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We noticed this morning that many of our Hawaii airlines are starting to reduce prices for after spring break without much fanfare. Many of you have asked about this in the past month or so. Here’s what we know so far.
If you need to buy now because you have only specific dates you can travel, these are definitely good prices. We anticipate some further discounting in these markets. It’s always a risk to wait but it may pay off if your travel plans are flexible. Don’t despair if your city pairs are not listed. Hawaii deals for spring will become more wide-spread.
As we’ve said in The Cheapest Time to Fly to Hawaii, which was just updated today, “sometimes the deal that is available now is the best option. That’s true even when it isn’t the rock bottom price, as other Hawaii vacation deals may or may not materialize later. Monitoring for the very best in cheap flights to Hawaii can also be quite time consuming.” Also keep in mind that the airlines will fill seats at these slightly higher prices first, so availability can become an issue.
Travel dates. Mostly West Coast (with one exception) from April 5 through May 20 (some go through end of May). Some cities, like San Francisco, have discounted fares through spring break starting on April 6! Some fares are valid mid-week only which you need to remember when searching for the best deal.
Travel cities and prices.
Los Angeles to Honolulu or Maui $418RT on Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines.
Oakland, San Francisco or San Jose to Honolulu or Maui $358-$378RT on Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Virgin America.
Portland to Honolulu $418+RT on Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Maui at about $60 more.
San Diego to Honolulu $418+RT on Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
Seattle to Honolulu or Maui $398RT on Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines or Delta Airlines.
Also:
Boston to Honolulu $509RT on United Airlines.
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Going to Maui from Orlando (MCO) or Atlanta (ATL) on May 31st. When would be the best time to purchase airline tickets?
Hi Neal,
You’ll need to just keep checking. It’s up to the airlines and no one knows for sure if they will, just when that might happen, and if so by how much fares could drop. Gut feeling says it could come down about $200 or so maybe in about a month.
Aloha.
Looking to go to Kauai 4/12-4/17. I am finding on Hawaiian from LAX about $450 RT. Do you expect it to go any lower than that?
Also, any deals from Texas to Kauai during that time? I had planned on using Southwest points to get to LAX and fly from there unless finding a good deal out of Texas.
Thank you.
Hi Casey,
Probably won’t go lower from LAX. There are a few fares at about $809 from Dallas (or some $600’s on nearby dates). To find that (it is multi-airline) use a flexible date search.
Our family is heading to Maui in early-mid August, flying out of Oakland non-stop. Fares look pretty high currently, so I was wondering if you think they will come down at some point (even for just a short “sale” period) over the next few months.
Thanks!
Hi Jed,
Too early. Spring to early summer should yield sales. Stay tuned.
Aloha.
Going to Maui from Sacramento between May 21-28. Best price as of today is $595/person (before taxes). Do you think the prices will drop?
Hi Sharon,
Yes that is likely. Could save up to $150/per person by waiting.
Aloha.
My husband and I want to visit our friends in Hilo,HI this year- when should we buy tickets when they are the best price? We are open to any time except for April and November. We are traveling from Denver. Thanks in advance!
Hi Steph,
Timing suggestions are contained here: https://beatofhawaii.com/the-cheapest-time-to-fly-to-hawaii-is-coming-soon/. May or in the fall will be cheapest. Best prices are currently just under $700 in off season.
Aloha.
I am looking to go to the Big Island from July 3rd to July 10th 2016. I will be using my United Mileage Plus Explorer Card so will be flying United in order to take advantage of some air miles. Can you tell me an approx date/month when you think I should purchase my tickets? We will be flying from the San Francisco area. Thank you for your advice!
Hi Ginger,
For peak season travel such as your dates suggest buying right away. The prices will not be going down.
Aloha.
Interested in cheap airfare from Colorado Springs to Kauai.
Hi Charlene,
There are $588 fares on Alaska with a good connection through early March.
Aloha.
I’m planning on going to Kona from 4/30 to 5/10 out of Sacramento. Do you think prices will lower?
Hi Alan,
Yes, suggest waiting.
Aloha.
We are going to Kauai April 24-May 1 out of Oakland area. Round trip price is approximately $570. Is this high? Should we wait to purchase?
Hi Sarah,
Yes, definitely suggest waiting. Spring deals will be out in next month.
Aloha.
The sales are over out of LAX.
Hi Tony,
They’ll be back. Competition is strengthening at LA largely in anticipation of Virgin America flights. You do need to get the deals we post immediately.
Aloha.
When is the anticipated start date for Virgin’s LAX to Maui?
Hi Tony,
That is unknown.
Aloha.
Looking to come to Kona June 23-30 for marathon will the prices drop or continue to rise . I will be coming from the East coast. When is high season.? Will prices drop in September.
Hi Sonya,
Our best advice on when to buy for different travel dates is found here: https://beatofhawaii.com/the-cheapest-time-to-fly-to-hawaii-is-coming-soon/.
Aloha.
Wife and I flying to Maui from STL 27May to 11Jun, prices have been pretty steady but higher than we have seen in the past. Any recommendation on timing, buy now, wait?
thank you
Hi Doug,
Bad return date as that is the first weekend of high season. If you can play with your dates at all that would help greatly. For example, on 5/24-6/9 you can get a fare of $654 on UA with a good connection. For your dates, it is going to be $1,049 with a good connection or if you add an additional 5 hours of layover then $869. Not sure if waiting will help. It is possible for the outbound but that could be outweighed by increase on the return.
Aloha.
Last February these airlines offered $399 fares lax to Maui in May so I’m not sure they will go any lower.
I’ve been keeping my eye out for some airfare prices from Texas (Austin, Dallas or Houston) I’m sure it will have a connecting flight in CA but just wondering how much the trip would run…
Hi Debbie,
It is all seasonal. If you can come in the next two months there are great prices. Dallas and Austin are best at the moment being in the low $500’s. You can expect the same in the fall and perhaps after spring break.
Aloha.
Getting closer!! Any deals end of April to Kauai from Oakland or San Fran??
Hi Carie,
That’s it for now. Stay tuned.
Aloha.
Given these price levels in the spring — and assuming jet fuel costs will likely drop even further — and Virgin establishes more — and maybe Southwest begins flights —— What’s your guess about how high / low fares might be in September?
Also – current prediction on whether Southwest will be flying then?
Hi Dale,
There’s virtually no relationship between fuel cost and airfare prices. The prices we’re seeing for spring are probably about as good as it will get. LA could benefit even more from Virgin’s launch there.
Southwest Hawaii is on hold and our sources indicate that may be true for a while longer.
Aloha.