Traveling to Hawaii remains as much about the journey as the destination. Cirium’s newly released 2024 On-Time Performance Review highlights how your choice of airline can significantly affect whether you arrive on time in the islands. Given Hawaii’s unique logistical challenges, understanding which airlines and airports provide the best reliability is increasingly essential for a seamless vacation.
Airlines that lead for flights to Hawaii, according to Cirium.
Among airlines serving Hawaii, aviation analytics firm Cirium reports that Delta Air Lines achieved the highest on-time arrival rate of 83.46% in 2024, making it the top-performing North American carrier. United Airlines followed with 80.93%, while Alaska Airlines secured third place at 79.25%. These carriers maintain extensive Hawaii routes, offering the most consistent punctuality.
Despite its significant Hawaii operations, Southwest Airlines reported a lower 77.77% on-time performance. American Airlines, with an on-time performance of 78.65%, ranked slightly higher than Southwest.
Hawaiian Airlines is the missing link, with an 89.5% on-time arrival rate.
Hawaiian was not included in Cirium’s North America rankings, possibly due to its limited operational volume and regional focus. But consider this: Hawaiian Airlines demonstrated a remarkable resurgence in punctuality during 2024. The airline achieved an on-time arrival rate of 83.6% in June and led all North American carriers in November with an impressive 89.5% on-time performance. These achievements underscore their dedication to operational efficiency, and defend its reputation as a reliable choice for flights to and within the islands. For more insights, see our full analysis on how Hawaiian Airlines soared back.
Hawaii airports: What the data reveals.
Honolulu International Airport (HNL), the state’s largest air travel hub, was ranked Hawaii’s best-performing airport with an on-time departure rate of 85.45% in 2024. Kona International Airport (KOA) followed with an impressive 88.61%, demonstrating strong operational reliability despite its smaller size.
Cirium did not include specific percentages for Kahului Airport (OGG) or Lihue Airport (LIH). These omissions could be due to data constraints or imply that their on-time performance was not high enough to be ranked among top performers, highlighting a potential area for improvement.
What readers say about punctuality.
Regular Beat of Hawaii commenter Mary L. observed, “Delta was a lifesaver on my trip to Kauai, arriving 10 minutes early. I avoid airlines with too many delays because inter-island schedules are tight.”
On the other hand, Jake P. shared, “Hawaiian Airlines is still my top choice for inter-island flights, even with occasional delays. It’s just so convenient.”
How to avoid delays when flying to Hawaii.
Flying earlier in the day in either direction, to or from Hawaii, is listed by Cirium as one of the best ways to avoid delays. Morning flights are less impacted by cascading disruptions later in the day. Recent comments reflect that even Hawaiian interisland flights tend to be late, starting in the afternoon and far less so in the morning.
Choosing nonstop direct routes is another effective strategy, as these flights to Hawaii reduce the risk of missed connections. Sticking with the most punctual carriers can also improve reliability to some degree. Finally, monitoring weather forecasts is important, especially during winter, when mainland storms can disrupt schedules in either direction.
Making the best airline choice for Hawaii.
While Cirium’s rankings highlight airlines with strong performance, travelers must weigh their priorities—cost, convenience, reliability, and airline loyalty. Delta, United, and Alaska offer the most consistent transpacific flight performance, while Hawaiian Airlines maintains a strong on-time arrival rate and is a top choice for inter-island connectivity. Selecting the right combination can help you start your Hawaiian adventure on the right note.
Will this make any difference in your choice of airlines for flights to Hawaii?
Note: Data for North American flights is on page 15 of this PDF.
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I simply don’t trust Hawaiian’s on-time numbers. Went through a spat of flying them to the mainland last year and we were often late due to a myriad of issues. Not late relative to the flight record, late relative to the flight I booked. It seems that, if they are running late at the gate, they “reschedule” the flight just before it leaves. I received text alerts 40 minutes after we were supposed to leave, sitting in a motionless plane at the deparrture gate, letting me know that my flight was leaving on-time (at the New time).
Well of course southwest has bad numbers. As I have often said, I don’t understand why anyone would fly them anywhere let alone to or from Hawaii
If your experience with Southwest is pretty minimal I can understand your sentiment. As one who has flown extensively with all the major domestic airlines flying domestically but also internationally, I swore off United after they merged with Continental. After missing several connections travelling from the East Coast to the West Coast I swore off the major airlines and started flying Southwest. People don’t like their boarding process but for me I just buy the upgrade and I’m guaranteed to be the first 20 to board. Their seats are a lot better than all the other airlines including Hawaiian. Whenever I fly to Europe I usually fly with Lufthansa. This year I tried flying Alaska after Southwest’s debacle earlier but I wasn’t too impressed with their first class seats and/or service. The lounge we went to in Seattle was nothing to brag about. We’re heading back to Oahu in a few months and we’ll stick with Alaska. We’re definitely taking Hawaiian on the flight to Japan.
Airlines issues are worldwide not just affecting Hawaii. I look forward to more positive articles that welcome visitors instead of so much doom and gloom negativity.
Hard top believe Hawaiian ranked so high in inter-island reliability (though there is only one other airline competing).
We have flown numerous times on Hawaiian between the islands, both as part of our flights from the continent and to get from one island to another mid-trip, and more often than not they have been late or completely rescheduled.
We once sat in Maui for almost four hours and were lapped by HA flights were scheduled for after ours to the same destination.
On top of that, they have lost out bags at least three times in the past five years, both as part of a Delta code share and just going from one island to another, requiring us to shlepp back to the airport to get them (they don’t deliver lost bags). Since there is always another HA flight shortly after ours, there never seemed to be any urgency getting our bags on the correct flight.
All that being said, we still love flying Hawaiian. We just wish they were a little more efficient.
The only favorable aspect that HNL holds is the good weather. That is the only reason. HNL is a third world international airport and will be nothing more. Disgraceful!
This will not affect my choices. It confirms that Hawaiian is the best choice, and Alaska has some work to do.
To me these percentages are too close to really make a difference when I fly to Hawaii. Let’s see what 2025 brings.
The data makes me rethink my next trip to Hawaii. I’ve been flying Southwest consistently, but recently starting hitting more delays, especially connecting inter island.
Why would you even fly them in the first place?
It’s nice to see Honolulu Airport perform well, but Kahului’s congestion is a real problem during peak seasons as is the construction.
I’m surprised that American outranked Southwest. My flights with American to Maui have been nothing but trouble and are rarely on time. So much for data reports I guess.
I’ve had mixed experiences with Southwest to Hawaii—great fares and service, but delays are almost expected nowadays. Wish that part worked better.
Delta always seems to generally deliver when I fly to Hawaii, but I’ve noticed they’re not as consistent as they once were on-time wise.