Cheapest Time to Fly to Hawaii

• Seasonal demand, timing of booking, and external factors all contribute to Hawaii flight prices.
• The cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is in the fall.
• The most expensive time to fly to Hawaii is during the summer and winter holidays.

Whether your ideal Hawaiian getaway involves relaxing on the beach with a mai tai in hand, exploring rugged terrain and volcanic outcrops, or diving into the ocean to come face to face with sea life, a trip to the islands is always a good idea. However, it can also come with a high price tag.

Luckily, as someone who has lived on Oahu, I’ve taken more than 100 flights in and out of Hawaii over the past decade, learning a thing or two about how to save money on a trip to the Aloha State, starting with airfare. And while there’s no real bad time to visit Hawaii, there are certainly times of the year and other factors that play a role in the cost of a flight.

Looking to visit Hawaii? Here are the best tips for booking cheap airfare.

Factors That Impact Flight Prices

Because Hawaii is a year-round destination for travelers, it’s important to consider factors that impact flight prices, including seasonal demand, timing of booking, and external issues. 

Seasonal Demand: Seasonal demand refers to the time of year when travel is most popular. “If you purchase a ticket to Hawaii during a period that isn’t in high demand, like the fall, you can expect much lower prices,” Henri Chelhot, CEO of FlightHub, tells Travel + Leisure, adding that Hawaii is typically most popular during the summer, winter holidays, and school breaks. “Therefore, flying during off-peak times when fewer people are traveling can significantly reduce costs.”

Timing of Booking: The timing of your booking is similar to seasonal demand because both are influenced by algorithms and overall market demand. “Airlines know that if you’re booking close to your desired departure date, you may be willing to spend more on a last-minute trip,” says Chelhot. “Additionally, last-minute flights are often nearly full, so airlines have less incentive to lower prices.”

External Factors: Chelhot says external factors such as natural disasters or major sporting events in your destination (think surfing competitions, major golf tournaments, or the Merrie Monarch Festival for Hawaii-bound travelers) can also greatly influence flight prices. 

Cheapest Time to Fly to Hawaii

Summer and winter are peak seasons in Hawaii, leading to increased demand, which can result in higher flight prices. This means the cheapest time to catch a flight to Hawaii is in the fall.

“Honolulu saw a 15-percent drop in average ticket prices this past fall compared to last summer, which was, in part, because of shoulder season,” Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations, tells T+ L. 

For Hawaiian destinations, the shoulder season—that is, the sweet spot between the tourist rush and the offseason, when the weather is nice, the crowds have dispersed, and hotel rates are more wallet-friendly—is the fall. “Fall is prime time for deals, as airfare historically drops 10 percent compared to the summer months,” says Fish.

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights

Even when fares seem out of reach, there are ways to save according to SmartFlyer CEO and founder Michael Holtz.

Set price alerts.

Knowing how to use flight price alerts is part of scoring the best deal on airfare, no matter where you’re headed. When you notice the cost dipping, it’s time to book.

Don’t wait until the last minute to book.

According to Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks report, the ideal booking window for domestic travel is 34 to 86 days in advance. Waiting until the last minute means there’s a good chance the price is going to go up.

Use credit card points.

“Utilizing credit card points and miles you’ve earned can significantly lower your out-of-pocket expense for flights to Hawaii,” says Holtz.

Claim status rewards.

Having status with airlines, which can often mean perks like complimentary checked luggage, can help you maximize the value of your flight.

Know your flight route.

“Map out a flight route that flies into Honolulu first,” suggests Holtz. “As the region’s largest gateway, it becomes much more accessible to travel from island to island. Here, inter-island flights are frequent and competitively priced.” Inter-island travel is available through Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, and Mokulele Airlines.

If possible, fly on a weekday.

“Fly during the week to avoid weekend travel, which is when most families travel,” says Holtz.

Don’t be afraid to break up your trip.

Sometimes, booking one-way trips—or making a stop on the West Coast if you’re flying from the East Coast—can make trips more affordable.

Book on a Sunday.

Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks report also showed travelers who book flights on Sunday—both domestic and international—saved around six percent.