With the end of 2019 just days away, we’re looking back on 2019 while offering updated predictions for 2020, and the best Hawaii deals ever.
2019 Hawaii Deals in Review.
This will be remembered as the year of $99 airfares. In actuality that started late in 2018, when there were two brief rounds of $99 airfares launched by Alaska and United. Then in 2019, it resumed in earnest, with $49, $79 and $99 airfares when Southwest Hawaii flights were first announced this past spring. Within minutes, the $49’s were gone, and within less than 24 hours, that sale was over. The $99 Southwest Hawaii airfares returned one more time last spring. Then last week, there were $77 airfares, courtesy of a one day Alaska Airlines Hawaii sale. Flash sales as they are called, have become common from both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
1. Max fleet return to service delay complicates competition and slows some Hawaii Deals.
Southwest Airlines finally arrived in Hawaiian Airlines territory this year. This has been so long awaited as to be agonizing for everyone. The competition that we had expected to begin early in 2019, was largely delayed. That was due mostly to the removal from service of Southwest’s Boeing Max 8 planes, that are their planned workhorse for future Hawaii flights and expansion. Southwest then shifted plans multiple times, and in the end, announced more Hawaii flights using the existing 737-800 fleet. That announcement came in order to continue, albeit more slowly, their necessary Hawaii expansion momentum.
It may be another six months or so until we see the Max planes in the skies of Hawaii, and with them will come new routes and even more deals.
2. Best Hawaii travel deals yet and when to buy.
All indications are for 2020 to be the strongest Hawaii travel year with the lowest overall prices ever seen. There will be fierce, intermittent fare wars between all airlines serving Hawaii. Those will resume at any time.
In order to take advantage of upcoming fare wars, less advance planning than normal may be possible, even for summer and holidays. To score the very best money saving deals, you will need to be flexible and at times, relatively last minute. Case in point is last week’s $77+ sale, which was only valid in January and February.
Also try to make plans for mid-week flights whenever possible. Virtually all of last week’s $77+ airfares were for mid-week travel only. The airlines will try (but may not succeed) in keeping more valuable weekend fares away from ground floor pricing.
3. All time low Hawaii airfares from six airlines.
Winter, spring, summer and fall 2020 should all feature on-again, off-again, exceptional sale prices from all airlines serving Hawaii. Even regular non-sale prices will be kept significantly lower than normal. Airlines participating in the competition include Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest and United. No one will be left out. Hawaii is important to each of the airlines for varying reasons. Hawaiian, with the biggest stake in the game, will have the most important moves to watch. Alaska has a huge number of flights to and from Hawaii as well, and they will be the second ones to watch. Alaska cancelled its San Francisco and Sacramento to Kona flights starting next March. There could be a further shift in Alaska’s Hawaii strategy in 2020 that would reduce Bay Area and San Diego to Hawaii flights. This is due to competition from Southwest.
4. Low season 2020 Hawaii price predictions.
From the west coast, expect to see best low season sale prices starting at under $200 round-trip, depending on the market. When traveling from the mid-west and east coast, you’ll pay $250+ more on average.
5. High season 2020 Hawaii price predictions.
Peak Hawaii travel periods are in effect during Spring Break (late March to mid April), from mid-June through mid-August, and at Thanksgiving and end of year holidays.
During the high season, look for west coast sale prices to start at about double off season pricing, or from under $400, depending on the market. When traveling from the mid-west and east coast, again expect to pay $250+ more on average.
6. Our top picks for the best Hawaii deal gateway cities.
San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, and San Jose will feature the most frequent and best priced Hawaii deals, and to a slightly lesser degree, Los Angeles and the Pacific Northwest. Once additional expansion of Southwest’s Hawaii flights occurs, watch for competition fueled Hawaii deals to spread further afield, possibly including Phoenix, Las Vegas and more. Those could come online starting in the 2nd half of 2020 and after.
7. Best ever inter-island airfares too.
As we have already seen, we’ll have intermittent airfare sales for island-hopping starting at about $30. Even regular fares will come down to $50 or more each way in most markets. These represent dramatic savings and prices that hearken back two decades and more. That as a result of competition between bellwether Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
We welcome your thoughts and questions.
Updated 12/26/19.
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Looking to fly DEN-LIH in July (7th-19th). Would love nonstop but they are at 1020 right now. Flights with stops are less, but not by much. Trends for this route? Debating jumping or waiting. thanks!
Hi Casey.
$661 one-stop on American or $924 nonstop on United. Fair prices for your peak summer dates.
Aloha.
Looking at roundtrip flights to maui from oakland or sacramento oct23-nov 6, 2020. Lowest price Flights are $164 each way. Any thoughts on if there will be lower prices, of if we need to choose these?
Flying from Austin to Maui 7/11-7/18. What would be a good price point to book at? We have never flown to HI before so we don’t know what’s a good deal. We are seeing $786 rt with a stop in LAX. Also when should we buy? I’m very trigger happy right now because I just don’t want prices to rise!
Hi I was just wondering if you have good prices for shuttle s from and to HI airports? I enjoy your articles. Thank you for being online with
All of your recommendations and suggestions.
Hi Marilyn.
Thanks for all of your comments! We don’t use the shuttles so can’t say the cost from personal experience. Uber is very reasonable to and from HNL and we’ve done that a lot. Seems to save nearly half off cab fare.
Aloha.
When would be the best time to purchase ticket for Kauai leaving LAX from July 9-14th for 6 people.It seems high at this time,what would be the cheapest airfare it can go.When will be the best time to buy or best to wait?thank you very much.Appreciate any input you can give
Hi Essie.
High compared with what? Starting at $418 RT nonstop, that is about $300 less than normal for that time of year. Suggest buying now.
Aloha.
We have a place booked for a year from feb 11-21st but prices havent dropped below 750 the entire time, for Hawaiian, will they ever?
Looking to book from North Carolina to either Maui or Oahu. Dates are very flexible (month or day of week). Looking to spend about 10 days anytime after June 8th through August 11th. Need a deal. 4 RT tickets. Prefer in and out of RDU but CLT OK. Layover on West Coast (even for a few days) is ok.
Hi! We are planning to fly from Chicago to Maui the end of March/first of April … do you know if there will be any good deals coming up? We are also hoping to do a day trip to Honolulu at some point during our trip. I’ve just been made aware of your site so I’m excited to have you as a resource! Thanks so much for taking the time to do this! -Stephanie
Hi Stephanie.
First week of April is peak of spring break so don’t expect prices to go any lower and availability could also be an issue for air, car and activities.
Aloha.
Good day,
I was wondering if there will be sales on or about October/November in 2020? I would be traveling from the New York area. Or would most of the deals be from the West coast?
Thank you so much for your great help!
Joe M.
Hi Joe.
Yes definitely look for reduced pricing, which might occur about three months in advance. If you’re planning for mid-week and not near Thanksgiving that is. Expect just under $600 RT.
Aloha.
Aloha, I will be in Honolulu from February 1 through February 8. The Super Bowl is Sunday, February 3rd i’m looking for a good place to watch the Super Bowl I was wondering if they have all inclusive parties at some of the bars in the local area? I found one bar at the International marketplace but they’re all sold out. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Rich M.,
Hi Rich.
No idea. Hopefully someone who knows will chime in.
Aloha.
Are there ever business or First class deals?
When will Salt Lake to Hawaii ever be on sale?
What would you advise for a group leaving Salt Lake City? What months and which island would you advise is the most affordable?
Looking for end of June travel Oakland to Kauai. When is best time to purchase
Hello,
Is a round trip from LAX to Maui OGG mid-week in September for $388 (main cabin) good price? It’s a departing morning flight (perfect) and returning afternoon flight (good time). Both non-stop.
Our party of 7 will be traveling to Honolulu from Tallahassee, FL 3/21 and returning 3/28. Would you please advise the best time to purchase less expensive tickets for our trip? I appreciate all the information and tips you have provided on getting to Hawaii and having a great trip. Thank you!
Hi Lynda.
Currently almost $1200 with quick one stop connection. Best price might be $1000 if you wait, but likelihood of that happening isn’t great. Reasons are you are flying Saturdays and your return is during spring break.
Aloha.
Thank you!
Looking at 5/30-6/7 from Dallas to Honolulu. United is about $709 round trip with a short layover in San Francisco. Should I book now or wait and see if it drops?
Please if you have any idea of when Southwest will open their schedule to Maui through st least mid April would be much appreciated as I’m trying to get friends to join me flying from San Jose to Maui March 28th thru April 4 utilizing my miles. I can book them on American now from Detroit to San Jose. Thank you I’m an avid reader.
Hi Jerry.
Their September 26 release is for flights through April 15. We don’t know the date for the following release but would guess maybe end of October.
Aloha.
Aloha,
We are travelling to Maui from San Francisco Feb 4/2020 and I found a one way Non stop for $159.00 on Hawaiian airlines. Would it be recommended to book now? We will be coming home Feb 26 from Honolulu but it looks cheaper to book one way tickets versus multi city. Does this make sense?
Thank you I really enjoy your posts and am learning slot about Hawaii from them.
Jane
Hi Jane.
Good price on that first route. Wouldn’t hesitate. On the return the price should come down about $80 or so if you wait on that.
Aloha.
can you tell me a good time to purchase tickets from miami or ft lauderdale to kona for end of may early june when kids get out from school. only one stop I can do. senior citizen disabled. been using united and they have been wonderful. will southwest be up by then. use to fly them all the time when I lived in denver.
Hello! I’m curious if you’ve continued with Opinions Take Flight. I found your post from 2017 and it would be interesting to hear if anyone stuck with it and if so, how many miles they got. I just started taking surveys yesterday. Minus the 350 point sign on bonus I’ve made 163. It seems like a lot of work for very little. Thanks! Erin
Hi Erin.
No we’ve had no further experience. Seemed like a total waste of time.
Aloha.
Please advise me what pricing to expect on planned trip fro LIT to HNL from early January until early March 2020. Mahalo
Hi David.
For any kind of reasonable duration 1-stop connection, it will cost about $750 RT mid-week. If you get into 2 or 3 connections and very long layovers, price could go to low $600’s.
Aloha.
Planning on mid September 2020 trip from Pittsburgh to hnl. Will not fly coach, comfort plus probably”. Would you recommend waiting for sales or booking early?
Hi,
I’m hoping to work out a first timers-family trip (4 adults) to several islands. One grown daughter lives in Portland; so the group departure would be from PDX or SEA probably to HNL to start off unless it makes sense to get a connection down to CA for heading out? Have in mind RT departures from and back to the mainland around January 6-January 20/22 thereabouts (2 weeks+). Think any fare changes for that time frame from Pacific NW will happen at this point or is it too early in Jan. for something to change with last week’s changes? Any recommendations as to the order of the following 4 islands to go in (3-4 days each): Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii?
Thanks so much! Bev
Hi Bev.
The order of islands probably won’t matter much in terms of convenience or cost. But for trans-Pacific, generally Maui and Oahu are easier, more frequent and sometimes better priced. Not always. Both PDX and SEA have Hawaiian nonstops in that market in the low to mid $400’s into one island, and out of the other. Not bad pricing. Might improve some, but not very likely.
Aloha! Mahalo for the hot tip – we scored 2 inter-island r/t tix, O’ahu to Kona for $58 each! A little over a year ago we paid $185 each!
Several of us are traveling to Kauai in early February 2020 – I’ve got my ear so far to the ground I can hear footsteps!
Mahalo again (and again!),
tea
Hi Tea.
Thanks for letting us know. Happy that worked out for you!
Aloha.
Hi y’all,
Were looking to fly from mco to ogg in mid March 2020 till first week in April.
What should we expect for airfares & when to purchase.
Many thanks for your assistance.
Richard
Hi Richard.
Spring break. There are $713 RT airfares, 1-stop with fast connection on multiple airlines. Wouldn’t wait on those. Great price for spring break.
Aloha.
Aloha! I enjoy reading your articles and always appreciate the travel tips and insight.
When should I look to purchase flights from IAH to OGG for May 2020 at the best price? Mahalo!
Hi Liz.
Thanks. So it looks like there could be lowest fares of just over $500. Not available yet and that could happen (if it does) at any point honestly). Those best priced fares will be with 2 stops and a slightly longer duration (not a huge layover though).
Otherwise it is going to be in $700’s with 1 stop. That’s available now if you’d prefer.
Aloha.
Hello and thank you so much for all the information that you post here. Very helpful. When do you foresee there being deals from Phoenix to Maui? Would like to go in end of May but not sure how long I should wait to book and what you think the best round trip fare I can expect would be. Prefer nonstop.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Francine.
Little competition at this point, so expect to pay just under $500 RT, mid-week. Not likely to improve, so suggest buying now.
Aloha.
Amen; I’ve been monitoring the flights in the hopes of getting a deal for my mom to come visit. Thanks, Beat of Hawaii, for keeping us posted!
Thanks Kiawe.
Aloha.
Thank you!
Aloha, I’m trying to bring 2 kids home to HNL from STL for winter break on 12/14. Costs seem unusually high. Is there a time frame I should be looking at when booking? Trying to do it without putting them through 21-24 hour travel times.
Hi Tracy.
You didn’t say return date. There is a $700 fare on American with quick stop is very reasonable but again depends on return. Waiting isn’t going to improve your situation. Just saying.
Aloha.
Can you please tell me, if I’m taking off to Oahu May 19th, should I wait till closer to May to book or should I book as soon as Southwest opens May? Thank you for your guidance.
Hi Flo.
It is hard to know just how the competition will work for next year, so there is no clear answer as to when to buy. It is more about having a realistic target price in mind for your route and dates. Sales will be on again, off again. You also didn’t mention where you are flying from.
Aloha.
Aloha! We are looking into visiting Kauai in summer 2020 (June). I found RT from Oakland on Hawaiian for $567 so far. Do you think that may go down? When do you suggest the best time to purchase air would be?
Mahalo!
Hi Jo.
Yes we think it will go down. As indicated, summer prices have potential to be in the $400 range. You’ll have to just wait and watch with us if the best possible price is your objective.
Aloha.
Hi Nick, when did the flight times change? For years we have been going from OGG at 11:35 to SJC on Hawaiian landing at 7:30pm. During September the flight schedule changes leaving OGG at 2:40pm landing at 10:35pm. Too late to drive to our destination comfortably.
Mahalo,
Janet C
Suggestions for flight best prices & airlines from LAX to Lihue. From November thru May 2020?
Hello
Looking to Fly from Chicago to Lihue 1/7/20 returning 1/15/20. While fares are cheaper now than they’ve been in months ($520 RT), total duration at the cheapest prices is 30+ hrs. each way! Do you anticipate cheaper fares with shorter flights or is now a good time to buy?
Love the site!
Thanks!
Peter B.
Hi Peter.
Thank you. There’s a $625 RT on Alaska, with just a one hr connection outbound and just under four hrs on return. It’s actually well priced for that market, if it works for you. Otherwise, competition and prices aren’t looking very favorable.
Aloha.
We are flying from Vegas to Maui the last week of February. SW will not be flying yet. Do you think fares will go down or should we just book now? I was hoping for the fare wars. Thank you.
Hi Linda.
Currently $355 on everyone except HA with 1-stop and good connection. Great price. Almost double on the nonstop and not sure that will improve.
Aloha.
Appreciate all the updated information you provide. Yours is a great site!
Am looking ahead to a flight from Honolulu to MSP late Jan, 2020,1 way on Delta, non stop. Currently ticket is $673., while skymiles points are 28,500. The points are attractive.
Could you please comment on the chances of that one way , non stop flight ticket price going down? The price was under $500., middle of June.
Thanks.
Hi Ron.
Thanks! With points valued at 1 cent each, that’s indeed a good price if you can get it. Cash cost could come down to just over $500 again, mid-week, if you wait.
Aloha.
Thanks for your prompt reply, got the 1 way non stop from Honolulu to MSP for the 28,500 skymiles points.
Part of our group on this trip is flying from Seattle to Honolulu on Hawaiian Air , wondering if you could please comment on if the current price of nonstop round trip ticket of 478.00 might go down before the Jan 2020 trip, or if should book now?
Great job informing us of the $29.00 flights between the islands.
Thanks
Hi Ron.
Competition is rather dormant on that route for the moment. So low to mid $400’s might be about it.
Aloha
My family is coming to Oahu from Southern CA end of February 2020. Would it be worth the drive to San Diego vs. flying out of LAX or John Wayne? Should they wait for Southwest?
Like too see complete packages. Air, Hotel and food.
Thanks for your blog and insight. I have a large family group looking to travel in late January to early February. Does it make sense to wait some time to book flights? We live in Idaho, so we have to travel to bigger cities to get the flights like SLC and Boise Idaho. The cheaper flights are out of California, but we would still have to fly to California to take advantage of them, so I’m sure the $99 flights are out of the question. Any expert insight on this? Thanks!
Hi Jamie.
On just checking, there are $351 fares on United late January/early February from Boise. Quick connection and reasonable price. Not sure it would improve by waiting. Not sure if that works for you, but if so, suggest buying. SLC starting at about $90 more.
Aloha.
Aloha! When should I look to purchase flights from DFW to HNL for May 2020 at the best price? Mahalo!
Hi Nick.
Perhaps starting in next couple of months, or even later. With one-stop should come in just under $500 or nonstop at about $200 more.
Aloha.
Not sure where these amazing 2019 prices are coming from, but from the Nortwest, in particular SEA and YVR the prices are NUTS this year in comparison to the last three. Traditionally 2 people could fly from SEA/BLI/YVR to OGG for a little more than US$800 for late November – this year, it’s been hard to find any rate lower than US$1200 for the trip (with an Alaska companion fare!).
Thank God for points this year
I agree with John, the Seattle to OGG fares are the highest I’ve ever seen. Not sure why we keep hearing about low prices. We are thinking seriously about canceling our Feb 15-22 trip with family because we can’t find fares under 1200 per person on Alaska Air or Hawaiian. Any ones that are in the 500-800 range are 18 hrs or longer. When you’ve got school-age kids and parents who work in the school district, the mid-winter break timing can’t be helped, so no mid-week travel for most of us.
It would be nice to know if we should continue to hold out for a lower price or cancel all our accommodations and go somewhere else this year. Very frustrating.