Hawaii, or The Big Island, as what is popularly called, is an external territory of the United States and its group of islands are remarkably magnificent to visit. Also, few of its inhabited islands are easily accessible by sea and air. They make a great holiday place for everyone. But, if you think that getting to Hawaii is expensive, you will be surprised to know that you can find budget flights to the islands and make your travel worthwhile.
In this travel guide, we are going to provide you some useful tips on how to find cheap flights to travel to Hawaii, and also which time of the year would be more ideal.
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A Brief Overview of Hawaii and Places to Visit in the Hawaii Islands
Hawaii is an archipelago that consist of several other islands thus, making it a group. But, Hawaii and only a few of its proximity islands are actually inhabited by native people and settlers.
There are plenty of unavoidable sceneries, attractions, and spots in these islands that will make every visitor captivated. Its coastlines, canyons, green mountains, waterfalls, parks, gardens, museums, beaches, ocean and several volcanos (active and dormant) are the main attractions. There are more interesting attractions, such as the Whalers Village in Kaanapali, the Shops at Wailea in Wailea, Manele Bay Beach, North Shore (Turtle Bay), Pearl Harbor, and many scenic spots that are breathtaking.
In addition, you cannot miss out on their water adventures (snorkelling, surfing, swimming), whale watching, hiking, trekking, culture, art, history, cuisine, festivals, and of course, local events.
If you are planning for a holiday trip to Hawaii, there are a couple of notable islands that are worth visiting. These include the main eight islands and their nicknames stated as under:
- Hawaii (The Big Island)
- Kahoolawe (The Target Isle)
- Kauai (The Garden Isle)
- Lanai (The Pineapple)
- Maui (The Valley Isle)
- Molokai (The Friendly Isle)
- Niihau (The Forbidden Isle)
- Oahu (The Gathering Isle)
However, out of these eight islands, there are two, namely Kahoolawe (managed by government operations) and Niihau (privately owned) islands, which are restricted to tourists. So, even if you may desire to visit these two islands, you will need permission, which cannot be guaranteed.
Airports in the Hawaii Islands – Getting To and From
There are just a few primary airports in the islands of Hawaii that serve both short and long-haul flights to and from international destinations. This is mainly due to its landscapes and mountains which may not quite be favourable with regard to space and safety, especially for the taking off and landing of aircraft.
The airports that serve flights, domestic and international, to and from the islands of Hawaii include the following:
- Hilo International Airport (ITO)
- Kahului Airport (OGG)
- Kona International Airport (KOA)
- Lanai Airport (LNY)
- Lihue Airport (LIH)
- Molokai Airport (MKK)
The island’s Honolulu International Airport, now officially called the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, is the major commercial aviation airport that serves inter-continental flights via Hawaiian Airlines to North America, Asia, Australia, and Oceania.
It is worth noting that although flying on budget (or low-cost) airline carriers may help you save some money, these budget carriers may offer fewer conveniences and you may also have fewer options to choose from. However, they do offer prices and deals that are competitive. Some full-service airline carriers also offer discounts, particularly for their basic economy tickets simply for the sake of competition and getting more customers. But, again, there is a catch here. Though the lower airfares offered by these carriers may entice you for a moment, but what you are missing out is that you may be ending up paying extra money for things like checked baggage, carry-on bag, seat selection, in-flight snacks, meals, and beverage and more.
Therefore, a piece of advise is that regardless of which flight course you pick, make certain to analyse every options that you have prior to buying your air tickets. This precaution will help you to decide the best incentive for both your travel plan, either individual or travelling with companion(s) and necessities, of course.
Airline Carriers that Operate Flights To and From Hawaii
If you are flying from the US, there are a few full-service airline carriers that operate flights to Hawaii. These carriers include:
- American Airlines
But, if what you are looking for is a budget airline carrier that can fly you to the magnificent islands of Hawaii, fortunately, there are a few.
For instance, low-cost airlines, such as the Sun Country Airlines fly all year to Honolulu from Portland, Oregon (PDX) and also operate seasonal trips between Honolulu and San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX).
Southwest Airlines is another low-cost or budget airline carrier that operates flights between Oakland (OAK), San Jose (SJC), Sacramento (SMF), San Diego (SAN), and Honolulu, Kona, and Maui. Thus, travelers can also connect to these routes via connecting flights from different urban areas that are served by Southwest Airlines.
How Much Does It Cost to Fly to Hawaii?
The expense of a trip to the islands in Hawaii differs that are indicated by many components, such as from starting places and arranged travel dates to streak deals and other unforeseen occasions.
For instance, the cost of a round-trip flight from the mainland US and Canada to Hawaii Island can range from $450-$800 in the low season and $550-$950 in the high season, respectively.
But, you can find deals for cheaper flights on a round-trip to Hawaii. Some airline carriers that offer cheaper airfares can have their prices range, for example, from $250-$550 in low season and $350-$600 in high season, respectively.
When is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii?
Now, the most important question which every traveler will ask is when is the best time of the year to visit Hawaii. There are peak and off-peak seasons that significantly affect tourism in the islands of Hawaii each year.
On the off chance that the beaches and sea shore are your main interest, then the best time of the year to visit and have fun in Hawaii is in the summer months of June till August. These months are the warmest, and the sunny climate and calm waves are worth experiencing during the summer months.
The months of May, September, October, and early November are usually less crowded. Thus, these months can make a great holiday trip, if you do not like crowds. If you like whale watching, then the months of February till early March are at their peak.
December month is usually considered a peak or high season in Hawaii. This is when the winter break sees crowds of visitors hit their pinnacle and the costs begin to increase, too. While November month sees a minimal number of sightseers. It is then trailed by the month’s May, September, and October.
The months of June, July, and August are likewise exceptionally bustling months, as it is the pinnacle summer travel time, particularly for families.
Hawaii is least expensive to travel to in the months of January and February. Additionally, the months of April and September through November are less expensive months too, for traveling to Hawaii. But, the peak months of June and December usually see the most exorbitant costs as these are the holiday seasons and have travelers flocking from all over the world.
Conclusion
It is a good idea to book your flights at least two months in advance before expected travel, and if your travel dates are to some degree adaptable. However, that doesn’t intend to book any other days within that time-frame. You may also wait to find a price deal and book when you find the best budget deal for your trip. On the off chance that your dates are unchangeable, or you’re flying in peak season, give yourself considerably more opportunity to find the best deals the airline has to offer.
On the other hand, you may also find last-minute flight deals, but these are fairly unpredictable. For the most part, when you get to around three weeks from your trip, the cost will rise impressively.
