Flying to Hawaii: The complete guide for travelers

How long does it take to fly to Hawaii? This can take anywhere from 5–10 hours depending on where you’re flying in from but it’s definitely worth the journey:

• US travelers need a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Starting in May 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license will be required for domestic flights
• The rainy season begins around November and doesn’t end until March. Traveling during these periods may mean fewer tourists

Why is Hawaii such a popular holiday destination?

If you've been, you know. Hawaii has a primordial beauty – as if you’ve been given the keys to paradise. Think Jurassic Park-like terrain, a warm tropical climate, and an array of epic outdoor activities in the water and on the land. Plus, a unique blend of Polynesian practices and Asian influences creates a distinctive cultural identity. The real question isn't whether to visit Hawaii, but which island you should go to.

Stunning beaches

Hawaii's islands are famous for their white, black, and even green sand beaches and crystal-clear water. Each island—Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, and Molokai—has iconic beaches that range from calm water to epic waves, perfect for extreme surfing.

Diverse outdoor activities

Hawaii offers some of the world's best surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving among coral reefs teeming with marine life. The hikes are also exceptional, from scenic coastal trails to more challenging volcanic areas, like the hike to the top of Diamond Head or through the otherworldly Haleakalā Crater. Rainforests and waterfalls are abundant, as are thrilling zip lines. In Kauai, you can also check out mountain tubing, a relaxing journey travelling through historic irrigation systems.

Rich culture and history

Hawaiian culture has diverse influences, from indigenous Polynesian peoples to global cultures, including Mexican, Chinese, Korean, Puerto Rican, Filipino, Portuguese, Spanish, and mainland American. A big influx of Japanese workers came to the islands in the late 19th century, causing Japan to have a major impact on the Hawaiian cultural tapestry. This fusion of cultures adds depth and texture to the Hawaii experience. In terms of local customs, every island has plenty of opportunities to enjoy luaus (feasts), see hula performances, and learn about Hawaiian myths and legends.

Year-round warm weather

Hawaii's tropical climate makes it a year-round destination, with pleasant temperatures in every season. Winters are warm, summers are hot but breezy, and shoulder seasons—April through May and September through November—are deliciously moderate. This means that anytime you choose to visit Hawaii is ideal for escaping colder climates.

Volcanic landscapes and unique ecosystems

The Big Island, home to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, has active volcanoes like Kilauea, giving you a rare opportunity to witness volcanic activity. Hawaii also has species, such as the Hawaiian monk seal (the state mammal) and Hawaiian goose, found nowhere else, making it a hotspot for nature lovers.

High-quality resorts and hospitality

Hawaii has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, with quality resorts, hotels, and spas that offer a range of living-the-dream experiences. Hawaii's reputation for hospitality, or ho'okipa, adds to the genuine pleasure of your stay.

How long does it take to fly to Hawaii?

You might be wondering, “how long does it take to fly to Hawaii?” That depends on where you’re departing from. But since it's such a popular destination, most major hubs have direct flights to Hawaii. If you sleep well on airplanes, you can consider an overnight flight, which can make the time pass relatively quickly.

Flights to Hawaii from the US mainland:

• West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle): 5–6 hours
• Southwest (Phoenix, Las Vegas): 6–7 hours
• Midwest (Chicago, Dallas): 8–9 hours
• East Coast (New York, Boston, Miami): 10–11 hours

How much does it cost to fly to Hawaii?

Now that we’ve answered the question, “how long is a flight to Hawaii?" Let’s talk about the price. The cost of flights to Hawaii depends on a range of variables like your departure location, time of year, airline, and how early you book. Here's a rough guide to give you an idea:

Domestic flights:

• West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle): Around $300–$600 for a round-trip ticket
• Central US (Denver, Chicago): Around $500–$800 for a round-trip ticket
• East Coast (New York, Boston): Around $700–$1,000 for a round-trip ticket

Which time of year is the cheapest time to fly to Hawaii?

The cheapest times to fly to Hawaii are typically during the shoulder seasons. During these periods, demand is lower, leading to more affordable airfare. Choosing mid-week flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays can also help lower the cost.

Which airlines fly to Hawaii?

• Hawaiian Airlines: Hawaii's flagship carrier offers numerous direct flights to Hawaii from the West Coast and some international destinations. It also provides inter-island flights.
• Alaska Airlines: Offers flights to Hawaii from many West Coast cities and has a reputation for competitive fares and quality service.
• American Airlines: Has flights to Hawaii from major US cities, including Los Angeles, Dallas, and Phoenix.
• Delta Air Lines: Serves flights to Hawaii from cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Atlanta.
• Southwest Airlines: Offers flights from various West Coast cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, and Oakland with generally lower fares and free checked bags.
• United Airlines: Provides service from multiple US cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, and Chicago.

What do you need to visit Hawaii?

• Valid ID: US travelers need a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Starting in May 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license will be required for domestic flights.
• Reef-friendly sunscreen: Most available sunscreens on the mainland come with chemicals that damage and bleach the coral. Since January 1st, 2021, sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate are no longer sold in Hawaii. These chemicals have been found to contribute to coral reef bleaching. In 2022, additional legislation decreed that Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii only allow mineral-based sunscreen. You will have to look at the sunscreen label carefully and do your due diligence to determine how environmentally safe your sunscreen is. As of yet, there are no universal standards for what constitutes reef-safe.
• Beach gear: Rash guards are essential to protect from sunburn while cutting down on sunscreen, which is better for the reefs. Of course, bring flip flops, a water bottle, sunglasses, and a beach towel. Everything is more expensive in Hawaii because most of it is imported, so you'll save if you bring gear with you.

Which parts of Hawaii can you fly to?

You can fly into several main airports in Hawaii. Most major airlines fly to Honolulu (HNL), Kahului (OGG), and Kona (KOA), while the other airports primarily handle inter-island flights.

Here's a quick rundown of the main options:

Oahu

• Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the busiest airport in Honolulu. It has the most international and mainland flights. It's located on the island of Oahu and serves as a hub for inter-island flights, too.

Maui

• Kahului Airport (OGG) in Kahului. The main airport for Maui, which handles most flights from the mainland and inter-island flights.
• Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui. Smaller and mainly serves inter-island flights from Oahu or other Hawaiian islands.

Big Island (Hawaii)

• Kona International Airport (KOA) in Kailua-Kona. This is the main airport on the western side of the Big Island, serving both mainland and inter-island flights.
• Hilo International Airport (ITO) in Hilo. Located on the eastern side of the island, this airport primarily serves inter-island flights but has some direct mainland connections.

Kauai

• Lihue Airport (LIH) in Lihue is the primary airport on Kauai, serving both mainland and inter-island flights.

Molokai

• Molokai Airport (MKK) in Ho'olehua is a small airport with flights mainly connecting to Honolulu or other islands.

Lanai

• Lanai Airport (LNY) in Lanai City is a smaller airport primarily served by inter-island flights, often connecting through Oahu.

FAQ

How long does it take to fly from the US to Hawaii?

How long is a flight to Hawaii? This depends on where you’re departing from. Direct flights can vary from 5–10 hours. The US mainland:

• West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle): 5–6 hours
• Southwest (Phoenix, Las Vegas): 6–7 hours
• Midwest (Chicago, Dallas): 8–9 hours
• East Coast (New York, Boston, Miami): 10–11 hours

What is the shortest flight to Hawaii from the USA?

Flying from the west coast to Hawaii is approximately 5–6 hours.

• Los Angeles LAX to Honolulu: Approximately 5.5 hours
• San Francisco to Honolulu: Approximately 5.5 hours
• San Diego to Honolulu: Approximately 6 hours

What is the cheapest month to go to Hawaii?

Shoulder season and off-season in Hawaii is generally in:

• Late winter: January to early March
• Late spring: Late April to early June
• Fall/Autumn: September to mid-December

The rainy season begins around November and doesn’t end until March. Traveling during these periods may mean fewer tourists.