We are not keeping this under cover. Southwest has been in the news recently with canceled flights, technology issues, and today a Southwest passenger who couldn’t keep their pants on and was arrested by the time they got to Phoenix. So let’s check in on Southwest Hawaii flights from the airline with “heart, hospitality and spirit” as reflected in their logo and mission.
We begin with two of our readers who were in contact about upcoming changes to Southwest Hawaii flights.
Reader Carl said, “In the latest schedule there is no longer a PHX LIH non-stop. Very disappointed about that. Planned out a trip based on the non-stop flights but will have to settle for a layover at HNL. Any idea why this is the case and if it’s just adjusted for seasonal travel?”
Reader Steven added, “Not sure if you’ve seen the new fall line up of flights. Schedule changes coming up for interisland and now bookable starting in September.”
This follows the release last week of the latest flight schedule that goes until fall 2022. The airline said, “We are currently accepting air reservations through November 5, 2022. On June 16, 2022 we will open our schedule for sale through January 4, 2023.
The following are the Southwest Hawaii flight changes reflected in the latest schedule.
Phoenix to Hawaii. Nonstop flights will be eliminated to two of Hawaii’s airports. Starting this fall, Southwest will no longer serve either Kona or Kauai directly from Phoenix. It isn’t clear whether those routes could return later, and we’ll need to wait until June to find out more when their next schedule is released.
San Diego to Hawaii. Here too, nonstop flights will be eliminated to the same two Hawaii airports and SWA will no longer serve either Kona or Kauai directly from San Diego.
Sacramento to Kona. Nonstop flights will be discontinued, at least for now, and no other airline will operate that route.
What to expect regarding prices.
Lower interisland fares, and those from the mainland, too, seem to be eroding. As Southwest and Hawaiian compete longer, they are both trying to learn to live together in a way that doesn’t totally destroy profitability flying between the islands. Thus, the current $45 fares on most interisland routes are rising to the mid-$80’s, starting in May. We don’t know if they can make those much higher airfares stick or not, given this significant new competition.
What became of the 50% Off summer flights to Hawaii?
When last we reported, mainland-to-Hawaii fares on both Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines were often running at about half-off traditional summer costs from many west coast gateways. And there’s still some good news. As just one example, Los Angeles to Maui was just $174 each way. The traditional fare on that route in the summer starts at $350 each way. And those great prices are still available from both Los Angeles (SWA, HA and others) and San Francisco (HA and others). Most of the remaining west coast gateways, however, have returned to traditional summer-high Hawaii airfares.
Will Southwest expand further in Hawaii?
The answer is that it is entirely possible, and how and where that could happen is below. We even have a surprise addition.
Book Southwest Hawaii holiday travel starting June 16!
For those of you planning an end of year holiday in Hawaii, Southwest will open reservations for that on June 16. Until then, you can only book travel through November 5, 2022.
Complete Southwest Hawaii nonstop routes:
LAS VEGAS: Honolulu. Kona. Maui. Kauai.
LOS ANGELES: Honolulu. Kona. Maui. Kauai.
LONG BEACH: Honolulu. Maui .
OAKLAND: Honolulu. Kona. Maui. Kauai.
PHOENIX: Honolulu. Kona (ending). Maui. Kauai (ending).
SAN JOSE: Honolulu. Kona. Maui. Kauai.
SACRAMENTO: Kona (ending). Honolulu. Maui.
SAN DIEGO: Honolulu. Kona. Maui. Kauai.
HAWAII INTERISLAND: Hilo. Honolulu. Kauai. Kona. Maui.
Will Southwest Hawaii expand further?
Southwest Hawaii’s expansion beyond their current routes remains unsure. However, should it resume, the following is our list of possible nonstop-to-Hawaii cities.
Denver
Burbank
Palm Springs (New)
Salt Lake City
Spokane
Albuquerque
Updated. 4/4/22.
Photo credit: SWA.
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New schedule opened up today with no Sacaramento – Maui direct flights. Does anyone know if Southwest plans to add nonstop SMF to OGG again? Do they ever add flights to schedule after the release of new dates?
Just curious, Hawaiian has non stops to HNL and Ogg and quite reasonable…..wondering why you wouldn’t use them other than if it’s about using SWA miles? On the day I checked they had coach flights for around 300 dollars and and I actually saw a First Class fare of $891
Just spoiled I guess. We flew nonstop last January one way for $99 on Southwest and that includes free luggage.
There are no SWA nonstop flights from Sacramento to Maui in the fall. Curious why they have been eliminated.
Not sure if you saw this but SWA is removing their nonstop i believe sept 2022, from SMF to OGG. only airline now is Hawaiian that does it. Swa comes with layover in Honolulu now.
It seems strange they have no nonstops from Seattle, no?
Hello,
We are looking at booking flights for the February Winter Break around Presidents day week. Would it best to wait until Southwest’s booking window opens up for that time period or just go ahead book Hawaiian Airlines from Oakland to Maui? Would appreciate any advice on this. Tahnk you
Hi Gregg.
Unless you have SW in mind for a particular reason, available flights are reasonable; priced at $159-$189. It will probably not get cheaper and could get more expensive if you wait.
Aloha.
Thank you for your response. I am sorry I should’ve been more specific right now the fares on Hawaiian air for days we are going February 18 to 25 is $754 RT. My question is should I wait until Southwest enters this time window with their fares or is this probably the best fares we will get on Hawaiian? Thank you again.
Hi Gregg.
No one knows, but our take is that when SW announces those dates, it won’t make any difference to your specific holiday weekend travel. Based on the pricing, availability might be the bigger concern.
Aloha.
Going to Hawaii on Hawaiian Air is a much better deal then SW unless you are trying to use up SW miles.
Why do you think that? Just curious, seeing as how swa gives you so many things for free that the other airlines charge for. Fares are basically similar but with the free add ons not to mention the far superior legroom on SWA, I find them a better option. I just flew United AND Hawaiian to kona from the mainland… the legroom (in economy) was inhumane. The legroom on swa was like economy plus on the other airlines. That alone makes it a better choice for me.
Andy, it’s the cliché but true fact that when you get on a Hawaiian flight you are already in Hawaii. It’s a substantially different vibe.
Obviously some get it more more then others just like some people love Hawaii and what it offers and others don’t have an appreciation for it.
As very frequent travelers, to visit ohana, from the Los Angeles area, we have flown various airlines and settled on Hawaiian as our flights for a few reasons. 1) The flight attendants are the most friendly, always showing Aloha. 2) My wife in particular loves the 2-4-2 seating of the A330.
Are the restrooms on SWA as small as on Alaskan? My husband is a big dude and he has zero wiggle room, almost impossible. So are all the restrooms the same size?
Spokane … Puhlease!!!!
Southwest cancelling a dozen or so mainland to Hawaii flights while adding more interisland is seen as desperation to me. They overestimated their performance on mainland routes, so now they are increasing their neighbors island flying as a last resort. They can fly all the empty 737s they want.
A market is a market. Not only SWA brought interisland fares down through competition but so did several others through the years. It’s not a Hawaii thing it’s an airline market thing. All businesses must leave unprofitable markets if they expect to stay in business!
Southwest just cancelled our non-stop flights both ways from PHX to KOA in June. That is the only reason we booked with Southwest, not happy! Colleen
Thanks for that info. So, not being experienced with all that…can I ask…what does one/you do then- what I mean is, did you find another different airline, or cancel trip, what. We were making future plans with friends, but we don’t know how to handle that, and don’t want to be left either at home or in an airport with NO air to go.
I know this all sounds very dumb, just not experienced with southwest or with Hawaii air, etc. but we just are looking for mahalo type help.
We would be traveling from the east coast USA, and currently, southwest announcements all are about cancelling, safety issues due to lack of pilots or overtime, etc.
Thank you so much.
An airline won’t just leave you hanging to dry. They may cancel your booked Itinerary… do you what ever reason… but they have to get you to your destination. They will rebook you. It’s not ideal but you’re not going to be left to fend for yourself
Interesting BOH starts out “Southwest has been in the news recently with canceled flights, technology issues, and today a Southwest passenger who couldn’t keep their pants on and was arrested by the time they got to Phoenix”. Southwest has offered low fare, safe, and fun travel with lots of luv for 50+ years. Your bias for Hawaiian is very obvious. Remember when interisland fares were always 200 dollars plus. SWA has heart that goes much deeper than most people understand! LUV and Aloha to SWA!!
This is site about Hawaii, I don’t think you could say BOH is biased. SWA is new, to Hawaii and frankly have acted like the airline equivalent of someone moving here and speaking pidgin. Their inter island flights are staffed by crews here for a couple day layover and it shows. They have been aggressive and disrespectful in the way they came over here and have prioritized growth at the expense of the state. We are a different market then MCO or LAS. SWA doesn’t get that.
John. You hit it. HAL flight crews bring you to home with them. LUV and all other carrier crews wear plastic lays and are on vacation too. Nothing wrong with that, but there is a distinction that’s hard to quantify.
Side from that. This website is about Hawaii, but this SWA parade is clearly paid for by SWA.
I’ve had nothing but very nice crews on neighbor island flights. Mainland flights too although some are more lazy than others, but I still have great experiences on Southwest. I get free snacks better legroom free movies and texting… I get my bags checked in… FOR FREE and I usually enjoy a free drink just for being nice. They seem to care. I like that.
And when their fares were $200 bucks, did you fly Island Air? HAL had a virtual monopoly of less than 18 months. SWA came in to run HAL under with unsustainable prices and do as they do everywhere else when they take over, charge an outrageous rate. They didn’t become a juggernaut hit with luv, but rather with blood.
Remember HAL is Hawaiian legacy, Aloha, Island Air, and all other defunct local carriers. If it wasn’t for HAL all those families would have been displaced.
For us Midwest people, Hawaiian air has no bargains for us but Southwest keeps us flying to Hawaii. We are bringing 7 to Maui for the first time in October. Two coming from
SC so this is challenging but SW has so many options, it makes it easy to work, make changes and find ways to get us all there. Without SW, it would make it difficult for many of us to Hawaii these days!
Hi.
I read with interest your comment. Now, I would appreciate very much if you are able to followup, due to the SW cancellations and staffing problems…are you still able to fly then? Are they still reserving your reservation? We were about to meet friends there, but we see all flight reservationsfrom east coast cancelled at this time. None offered. Any reply is really appreciated very much. ?
All airlines are cancelling flights right now, this isn’t just one airline. A combination of typical summer weather and continuing staffing issues from early retirements offered during COVID contribute to the problems. If you have a canceled flight, airlines rebook you or refund your money if you choose. There are no flight pairing on Southwest from the east coast that get you to Hawaii in one day, that’s why you are having problems with online reservations. Try flying into LAX, SJC, OAK, LAS, PHX, SAN to name a few, spend the night and take first flight out to Hawaii the next morning. Many destinations. Flights are still going! If you have issues, I suggest calling reservations to help you.
So I’m having issues finding flights with Southwest after May this year. I’m flying from Boise, Idaho and they don’t have any flights to Kona after May. I’m imagine it’s due to no longer flying from those California cities listed 😞
I just checked flights from LAX, SJC for California, and PHX and LAS. All show flights to KOA on the southwest website for random days in June. Early June had connections from BOI for same day arrival. Perhaps their website was down when you looked?
When will they get some great fares for those that live in the middle of the states (the South and the Midwest areas) as well as from the East coast?? I Know stopovers would most likely have to be included, but we want some deals, too. As it is now, we have to go somewhere we don’t want to, probably overnight, just to catch a flight out there. Maybe I’ll start going the other direction to the Bahamas or something. The main reason I go to Hawaii is to visit my parent’s grave… and it’s Aloha. Th
Ditto. Nothing available shown now from Newark ewr airport.
Aloha guys! 🙂
Thank you for the Southwest updates. I cannot say I am surprised by “LUV” cancelling their non-stop flights from SAN/KOA. We used them when the flight times were more convenient than Alaska. One flight we took from KOA to SAN last Sept. had a total of 22 passengers and another flight were on about a week ago had 55 passengers. It was great that my husband and I each had a row to ourselves on both flights, but I cannot believe this would have been sustainable long-term.
Hi Cheri.
Thanks for your update on flying that route. We appreciate it.
Aloha.
I don’t care how cheap, and how many flights Southwest has, I will always be loyal and fly Hawaiian Airlines. They are the best to Hawaii.
When you buy a ticket on Hawaiian the money goes back to Hawaii and supports the local economy, which in turn makes Hawaii a better place.
Money spent on another airline goes back to the mainland.
I agree. I will only fly Hawaiian. American was not great. Southwest is a mess of cancelled fights. You get what you pay for.
Southwest has cancelled their non stop flights to Kauai from San Diego. I was holding flight they rebooked, taking me from a 5 1/2 hour nonstop to a total of 11 hours travel time with layovers. Ridiculous! I see you say they have them–did they reinstate them today? It is so frustrating to have them do this–they have done it before. Of course, the time for cheaper fares on other airlines was when I booked with southwest, and now its too late.
Hi Lori.
Yes, thanks for that. Both LIH and KOA nonstops are disappearing from the SWA schedule.
Aloha.
Your experience with SWA isn’t unusual….I don’t see the bargain in using them when you can get a bargain on HA just as easily??
Hawaii is just an extension for the mainland airlines and vulnerable to mainland delays effecting their Hawaii route. Hawaiian just flies to Hawaii
so is less likely to be delayed or cancelled. There is a lot to be said about that “you’re in Hawaii when you board Hawaiian, everyone else you have to wait till you land”
I don’t understand that expression. You know HA flies in the mainland and Asia? Also the revenue is distributed to all the airports and ticket selling locations HA flies. I’m for free market economy to minimize monopolies from taking advantage of us!
Aloha MJ, the point was Hawaiian is based in Hawaii. The money from their tickets goes to Hawaii and supports families living, working and spending in Hawaii. Hawaiian employs 7000 people mostly in Hawaii. Other airlines can’t say that. Buy a ticket on them and most of the money leaves Hawaii. It’s the same as the “buy local” principal. You are supporting Hawaii by buying/flying local.
In the latest schedule there is no longer a PHX LIH non-stop. Very disappointed about that. Planned out a trip based on the non-stop flights but will have to settle for a layover at HNL.
Any idea why this is the case and if it’s just adjusted for seasonal travel?
FWIW and this is strictly anecdotal, but SWA leads the pack in canceling or changing flights. I’ve known a few people that have had to deal with plans drastically altered by them. (Inter Island is REALLY sketchy) They are the newbies and still trying to figure out the market is my guess.
Effective yesterday, 3/31/22, booking is now available through November 5. My autumn reservation to Maui has been confirmed. Mahalo Southwest!
Since Southwest started flying to Hawaii we have gone four times, even taken the whole family of 10 twice. SWA made it possible, Hawaiian and AA never did. Yes we have all heard about the business class Hawaiian, AA and others have. Most people fly coach, which is why there are 4x to 6x the amount of coach seats on all flights to everywhere. When it comes to assigned seating if you need to be told where to sit, fly an airlines other than Southwest. People figure it out. Tks SWA!! ; )
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We are all waiting for the nonstop from PHX-LIH. American does it. Now it’s Southwest’s turn especially since PHX is such a hub for Southwest …c’mon…
The traffic between abq and Hawaii isn’t there. Just fyi
How do you know?
I’m hoping for flights from Portland Oregon to the Hawaiian islands.
Southwest could be at $5 each way and I wouldn’t use them to fly to Hawaii. Hawaiian Airlines actually is extremely close in costs but the value, cleanliness, friendly staff and the Hawaiian flair makes it worth every penny. Only way to go!
No question HA is the gold standard for Hawaii travel. My problem with SWA is their mass marketing disrespect for Hawaii. This isn’t a LAS or MCO type market. The so called SWA effect really isn’t what Hawaii will need going forward. HA reintroducing Intl travel like they did with SYD this week is.
HA is the only airline from Hawaii. My feelings are that a ticket bought on Hawaiian supports Hawaii and it’s recovery.
Agree with some of your points, but tons of folks heading to MCO spend huge amounts of $$$ on their vacations, iI mean big bucks! I know. I lived there and worked for the Mouse for a long time. 😄
I totally agree.
Agreed
Aloha,
Thanks for keeping all of us updated regarding Hawaii travel!
Is Southwest starting to reduce their routes to Hawaii? I just tried to book San Jose to Lihue and that service appears to be ending at end of January.
Alaska Airlines still has not resumed the San Jose – Lihue service since they stopped it last year.
Just curious if you have any thoughts why flight connections to Lihue are being reduced.
Thanks!
Hi Tim.
We can’t say with any certainty. But, one thing that’s clear is that the airlines need to find any ways they can to reduce the number of $100 routes. It doesn’t work. That route will be back right before spring break, at a higher cost.
Aloha.
Why doesn’t it work? Do you mean it’s not profitable for SWA?
We got an amazing price on southwest in February but we were under the impression they were going to serve meals for Hawaii flights, like Hawaiian Air does. That was not the case. They did give us a package with cheese and crackers, plus the usual pretzel snack.
Thank you for all your updates!! I really count on your news updates before I travel so thank you for all that you do. Now for your readers:
If you want a response you must ………
“ A “please” or “thanks” is required for a reply.”
It’s beginning to get to me hahaha
Hi Marie.
Thanks. We appreciate that.
Aloha.
Sudden change in plans may give you big stress, but with Southwest Airlines you can manage all your problems. Southwest Airlines welcomes your ammendments and offers you freedom by not charging Southwest Change Flight Fee. For an itinerary change, you will have to pay fare difference, no other charges will be applied.