Updated 10/30/19. New Southwest Hawaii flights were just announced as well as a Hawaii airfare sale. At long last, there will be flights from San Diego to Hawaii. Those include daily nonstop service to and from Maui which starts on April 14. Daily nonstop service to and from Honolulu starts on April 20. Lowest prices as of publishing are $129 each way on both new routes. Remember too that many more competitive sales lie ahead on all of these routes.
Southwest executive Andy Watterson, who previously worked for Hawaiian AirlinesHawaiian Airlines said, “We’re grateful for the steadfast loyalty of our San Diego customers and we’re adding a Southwest heading to their compass of nonstop options.”
Southwest will also add more inter-island flights.
Also effective April 14, Southwest will add two additional flights to their existing route connecting Honolulu and Maui. That will bring the total to six flights in each direction.
Today’s announcement follows last month’s flight adds.
Two Southwest routes (see below) that were originally set to start in January will now commence in November. In addition, less frequent mainland service will become daily to all Hawaii islands starting March 7.
“Demand is strong for our Hawaii service and we’re not just increasing those routes to daily service for our customers, we’re also moving up our timeline on two routes set to begin in January, and instead will fly them this year. Our flights between Sacramento and Honolulu, as well as interisland service between Honolulu and Lihue, Kauai will now begin November 10, 2019.” — Adam Decaire, VP Network Planning, SWA.
Flights previously added (as of September 26) included the following.
Sacramento to/from Maui. Starts March 7, 2020. Daily.
Oakland to/from Kauai. Daily starting March 7.
San Jose to/from Kauai. Daily starting March 7.
Honolulu to/from Kauai. Now starts November 10.
Oakland to/from Kona starts January 19. 4 times weekly. Daily starting March 7.
San Jose to/from Kona. Daily starts January 21. 3 times weekly. Daily starting March 7.
Complete Southwest Hawaii routes and frequencies effective April 2020:
OAKLAND: Honolulu (2 daily); Maui (2 daily); Kona (1 daily); Kauai (1 daily).
SAN JOSE: Honolulu (1 daily); Maui (1 daily); Kona (1 daily); Lihue (1 daily).
SACRAMENTO: Honolulu (1 daily); Maui (1 daily).
SAN DIEGO: Honolulu (1 daily); Maui (1 daily).
HONOLULU: Oakland (2 daily); San Jose (1 daily) Sacramento (1 daily); San Diego (1 daily); Interisland: Maui, Kona, Lihue, Hilo (each 4 daily).
MAUI: Oakland (2 daily); San Jose (1 daily); Sacramento (1 daily); San Diego (1 daily); Interisland: Honolulu (4 daily), Kona (1 daily).
KONA: Oakland (1 daily); San Jose (1 daily); Interisland: Honolulu (4 daily); Maui (1 daily).
KAUAI: Oakland (1 daily); San Jose (1 daily); Interisland: Honolulu (4 daily).
HILO: Interisland: Honolulu (4 daily).
Notes: It is currently possible to book SWA flights through April 13, including those to and from Hawaii. Southwest only allows reservations up to about six months in advance of travel. Other airlines permit reservations up to 11 months in advance. All Hawaii flights use existing 737-800 aircraft.
More Southwest Hawaii deals are clearly just ahead for fall and winter!
Southwest Hawaii News | What to Expect Next
What time do Southwest announcements and sales occur?
Okay, this is a tough one. We’ve seen them start soon after midnight, and sometimes several hours later. That is eastern time.
What are the other Hawaii routes that will be coming and when will those be announced?
San Diego flights are to be released next. That could happen at any time.
The rest of the Southwest Hawaii roll-out (beyond the flights currently operating and those indicated), including flights from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Denver, appears poised to re-commence in 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, $99 fares are back and we expect ultra-low airfares to keep returning. 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
2019
✈ Flights start from San Jose and Oakland to Kauai
✈ Flights start from Honolulu to Kauai
First half of 2020
✈ MAX aircraft return to service
✈ Direct daily flights to and from all islands
Later in 2020 to 2021
✈ Flights from Los Angeles to Honolulu and Maui
✈ Flights from Phoenix, Las Vegas, non-stop to Hilo and later Denver to Hawaii may start in 2020 or 2021
Previously announced Southwest Hawaii routes
As of August 15, 2019:
Oakland to/from Kauai. Was to start January 21, 2020. 3 times weekly.
San Jose to/from Kauai. Was to start January 19, 2020. 4 times weekly.
Honolulu to/from Kauai. Starts January 19, 2020. Daily.
Oakland to/from Kona. Starts January 19, 2020. 4 times weekly.
San Jose to/from Kona. Starts January 21, 2020. 3 times weekly.
Maui to/from Kona. Starts January 19, 2020. Daily.
Sacramento to/from Honolulu. Was to start January 19, 2020. Daily.
Honolulu to/from Hilo. Starting January 19, 2020. Daily.
As of March 4, 2019:
Oakland to/from Honolulu. Started March 17, 2019
Oakland to/from Maui. Started April 7, 2019
San Jose to/from Honolulu. Started May 5, 2019
San Jose to/from Maui. Started May 26, 2019
Honolulu to/from Maui. Started April 28, 2019
Honolulu to/from Kona. Started May 12, 2019
Updated October 30, 2019.
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Aaron says
Hello,
My family is looking to travel to Kauai from Phoenix the very last couple of days of May through the first two weeks of June. Nothing is in stone yet but, I’m a school principal so I can’t leave any earlier. Please advise what fares I should be looking for. We are going to fly Hawaiian Air due to acquired miles. Thank you for all of the great information you provide.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Aaron.
Not a lot of competitive pressures in that market, especially for peak travel season. So it may not come down much from the current over $800 price. Changing airlines would help a lot – up to $300 less.
Aloha.
Greg L says
You should do a post giving people a heads up about how Southwest will cancel your inter island flight at the last minute if they don’t think it will be profitable to fly. I had heard about it but it finally happened to me, It’s very shady. Was supposed to fly back to Maui from Kona last flight and they texted me 3 hrs before departure on my way to the airport that the flight was cancelled and I was supposed to take one the following morning instead. No mention of hotel vouchers or any compensation customer service was zero help, very not my problem attitude. Luckily there was another flight and it only cost me 80$ more to rebook on mokulele but if I was with my family it would have been a lot more of a pain and cost a lot more $$
Doug L says
Hello we hoping to go see family May 24-June6th. Im having a little trouble locating any deals. We are traveling from Denver to Kona, then inter island to Honolulu, then back to Denver. Any thoughts on what to look for or if you think we could find a deal at all?
thanks
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Doug.
It looks like you’ll pay just over $689 RT plus interisland. That is available now. Probabl won’t go down due to the days of week you have chosen.
Aloha.
ane t. says
aloha,
thanks for the info. they say that next year SW will begin using the Max aircraft again. I feel unsure about this .There has recently been so much news about the failures. The one witness saying he would rather walk than fly on one of these aircraft.
Thoughts?
Ane
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Ane.
Understand your concerns. The recertification of the 737 Max planes still seems so unclear. It seems to be anyone’s guess when that might happen.
Aloha.
Roberto R. says
There are NON STOPS to San Diego finally!!! Why no news or alert from “Beat of Hawaii”
Luan D says
Hello, I’m planning a family trip from San Jose to Lihue from June 29th to July 7th. Do you know what the fares might be for that time period? Really appreciate the help!
Take care.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Luan.
Based on the current and anticipated competition, we expect even peak of summer fares to be somewhat lower than normal. So Perhaps just under $500 (which is already available by the way, non-stop).
Aloha.
Luan D says
Thanks for the quick reply. When you said the fares are available now, do you mean the calendar is updated on the Southwest website? I only see it going out to mid-April at this time?
Thanks.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Luan.
Yes, meant to say that fare is already available on other airlines, since Southwest isn’t bookable that far ahead.
Aloha.
Larry says
What is the best strategy for booking east coast to HNL RT all on Southwest (using points) regarding the return flight. Plan an overnight in OAK then back on SWA next day? Or are there red eye OAK departures to east coast (RDU) on other airlines (3 legs SWA, one other)? (That means claiming baggage, recheck bags, reenter security I think.) Thanks in advance.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Larry.
Sorry, but we don’t have an answer on this one. As far as we know you are overnighting on the west coast on your return with all the issues that involves (as you mentioned).
Aloha.
Jen says
Larry we are just returning today after doing exactly what you described. One set of flights using points, the other set using companion pass, including an inter island flight from Oahu to Maui. We live on the east coast so on the way out we did it all in one long day. On the way back we overnighted in Oakland and flew Oakland to Florida today. Lose two days to travel on the way back but it was a lot easier than the trip out there.
Kyle says
Looking to book flights (for 4) with Southwest out of Dallas to Honolulu or Kahului departing mid/late May 2020. We will book a separate flight from Lihue to Dallas for the return flight the following week. I believe my first opportunity to make these reservations will be October 30th when the next batch of flights become available. My question is do I book the flights that day and then cancel/re-purchase when/if the prices lower when it gets closer to flight time? And what price range am I looking to target for travel in mid to late May? Thank you so much for your time!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Kyle.
Best price target is from about $240 one way. Yes, suggest buy when they are first released.
Aloha.
Heidi Ann says
Hello,
Any idea when direct flights from SAN to HNL or KOA will be announced? Thanks so much!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Heidi Ann.
We don’t have any update.
Aloha.
Will says
Hi there,
Do you notice that the newly announced SAN flights don’t consider any connecting options? For instance, HNL->SAN->AUS is possible but has to be booked as separate tickets. Same is true with any airport with a direct from SAN after 7pm. Why is this? Scheduling Software error on SWA part?
judy d. says
Will there be any flights from east coast? Thanks
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Judy.
As indicated in the post, no there will not be at any point in the foreseeable future.
Aloha.
Judy says
Will there be Flights from midwest to Hawaii?
judy says
Thank you
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Judy.
Nothing on the table with regards to midwest as far as we know.
Aloha.
James says
Thank you for such an informative site! Please advise the best time to book for the lowest SMF-HNL fare. Traveling the last week of June 2020. I prefer SW for the free checked baggage allowance. I know summer is high season but unfortunately my dates aren’t flexible.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi James.
Peak of summer so suggest buying as soon as SW releases those dates.
Aloha.
James says
Thanks for the response. I see the schedule has been extended but only through June 6, 2020. When do you anticipate the rest of the summer schedule will be released, and do BOH email subscribers receive notice of this? Mahalo!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Curtis.
Probably towards the end of the month there will be an update. We don’t follow them religiously, so suggest you keep checking that on their website.
Aloha.
Lee says
Every time I check Southwest Oak-Oahu it is ridiculous pricing. over 600. I have been trying to get a deal since they launched. None to be had. Very frustrating.
HA 359 easy all the time.
Gary H. says
We’re looking at a trip to Kauai in May, 2020. Would like to fly out of Sacramento. We are fine with a stop and connecting to an inter island flight. When should I book our flights to get the best price?
Linda G says
I’m sorry I just now saw the note where it says to say please and thank you I am wondering if they’re going to be any flights discounted from Sacramento to Kuaui in February? I want to thank you in advance for answering mahalo
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Linda.
Not sure about on SW. Other airlines are already in low $300’s RT for February which is excellent. Might improve by waiting especially for midweek.
Aloha.
Adam M says
Hi! When are more inter-island Southwest flights going to be released for the 2nd half of April? Thanks
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Adam.
Currently scheduled for October 30.
Aloha.
Kristin H says
Hi! I am looking to fly from Phoenix (or Tucson) to Kauai at the end of May or beginning of June 2020. I thought I had seen where flights would be going to Kauai from Phoenix in 2020, but can’t find that specific information anymore. I don’t mind connecting if we have to…just looking for the best deal.
Thanks in advance!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Kristin.
Doubtful that there will be flights from Arizona to Hawaii on Southwest by then. May will be your best bet. Target price is low $400’s with one stop or about $100 more nonstop. You may need to wait until about 3 months in advance to see those prices.
Aloha.
Jadine B. says
Hi,
We are planning our annual girl’s trip for the end of April/early May 2020 to Kona. We would be flying out of Sacramento, and we were thinking by then for sure Southwest would be flying there by then. Are we crazy to think that?
Mahalo,
J.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jadine.
Not sure at all on that. It may still require a connection.
Aloha.
Linda G. says
I’m looking to go to Kawai E from Sacramento February 11 do you think they’ll be any from Sacramento soon? Or during that time
Steve W. says
Aloha,
Looking to go to Maui in early February. We will be flying out of DFW or Love field here in Dallas. Most interested in which west coast airports are easiest to navigate rather than complicated with gate and/ or airline change. Certainly the interest would be with SW and other competitors and am willing to get separate tickets in order to get best value. Also any insight which airlines to look at first. It has been helpful to look at this site for ideas on travel!
Mahalo
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Steve.
Not sure we are qualified on this, although we have certainly transited all of the west coast airports multiple times. San Jose is absolutely huge, although if staying with one carrier, that makes it easier. We find San Diego easy. Maybe other can comment on their recommendations.
While the nonstop from DFW is running about $800, you can do a quick connection 1-stop for about half that price on multiple airlines. Good deal and might work best. Consider buying if that works for you.
Aloha.