Putting Hawaii travel costs in perspective. From the Honolulu Clipper take off to today’s landing.
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192 thoughts on “Prices Went From $5,500 To $99 As Air Travel Reshaped Hawaii”
Putting Hawaii travel costs in perspective. From the Honolulu Clipper take off to today’s landing.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
I flew from San Francisco to Kailua Kona via Honolulu, February 1975 on a DC-9? to Spend a month visiting my mom. They served Hawaiian food and drinks and I could smoke cigarettes I will always remember the smell Of tropical flowers when I deplaned in Honolulu and the warmth of the humid tropical air. I found it strange to have to go to the Inter Island airport which was tiny. My Inter island flight was still on a prop jet. Kona airport only had a few pavilions And I remember the aroma of the Lei stands. The Population of Kailua Kona was less than 2000 people then.. it was a little quiet sleepy fishing Village With just one stop sign and no big highway. You could walk down to Ali’i Drive and not see a car go by. I’m so grateful I got to Experience all of that then ..when I was only 22. I Discovered “aloha” I connected with the “aina”. It’s still my home today Although it has grown Immensely ..Tragically overcrowded and developed. Yet its still Hawai’i ne.
I remember my first flight to Hawaii like it was yesterday, though it was 47 years ago! It was 1976, and I was 13. My dad took me for a 3 island, 7 night tour of the islands – Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii Island (though we called it the Big Island). We flew from LAX on a Western Airlines DC-10 “the only way to fly”! It was my first flight ever, and I’ve been back many times since. I even got married on Kauai 20 years later! Mahalo for the memories! 🌺
My first flight was to Honolulu. Northwest Airlines, 747. Stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, in the tower. Played volleyball with Sonny Bono and others on the beach in front of the hotel while Cher laid on the beach watching. Still hard to believe.
Our first visit to the islands was for our honeymoon, Feb 4-18, 1968. It was magical. We traveled to the 4 main islands. I still have receipts and this one came to $1200! We flew on Northwest Airlines. They served everyone a glass of champagne midway over the ocean. Our first stop was Hilo, Hawaii. We stayed at the brand new Naniloa Hotel. We were transported across the island to Kona on a semi private shuttle over a road that cut through Hawaii Volcanos National Park and now is covered over by lava. We were one of the first guests at the Kona Hilton now called the Royal Kona Resort.
On Maui it was the Maui Hilton, now Maui Kaanapali Villas. It cost $14/night at these hotels! We also stayed at Kauai’s Coco Palms. Loved it!
Our first trip to Maui was in 2004. We flew on Aloha Airlines; two tickets for about $500rt total, $125 each way sale. My husband’s boss allowed us to stay in his condo, at the Royal Kahana. We were hooked. We’ve been back 12 times since. We’ve also visited Oahu twice and the Big Island once. We love visiting and hope to continue, with Aloha to all.
My first trip to Oahu was in 1976 and my office had a bon voyage party. It was a big deal. We flew from Sacrament to Oahu and the
best part was when we landed and stepped out onto the tarmac and
the beautiful warm breeze and being presented with a lei. I miss that
welcome. I don’t remember how much the flight was. But I do know
we had to scrimp and safe to afford it. Now we take our granddaughters and share the aloha spirit with them.
My wife and I honeymooned on Maui in 1985. We flew from Oakland, Ca. through Honolulu on a World Airways 747 – $99 flights. To call it minimalist would be overstating it, but what did we care? We stayed at Kaanapali’s Maui Surf (now Westin Maui) for $115 per night. We’ve been back dozens and dozens of times over the years, never again at that price – LOL – We have tried other islands, but our hearts are on Maui.
My first flight to HI was in Aug. 2005 from San Diego To Maui in. The fare $500 rt. I fell in w/ the place the moment I stepped off HA57. I’ve been coming once a year ever since & have visited every island. Aloha!