Flight Guide to Hawaii
Hawaii truly is a slice of paradise on Earth. With near-perfect weather year-round, luxurious spa resorts, endless stretches of pristine beaches, world-class surfing conditions, and the warm hospitality of the locals, life doesn’t get much better than this. Spread across eight main islands, Hawaii offers something for everyone. Whether you want to relax at a seaside resort, explore the lush landscapes of Kauai, or experience the vibrant energy of Waikiki Beach and downtown Honolulu, our guide will help you plan your dream Hawaiian getaway.
Booking Flights to Hawaii
Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu is the primary gateway to Hawaii, but there are also major airports on Maui (OGG), Kauai (LIH), and the Big Island (KOA). These airports offer inter-island flights and connections to the U.S. West Coast.
• Direct Flights: Airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines operate direct flights to Hawaii from cities like Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.
• International Connections: For travelers from East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, or the Polynesian Islands, Hawaii is a convenient stopover en route to the U.S. or Canada.
Round-trip flights from the U.S. mainland typically range from 300 to 800 USD, depending on the season and departure city. For inter-island travel, Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer affordable flights starting at 50–100 USD one-way.
When to go and weather
Hawaii enjoys fantastic weather year-round, making it a great destination anytime.
• Winter (November to April): Slightly cooler with temperatures averaging 25°C (77°F) and occasional rain showers. This is also whale-watching season!
• Summer (May to October): Warm and sunny, with temperatures averaging 30°C (86°F) and lower humidity.
The peak travel seasons are during the summer months, Christmas holidays, and spring break, when flights and accommodations are most expensive. For lower airfares and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (September to November or late January to March).
Arriving in Hawaii
Depending on your destination, you’ll arrive at one of Hawaii’s main airports. Here’s what you need to know:
Arriving at Oahu (Honolulu International Airport - HNL)
Located 16 km (10 miles) from Waikiki Beach and 10 km (6 miles) from downtown Honolulu, HNL is Hawaii’s busiest airport.
• Public Transit: TheBus operates Routes 19 and 20 from the airport. A one-way ticket costs $3 USD, but travel times to Waikiki can exceed an hour.
• Airport Shuttle: Roberts Hawaii and SpeediShuttle offer shared-ride services to Waikiki for 16–20 USD one-way.
• Hotel Shuttle: Many hotels provide complimentary shuttle services. Check with your hotel in advance or use the courtesy phones in the baggage claim area.
• Taxi: Metered taxis are available outside the baggage claim areas. Fares to Waikiki average 40–50 USD.
• Chauffeured Car Services: Companies like Hawaii23 and Honolulu Airport Limo offer luxury transfers starting at 70–250 USD, depending on the vehicle type.
• Car Rental: Major rental companies like Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget have counters at the airport. Daily rates start at 50–80 USD. Book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Arriving at Maui (Kahului Airport - OGG)
Kahului Airport is Maui’s main international airport, located near the island’s central region.
• Public Transit: Maui Bus operates Routes 35 and 40 from the airport. Fares are $2 USD, but luggage is limited to one medium-sized bag and one carry-on.
• Taxi: Taxis are available outside the baggage claim areas. Fares to Wailuku average 20 USD, while trips to Kapalua can cost up to 100 USD.
• Airport Shuttle: SpeediShuttle offers shared-ride services starting at $20 USD one-way.
• Chauffeured Car Services: Pre-booked private transfers cost 50–150 USD, depending on the destination and vehicle type.
• Car Rental: Rental companies like Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty are located at the airport. Daily rates start at 60–100 USD.
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