Family of 4 traveling to HNL from SDF the week of June 21st. I’m willing to get creative and fly from BNA, IND or CVG. I’m even willing to arrive in Oakland on the 20th to visit family before a SWA flight to HNL. Can you please help with any advice you have to make this a semi-affordable flight experience? It will be the first time for all of us. Really excited – about the trip and these inter-island flights too!
Very expensive week. Cheapest is Sun Country via MSP starting from $660 RT with long layover. For anything reasonable, low high $700’s from BNA and IND, or $822 from SDF. Those are on multiple carriers.
We’ve been waiting for SWA to fly to Honolulu for a while. We are going to Hawaii for our 50th wedding anniversary Jan 2020. We are flying from Cleveland, Oh. Any suggestion on how to arrange that? Thank you for your help! Lois C
You will not be able to have a single ticket from Cleveland to Hawaii on Southwest at this point. Later that may happen, but not right now, and we can’t say when. Eastern US requires that they add red-eye flights to their schedule.
Aloha! Is there a certain time of day that Southwest usually makes announcements? I plan to be logging on and refreshing on the days that some of these announcements will possibly be made and am wondering if I need to start at 12:01 AM! Thanks!
Aloha! My husband, son and I live in Sacramento, and want to take a trip to Kona this summer….dates are flexible, and we are looking for the best price. Right now I’m seeing that Southwest hasn’t opened up direct routes yet, and I’m not really seeing anything to Kona for less than about $450 RT. Do you think prices to Kona from Sac and back again will be offered soon, and at better prices? Mahalo! 🙂
We suspect each introduction will come with good fares. We don’t know about $49 happening again, but that isn’t out of the question. Plus there will be competition on the routes, so other carriers become an option at that point. We will know more within a few weeks.
Any chance SW will fly directly to Kona from the mainland? We need to book from Den but right now that entails 3 flights. Which is not an option with small kids. Also we’re looking at late July. Should I wait and see if any other airlines run sales now that SW is selling? Thanks!!
Planning to visit Honolulu 4/21-4/25 from lax. Should I expect prices to get lower even though it’s 6 weeks away or go ahead and purchase the tickets? Please keep up the good work. We visit Hawaii every year and constantly use your website for deals. You guys rock!
Thank you. 4/21 is a bit pricier. If bottom line price is goal rather than on a specific airline, there is $328 RT on Delta. Great price. Wouldn’t hesitate.
Thank you for being on top of the Southwest flight information. You’ve been a go-to source as I try to plan a June trip to Maui. When I checked my Southwest app at 6:30 Monday morning I was disappointed to see the price for a flight to OGG from SAN and that the flights were not direct. I’m now kicking myself for holding out for Southwest instead of jumping on the Alaska and Hawaiian sales a couple of weeks ago.
Do you know if Southwest will be offering direct flights from San Diego to Maui? If so, do you know when? I’m looking to travel to OGG on 6/2/19 and return to SAN on 6/8/19. What is a reasonable price to expect to pay for weekend travel during that time frame?
Thanks! Yes they will be offering flights. When is anyone’s guess, but we’d say within a few weeks those should go on sale (if not sooner). Pricey right now from $400’s+. Could get lower, but weekends are a bit harder to find good deals.
well, having missed this announcement even though i was googling for it near daily before is really sad! It motivated me to sign up for the email list though and hopefully i won’t miss other routes being added.
Thanks for all the info leading up to this exciting day.
As a San Diegan, I have to say this is rather disappointing. I guess there is still hope, but definitely more waiting to do. News of the first San Diego non-stops will be available in the “coming weeks” according to our local paper.
Other than the promotional fares, which are basically all gone, round-trip flights on Southwest through Oakland are more expensive than Hawaiian Airlines Non-stop flights.
Good news is I can use points and companion pass, but I don’t see market changing prices here.
This is not going to be a one shot deal. The competition will be prolonged and is likely to intermittently be quite intense. You are going to see good fares not just at the announcement, but thereafter.
I know there are many others that are wondering the schedule of flights in and out. Please advise when calendar is going to be updated for May and June. My son is in the Navy stationed at Pearl Harbor. Out to sea for 7 months. Homecoming will be 5/30. I will be flying fromTampa (TPA) .
I have summers off & fly to Kailua Kona annually. I would be interested in a part time job for inter island.
Do you anticipate openings for seasonal attendant/counter help?
How do I apply?
Hello,
Just wanted to tell you that I read on the Southwest site that the early bird for HI only will be $25 instead of $15 (for normal routes). Noticed that you listed the $15.
Also, wanted to thank you for all the good information you always provide in your daily emails. It is much appreciated.
KM
$198.04 RT from Oakland to Honolulu for 2 people at the end of April…works for us :-)and considering our Son lives Honolulu it’s gonna be the cheapest visit EVER…I hope LOL. Any chance for inter island flights in April?
To say I’m disappointed is an understatement – and I know I’m silly to even let it upset me, but I had been following the progression of SWA flying to Hawaii, and today – randomly – I wake up to read the buzz, however by 9 am PT, all deals were gone. I found $400 one way flights or $275 one way mid-week flights. Hawaiian Airlines is way more affordable…The letdown I feel is extremely depressing. Had such high hopes for SWA flying to Hawaii, but clearly it was all hype. Or a few insiders got $39.00 each way (lame). Depressed.
Did my daily morning checklist. 6am. Check work status, check job listings, and check southwest flights. Booked early for OAK to OGG for 6 people for $583. Absolutely nuts. Thanks for all your news updates-you guys helped make my deal happen!
Well, the whole Southwest things turned out to be a big dud. I tried to book this morning (9 AM CST) for late May. Round trip from the west coast to Kona was over $500. Those low-cost fares were VERY limited and were gone in a hearbeat. But all is not lost, because both American and Delta have better fares for that time period anyway.
Hello. What is the best way to book a flight to Hawaii from Florida? I live in the Tampa area, but am willing to fly out of any airport in Florida to get the lowest prices. I went to the Southwest Airlines website and put in Tampa to Honolulu and it told me that flights are not available from Tampa to Honolulu. I understand that there are no direct flights, but why wouldn’t it let me choose connecting flights (from Florida to California and from California to Hawaii). Any thoughts on how to get great deals out of Florida and what time of year would be best? I don’t have any specific travel plans. I’m just looking for the lowest prices as I have a family of 6. Thank you!!
Southwest is still putting together all of the network of connections needed. Give that a day or two. Otherwise, spring or fall, not around holidays, is the best and cheapest time. Generally, Orlando and Miami tend to be a little cheaper. For September, as an example, there are fares from $440RT from Orlando on multiple airlines. In fall, Tampa is starting about $575. In May, however, we see about $485 RT from Tampa on Delta with many date options.
I tried to book in August a Kansas City (MCI) to HNL and was able to book the outbound ‘wanna get away’ fare using points but could not book a return flight the next week or anytime that month. It gave me “unavailable” on the entire month of August for the return leg. Anybody have any ideas. I assume if you have the points available SWA would honor them, Correct?
Aloha! So happy they’ve FINALLY begun after such a long wait. But as of now, this is only benefiting a few California residents. Us east coasters can’t get there in anything less than 3 legs, and I’m not sure the lower price is worth adding hours to my travel time. I can fly Southwest to Vegas or PHX non stop, then use Hawaiian airlines non stop from there. I do hope they expand their routes soon. But still, this is good news for west coasters.
We are coming from the East coast as well. We are flying SW to San Jose, staying overnight, then flying SW to Honolulu the next day. This worked out best for us in terms of flights, days, times, and cost. I hope you find something that works!
Gosh darnit! lol Those deals went supper fast! By the time I got to my computer & App all of April was sold out. :..( Now I’m trying to get a Sept. deal. Question: What will SW Airlines normal rates be after this 2 day sales event? Those connecting flights from LAX are very high, do you know why?
Prices on almost every flight have already gone up tremendously. Flights out of Oakland hovering at $164 for lowest fares for the most part after April. These are no better than sale fares at other airlines. SFO flights haven’t gone up yet, but please send out the newsletter faster next time when they do! Thanks!
Any idea When will Southwest will posts flights in Lihue?
Thank you
Judy C
Hi Judy.
We’re sharing everything that we can.
Aloha.
Hi,
Family of 4 traveling to HNL from SDF the week of June 21st. I’m willing to get creative and fly from BNA, IND or CVG. I’m even willing to arrive in Oakland on the 20th to visit family before a SWA flight to HNL. Can you please help with any advice you have to make this a semi-affordable flight experience? It will be the first time for all of us. Really excited – about the trip and these inter-island flights too!
Thank you in advance!!
Hi Dior.
Very expensive week. Cheapest is Sun Country via MSP starting from $660 RT with long layover. For anything reasonable, low high $700’s from BNA and IND, or $822 from SDF. Those are on multiple carriers.
Aloha.
We’ve been waiting for SWA to fly to Honolulu for a while. We are going to Hawaii for our 50th wedding anniversary Jan 2020. We are flying from Cleveland, Oh. Any suggestion on how to arrange that? Thank you for your help! Lois C
Hi Lois.
You will not be able to have a single ticket from Cleveland to Hawaii on Southwest at this point. Later that may happen, but not right now, and we can’t say when. Eastern US requires that they add red-eye flights to their schedule.
Aloha.
Hi! I am (im)patiently waiting for Southwest’s San Jose to Kauai. Please tell me if you have any insider information!!
Thank you!!
Barbara
Hi Barbara.
We can just say that you should not need to wait much longer. 🙂
Aloha.
Hi I am looking for flights from LAS to HNL. Do you think any good deals might be coming soon?
You have to use manners, or you don’t get a reply.
Hi Lanell.
Thank you!
Aloha.
Aloha! Is there a certain time of day that Southwest usually makes announcements? I plan to be logging on and refreshing on the days that some of these announcements will possibly be made and am wondering if I need to start at 12:01 AM! Thanks!
Hi Janice.
We aren’t certain about that, but announcements may continue to be very early in the day, as was the case last week.
Aloha.
Aloha! My husband, son and I live in Sacramento, and want to take a trip to Kona this summer….dates are flexible, and we are looking for the best price. Right now I’m seeing that Southwest hasn’t opened up direct routes yet, and I’m not really seeing anything to Kona for less than about $450 RT. Do you think prices to Kona from Sac and back again will be offered soon, and at better prices? Mahalo! 🙂
Hi Sylia.
We suspect each introduction will come with good fares. We don’t know about $49 happening again, but that isn’t out of the question. Plus there will be competition on the routes, so other carriers become an option at that point. We will know more within a few weeks.
Aloha.
Any chance SW will fly directly to Kona from the mainland? We need to book from Den but right now that entails 3 flights. Which is not an option with small kids. Also we’re looking at late July. Should I wait and see if any other airlines run sales now that SW is selling? Thanks!!
Hi Luke.
Yes they will and we do suggest waiting. It shouldn’t be long until those flights are announced. We’d estimate within next few weeks at most.
Aloha.
Aloha,
Planning to visit Honolulu 4/21-4/25 from lax. Should I expect prices to get lower even though it’s 6 weeks away or go ahead and purchase the tickets? Please keep up the good work. We visit Hawaii every year and constantly use your website for deals. You guys rock!
Joseph
Hi Joseph.
Thank you. 4/21 is a bit pricier. If bottom line price is goal rather than on a specific airline, there is $328 RT on Delta. Great price. Wouldn’t hesitate.
Aloha.
Thank you for being on top of the Southwest flight information. You’ve been a go-to source as I try to plan a June trip to Maui. When I checked my Southwest app at 6:30 Monday morning I was disappointed to see the price for a flight to OGG from SAN and that the flights were not direct. I’m now kicking myself for holding out for Southwest instead of jumping on the Alaska and Hawaiian sales a couple of weeks ago.
Do you know if Southwest will be offering direct flights from San Diego to Maui? If so, do you know when? I’m looking to travel to OGG on 6/2/19 and return to SAN on 6/8/19. What is a reasonable price to expect to pay for weekend travel during that time frame?
Thank you!
Hi Kim.
Thanks! Yes they will be offering flights. When is anyone’s guess, but we’d say within a few weeks those should go on sale (if not sooner). Pricey right now from $400’s+. Could get lower, but weekends are a bit harder to find good deals.
Aloha.
well, having missed this announcement even though i was googling for it near daily before is really sad! It motivated me to sign up for the email list though and hopefully i won’t miss other routes being added.
I want to fly from Honolulu to Los Angeles one way is there a cheep fare thank you
Hi Steven.
$298 RT mid-week in April and May on multiple airlines.
Aloha.
Please send me all the information and deals for Hawaii
Hi Yvette.
You are welcome to sign up for our free email updates. https://beatofhawaii.com/subscribe.
Aloha.
Where do we book the flights?
My friends family of 5, $486.00 round trip! Unheard of!
Thanks for all the info leading up to this exciting day.
As a San Diegan, I have to say this is rather disappointing. I guess there is still hope, but definitely more waiting to do. News of the first San Diego non-stops will be available in the “coming weeks” according to our local paper.
Other than the promotional fares, which are basically all gone, round-trip flights on Southwest through Oakland are more expensive than Hawaiian Airlines Non-stop flights.
Good news is I can use points and companion pass, but I don’t see market changing prices here.
Am I missing something ?
Hi Dave.
This is not going to be a one shot deal. The competition will be prolonged and is likely to intermittently be quite intense. You are going to see good fares not just at the announcement, but thereafter.
Aloha.
I know there are many others that are wondering the schedule of flights in and out. Please advise when calendar is going to be updated for May and June. My son is in the Navy stationed at Pearl Harbor. Out to sea for 7 months. Homecoming will be 5/30. I will be flying fromTampa (TPA) .
Hi Mary.
Yes, many are waiting for all the route networking to be completed. That should happen quite soon.
Aloha.
I have summers off & fly to Kailua Kona annually. I would be interested in a part time job for inter island.
Do you anticipate openings for seasonal attendant/counter help?
How do I apply?
Hello,
Just wanted to tell you that I read on the Southwest site that the early bird for HI only will be $25 instead of $15 (for normal routes). Noticed that you listed the $15.
Also, wanted to thank you for all the good information you always provide in your daily emails. It is much appreciated.
KM
Hi Karen.
Good catch. Thanks for that. We missed it.
Aloha.
Hello! Do you think there will be anymore deals on flights for Spring Break (3rd week of April)? We’ll be flying from SEA-OGG. Thanks so much!
Hi Jacqui.
Yes that’s entirely possible, even likely.
Aloha.
$198.04 RT from Oakland to Honolulu for 2 people at the end of April…works for us :-)and considering our Son lives Honolulu it’s gonna be the cheapest visit EVER…I hope LOL. Any chance for inter island flights in April?
To say I’m disappointed is an understatement – and I know I’m silly to even let it upset me, but I had been following the progression of SWA flying to Hawaii, and today – randomly – I wake up to read the buzz, however by 9 am PT, all deals were gone. I found $400 one way flights or $275 one way mid-week flights. Hawaiian Airlines is way more affordable…The letdown I feel is extremely depressing. Had such high hopes for SWA flying to Hawaii, but clearly it was all hype. Or a few insiders got $39.00 each way (lame). Depressed.
Did my daily morning checklist. 6am. Check work status, check job listings, and check southwest flights. Booked early for OAK to OGG for 6 people for $583. Absolutely nuts. Thanks for all your news updates-you guys helped make my deal happen!
Hi Leland.
That’s awesome! Thanks so much for letting us know. And for anyone who didn’t get the great deals today, there will be many more ahead.
Have a great trip.
Aloha.
Well, the whole Southwest things turned out to be a big dud. I tried to book this morning (9 AM CST) for late May. Round trip from the west coast to Kona was over $500. Those low-cost fares were VERY limited and were gone in a hearbeat. But all is not lost, because both American and Delta have better fares for that time period anyway.
Hello. What is the best way to book a flight to Hawaii from Florida? I live in the Tampa area, but am willing to fly out of any airport in Florida to get the lowest prices. I went to the Southwest Airlines website and put in Tampa to Honolulu and it told me that flights are not available from Tampa to Honolulu. I understand that there are no direct flights, but why wouldn’t it let me choose connecting flights (from Florida to California and from California to Hawaii). Any thoughts on how to get great deals out of Florida and what time of year would be best? I don’t have any specific travel plans. I’m just looking for the lowest prices as I have a family of 6. Thank you!!
Hi Nelly.
Southwest is still putting together all of the network of connections needed. Give that a day or two. Otherwise, spring or fall, not around holidays, is the best and cheapest time. Generally, Orlando and Miami tend to be a little cheaper. For September, as an example, there are fares from $440RT from Orlando on multiple airlines. In fall, Tampa is starting about $575. In May, however, we see about $485 RT from Tampa on Delta with many date options.
Hope that helps.
Aloha.
I tried to book in August a Kansas City (MCI) to HNL and was able to book the outbound ‘wanna get away’ fare using points but could not book a return flight the next week or anytime that month. It gave me “unavailable” on the entire month of August for the return leg. Anybody have any ideas. I assume if you have the points available SWA would honor them, Correct?
Any estimate as to when nonstop service between HNL and SAN will begin? There doesn’t seem to be any indication on the southwest site or in the blogs
Any thoughts on Phoenix Maui?
Aloha! So happy they’ve FINALLY begun after such a long wait. But as of now, this is only benefiting a few California residents. Us east coasters can’t get there in anything less than 3 legs, and I’m not sure the lower price is worth adding hours to my travel time. I can fly Southwest to Vegas or PHX non stop, then use Hawaiian airlines non stop from there. I do hope they expand their routes soon. But still, this is good news for west coasters.
We are coming from the East coast as well. We are flying SW to San Jose, staying overnight, then flying SW to Honolulu the next day. This worked out best for us in terms of flights, days, times, and cost. I hope you find something that works!
Would like to know when Southwest will fly direct from the ninth island, Las Vegas? We need another airline besides Hawaiian. ASAP
When does flights from Los Angeles to Maui begins?
Will Southwest Airlines have flights from Los Angeles to Maui by October?
When will Lihue be added?
What a lot of hype for a little real news. San Diego to Maui is a 10 hour connection, more expensive than Alaskan nonstop! I am disappointed.
When does flights from Sacramento to Maui begin?
Gosh darnit! lol Those deals went supper fast! By the time I got to my computer & App all of April was sold out. :..( Now I’m trying to get a Sept. deal. Question: What will SW Airlines normal rates be after this 2 day sales event? Those connecting flights from LAX are very high, do you know why?
I’m waiting on connecting flights from Boise to Lihue! Excited this is finally happening!
Thanks!
No Sacramento yet?
Probably May you will be able to book out of Sacramento.
When do you anticipate flights in October will be available?
That’s what I’m waiting for also.
Perhaps by next month you will be able to book for October.
March 14, and subject to change
Prices on almost every flight have already gone up tremendously. Flights out of Oakland hovering at $164 for lowest fares for the most part after April. These are no better than sale fares at other airlines. SFO flights haven’t gone up yet, but please send out the newsletter faster next time when they do! Thanks!