Update 8/15/19: See today’s announcements and $29-$99 Southwest Hawaii deals.
As of August 14, the clock is ticking, and we are awaiting the imminent release of new Southwest Hawaii flights. About a week ago there was another reshuffling of plans for more Hawaii routes, and the company said that they would be announcing more routes this month!
Read on for what is definitely going to happen tomorrow, what may also happen tomorrow, and which mainland and inter-island routes are next.
Beat of Hawaii’s thoughts on August announcements:
1. Tomorrow’s (August 15) announcement will include availability to book flights from January 5 through March 6 including those to and from Hawaii. (Note: Southwest only allows reservations up to about six months in advance of travel. Other airlines permit reservations up to 11 months in advance).
2. The date for release of the next Southwest Hawaii flights could be tomorrow. We don’t know that for sure, but it has been rumored. Read on for more on that and what time of day that could happen.
2. Two new Hawaii inter-island routes are expected next. Flights to Kauai and Hilo will be extensions of flights to and from Honolulu only. No direct flights expected at this time.
3. Two new Hawaii mainland routes are also expected next. Those being San Diego to Honolulu and Sacramento to Honolulu.
4. These new Hawaii flights will be added using their existing 737-800 fleet.
More Southwest Hawaii deals are clearly just ahead for late summer and fall!
Sales on their existing routes as well as the about to be announced routes will be happening soon.
Southwest Hawaii News | What to Expect
What time will the Southwest announcements occur?
Okay, this is a tough one. We’ve seen them start soon after midnight, and sometimes several hours later. That is eastern time. We’re confident about tomorrow’s schedule release occurring as planned (with or without new Hawaii routes). And, it’s a great time to buy tickets for winter travel, including two holiday weekends.
What are the other Hawaii routes that will be coming and when will those be announced?
The rest of the Southwest Hawaii roll-out (beyond the flights currently operating and those indicated above), including flights from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Denver, appears poised to re-commence in early 2020, and will take considerably longer than hoped. Those flights are pending the return to flight of their Max 8 aircraft fleet.
Are there more $99 airfares ahead?
Yes, we expect ultra-low airfares to return, even as soon as this month. When more flights are announced, Hawaiian Airlines will compete on mainland and inter-island routes and Alaska Airlines will join in as well. At that time, intermittent Hawaii airfares starting at about $100 each way and inter-island fares in the $30’s each way may reoccur. The next year or more will have some of best ever Cheap Flights to Hawaii.
Reminder of why aren’t flights bookable from points further east than Denver and when will they be?
That is because Southwest doesn’t have red-eye (overnight) flights. While the airline has talked about changing that, it could be many months to years away. There are logistical and staffing issues, although the airline’s reservation system has been updated to allow for them. When overnight flights start, that should make Hawaii accessible (without multiple tickets and a layover) from points further east across the U.S. CEO Gary Kelly said, “we don’t really desire to fly red-eyes right now…. for our style of operation, it would complicate things.” Red eye flights are used by other airlines flying from Hawaii to enable the long flights and up to 6 time zones between Hawaii and the eastern US.
When you attempt to book city pairs that require two separate SW tickets to Hawaii, you’ll get a message that looks something like this: “Sorry, we found some errors… Flights from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Honolulu (Oahu) are not scheduled to operate on mm/dd/yy. Please select an alternate date or choose another origination/destination.” That is your cue that two tickets are needed for now.
Southwest Hawaii flights can be changed
SWA has no change fees or cancellation fees. Also, if fares drop, you can rebook and credit the difference back to your account for future travel.
What’s next for Southwest Hawaii
August to November 2019
✈ Announcement of next new flights (perhaps as soon as tomorrow, August 15) together with Southwest global schedule update for flights through March 5, 2020
✈ Flights from Sacramento to Honolulu
✈ Flights between Honolulu and Kauai
✈ Flights between Honolulu and Hilo
✈ Flights from San Diego to Honolulu
First half of 2020
✈ MAX aircraft return to service
✈ Additional inter-island routes and direct flights to and from all islands
Later in 2020 to 2021
✈ Flights from Los Angeles to Honolulu and Maui
✈ Flights non-stop to Kona and Lihue
✈ Flights from Honolulu and Maui to Hilo
✈ Flights from Phoenix, Las Vegas, non-stop to Hilo and later Denver to Hawaii may start in 2020 or 2021
Updated August 14, 2019.
Disclosure: We receive a small commission on purchases from some of the links on Beat of Hawaii. These links cost you nothing and provide income necessary to offer our website to you. Mahalo! Privacy Policy and Disclosures.
Rachel says
Aloha!
I was wondering if you know if Southwest will be booking more flights from Denver to Honolulu in peak season months – specifically June?
I know you can’t book Southwest too far out but they’re our preferred airline and thinking the cheapest option as well.
Thank you!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Rachel.
We honestly don’t know more about their plans than we publish. If we find out anything like that, we’ll be sure to update the post.
Aloha.
vincent h says
LOOKING FOR 6 TICKETS 5/2020 FOR GO TO HAWAII FOR 2 WEEKS FLYING OUT OF RICHMOND VA
THANKS,
VINNIE
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Vinnie.
Also, you’ll want to avoid Memorial Day weekend, and if possible fly mid-week for best prices. Can you let us know which island you are traveling to for more information.
Lastly, we respectfully ask that you do not type in all upper case in comments.
Aloha.
adam m. says
When can we expect the April Southwest Hawaii dates to be released?
Courtney says
Would love to know this too. Oak to Lih in April 2020
Ngoc says
Hi,
I am looking for one connection of nonstop from Austin to Honolulu June 14-24,2020. When is good time to buy for family of 5? Current price I have seen is in 800s range. Thanks
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Hgoc.
That is a fair price from Austin for your dates. Perhaps considering buying now. While off season can be as low as $500, it is not likely to get better for peak of summer travel.
Aloha.
Eric W. says
What a let-down
Holding the city of San Diego hostage
Forcing us to wait for unsafe aircraft when we all know the max 8 will be further delayed so you’re just screwing over San Diego people out of the sale to Hawaii should be going on now if your company wasn’t so greedy
Gee P says
So, I was surprised and very excited today. I was able to book a DIRECT flight for February 2020 from SJC to LIH for only $164!!
Noreen C says
Hello from San Diego. I am patiently awaiting the Southwest $99 deals from San Diego to Honolulu (SAN – HNL). Have you heard anything about when they might be released, or if they are still planning to for that route? My dilemma is do I purchase a regular (but very reasonable) ticket with Alaska at $335 or still wait. Our dates are completely flexible from now until next May. We just want to go with the best deal and don’t really care when. Thanks!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Noreen.
With your flexibility, it would be best to wait and see what happens. San Diego will get announced for your time frame. We just don’t when. $99 is a good bet for introductory fare.
Aloha.
Gee says
When is the new anticipated date for non-stop flights from San Diego to Hawaii to be announced? Will it be any day or likely with the next schedule update? Can we again expect rock bottom trans-pacific and inter-island deals then?
Abe G. says
We are looking at a group of 17 flying from Dallas or San Antonio to Honolulu on May 16 and returning May 23. We have received group rates from $982 to $867. Should we wait to anticipate that prices will go down? Thanks.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Abe.
Regular price is in $800’s without discount and 1-stop. And $960 on nonstop. You should be able to get 10% off those directly from the airline. If you wait (until later this year or early next year), expect prices to be under $500 1-stop and under $700 non-stop, before group discount.
Aloha.
Angela says
My Minnesota family of 3 is headed to Maui in October. Dates are flexible. Any tips on how to spend less than $600/ticket?
Thanks
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Angela.
High $500’s is probably the best it is going to be.
Aloha.
David K. says
What are best flight options from L’IT to HNL round trip early January to late February. Flight dates are flexible.
Valerie M says
Aloha Beat of Hawaii,
I just wanted to write in and say a huge MAHALO for this newsletter, the heads-up and for all the helpful information. I find that your industry knowledge has helped me secure airline deals before they sell out because your newsletter hits my inbox first. So, this is just a little-simple THANK YOU. I value this site. And this past May, I flew to OGG from SFO on the $99 each way deal. Was a blast! Valerie
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Valerie.
Thanks so much for your message. That means more than you think. 🙂
Aloha. Rob and Jeff
catherine h. says
Aloha,
Please help me find the best airfare to Honolulu.
We are a family of 5 leaving from Philadelphia on May 16 or later, staying for 2 weeks.
Thank you very much!
Cathy H.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Catherine.
You can expect to may in the low to mid $600’s for that route. It is too early to buy at that price however, so check back perhaps fall to early winter. Don’t wait much later to start your trip so you avoid summer prices.
Aloha.
Jon in SoCal says
I’m just wondering. Is the plane configuration and seating arrangement the same on swa Hawaii flights? Curious. Mahalo for the blog. I’ve subscribed for years and we go to Hawaii from the mainland every year.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jon.
Yes it is the same configuration as aircraft used on the mainland.
Aloha.
milissa S says
As of right now 6;15pm Aug 14th, there are very limited flights from SMF to HNL. 1 or 2 per week..specifically in the month of No and they are not NS.
milissa s says
Just looked and theres flights to/from SMF-OGG right now as well. Just limited flights and Very EXPENSIVE, TRIPLE THE POINTS in some cases compared to/from OAK/OGG
Brendan M says
Those have been on there for a few months now. I asked about them during the last calendar drop and it was explained to me they were continuation flights from down south. The biggest flag that something new has dropped would be the addition of more months on the Low Fare Calendar. That is my guess anyway, because from my understanding, that is the main reason for any updates is the new months being dropped first and foremost.
Dave says
Sacramento to HNL now showing to start service 1/19/20. No start for SAN.
SD Dave says
Looks like direct flights from SMF (Sacramento) to HNL start after the holidays – Jan 19th. I even saw a couple of $99 flights in there about 20 min ago.
No love for So Cal, though. Only SMF directs added, not San Diego as hoped.
Note to Beat of Hawaii – would be great if we had a “cheater box” that lists all the airport codes involved here that stays static as you scroll down. Just an idea – thanks.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Dave.
San Diego will probably come sooner than later. Thanks for the suggestion.
Aloha.
SD Dave says
SWA seems to be misleading / misfiring / badly managing expectations when it comes to San Diego / Hawaii. What is the update to the update to the update ? Thanks.
D
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Dave.
Can’t disagree with you there. We really don’t know what to expect for SD at this point.
They have had a very rough start for multiple reasons. We hope that all gets worked out sooner than later.
Aloha.
Paula H says
Hi there! Curious if you’re expecting direct flights from San Diego to Maui on SW? You’ve only been listing to Honolulu.. I fly regularly to Maui to visit family and have been anxiously awaiting SW to come into the market!
Mahalo!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Paula.
We’ll have to wait a bit longer for San Diego. It could include Maui when it happens.
Aloha.
Stacey R. says
I didn’t see Sacramento or San Diego to OGG mentioned above. Do you know if nonstops between those cities and Maui are still planned? If so, do you think they will be announced at the same time as the nonstops to HNL?
Jerry L says
May I please ask a question? My family is flying to Honolulu for thanksgiving and we live in the Bay Area with tickets from Oakland to Honolulu, but just wondering if the Sacramento to Hawaii routes have a cheap 99$ airfare? We would definitely drive up there if it was at that price.
Thanks!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jerry.
With upcoming announcements it is hard to predict. Stay tuned for that and act quickly. It might or might not work out. Typically Thanksgiving is one of the most expensive times to visit Hawaii.
Aloha.
Janis T. says
Please tell me how to redeem credit on swam
Janis t.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Janis.
Suggest you contact SW directly regarding how to redeem a flight credit. There’s also this: https://www.southwest.com/flight/travel-funds-search.html.
Aloha.