Dreaming of a Hawaiian escape? 🌺 With 65 countries under my belt and over 150 flight routes analyzed, I’ve learned a thing or two about finding the smoothest, most enjoyable ways to reach paradise. Hawaii isn’t just any destination—it’s a place that deserves the right start to your journey. From luxurious perks and extra legroom to unbeatable service and timely flights, the airline you choose can shape your entire Hawaiian experience.
In this ultimate guide, I’ve ranked the top 10 airlines that get you to Hawaii in style for 2025. Whether you’re after a relaxing start to your beach vacation, some solid budget options, or an all-out luxury experience in the skies, these picks cover every type of traveler. So ready to dive in? These airlines are the best in the game for your Hawaiian adventure this year.
Quick tip on how to find cheap flights to Hawaii
Looking for cheap flights to Hawaii right now? Before diving into all the airlines that fly to Hawaii, I first want to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.
For the past 4 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send mistake fares and other super cheap flight deals to you. In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts – including most recently, a $520 roundtrip fare from Boston to Honolulu. Typically, I save about $250 roundtrip on these flight routes. Though there’s a premium version that costs $49 per year, I recommend using the free version. It’s all you really need (unless you’re jetsetting all the time like me).
However, if you fly more than 2-3 times a year, it’s definitely worth upgrading to the paid version of Scott’s. I recommend signing up for the free trial to test it out for yourself. If you like it, be sure to use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!
Now without further ado, here are the best Hawaii flights in 2025.
1. 🇺🇸 Hawaiian Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Honolulu (HNL)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Extra Comfort (Premium Economy), First Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: HawaiianMiles with many airline partners
- ☕ Perks: Complimentary island-inspired meals, generous free baggage allowance, authentic Hawaiian hospitality
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for their “Neighbor Island” flight passes if visiting multiple islands during your trip
Hawaiian Airlines isn’t just the oldest airline serving Hawaii. It’s never had a fatal accident in its 95-year history, making it one of the safest carriers on the planet. As the state’s hometown airline, they connect Honolulu (HNL), Maui (OGG), Kauai (LIH), and the Big Island (KOA) with mainland cities like Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), and New York (JFK). Their modern Airbus A330s and A321neos bring the aloha spirit to the skies from takeoff.
If you’re flying Extra Comfort, expect a genuine upgrade from standard economy: 36 inches of legroom, priority boarding, and complimentary entertainment. Their International Business Class offers a true premium experience with lie-flat beds, island-inspired amenities, and cuisine crafted by Hawaii’s top chefs. Cabin Options vary by route but always feature that trademark island hospitality regardless of where you sit.
Hawaiian Airlines is known for adding authentic island touches to the in-flight experience. Perks include complimentary Mai Tais, meals featuring local favorites like kalua pork and pineapple, and even Hawaiian language flight announcements. Baggage-wise, economy passengers can check one free bag on mainland flights.
The airline’s HawaiianMiles loyalty program is surprisingly generous when you know how to work it. Look for flights to neighbor islands starting at just 7,500 miles each way. Booking during their frequent “Member Deal” promotions can save you thousands of miles (especially during off-peak times).
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2. 🇺🇸 Alaska Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Seattle (SEA)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Class, First Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Mileage Plan with generous earning and diverse partners
- ☕ Perks: Free texting, power outlets at most seats, locally-inspired food options
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their “Saver” fares well in advance for Hawaii routes to secure the best deals
Alaska Airlines is not just your ordinary West Coast carrier. It’s consistently ranked among America’s most beloved airlines. Despite the name, they actually operate the most flights to Hawaii from the U.S. mainland’s West Coast, making them a top contender for your island getaway.
The flying experience strikes that perfect balance of value and comfort. Economy seats offer enough room that you won’t arrive with numb legs, Premium Class gets you early boarding and free drinks, and First Class provides a genuinely nice experience without the astronomical prices charged by bigger names. Their signature fruit and cheese plate has developed such a cult following that people actually post photos of it on social media.
Alaska excels through consistent reliability and exceptional crew culture. They frequently rank highest for on-time performance and customer satisfaction. Many crews specialize in Hawaii routes, bringing genuine enthusiasm and island knowledge that helps your vacation start onboard.
The Mileage Plan program remains one of the few that still rewards actual distance flown. This makes Hawaii trips especially valuable for point collectors. Their popular Companion Fare benefit also lets you bring someone along for just taxes and fees on your Hawaii vacation. It’s ironic that an airline named for the coldest state has become one of the best options for reaching paradise.
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3. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines
- 🏠 Hub: Atlanta (ATL)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, First Class, Delta One (select routes)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles with no point expiration
- ☕ Perks: Free entertainment, Wi-Fi on most flights, excellent reliability
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Their “Basic Economy” fares to Hawaii include a free checked bag, unlike on domestic routes
Delta Air Lines ranks as Hawaii’s most punctual mainland carrier, with an impressive 88% on-time arrival rate to the islands. This Atlanta-based giant has built one of the most robust Hawaii networks of any legacy carrier. Atlanta (ATL) offers nonstop service to Honolulu (HNL), while connections through Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), and Salt Lake City (SLC) reach Maui (OGG), Kauai (LIH), and Kona (KOA).
The Comfort+ cabin is honestly worth the upgrade for these 8+ hour flights. Most travelers appreciate the extra legroom when they’ve got island adventures ahead, and the complimentary Mai Tais taste even better knowing they don’t add to the vacation budget. For those feeling splurgy, Delta One cabins feel like flying in a five-star hotel with fully-flat beds wrapped in Westin bedding. Passengers often arrive more rested than when they left!
What makes Delta worth the extra coins is their reliability. When your vacation costs thousands, the last thing you need is flight stress and drama. Their app actually works, crews don’t seem dead inside, and their “Surprise and Delight” program sometimes scores lucky travelers free upgrades. Their seatback screens even offer more entertainment than anyone could possibly watch during even the longest Hawaii flights.
The SkyMiles program drops random flash sales where Hawaii tickets go for just 15,000 miles roundtrip. For paradise-bound travelers who value actually arriving as scheduled, Delta delivers.
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4. 🇨🇦 WestJet
- 🏠 Hub: Calgary (YYC)
- 🛫 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium, Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: WestJet Rewards
- ☕ Perks: Free first checked bag with WestJet credit card, affordable Premium cabin, friendly Canadian service
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book WestJet Vacations packages for bundled savings on flights, hotels, and activities
WestJet stands as Canada’s friendly gateway to Hawaiian paradise, delivering nearly 180,000 Canadians to the islands annually. Calgary (YYC) serves as their main launching point with direct flights to Honolulu (HNL), Maui (OGG), and seasonal service to Kona (KOA). Additional routes operate from Vancouver (YVR) and Toronto (YYZ) using their Boeing 737 fleet and luxurious Boeing 787 Dreamliner on select routes.
The Premium cabin offers tremendous value with dedicated check-in, priority boarding, generous legroom, and complimentary beverages. Most aircraft block middle seats, giving passengers extra shoulder room that makes transpacific flights noticeably more comfortable.
WestJet infuses its service with genuine Canadian hospitality. Flight attendants bring a refreshingly casual yet professional approach, and onboard dining incorporates Pacific flavors with Canadian touches. The airline recently introduced destination-specific announcements featuring Hawaiian cultural insights.
The WestJet Rewards program awards dollars that work like cash toward future flights, rather than points with unpredictable values. These dollars never expire, and can be combined with companion fares for significant savings on high-season Hawaii getaways.
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5. 🇺🇸 United Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Chicago (ORD)
- 🛫 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, First Class (domestic), Polaris Business (international)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus
- ☕ Perks: Most extensive route network to Hawaii, wide selection of aircraft, robust island connections
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Use their “Expert Mode” when searching (enabled in your account preferences) to find flights with most upgrade availability.
United Airlines pilots call the Hawaii routes “the pineapple runs” for good reason. The airline’s history with the islands go back so far they were flying tourists there before Hawaii was even a state. Today they operate more flights to paradise than any other carrier, with their Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners.
The onboard experience varies by aircraft but focuses on getting you in the vacation mindset. Their Hawaii-specific service includes island-inspired welcome drinks and specialized entertainment content. Economy Plus seating delivers extra legroom that makes a genuine difference on 6+ hour flights, while their Polaris business class offers lie-flat beds for those willing to splurge on their paradise journey.
What makes United work for Hawaii travelers is their sheer network power. When competitors cancel due to weather, United can often reroute you through another hub and still get you to your resort on time. Their partnership with Hawaiian Airlines means seamless connections once you arrive, and their specialized Hawaii knowledge center provides insider planning guides for first-time visitors.
The MileagePlus program offers surprising value for Hawaii travel. Saver awards start at 22,500 miles each way, but the real secret is United’s “Excursionist Perk,” which allows a free one-way flight within Hawaii when booking a round-trip award from the mainland. Elite members enjoy complimentary Economy Plus seating, making those long Pacific crossings considerably more comfortable.
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6. 🇺🇸 American Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (select routes)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage with oneworld benefits
- ☕ Perks: Flagship lounges, wider route network, newer aircraft on Hawaii routes
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for their “Basic Economy Plus Bag” bundled fare which costs less than regular economy but includes a checked bag.
American Airlines has been in the Hawaii game since 1970, and it shows in their solid service to the islands. From their massive Dallas (DFW) home base and key cities like Phoenix (PHX) and Los Angeles (LAX), they connect mainland travelers to Honolulu (HNL), Maui (OGG), and Kona (KOA) on their updated Boeing 777s and Airbus A321neos.
The onboard vibe has seriously improved in recent years. Their Premium Economy hits that sweet spot between comfort and affordability with wider seats and better food. Business Class goes full luxury with lie-flat beds and Casper bedding that’ll have you arriving refreshed. Even regular Economy includes free entertainment that helps those Pacific hours fly by.
What makes American work for Hawaii travelers is their huge network. Living in a smaller city? One quick connection through their hubs and you’re beach-bound. Their Flagship Lounges at gateway airports also actually serve food worth eating, making that pre-flight time part of your vacation rather than a chore.
The AAdvantage program’s secret weapon is Web Special awards that can score you Hawaii seats for way fewer miles than the published charts. Their partnerships with Japan Airlines give you backup options when award space gets tight. For travelers who want reliable Hawaii access from virtually anywhere in America, AA delivers with minimal hassle.
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7. 🇺🇸 Southwest Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: No traditional hubs, but major Hawaii operations from Oakland (OAK)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: All economy (open seating)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Rapid Rewards with points that never expire
- ☕ Perks: Two free checked bags, no change fees, open seating policy
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Their Companion Pass works on Hawaii routes, letting your plus-one fly nearly free
Southwest Airlines only started flying to Hawaii in 2019, but they’ve already transformed the market with their budget-friendly approach. This fan-favorite carrier now connects Honolulu (HNL), Maui (OGG), and Kona (KOA) with West Coast cities like Oakland (OAK), San Diego (SAN), and Las Vegas (LAS). Their all-Boeing 737 fleet features upgraded cabins specifically designed for those longer ocean crossings.
The flying experience follows Southwest’s famously simple formula. No assigned seats means you choose your spot when boarding. Their generous free baggage allowance saves beach vacationers about $140 roundtrip compared to carriers charging for checked bags. While you won’t get fancy meals, their friendly crews and consistent service make up for the no-frills approach.
Southwest shines brightest for flexible travelers. Changed plans? No problem and no penalty fees. Their inter-island flights maintain consistent pricing even close to departure, unlike competitors who double or triple fares for last-minute island hoppers. The cabin vibe feels more like a road trip than formal transportation, with crews who often joke and keep things light.
The Rapid Rewards program delivers exceptional value through their legendary Companion Pass. This coveted benefit lets someone fly with you for just taxes, effectively cutting your Hawaii costs in half. For budget-conscious travelers who prioritize flexibility and transparency over premium amenities, Southwest’s Hawaii service proves that simple doesn’t mean subpar.
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8. 🇯🇵 Japan Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First (select routes)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: JAL Mileage Bank with oneworld benefits
- ☕ Perks: Exceptional service, superior catering, spacious seating even in economy
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Use their “Random Upgrade” chance when booking economy for potential business class upgrades at a fraction of the normal cost.
Japan Airlines turns your Hawaii trip into a two-for-one vacation deal with their free Tokyo stopover option. This premium carrier connects Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) to Honolulu (HNL) and Kona (KOA) using their stunning Boeing 787 Dreamliners with bigger windows and better cabin pressure that actually helps reduce jet lag. Win-win.
The onboard vibe? Next level. Economy seats come with legroom American airlines charge extra for, plus thoughtful touches like footrests and menu choices that include both Japanese and Western options that taste like actual food. Their Business Class Sky Suites deliver privacy and comfort that makes 8+ hours over the Pacific feel almost too short to enjoy all the amenities.
JAL stands out through their almost obsessive attention to detail. Flight attendants appear exactly when needed then vanish when you’re sleeping. Meals look so artfully presented you’ll actually want to post them on Instagram. The whole experience feels calm and intentional, unlike the controlled chaos of many Hawaii flights.
The JAL Mileage Bank program hits the sweet spot for value hunters with lower redemption rates than most competitors. For travelers smart enough to plan a chill few days in Tokyo before hitting Hawaii’s beaches, JAL delivers a premium journey that makes you feel like vacation starts the moment you board.
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9. 🇨🇦 Air Canada
- 🏠 Hub: Vancouver (YVR)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class (Signature)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Aeroplan with Star Alliance benefits
- ☕ Perks: Vancouver pre-clearance, modern fleet, award-winning premium cabins
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their “Latitude” fares which include free same-day flight changes, perfect if you suddenly want to extend your Hawaii stay.
Air Canada takes Hawaii seriously enough to dedicate some of their nicest planes to paradise routes. From their Pacific gateway in Vancouver (YVR) and seasonal service from Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL), they connect snow-bound Canadians and northern U.S. residents to Honolulu (HNL), Maui (OGG), and Kona (KOA) using their comfortable Boeing 787 Dreamliners and newly refreshed 737 MAX aircraft.
The flying experience delivers quality across all cabins. Economy includes complimentary meals, drinks, and entertainment with above-average legroom. Premium Economy offers a significant upgrade with wider seats, enhanced dining, and priority services. Their Signature Business Class features lie-flat pods, restaurant-quality dining, and amenity kits that people actually keep.
What makes Air Canada especially convenient is their U.S. Customs pre-clearance in Vancouver. This means Hawaii-bound travelers clear U.S. immigration before even boarding their flight, allowing them to skip the often lengthy arrival lines in Hawaii. Their reliable winter operations keep Hawaii vacations on track even during harsh Canadian weather.
The Aeroplan program provides excellent Hawaii value with their distance-based award chart. Their generous stopover policy lets travelers explore Vancouver on either end of their Hawaii trip. For northern residents seeking reliable winter escapes to Hawaii with premium comfort and simplified entry procedures, Air Canada delivers tropical reliability with a touch of Canadian hospitality.
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10. 🇦🇺 Qantas Airways
- 🏠 Hub: Sydney (SYD)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First (select routes)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Qantas Frequent Flyer with oneworld benefits
- ☕ Perks: Premium service, excellent catering, generous baggage allowance
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Qantas flights to Honolulu connecting through Sydney during their “Red Tail” sales, which typically occur quarterly and offer up to 30% off premium cabins
Qantas Airways is the only airline on this list that considers Hawaii a “short” flight. For this Australian carrier, the 5,000+ mile journey from Sydney (SYD) and Brisbane (BNE) to Honolulu (HNL) is just a mid-range hop compared to their ultra-long-haul routes. Their dedicated Airbus A330s with enhanced comfort features make this 10+ hour journey significantly more pleasant than you might expect.
The onboard experience reflects their premium positioning. Economy seats offer better width and pitch than most competitors, with surprisingly good meals and Australian wines included. Premium Economy provides a proper upgrade with wider seats, leg rests, and enhanced dining. Business Suite passengers enjoy direct aisle access, fully-flat beds, and restaurant-quality dining that showcases Australian ingredients.
Qantas distinguishes itself through consistently polished service. Their crew training is among the industry’s most thorough, resulting in confident, capable flight attendants who maintain the perfect balance between professional and friendly. Their entertainment system features extensive content, including Hawaiian destination guides that help you plan your activities while en route.
The Qantas Frequent Flyer program’s “Points Plus Pay” feature lets you combine points with cash when you’re short on miles. Their partnerships with Hawaiian hotels often include exclusive perks for Qantas passengers. For travelers looking to combine Australia and Hawaii in one epic Pacific adventure, Qantas offers that rare combination of premium experience and laid-back attitude that matches Hawaii’s own vibe perfectly.
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1 comment
All Roads lead to Hawaii.