Southwest Hawaii announced today that it will increase its presence in the islands once again. In total, that makes sixteen new routes just since last month, making SWA officially a huge deal in Hawaii travel. See the most recent news and much more below.
New Sacramento to Kona route just added. Is there more ahead?
Starting December 19, four-times-weekly service commences on this much-asked-for route. Southwest said, “As Southwest begins previously announced service this month to Hawaii from Los Angeles (LAX), Las Vegas, and Phoenix, the carrier is also adding new service between Sacramento and Kona on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, starting Dec. 19, 2021.”
Commentor Ken previously asked for this route: “As a resident located 90 minutes north of Sacramento who travels to Kona 3 times a year, I’ll second this! The prior Alaska flight, direct from Sacramento to Kona, was fantastic. So bummed when that route went away. Plane was always full, so not sure why nobody else has picked it up?”
And commenter Kim had also said: “I wish SWA would pick up the Sacramento to Kona route that Alaska dropped a couple of years ago… It was so nice to have a 5 hour flight instead of 8-10 hour flights with a layover on Maui or Oahu, or to have to drive to the Bay Area to take a direct flight.”
Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Southwest Hawaii’s enormous recent expansion that included 15 new routes and additional mainland gateways.
Will Southwest expand further in Hawaii? It is entirely possible, and the list of cities where that could happen is below.
All of their new island routes had probably been long-planned, with deployment sidetracked due to COVID and the MAX grounding. However, Southwest is on certainly a roll and making the most of the incredible rebound in Hawaii travel.
Competition is hot, introductory prices and more airfares sales are coming soon.
Of significance to Hawaii visitors, this new route and the 15 previous ones are helping keep Hawaii airfare prices in check from across the U.S.
As the peak of summer comes, we will soon see new Hawaii fare wars unfold for the remainder of 2021!
All of the recently added Southwest Hawaii routes face competition, with most of that coming from bellwether Hawaiian Airlines. American Airlines is another opponent from Phoenix, Alaska Airlines vyes for many California routes, and there is a plethora of competition at LAX.
Airfares from $139.
Many SWA Hawaii routes are still available for as little as $139 each way. In addition, SWA has introductory fares for the new SMF-KOA route, which are priced at $179 each way, even at the peak of the upcoming holiday season. Those are selling fast.
So much competition remains ahead from Southwest and Hawaiian Airlines. On that note, we don’t expect great deals through early August or during the holidays; there remains too much demand for that. However, fall is looking better every day, so we anticipate many rock bottom Hawaii deals.
New Southwest Hawaii routes added on May 13 were as follows:
Los Angeles flights started June 6 to Honolulu and Maui and June 27 to Kona and Lihue.
Phoenix flights begin June 27 to Honolulu and Maui, on September 7 to Kauai, and September 9 to Kona.
San Diego flights began June 6 to Maui, June 27 to Kona, and June 29 to Kauai.
Las Vegas flights commenced June 6 to Honolulu, June 27 to Maui, September 7 to Kona, and September 9 to Kauai.
Oakland and San Jose flights resumed on June 6 to Kauai.
Back in January, Southwest announced flights from Long Beach to Maui, their second route following Long Beach to Honolulu. These compete directly with Hawaiian Airlines’ flights. This has been keeping downward pressure on pricing not only from Long Beach but from all of Southern California.
Book Southwest Hawaii holiday travel through January 5 today!
Travel on Southwest to Hawaii and elsewhere was opened today for flights through January 5, 2022. As to their next schedule update, the company said, “We do not have a date for our next schedule extension therefore please check back frequently.”
SWA 737 MAX fleet has returned.
See our update: It’s Back: Boeing 737 Max Flights to Hawaii Have Resumed.
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. Maui. Kauai.
SAN JOSE: Honolulu. Kona. Maui. Kauai.
SACRAMENTO: Kona, 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 today and last month’s routes remains unsure. However, should it resume, the following is our list of possible cities.
Denver
Burbank
Salt Lake City
Spokane
Albuquerque
Updated. 6/10/21.
Photo credit: SWA.
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Aunty K says
Everyone who is still trying to fly to Hawai’i during this, be a little more considerate. It may sound harsh but we don’t want you coming here right now. Stay home. Your “sanity” is not as important as the lives you put at risk.
Our one advantage in this is island isolation. Please, help us save as many lives as possible by maintaining that.
Rob S. says
The Southwest Airlines’ schedule release date has already changed. “We are currently accepting air reservations through October 30, 2020. On May 28, 2020 we will open our schedule for sale through January 4, 2021. This date is subject to change! Please check back frequently.”
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Rob.
That changed fast. Thanks. We’ve updated the post.
Aloha.
PJ says
Hi – Will southwest give a refund for a flight cancelled on 4/10/2020? I have travel credits but would rather have the refund. If so, how does that happen?
Debbie C. says
Thank you for your continuing updates of all the news in this uncertain time. With this date being putting out there, what is the likelihood that the mayor of Kaua’i and/or the state governor will start allowing visitors back? I have a flight scheduled for June 6 to my favorite place — Kaua’i.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Debbie.
It is too early to say. Check back in a month and we should know a lot more.
Aloha.
Barney G says
Mahalo for all your information. This small connection to Kaua’i during these times help to keep me (semi) sane!😊
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Barney.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Claude L. says
I suspect it will only be a matter of time that Alaska, American Airlines, and United follow what Southwest and Hawaiian airlines have just done. Sad day for everyone.
TL says
American and Alaska already have cut to a ske link et ok n schedule. United is the outlier, probably because of the Guam and Micronesia service.
Dee S says
We cancelled PHX to ABQ mid April with no trouble but could not get a refund or credit for early seat assignment. Should I try harder? Mahalo for keeping us informed.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Dee.
If you cancelled due to either a flight cancellation or a significant change in the flight date/time, then the DOT rules will apply and yes you should. If that isn’t the case, then it will be discretionary.
Aloha.
Kelly S says
Hello, I was just wondering if the fare differences could go up on Southwest if our trip is postponed due to this? I was looking at buying tickets for July 1-13. The prices are great of course, but I worry that if I have to re-book for next summer, I will have to pay the difference as prices go back up by hundreds of dollars. Thanks so much! Love your website!
Kelly
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Kelly.
We have asked and looked but have not heard anything definitive about SWA waiving fare differences. Wouldn’t be surprised to see that possibility.
Aloha.
yuka says
why are you still bringing people to hawaii? do you know its home for us not just a vacation destination as you think. we have our family, loved ones, kids live on this island. please stop spreading.
Steve M says
Not sure why BOH isn’t commenting on SWA cancelling all but 2 flights to and from mainland and cutting back almost all interisland flights. The State now has 14 day indoor quar antine for all airline passengers entering the state. Police are authorized to stop and charge violators.
ROB T. says
Hi SWA
Any update on when you will be offering direct flights from SAN to LIH?
we are eagerly awaiting this as a non stop way to get out to Kauai:)
thanks
Sherrie H. says
Are you going to stop flights from Sacramento to Maui because of the quar antine. I saw that they want visitors to stay home. If they come they will have to stay in for 14 days.
Chip B says
saw flights from ATL to KOA last week, but they are gone now. Can you explain? Mahalo!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Chip.
Not sure exactly what you are looking for. Schedules are all in state of flux for near term.
Aloha.
Cynthia says
I would love to fly Southwest round trip to Kauai from Dallas but we can’t get back in a reasonable time.
Kirk P says
Any idea when swa might fly San diego to Kauai?
Daniel L. says
The Max plane is dead. Everyone might as well expect a different version of 700 to be created, or SWA will start buying Airbus. These airlines are not going to wait around for the Max Plane forever. Besides people, won’t fly the plane anyway. There is no rush to bring that plane back into service, so at this point, you might as well stop calling it a delay.
jamie l says
was there a major scheduling change in last few days? a few days ago there were routes every day from reno to lihue (thru SJC). now its only on weekends at twice the price
Renee says
Do you think or do sources indicate that only the potential Basic Economy tickets would have no free checked bags, and would lack the no change fees? Or would all ticket price levels be affect? Could you do a special article on how basic economy, once introduced, changed other airlines and how it could change the face of Southwest as I know and love it?
Stephen says
The buildup for SW flights is mildly exciting. Visiting Kauai mid-February and booked my tixs on Hawaiian last July for less than $100 more RT. Peace of mind is important to some flyers, that would be me, and waiting, and waiting, for SW to get their act together doesn’t give me that but perhaps they’ll do better in the future.
Dave m says
Swa has also ordered the 700 max. Those are also sitting with the 800 max right now. It is the 700 max that will have the power and range to start phx, las, den, ect. So its coming. We just don’t know when
Mark says
I understand Southwest doesn’t do red eyes and thus that limits availability from airports east of Denver but why will they not make *any* itineraries from those origins available? The first flights from the East Coast can still get to HNL by dinnertime. Is it because they won’t return a one-way unless it can be booked as a round trip?
Very frustrating at the moment, especially since they stopped nonstop service to SJC from my airport (RDU). Until they add PHX, LAS, or DEN as Hawaii origins, this is going to be a major problem for anyone on the East Coast. Those three airports are faaaaar easier to get to compared to OAK, SJC, SAN, and SMF.