and 3 children aged 5, just 3 and 6 months! My Mum has travelled a lot but Hawai’i was always on her list – she was a big fan of the original Hawaii Five-0. On her birthday we had given her a box of Hawai’i related gifts including our baby’s plane ticket (all the rest of us had an e-ticket!) We stayed in Waikiki and travelled around and my Mum adored it. What a beautiful place on earth. My children, now 15, just 14, (and big fans of the new Hawai’i Five-0) and 11 keep talking about when they can go to Hawai’i again and we have since been blessed with a fourth child who is now 6 – so we had tickets for LÀ this August and decided to surprise them so are booked for HawI’i – we are so hopeful that we will be able to visit and that the islands and their people stay well. Dv. Ohana takes on a greater meaning in these times. Mahalo.
Hi Louise.
Thanks for sharing that!
Aloha.
You are welcome. I should have probably added that we flew American and are booked on American outbound again this time but returning on Hawaiian. Dv. I just read about non-stop flights London to Hawai’i coming soon – wow!
Mahalo.
I first flew to Hawaii from San Francisco in 1990, on United. In coach. I was sent on a work trip at the age of 33. I’d never particularly had any interest in going to Hawaii and I didn’t know much about it. But I’ll never forget walking out of the terminal to catch the wiki wiki bus and literally FEELING the weight of the air, redolent with the scent of tropical flowers, looking at the primordial mountains in the background. It was love at first sight; a love that deepened with more trips to other islands in the next couple of years. I began reading about Hawaii’s history and learning about the culture. When I met the love of my life, I could hardly wait to take her to Hawaii, which we did in late 1992. This time first class on United (a 2 class plane). We went to Oahu (she had to see Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, Sunset Beach). Then it was off to what had become my favorite island–the big island of Hawaii. She thought I had taken her to the surface of the moon! We began going twice a year, then three time a year. Eventually we owned 3 timeshare units. It would be 20 years before we could afford to buy a condo on Maui, where we plan to spend much of the year when we retire. Over the years I think we’ve flown every airline that comes to Hawaii from the mainland We love Hawaiian Airlines best, but they are usually the most expensive. Sometimes so much more that we feel we have no choice but to fly on one of the other airlines. The best thing about flying to Hawaii is that everyone on the plane is happy!
Hi LJ.
Thanks.
Aloha.
My first trip to Hawaii was for my honeymoon in 1985. We flew from Upstate NY on United to Honolulu for 5 days then took Aloha Air to Maui for 4 days. I’ve been back several times but to the Big Island. I’ve spent the last 2 February’s there and just love it. If all goes well I’ll spend next February there also. There’s nothing like Hawaii. 🌴🌈🐋
First visit was in 1961 chasing after my wife to be who was on Oahu with her mother. Traveled via Lockheed Constellation of Pink Cloud Airlines (Think Bob Newhart and the “Grace L Ferguson Airline and Storm Door Company). Worked a few odd jobs in Honolulu and then took a job to the west on an island (at that time called Ponape). After we were married, my wife and I returned to Hawaii many times. Hawaii is a truly wonderful place.
Hi Fred.
Thanks.
Aloha.
In 1982, the Army paid for my very first flight to Hawaii, to work at Tripler Hospital. I immediately said to myself “omg”, this sure beats Texas, where I was born, raised, & educated. I then island-hopped all over, usually on Mid-Pacific Airlines, for $19 each way. In 1985, I landed a job in the more relaxed town of Hilo; I recall looking down from my airplane window, absolutely knowing in my heart that “this is home”, although I’d never lived there, and didn’t know a soul. Still unforgettable.
We went to Kona to buy a condo in April of 2008. We had spent 3 nights in Kona 15 years prior but knew our retirement home should be there. While we were there both ATA and Aloha folded! We offered to bump off our Delta flight and theY readily accepted. We decided not to when they told us we would have to fly to Honolulu and spend 5 nights at the Hilton Hawaiian Village – room and meals provided. Great, except we both felt we would miss too much work! Great call – pass up a paid vacation in Hawai’i! Fast forward, we moved to Kona in 2015 after retiring in Washington state. Love The Big Island!
I first flew to Hawai’i (Honolulu) in February 2007 with my two daughters on Air Pacific (now Fiji Air). I liked it so much that I have been back ten more times. I have flown there from Vancouver six times (WestJet and Air Canada as well as Air Pacific) from Seattle three times (Alaska Airlines) and from Sydney, Australia twice (JetStar and Fiji Air). I have also flown Inter-Island with Hawaiian, Island Air and Mokulele. Aloha.
Hi Alan.
Thanks.
Aloha.
As usual, great article. My first visit was in 1983 via United from SFO. However, my mother first came to Hawaii before statehood on a PA Stratocruiser. I have her slides taken at the old terminal on Lagoon Drive, along with Pan Am and Aloha planes. Is there any way to share a photo?
Hi Peter.
First thank you for your comment and suggestion. You can send us images here: https://beatofhawaii.com/image-upload/.
Aloha.
My first trip was in 1984 with my mother. We flew from San Francisco to Honolulu through Sun Trips. I will never forget that trip. We did a hop over to Maui for one day. The last full day on the beach someone opened their hotel room sliding door and beautiful pink and white balloons flew out. I can remember the sun on the ocean, the smell of flowers and those balloons floating toward Diamond Head. The every next year and for several years after that I took my summer vacations and stayed on Maui. I’ve been to the Big Island several times and in 2002 i starting going to Kauai. I’ve been to Kauai with two of my best friends for my 55th birthday, with my husband for our 50 anniversary, with my granddaughter when she got her Degree, and with my oldest daughter on my 70th birthday to walk the path at the Buddhist temple. I’m hoping and planning another trip this year to Kauai for either my birthday or 55th anniversary. Paradise to me is the Hawaiian Islands and everyone I’ve meet there. I remember flying out of Kauai by myself the year my mother passed away and crying as I boarded the Hawaiian Airline flight. The attendant asked if she could help and I explain why I didn’t want to leave. She was so kind and gave me a hug and walked with me to my seat and checked on me through out the flight back to Sacramento. Hawaiian Airlines will also be my favorite airline because of the Aloha spirit and the joy I feel as soon as I board the plane.
Whenever I click on my e-mails, yours is the one I go to first. This article is a breath of fresh air during these tough times. People like you are the reason I love traveling to the islands.
Aloha,
Curtis C.
Hi Curtis.
You just made our day! Thanks very much.
Aloha.
I arrived on July 6, 1960 on the Matsonia from LA. I had just graduated from HS and was on the way to the Philippines where my Dad had a job assignment. Celebrated the official admittance of Hawaii as a state on July 4th on the Matsonia. Stayed at the Moana hotel and fell in love with a Hawai’i. Flew on a Pan Am Boeing Stratocruiser to Manila—3 eight hour legs through Wake and Guam. Had the worst sunburn of my life from surfing the afternoon before we left. Returned in September on way to college and again the following year going back to PI now on a 707. From then on I was always trying to figure out how to get back until I bought a timeshare 16 years ago and have been to Kauai every year since as well as stops on the other islands.
Our first flight to Hawaii was for our honeymoon February, 1968. I don’t think we flew United Airlines. I think maybe it was American from Chicago, connecting through Seattle then to Oahu, with an inter-island to Hilo where we started our 5 island honeymoon.
Over the ocean we had complimentary glasses of champagne. We were one of the first visitors to stay in the Naniola hotel in Hilo, and also in the new Kona Hilton (now Royal Kona Resort) in Kailua Kona. We also stayed in a young Maui Hilton next to the Sheraton Maui in Kanapali. Each evening a hotel maid came to the room, opened your bed and put an orchid blossom on the pillow. Those were the days! Inter-island air flights were $35 for visitors and $25 for residents. It took only 50 years for inter-island air fares to once again be reasonable.
We came back for a number of visits since then starting with my husband’s R & R in 1970 when he was in Vietnam. Then finally we made the move here to live on the Big Island in 2015. We’re now semi retiree and retiree (husband) living the good life and traveling to explore other parts of the world and visit the 2 daughters and grandchildren.
My first trip to Hawaii was in 1996 when my son was honored as the 1996 National Navy Sea Cadet of the Year. The Navy League was the most incredible host and we were treated so well by the wonderful folks of Oahu. My most persistent memory was the wonderful aroma of the flowers everywhere, even in the middle of downtown Waikiki! Been back to visit each of the islands; disappointed that we will miss our May trip to Kauai, but we’ll rebook and be there as soon as possible.
My first flight to Hawaii was on Pan Am in 1968 on a 707. We stayed at the Ilikai. I have visited nearly every year since then. I love Hawaii!
Looking forward to my next trip in December!
Aloha! I was 5 when I first flew to Honolulu. My parents and I flew out of LA. It was a prop plane and took approximately 12 hours. I remember they had a contest to guess the exact arrival time…guess it could vary quite a lot! I remember as we rolled down the runway my dad said “Look! There’s a jet!” We went to Honolulu and Hilo and in Waikiki we stayed at the Edgewater. We went to Hawaii every few years and eventually moved there. Very strong memories of those great and simpler times. Can’t wait to visit again when these crazy health issues are behind us!
Aloha,
Thanks for the interesting article, and all the others.
I first came to Maui with my then boyfriend, now husband in 1983. I put a quarter of college on hold to do it, his mom had given us her timeshare time at Papakea for October. The condos had no TVs, no phones.
Later we would go to Honolulu and Maui every few years, as we could afford it. In 1999, we were lucky enough to buy a tiny, one bedroom condo on Maui.
My husband first came in the mid-70s with his family. They all got hooked!
We wish we had recorded the number of trips we have taken, no such luck.
Thanks again for your newsletter!
Lanell
Hi Lanell.
As always, thank you!
Aloha.
My wife and I are relative new comers compared to your previous posts. We came to Maui in 2002 for our 25th anniversary and thought it would be a once in a lifetime trip. Boy were we wrong! The aloha spirit has drawn us back to the islands 16 more times. We have visited all the main islands and we love them all. We had a trip all planned and reserved for May but it looks that can’t happen. Our hope is that things can return to normal and this pestilence will pass with as little harm as possible to our hawaiian friends. We look forward to our next visit. Mahalo for your website. I enjoy it very much. ALOHA
Hi Steven.
Thank you!
Aloha.
I have the same exact poster “Hawaii via Pan American” that we bought in Kauai.
My first trip with Western airlines was in 1982. We flew from San Francisco to Honolulu then, on to Maui.
We flew many times on Hawaiian airlines DC 10 then Boing 767 then Airbus. I took Qantas from Cairns
(Australia) to go to Honolulu.
Hi Nadege.
Jeff also flew QF from Cairns to Honolulu. And we both forgot about Western Airlines.
Aloha.
My family moved to Oahu in 1957. In those days, the whole plane was the same class. First class was on a DC7, and took 8 hours, while coach flew DC6Bs and took 11 long hours to San Francisco. By the way, we spent the night of statehood on the lanai of the Moana, watching the fire boats and fireworks off shore.Clajdia
Wow To Experience the night of the statehood celebration! is something that you must share with Everyone. That is so cool! Now, I realize the natives are not happy about this, but coming from someone that read and studied Hawaii as a very young child, that would have been my dream to see that celebration from my lanai! thanks for sharing!
In 1987 as part of a sales promotion for a company I then worked with, I won a trip to Maui. Prior to that time I had no interest in going to Hawaii. Often I would say to friends ” It sounds like LA in the middle of the ocean,.” After landing and driving to Kanapali, I was totally won over. I thought I had found paradise. The night I returned home from that trip, I mad a reservation to go to Kauai 6 months later. I have been to Maui over 20 times since, Kona about the same and Kauai at least 12. I love Hawaii!!
Hi Jeff.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Aloha Airlines operated between Hawaii and the mainland for a while, also. We have been returning to Hawaii from Southern California at least once a year for about 20 years, thanks to the non-stop flights to Kauai and Maui from LAX. Visiting is always a pleasure because of the aloha spirit.
First flight to Hawaii was Oct.1981. It was on a tour, spent time on Oahu,Kauai,and Maui. I fell in love with Hawaii. I returned every year,
Until 1987, when I finally moved to Oahu, met my husband, got married. Returned to my home state of IL in 2012. Sadly my husband passed away. I now spend a week or two in Hawaii every year. My son lives on Maui, daughter and grandson on Oahu. Hawaii will always be home, and always in my heart. Thank you.
Hi Linda.
Thanks for sharing and for the 18 comments you’ve posted over the past four years. Much appreciated.
Aloha.
That was very informative. Thanks
Hi Judy.
Thank you.
Aloha.
What a fun history to read!
Hi Joni.
Thanks.
Aloha.
My first flight was with Continental in 1970. Was supposed to fly the new 747 from LAX to HNL but the plane had issues and they called in 3 707’s to replace the one jumbo jet. Was a long wait, getting the crews and planes arranged. I never did get to fly on a 747.
My first flight to HNL was on Continental 747 from LAX to spend Christmas there with my family. I was in the Navy at the time and the flight was full so they put me in first class. Wow that was quite the Christmas present.