7 Cheapest Airports to Fly into Hawaii (2024)

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Are you looking for the cheapest airport in Hawaii to plan an affordable vacation? You’re in luck! I’ve spent my fair share of time visiting the Hawaiian islands. Between my own experiences and a little internet sleuthing, I’ve found the cheapest airports to fly into Hawaii. Of course, the cost of flying to Hawaii has many variables, including the point of origin, time of year, and your island of choice. To make it easy, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on the cheapest airports to fly into Hawaii.

When it comes to spectacular vacation destinations, Hawaii is hard to beat. This tropical archipelago is known for its Instagram-worthy beaches, exciting outdoor experiences, and easygoing energy. I love Hawaii so much that seeing the sunrise from Haleakala National Park is even included in my list of top travel experiences worldwide.

Adventurers and relaxation seekers alike will love spending time in the Hawaiian Islands. And if you’re budget-conscious, don’t fret. It’s easy to find a good travel deal for visiting the islands – you just need to know where to find the cheapest places to fly into Hawaii. And once you’re there, you won’t have to worry about anything other than enjoying yourself.

Are you ready to plan an unforgettable journey? Grab your sunscreen and get ready to experience the pure bliss the Hawaiian islands have to offer.

Without further ado, here are the cheapest airports to fly into Hawaii.

#1 tip for finding cheap places to fly into Hawaii

If you’re looking to book a cheap flight to Hawaii, I’ll let you in on a little secret to save money on airfare:

I’ve been using Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to find affordable tickets to Hawaii, Canada, Spain, and beyond. I save thousands of dollars with them each year, which has helped me to pay for other flights to my favorite travel destinations.

To try it out for yourself, all you have to do is sign-up for their free email alerts. From there, you enter your home airport (or wherever you’d like to depart) and your planned destination. Then, they’ll send mistake fares and HEAVILY discounted flight deals directly to your inbox.

On my latest flight to Hawaii, I saved $510 on a roundtrip fare from Boston to Honolulu! Typical savings average around $450 roundtrip. And the best part? You can get these savings for FREE – Going offers a free version for this email service. If you’re a frequent traveler like me, though, I recommend looking into the premium version. It only costs $49/year, and the savings will likely pay for themselves on your first trip.

Now, let’s take a look at what are the cheapest airports to fly into Hawaii.

Cheapest places to fly into Hawaii in 2023: the best airports in Hawaii

In terms of landmass, Hawaii is smaller than 86% of the states in the U.S. The Aloha State is actually about the same size as my home state, Massachusetts. However, don’t let its small size fool you: this popular vacation destination is home to many high-traffic airports.

Hawaii has five main commercial airports and several private, charter, public, military, and government-use airports. It also has two smaller commercial airports that primarily service inter-island flights and commuter jets.

If you’re looking for the cheapest airport in Hawaii, you can make your search easier by starting with the comprehensive list below.

1. Hilo has one of the cheapest airports to fly into Hawaii

If you’re looking to fly into Hawaii’s Big Island, Hilo is one of the cheapest airports. The Hilo International Airport (ITO) is located on the east of the Island of Hawaii in the town of Hilo. The area is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and all the amenities of a vibrant town.If the Big Island is on your bucket list, consider booking your flight to the Hilo International Airport and enjoy the many notable attractions on the east side of the island.

Why you should visit Hilo

Sometimes when searching for the cheapest airports in HI, the destination leaves much to be desired. That is not the case with Hilo. Located opposite the volcanic Kohala Coast, this region emanates softer beauty with dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests, and blooming gardens.

For anyone looking for a peaceful vacation, the Liliʻuokalani Gardens offers 30 acres of Japanese-style fishponds, pagodas, and rock gardens that will have you feeling zen. Hilo’s Wailuku River State Park is home to two popular attractions: Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls. Peʻepeʻe Falls feeds into famous terraced pools that bubble and look like they are boiling. Waiānuenue (Rainbow Falls) is an iconic waterfall you can visit with a quick and easy walk. If you head to the falls on a sunny morning around 10 am, you should see rainbows in the mist.

While many vacationers spend most of their time on the western coast, the eastern side of Hawaii’s Big Island has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and affordable airfare. If you’re looking to book a trip to Hilo, Hawaiian and United Airlines are the most popular airlines flying to this particular airport. If you want to get there quickly, several airlines fly non-stop to Hilo. These include Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta, Japan Airlines, American Airlines, and United.

2. Kona is the busiest airport on the Big Island

The Kona International Airport (KOA) at Keahole is the busiest airport on the island of Hawaii. The airport is located in West Hawaii at Keahole, about seven miles north of Kailua-Kona and 25 miles south of Waikoloa Village and Waikoloa Beach Resort. Kona is the more popular airport than Hilo and accommodates domestic, overseas, international, interisland, commuter/air taxi, and general aviation flights. Because it is such a popular airport with many airlines, it’s easy to find great deals. This makes it one of the cheapest airports to fly into Hawaii.

Passengers landing at KOA are usually delighted to see that the runway is constructed in the middle of lava fields. But the delights don’t stop there. There is much to see and do on Hawaii’s west coast. The Kaloko Honokōhau National Historical Park is just south of the airport. This coastal park offers Hawaiian fishponds, a beach, and local wildlife. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike to four different ahupuaʻa, sacred temples, and petroglyphs.

Cool things to see when you fly to Kona

The Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) is a lovely seaside town with great shopping, hotels, fine dining, and rich culture. Huliheʻe Palace was once a summer home for royalty and is now a museum showcasing Victorian artifacts from the era of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiʻolani.

When it comes to beaches, Hapuna State Beach is among the most popular on the Kohala Coast in northwest Hawaii. This calm, white sand beach is perfect for families looking to swim, snorkel, and bodyboard with kids.

If you’re looking for a cheap flight to Kona, the airport is serviced by many airlines, including Delta, United, Hawaiian Airlines, Air Canada, and American Airlines. Many of these airlines offer direct flights, as well, if you’re looking to avoid a layover.

3. Maui is a popular destination with many deals

If you’re traveling from the United States, Kahului is the cheapest Hawaiian city to fly into, making the Maui Kahului Airport (OGG) among the cheapest airports in Hawaii. This is a big plus to many vacationers because Maui happens to be one of the most popular vacation destinations. It has even been voted “Best Island in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler readers for over 20 years.

What makes Maui a worthwhile destination in Hawaii to fly to

The second largest Hawaiian island, Maui is also known as “The Valley Isle.” It is home to many world-famous beaches across its 120 miles of coastline and quaint towns and farmland. Some of the many perks of booking a cheap flight to Maui include watching the sunrise and sunset at Haleakalā National Park and whale watching in the winter.

Hoʻokipa Beach Park in north Maui is a world-famous contest venue for professional windsurfing and offers good waves for year-round surfing. Hoʻokipa Beach is the windsurfing capital of the world and is located within the historic town of Pāʻia. In addition to its beaches, you will also find rustic storefronts, local art galleries, unique shopping boutiques, restaurants, and the popular Pāʻia Fishmarket.

Also, on the north shore, Waiʻānapanapa State Park has black sand beaches with good swimming, snorkeling, and freshwater pools. It also has excellent camp facilities that make it one of the best beach destinations in Maui. In west Maui, Kāʻanapali Beach is a “signature” beach and features three miles of white sand and easy walking access from all Kāʻanapali hotels.

As Hawaii’s second busiest airport, the Maui Kahului Airport has many amenities for arrivals and departures with direct flights from several airlines. Once you arrive, you can take public transportation from the airport for $1.

4. Kauai is a similar alternative to Maui

If you’re looking for a charming and tranquil Hawaiian getaway, consider escaping to the island of Kauai. Sometimes called the “Garden Island,” it is the oldest and fourth largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Visitors of Kauai will likely travel through the Lihue Airport (LIH), the island’s primary airport on the southeast coast in Kauai County.

Visitors often compare Kauai with Maui. Both islands offer beautiful landscapes and a geography of deep, emerald valleys, lush jungles, and dormant volcanoes. Some parts of Kuai are a bit more exclusive and can only be accessed by sea or air, giving the island a quieter beauty.

Kauai’s beaches are famous for their long stretches of secluded white sand, warm turquoise waters, and tropical backdrops. Hanalei Beach Park & Bay in the north Kauai region is often rated as the top beach. This family-friendly beach offers over two miles of sand along the crescent-shaped bay and a beautiful backdrop of the lush mountains. If you’re interested in surfing and snorkeling, check out Makua ‘Tunnels’ Beach, which has a beautiful background similar to Hanalei Beach.

Apart from the beaches, you can explore the island via its many hiking trails. Kauai hiking trails offer something for everyone. You can hike the rainforest of Kokee, the cliff trail to Waipoo Falls, or the bogs of the Alakai swamp.

In addition to flights to and from the mainland, Kauai Island’s Lihue Airport will connect you to the other islands if you want to island hop during your vacation. Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and United Airlines often have deals on cheap flights to Kauai.

5. Oahu has one of the cheapest airports in Hawaii

For anyone looking to visit Oahu, the Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is one of the cheapest airports to fly into Hawaii. It is also the largest airport in the state. officially known as the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, it is only about 8 minutes away from downtown Honolulu, so you can easily catch a cab or take public transportation from the airport if you choose not to rent a car.

Take a cheap flight to Hawaii’s largest city, Honolulu and you’ll be amazed by what you see

As Hawaii’s largest city, Honolulu has a lot to offer vacationers. Whether you’re looking to stay in the city or it’s your starting place for adventure, you will love your time here. For spectacular views over Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean, embark on a hike up Diamond Head. For other land activities, you can go horseback riding at Kualoa Ranch or play golf at one of 40 public and private courses across the island. There is so much to do in Oahu that you’ll have trouble squeezing everything into a short stay!

If you’re headed to Oahu, chances are you’re interested in checking out the beautiful beaches. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s a perfect beach on Oahu for you. At the world-famous Waikīkī Beach, you can enjoy swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, outrigger canoeing, picnicking, and breathtaking views of Diamond Head. With its fame, Waikīkī Beach gets over four million visitors every year. But don’t worry, the island has over 112 miles of coastline, so you can enjoy less crowded beaches, too. For some under-the-sea adventure, book a snorkeling trip at Hanauma Bay!

Looking to plan an affordable vacation to Oahu? You can find the most deals and the cheapest airports to fly into Honolulu between April and June and from September to mid-December. If you prioritize a short flight, many airlines offer non-stop flights to Honolulu International, including Southwest, Delta, Hawaiian, United, American Airlines, and Korean Air.

Interisland Commuter Airports

Not all Hawaiian islands have direct flights to and from the continental US or international flights. In these instances, you will need to commute via inter-island airplanes. Do not rule out these places when looking for the cheapest places in Hawaii for your next vacation. With the right deal, you can still visit these remote islands after finding the cheapest airports to fly into Hawaii. This is also a great way to make the most of your Hawaiian vacation and explore as many islands as possible!

Hawaiian Airlines serves airports on Hawaii’s four major islands and provides travel between Honolulu and Lihue, Kauai; Kahului, Maui; and Kona and Hilo, Hawaii Island. When looking for the cheapest places in Hawaii, don’t forget to consider interisland travel.

Here are the two cheapest commuter airports in Hawaii.

6. Lanai

The Lanai Airport (LNY) is the only airport serving Lanai, the smallest publicly accessible inhabited island of the archipelago. Colloquially known as Pineapple Island due to its past as a pineapple plantation, the island of Lanai offers its guests two different experiences. The first is its luxurious resorts and hotels: The Four Seasons Resort Lanai overlooking Hulopoʻe Bay and Hotel Lanai in the heart of Lanai City.

On Lanai, you can indulge in championship-level golf on pristine greens or hit the island’s rugged back roads in a 4-wheeler and create your own adventure. Whatever you choose to do, this island paradise offers an abundance of parks and gardens, and outdoor recreation. The Munro Trail offers explorers a challenging hike, while remote beaches like Polihua and Kaiolohia allow you to relax in solitude.

Since there is no direct service from the continental United States or abroad, you will first need to fly to the Honolulu International Airport or the Kahului Airport in Maui if you want to visit Lanai. From those airports, you can connect to several local airlines with service to Lanai.

7. Molokai

Suppose you’re looking to spend time on the island of Molokai. In that case, you can take a commuter flight to Molokai Airport (MKK) from Honolulu International Airport, Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG), or Maui’s Kapalua Airport (JHM). Molokai is a small island at only 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point, but it has so much to offer. It’s a vibrant and tropical island with raw beauty and authentic culture.

Looking for an authentic Hawaiian experience without the commercialization of other islands and popular resort destinations? You will love your time on Molokai! The beaches here are well-known for their beauty and seclusion. Beautiful Pāpōhaku Beach Park is one of the largest white sand beaches in all of Hawaii and offers distant views of Lēʻahi Head on Oahu.

For other outdoor activities, you can take a sport-fishing charter from Kaunakakai or whale watch in the Kalohi Channel in winter. Molokai is also home to Hawaii’s longest continuous fringing reef. It is an excellent spot for snorkeling and scuba diving with its green sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, and reef fish inhabitants.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the cheapest airports in Hawaii

Looking for more information on visiting Hawaii? Here are some of the most common questions related to finding the cheapest airports to fly into Hawaii and planning an affordable vacation.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Hawaii?

Since flight tickets are often dependent upon demand, busier seasons will likely increase ticket prices even among the cheapest airports in Hawaii. Being a tropical vacation destination, Hawaii sees visitors year-round, but some times are busier than others.

If you’re looking to minimize vacation costs, avoid flying to Hawaii in December, as that’s considered high season in Hawaii. Costs tend to surge during the winter break period. June, July, and August (peak summer months) are also very busy months, and can see similar price hikes.

For the cheapest flights to Hawaii, I recommend you consider January and February. These are the cheapest months to fly to Hawaii with the best flight deals. April and the time between September and November also tend to be cheaper when it comes to cheap flights and hotel deals.

Which Hawaiian Island is the cheapest to visit?

Finding the cheapest airport to fly into Hawaii is the first step in planning an affordable vacation. To minimize overall expenses, look for the cheapest places to stay in Hawaii. Consider hotel, transportation, food, and other costs.

Generally, Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit if you’re looking for a more affordable vacation. Oahu has many hotels, attractions, and tours, so not only do you have a lot of options, but you also have some competition to help drive down prices.

Another benefit to staying in Oahu that helps make it the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit is its public transportation system. Oahu has affordable public transportation, so you don’t have to worry about paying rental car fees to visit your destinations. You can also take advantage of ride-sharing services and Turo when you need a ride.

Which airlines offer direct flights to Hawaii?

While Hawaii is part of the United States, getting to paradise can seem like a journey in and of itself. Depending on where you are flying from, you may experience various long and annoying layovers. No one wants to start their vacation with a three-hour layover, do they? Of course not.

The good news? Some major airlines offer non-stop flights to Hawaii for a quicker trip to paradise. The only downside is that these direct flights to Hawaii will not be among the most affordable. However, when you know all the secrets of finding the best flight deals, such as checking Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare airline prices, anything is possible.

These are some of the major airlines currently offering non-stop flights to the Hawaiian islands:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Japan Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

If you’re flying from the United States, you can find direct flights to Hawaii’s cheapest airports from many major cities. These include but are not limited to Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, LA, Las Vegas, NYC, Oakland, Phoenix, Seattle, and Washington DC.

If you’re looking for a direct flight to Hawaii from Canada, you can fly Air Canada and WestJet. Depending on the airline, you can get Canadian direct flights to Hawaii from Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver.

How far in advance should I book a flight to Hawaii?

When looking to book a cheap flight to Hawaii, your timing is essential. If you’re a spontaneous adventurer, you might have luck finding some last-minute deals on flights to Hawaii. However, the best way to fly to Hawaii cheaply is to book a few months in advance.

Throughout my travels, I have found that you can find the best deals when you book your flight between 3-6 months in advance. This is when airlines offer the best deals, promotions, and discounts on trips to the Aloha state.

Finding cheap airfare to Hawaii is like waiting for that perfect wave. Sometimes you need a lot of patience, while other times, they catch you by surprise. You have to be prepared to catch that perfect wave when it comes around.

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