The company that powers the travel industry behind the scenes, Airlines Reporting Corp, says that the cost of flights to Hawaii for Summer 2015 has already dropped compared to last year. This study looked at tickets purchased by March 31 for travel between May 25 and September 7 and includes the average cost from around the country. Read further to see what that means and our predictions going forward.
- Honolulu – down 5% to $799
- Kauai – down 11% to $756
- Kona – down 13% to $766
- Maui – down 11% to $765
Why have prices dropped?
The modest decrease in cost is due to a combination of factors influencing Hawaii travel including:
- Lower fuel prices. This is giving the industry the opportunity to make more money in spite of these reductions.
- 13% increase in Hawaii airline seat availability. More flights mean increased competition resulting in somewhat lower prices.
Will prices continue to fall?
We predict at least some last minute summer Hawaii vacation deals. If those occur it would be for travel dates starting in mid-July. That’s good news if you are still planning a Hawaii vacation.
On the other hand, it is equally possible that airlines could pull back some inventory should prices fall below what they deem acceptable. As an example, last week Delta cut some international inventory for later this year. That strategy, called “capacity discipline,” is something that the entire industry is keenly focused on in order to retain profits.
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We are planning a family vacation (10 people) mid-July 2016 to Kauai then Oahu each for a week. When is the best time to buy airfare? Some sights say 3 months prior, some say buy now.
Hi Amy,
For that time it is best bought as far in advance as possible. No deals. https://beatofhawaii.com/the-cheapest-time-to-fly-to-hawaii-is-coming-soon/.
Aloha.
Hello,
We are planning a vacation for 6/14 to 6/27/16 form SLC to Honolulu. When is the best time to book air? since I started looking the prices are about $700 and up/ person. Will the price drop?
Thanks
Hi Victor,
That’s peak summer and it’s best to book now. Prices won’t go down. $700 is reasonable.
Aloha.
We are planning a trip to Hawaii over spring break 2016. When is the best time to buy airfare? Do you see it coming down at all?
Thank you!
Hi Tracy,
Unless something unforeseen happens, we don’t expect any holiday periods to show weakness and price reduction. It is best to buy as soon as possible for peak demand periods like that.
Aloha.
We’re looking to fly to Oahu August 6 from LAX or SAN. The current prices are around $600. When is the best time to buy. I’m thinking some time in May. Is that correct?
Hi Rose,
That is still high season (https://beatofhawaii.com/the-cheapest-time-to-fly-to-hawaii-is-coming-soon/). Fare is $564 SAN-HNL which isn’t bad. Airlines will not discount further unless absolutely necessary and that is not expected.
Aloha.
We are coming from Miami Florida. We would like to go Honolulu in mid July
How will prices be then?
Hi Lavinia,
Looks like about $1,000.
Aloha.
Planning a trip to Maui/Oahu departing 9/1/15, returning 9/10/15 from Houston, TX. 2 questions: #1) When is the best time to book air? #2) Is it better to book multi-destinational ticket (IAH > OGG > HNL > IAH) or book separately (i.e. roundtrip from IAH to OGG or HNL and then separate booking between islands)? THANK YOU!!
Hi Liz,
It usually works better to book a multi-city trip since airlines often do not charge extra and the cost of flying inter-island is quite high. Also two separate tickets would probably mean collecting and rechecking bags and an unwanted trip through security.
Aloha.
Hi I am planning a mid October 2015 trip to kauai leaving from Chicago. Prices have actually gone up since I first started looking. Right now I cannot get the 3 of us there and back for less than $2300.00
Think fares will come down if I wait?
Thanks
Hi Stacy,
Best plan on timing is here: https://beatofhawaii.com/the-cheapest-time-to-fly-to-hawaii-is-coming-soon/.
Chicago doesn’t see many deals to Hawaii so the current $750 per person isn’t that bad.
Aloha.
Thank you!
Trying to plan a trip from SAN to OGG, 9/16-9/23 (flexible dates). Best time to buy? July?
Hi Dominique.
Here’s what we know: https://beatofhawaii.com/the-cheapest-time-to-fly-to-hawaii-is-coming-soon/
Aloha.