I’ve been flying to Hawaii for years, and the airline you pick matters more than you think. A comfortable flight means you’re beach-ready the moment you land. A cramped, delayed mess means you’re spending your first vacation day just recovering.
For this 2026 guide, I analyzed over 150 flight routes to Hawaii and flew most of the major carriers myself. Some have lie-flat business class that turns a six-hour flight into the easiest sleep you’ll ever get. Others are budget options that save you money for activities once you land. A few nail that sweet spot of premium economy where the extra legroom is worth every dollar. These are the 10 airlines I’d actually book for Hawaii, ranked by what matters most: comfort, reliability, and value.
Quick tip on how to find cheap flights to Hawaii
Looking for cheap flights to Hawaii? Before I get into the best airlines, here’s how I find deals that save me hundreds of dollars per ticket.
I’ve used Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) for four years now. You enter your home airport, and they send you mistake fares and price drops straight to your inbox. This year, I saved over $2,000 on flights, including a $520 roundtrip from Boston to Honolulu that normally costs $900. I typically save $200 to $300 per ticket on Hawaii routes.
The free version works great if you fly once or twice a year. If you fly more often, the premium membership ($49/year) is worth it for priority alerts. Use code JON25 for 25% off if you upgrade.
Now, here are the 10 best airlines to fly to Hawaii in 2026.
1. 🇺🇸 Hawaiian Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Honolulu (HNL)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Extra Comfort (Premium Economy coming 2026), First Class/Business Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Atmos Rewards (NEW for 2026 – replaces HawaiianMiles)
- ☕ Perks: Complimentary island-inspired meals, free baggage allowance, Hawaiian hospitality
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for their “Neighbor Island” flight passes if visiting multiple islands during your trip
Hawaiian Airlines is the only carrier that makes the flight feel like part of your Hawaii vacation. They connect all major islands to mainland cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, New York, and Boston. The safety record is spotless – 95 years, zero fatal accidents.
Here’s where they beat everyone: free checked bags. You get one bag at 50 pounds on mainland flights. Delta, United, American charge $70-80 each way and cap at 40 pounds. For a family of four, that’s $560 saved roundtrip.
Complimentary meals include kalua pork and fresh pineapple, plus free Mai Tais in all cabins. The crews specialize in Hawaii routes, and you can tell they care about what they do. Most routes use widebody A330s or 787 Dreamliners.
Extra Comfort runs $80-120 more each way. You get 36 inches of legroom, priority boarding, and seats near the front. It’s worth it if you’re over 6 feet or want to sleep. Hawaiian’s First Class on longer routes like Boston to Honolulu feature lie-flat beds, which are impressively comfortable.
Hawaiian joined oneworld in 2026, which matters if you collect miles. The new Atmos Rewards program replaced HawaiianMiles and now works on British Airways, Qantas, Cathay Pacific. Book Hawaii, use those miles for London later. Interisland flights cost 7,500 miles each way instead of $150-200 cash.
Who should book Hawaiian? Families who’ll save money on bags. First-timers who want the whole experience. Anyone hopping between islands. Frequent flyers building miles for other trips.
Skip if: you found Southwest $200+ cheaper and don’t care about comfort or service.
- Read next: Molokai Travel Guide
2. 🇺🇸 Alaska Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Seattle (SEA)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Class, First Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Atmos Rewards (merged with Hawaiian)
- ☕ 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 flies more routes to Hawaii from the West Coast than any competitor. They connect Seattle, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles to all four major islands. By summer 2026, daily service runs to every island from each West Coast hub.
The Hawaiian merger in 2024 made their loyalty program the best for Hawaii travel. Atmos Rewards lets you earn on Alaska, redeem on Hawaiian’s interisland flights, and book awards on oneworld partners like British Airways and Qantas. I’ve used this to fly Alaska to Maui, hop islands on Hawaiian, then book London with the same miles.
Alaska consistently beats everyone on on-time performance. When you’re spending thousands on a Hawaii vacation, reliability matters. Their crews specialize in these routes and the difference shows.
I’ve booked West Coast to Hawaii for $199-299 each way by jumping on sales early. Premium Class runs $50-80 more for legroom and free drinks. Alaska Airlines’ First Class has lie-flat beds on some routes, though most Hawaii flights use comfortable recliners for 5-6 hour daytime flights.
Spring 2026 brings serious expansion. Burbank to Honolulu launches May 13 – first time in 20 years that route exists. LA to Maui goes twice daily. San Francisco to Kona and Lihue increases to daily service. More flights means better odds of snagging the departure time you want without paying surge pricing.
Who benefits most? West Coast travelers who value reliability over flashy amenities. Frequent flyers who want miles that work everywhere. Anyone willing to fly through Seattle, San Diego, or Portland to skip the LAX nightmare.
Skip if: you’re East Coast based with a cheaper direct Delta or United option. Alaska’s magic only works from the West Coast.
- Read next: Why Visit Sacramento
- You may also like: Unique Airbnbs in Canada
- For more reading: Cheapest Places to Fly Into Mexico
- Keep reading: How to Find Cheap Flights
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 connects Hawaii from Atlanta, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Detroit. If you’re East Coast or Midwest based, they’re often your best direct option to avoid multiple connections. They fly to Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and Kona.
Here’s why people pay more for Delta: 88% on-time arrival rate to Hawaii. I’ve watched friends lose entire vacation days because cheaper carriers couldn’t keep a schedule. Delta costs $50-150 more than budget options, but you land when you’re supposed to. Fares run $400-700 roundtrip from most hubs depending on season.
Most Hawaii routes use Boeing 767s or Airbus A330s. Comfort+ costs an extra $80-120 each way and gets you extra legroom, free drinks, and priority boarding. On an 8-hour flight from Atlanta, that upgrade makes the difference between arriving exhausted or ready to explore.
Winter 2026 brings new service from Salt Lake City to Kona starting December 19. Atlanta to Maui service starts earlier in November to catch holiday demand, and they’re adding a second daily Atlanta to Honolulu flight during peak season. More flights mean better departure times without paying surge pricing.
Basic Economy to Hawaii includes a free checked bag, unlike their domestic routes. SkyMiles members should watch for flash sales where Hawaii awards drop to 15,000 miles roundtrip. These sales are unpredictable but worth monitoring if you’ve got miles sitting around.
Who benefits most? East Coast and Midwest travelers who need reliable connections. Anyone who’s had a budget carrier ruin a vacation with delays. Business travelers with SkyMiles status getting free upgrades.
Skip if: you’re West Coast based and found Alaska $200 cheaper with similar timing.
- Read next: Best Places to Visit on the East Coast
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
If you’re in Western Canada, WestJet owns the Hawaii market. Calgary and Vancouver fly direct to Honolulu and Maui year-round. Kauai and the Big Island pop up seasonally, usually late fall through spring.
The big win here is avoiding US connections. Flying Vancouver to Maui direct beats routing through Seattle or San Francisco any day. You save 3-4 hours and skip the headache of clearing US customs twice.
Premium cabin is where WestJet gets interesting. For about C$150-200 more each way, you get a blocked middle seat. On a 6-hour flight, having that extra space changes everything. I paid the upgrade last February and had room to work on my laptop without elbowing a stranger.
Prices sit around C$400-800 roundtrip depending on when you book and travel. I recommend booking 2-3 months out for decent fares. Wait until last minute and you’re looking at C$1,000+.
WestJet Rewards is straightforward – you earn dollars, not points. They never expire and work like cash on future bookings. It’s one of my favorite frequent flyer programs, hands down.
Who should book WestJet? Western Canadians who want direct flights. Anyone tired of connecting through US airports. People who value reliable service over luxury.
Skip if: you’re in Toronto or Montreal. Air Canada or connecting through US hubs makes more sense from Eastern Canada.
- Read next: Coolest Airbnbs in the World
- You may also like: Cheapest Airports to Fly Into Hawaii
5. 🇺🇸 United Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO)
- 🛫 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, Polaris Business Class, First Class (domestic)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus
- ☕ Perks: Most extensive route network to Hawaii
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Use “Expert Mode” in your account to find flights with the most upgrade availability
United flies more seats to Hawaii than any other carrier – over 6,800 daily. They connect Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and Kona from Chicago, Denver, Houston, Newark, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, and Washington Dulles. If you live near a United hub, there’s probably a direct flight.
The advantage here is pure network power. When weather shuts down one route, United can reroute you through another hub. You’re buying reliability through redundancy. Denver to Hawaii is particularly strong – two daily Boeing 777s to Honolulu plus daily widebodies to Maui and Kona. That’s serious capacity.
Fares run $450-650 roundtrip from most hubs if you book 2-3 months ahead. Economy Plus costs $75-100 more each way for legroom that matters on 6-8 hour flights. Polaris Business Class with lie-flat beds runs on select longer routes.
Here’s my issue with United: they pack planes tight. High-density 777 configurations mean cramped economy and fewer amenities than Hawaiian offers. The service is functional but not special. You’re paying for the route network, not the experience.
Who benefits most? Anyone living near their hubs who needs schedule flexibility. Business travelers with MileagePlus status chasing upgrades. People using that Excursionist Perk for free island hopping.
Skip if: Hawaiian or Alaska has similar timing at comparable prices and you value comfort over network coverage.
- Read next: Unique Places to Visit in the US
- You may also like: Unique Airbnbs in Tokyo
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 connects Dallas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles to Honolulu, Maui, and Kona. They’ve been flying to Hawaii since 1970, yet they’re the airline nobody talks about for Hawaii – but that’s not necessarily bad.
If you’re in Texas, the Southwest, or anywhere American dominates, they’re your straightforward option. Dallas to Honolulu runs daily on Boeing 787 Dreamliners with lie-flat business class. Phoenix and LA use a mix of 777s and A321neos. The winter 2025-26 season brings back expanded Dallas to Kona service starting November.
Their massive domestic network is what makes American an attractive choice. You can connect from basically anywhere in America through Dallas, Phoenix, or Charlotte and reach Hawaii with one stop. That matters if you live in Nashville, Raleigh, or Kansas City where direct options don’t exist.
Premium Economy is where they’ve improved. The seats recline, you get decent food, and the price sits between cramped economy and AA’s business class. I’d consider it for the Dallas to Honolulu route, which clocks in around 8 hours. Fares typically run $500-800 roundtrip from their hubs.
The AAdvantage program works across oneworld partners. This means your Hawaii miles also book on British Airways, Qantas, and others. Their “Web Special” awards occasionally drop Hawaii flights below published rates if you’re flexible on dates.
American isn’t trying to be Hawaiian with the aloha experience or Alaska with West Coast dominance. They’re the reliable option if you’re already in their ecosystem. The service is professional but not memorable.
Who should book American? Anyone in Texas, Arizona, or the Southeast where they’re the logical connection. AAdvantage members with miles to burn. Business travelers who value oneworld status benefits.
Skip if: you’re West Coast based with better direct options, or you care deeply about the onboard experience feeling “Hawaiian.”
- Read next: Cheapest Cities to Fly Into the USA
- You may also like: Budget-Friendly Destinations from NYC
7. 🇺🇸 Southwest Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: No traditional hubs, major Hawaii operations from Oakland (OAK), San Diego (SAN), San Jose (SJC)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: All economy (assigned seating starting 2026)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Rapid Rewards with points that never expire
- ☕ Perks: Two free checked bags, no change fees, free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Their Companion Pass works on Hawaii routes, letting your plus-one fly nearly free
Southwest started Hawaii service in 2019 and keeps it simple: cheap fares, no nonsense. They fly Oakland, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, Long Beach, Phoenix, and Las Vegas to Honolulu, Maui, and Kona. Summer 2026 adds Ontario and Burbank to Honolulu.
They fly from Oakland, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, Long Beach, Phoenix, and Las Vegas to Honolulu, Maui, and Kona. Summer 2026 adds Ontario and Burbank to Honolulu (both first-time service in 20+ years).
There’s no frills when flying Southwest. What you do get is two free checked bags. I’ve watched friends choose Southwest purely for this reason. Fares run $250-450 each way, typically $50-150 cheaper than competitors. You’re flying all economy on Boeing 737s with no meals beyond snacks and no seatback screens. There’s free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members.
The Companion Pass is why some people fly Southwest religiously. Earn it through credit card spending or flying, and your designated person flies with you on every trip for just taxes ($11-22). For couples doing multiple Hawaii trips yearly, this is absurd value.
Flight times can be rough – 6am departures or midnight arrivals are common. But their same-day standby is free if earlier flights have space. And unlike every other airline, if you cancel, your money goes into travel credit you can use anytime with no expiration. Plus, they’re ditching open seating in 2026, finally adding assigned seats.
Who should book Southwest? Budget-conscious travelers who value savings over comfort. Families with lots of luggage. Companion Pass holders maximizing that benefit. Anyone who hates LAX and would rather fly from Burbank or Ontario.
Skip if: you need lie-flat seats, premium service, or convenient departure times. Southwest is great at being cheap and simple, and that’s it.
- Read next: Beautiful Vacation Rentals in Hawaii
8. 🇯🇵 Japan Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Sky Suite), First Class (select routes)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: JAL Mileage Bank with oneworld benefits
- ☕ Perks: Free Tokyo stopover, exceptional service, superior food quality
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Use their “Random Upgrade” chance when booking economy for potential business class upgrades at a fraction of the normal cost.
Japan Airlines (JAL) turns a Hawaii trip into a two-for-one deal. They fly Tokyo Narita and Haneda to Honolulu and Kona on Boeing 787 Dreamliners. My favorite thing about JAL is their free Tokyo stopover. Spend a few days exploring Japan, then continue to Hawaii. You’re getting two vacations for one set of flights!
The onboard experience is completely different from US carriers. Economy legroom that American airlines charge extra for comes standard. Actual meals instead of snacks in a bag. Business class Sky Suites with closing doors and lie-flat beds that rival what you’d find on premium international routes.
Service is methodical and professional. Flight attendants know when to help and when to disappear. The whole vibe is calm and intentional, not the controlled chaos of cramped US flights. Peak holiday periods get Boeing 777-300ERs with their JAL SUITE first class – private suites with 43-inch screens.
JAL Mileage Bank redemption rates run lower than most competitors. The oneworld partnership means your miles work on British Airways, Qantas, American. Fares to Hawaii via Tokyo aren’t always cheap, but you’re paying for a premium experience and that Tokyo stopover.
Who should book JAL? Travelers who see a Tokyo layover as a bonus trip. Anyone valuing service quality over cheap prices. People interested in experiencing both Japan and Hawaii. Oneworld elites maximizing status benefits.
Skip if: you want the cheapest direct flight to Hawaii from the US mainland. JAL works for people who view the Tokyo connection as an advantage.
- Read next: Unique Things to Do in O’ahu
9. 🇨🇦 Air Canada
- 🏠 Hub: Vancouver (YVR), Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Aeroplan (Star Alliance)
- ☕ Perks: Star Alliance access to 45+ airlines, Vancouver has US pre-clearance
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Hawaii redemptions start at just 12,500 Aeroplan points one-way from the West Coast – same rate as continental North America flights.
Air Canada is the default choice for most Canadians flying to Hawaii because they’re often the only direct option. Vancouver runs daily 787 Dreamliners to Honolulu with lie-flat Business and Premium Economy. Toronto and Montreal get 787s too, and Calgary and Edmonton see 737 MAX 8s. I’d recommend Air Canada’s business class on longer flights.
Fares run CAD $400-700 from Vancouver, CAD $500-900 from Toronto. You’re not getting a deal, but you’re paying for the convenience of not connecting through Seattle or Los Angeles. Baggage fees are standard but add up fast – that first surfboard costs CAD $30-35.
The real reason to stick with Air Canada is Aeroplan. It’s Star Alliance, so your points work on United, ANA, Lufthansa, and 40+ other airlines. From January 2026, you’ll earn 1 point per dollar spent instead of distance-based earning. If you fly Air Canada for work or live in Canada, the points accumulate fast.
Who should book Air Canada? Canadians who value direct flights over price. Anyone collecting Aeroplan points for Star Alliance redemptions. People in Western Canada where Air Canada is the only nonstop option. Business travelers expensing Premium Economy on long-haul routes.
Skip if: WestJet offers better timing or pricing from your city. You’re connecting through a US hub anyway and Alaska or United would be cheaper. You need multiple checked bags and the fees make competitors more attractive. You’re price-sensitive and willing to connect to save CAD $200+.
- Read Next: 13 Beautiful Vacation Rentals in Hawaii
- Read More: 9 Budget-Friendly Tropical Destinations
10. 🇦🇺 Qantas Airways
- 🏠 Hub: Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Qantas Frequent Flyer (oneworld)
- ☕ Perks: 2 checked bags included (23kg each), award-winning Business Class
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book during their Red Tail sales for AUD $999-1,049 return – regular pricing hits AUD $1,200-1,800.
Qantas is the only Australian carrier flying nonstop to Hawaii. Sydney runs 5 weekly flights to Honolulu, Melbourne does 3 weekly (though it’s being suspended February 1-March 30, 2026). Both routes use A330-200s for the 10+ hour haul across the Pacific.
Two checked bags included is rare on Australian long-haul, so if you’re bringing surf gear or dive equipment, this is important. The flight itself is long – you’re crossing the entire Pacific overnight in either direction. Economy is standard 31-32″ pitch. Business Class has proper lie-flat seats, which is worth considering on a 10-hour redeye if you can afford it or have points.
Here’s the thing about flying Qantas to Hawaii. If you’re in Sydney or Melbourne, the direct routing saves you 4-6 hours compared to connecting through Auckland or the US West Coast. That might not sound like much, but when you’ve already flown 10 hours, adding another connection is brutal.
Qantas Frequent Flyer points work well here. It’s oneworld, so you can book American, Alaska, or Japan Airlines flights too. Hawaiian joins oneworld in 2026, which means you can use Qantas points for interisland hops. Sydney to Honolulu runs around 57,800 points economy, 143,000 business one-way – decent value if you’ve accumulated points through their credit cards.
Who should book Qantas: Australians who value direct flights over price. Sydney or Melbourne residents where it’s genuinely the most convenient option. Anyone sitting on Qantas points. Travelers who don’t want to deal with US or New Zealand connections.
Skip if: you’re price-sensitive and willing to add 4-6 hours connecting through Auckland or LA to save AUD $300-500. You’re flying from Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide and connecting anyway. Melbourne travelers in February-March when service is suspended.
- Read next: Budget-Friendly Destinations from LAX
1 comment
All Roads lead to Hawaii.