This is turning out to be a good week for shoppers looking at interisland flights Hawaii with recent news from Island Air and Hawaiian Airlines. These announcements point to the likelihood of reduced pricing ahead for visitors and Hawaii residents.
Island Air Moves to State-of-The-Art Aircraft
First, Island Air is stepping up to the competition big time, with a fleet of faster, quieter, more comfortable and more environmentally friendly new Bombardier Q400 aircraft. The first of the new planes was blessed yesterday and two more aircraft will be in service shortly. The 35 year old Hawaii company plans to have a fleet of as many as 6 of the new planes on board this year.
We expect to see more inter-island routes from Island Air and increased number of flights per route, with the new planes. The company has been using an aging and unreliable fleet of French built ATR-72 turboprops for a number of years. That resulted in decreased guest satisfaction and increased financial losses as we wrote about in Island Air Disappoints. With this announcement of new planes, we are excited to try Island Air again and suggest that you do too.
Island Air had decided on the Q400’s previously, but ended up cancelling them following a series of financial reverses and reorganization.
Hawaiian Airlines Expands Inter-Island with a Fare Sale
Next, Hawaiian Airlines is on an expansion tear too. The company announced this week that for the first time ever they will begin nonstop flights between the Big Island and Kauai. Introductory fares are $89, which considering this is the longest route in the Hawaiian Islands, is quite reasonable.
New one hour flights, starting March 12, will operate once daily. Kona departure time is 9:38am and Lihue departure time is 3:44pm.
For this introductory fare, book at Hawaiian Airlines by July 19 and travel between March 12 and May 24, 2017.
“We are proud to now offer our guests direct access between these islands, in addition to our connecting flights through Honolulu or Maui. This gives travelers greater flexibility and convenience when traveling through the Hawaiian Islands.” – Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines.”
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from kona wish to visit others hawwian island
is possible from kona and which one and how much from feb18 to march 8
We are excited to visit Maui for the first time in September 2017. When do you suggest we book the flight? Is it better to fly nonstop from Newark,NJ to Maui or stop in San Francisco for one night
We are also interested in taking a day trip to Pearl Harbor and Kauii. How much do those flights cost?
Thank you!
Hi Linda.
Only nonstops are to Honolulu from EWR or JFK. So it is one stop somewhere and there are lots of choices. Inter-island flights cost under $100 each way. You’re probably best booking about 3 months in advance for September travel.
Aloha.
After seeing the story on Island Air’s plan for non-stop flights between LIH and KOA, I checked a flight I have set up in October on Hawaiian and found they are now offering a non-stop flight UA 500 as well!! It’s about time, haven’t seen this in years. So I paid the $30/ticket to switch flights.
Thanks for all the wonderful information.
Aloha.
Right now flights from 3/8/17 to 3/15/17 non stop from JFK to Honolulu are at $748.40 per person round trip. Do you think these fares will go down at all? Or should I book now? Thank you in advance. I appreciate your input.
Hi Bonnie.
That’s a fair price and we don’t expect it to go lower. If you want to do a one-stop and/or fly one day earlier in both directions, up to $100 savings is possible.
Aloha.
When should I book my Honolulu to Kauai flight?
I will be in Honolulu for 15 days September 2017 and would
like to visit Kauai during this time. Thank you.
Hi James.
There could be slight sales in mid-summer for late summer/fall.
Aloha.
Aloha! We’re bringing a rookie to Oahu and thought the Polynesian Cultural Center would be a great introduction to Hawaii and the islands of the Pacific. Are you aware of any deals for admission and the luau? We’d like to stretch our travel budget as much as possible.
Mahalo!
Michael
Hi Michael,
This 10% off advance purchase is the only one that we are aware of.
Aloha.