Top 10 Best Airlines to Maui in 2025 (For Comfort and Value)

Jon Miksis Jon Miksis clock Updated September 16, 2025 tourism Things to Do in North America
by Jon Miksis
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Maui, with its sun-kissed shores, lush rainforests, and the majestic Haleakala volcano, is a dream destination for many. But getting there can be a journey in itself. With so many airlines offering flights to this Hawaiian paradise, it can be tough to choose the best one.

Having flown to Maui countless times and analyzed flights from 50 major airports across the US and Canada, I’ve curated a list of the top 10 airlines that offer the best overall travel experience to this tropical haven. Factors like seat comfort, in-flight amenities, meal quality, and flight schedule flexibility were key considerations in selecting these top-tier airlines. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, these airlines will help you start your Maui journey off right.

Quick tip on how to find cheap flights to Maui

Looking for cheap flights to Maui right now? Before diving into all the airlines that fly to Maui, I first want to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.

For the past three 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 you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2024, I’ve saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $497 roundtrip fare from Boston to Maui.

There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot every year, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. In my experience, you’ll get your money back after finding just one discounted flight! As such, I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, be sure to use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Now without further ado, here are the best Maui flights in 2025.

The best airlines to fly to Maui right now

1. 🇺🇸 Hawaiian Airlines

  • 🏠 Hub: Honolulu (HNL), Maui (OGG)
  • 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Extra Comfort, First Class
  • 🎯 Loyalty Program: HawaiianMiles — Independent with JetBlue partnership
  • Perks: Most extensive Hawaii network, island hospitality, complimentary meals
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Upgrade to Extra Comfort on A330s for just $80–100 more each way. You’ll have more legroom, early boarding, and dedicated overhead bin space.

No airline understands Maui better than Hawaii’s hometown carrier. Hawaiian Airlines serves Kahului Airport with extensive direct flights from the mainland plus frequent island-hopping connections, delivering authentic island hospitality from the moment you step aboard.

From the moment you board, there’s a sense that your vacation has already started. Every passenger gets a complimentary hot meal (pretty rare on domestic routes), while First Class delivers lie-flat beds on longer flights and locally sourced menus that highlight Hawaiian flavors. Hawaiian’s A330s are the aircraft to target: spacious, quiet, and outfitted with their Extra Comfort seats that offer serious legroom upgrades without breaking the bank.

Where Hawaiian truly stands out is their operational expertise in paradise. Both in the air and on the ground, the staff bring genuine warmth and deep local knowledge that elevates the experience. Even the way they handle Maui’s gusty afternoon landings shows just how well they know the islands.

HawaiianMiles offer solid value, particularly for island-hopping and upgrades. For travelers who want more space without the First Class price tag, Extra Comfort hits the sweet spot. Watch for their recurring “Hawaii Is Calling” promotions as these sales can drop Maui fares to under $400 roundtrip. And if you’re sensitive to turbulence, aim for those morning arrivals when the skies are calmer.

Hawaiian Airlines' distinctive and top-tier services deliver significant value to travelers.
Hawaiian Airlines’ distinctive and top-tier services deliver significant value to travelers.

Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel this year…so I couldn’t recommend it more!


2. 🇺🇸 Alaska Airlines

  • 🏠 Hub: Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX)
  • 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Premium Class, First Class
  • 🎯 Loyalty Program: Mileage Plan — oneworld alliance
  • Perks: West Coast convenience, exceptional service, generous baggage policy
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Book a Saver fare, then upgrade to “Saver+” for $30-40 more. You’ll get a standard seat assignment, priority boarding, and flight change flexibility without overpaying.

Alaska Airlines is a top choice for getting to Maui, especially if you’re coming from the West Coast. With nonstop service from cities like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, you can skip the giant airport crowds and head straight to paradise.

What makes Alaska stand out isn’t flashy perks but consistent, thoughtful service. The airline’s Boeing 737s might not turn heads, but they’re well-kept and equipped with working outlets, reliable WiFi, and streaming entertainment. Premium Class adds four inches of legroom and free cocktails, making those six-hour flights feel far less cramped. First Class upgrades the experience further with roomy recliners and meal service that often features Hawaiian flavors.

The real Alaska advantage? No need to connect through a chaotic mega-hub if you live anywhere on the West Coast. The crew knows the Hawaii routes inside and out, handling Maui’s sometimes tricky approach conditions with practiced ease. Plus, that free checked bag for cardholders means bringing your own snorkel gear without penalty. 

Here’s where Alaska truly shines: Mileage Plan still awards miles based on distance flown, not what you paid. A discount ticket to Maui can earn nearly twice the miles compared to revenue-based programs. Expect to pay around $400-600 roundtrip in Main Cabin and $1,000-1,600 in First Class. 

✈️ My #1 Tip for Cheap Flights:

If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.

Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.

Seriously, it’s the best travel decision I’ve ever made (in 8+ years).

👉 Get FREE Flight Alerts

Alaska Airlines is notable for its wide network, top-quality services, and dedication to a seamless, enjoyable travel experience.
Alaska Airlines is notable for its wide network, top-quality services, and dedication to a seamless, enjoyable travel experience.

3. 🇺🇸 American Airlines

  • 🏠 Hub: Dallas (DFW), Phoenix (PHX), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX)
  • 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, Business/First
  • 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage — oneworld alliance
  • Perks: Extensive domestic connections, widebody service, Flagship lounges
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Web Special awards for as low as 12,000 miles each way. These often price 40% below standard award rates and represent one of the best uses of AAdvantage miles

The oneworld alliance’s US heavyweight delivers more options to paradise than most competitors. American Airlines operates direct Maui flights from Dallas, Phoenix, Chicago, and Los Angeles, creating convenient one-stop service from virtually anywhere in the country.

American’s Maui routes feature a mix of aircraft types that dramatically affect your experience. Score a seat on their widebody 777s or 787s from Dallas and you’ll enjoy international-style service with lie-flat Business Class pods, Premium Economy with extra-wide seats, and Main Cabin Extra offering substantially more legroom than standard Economy. American’s narrowbody A321neos on west coast routes deliver a solid experience too, with modern interiors featuring power outlets and streaming entertainment to your device. The most important move? Check aircraft types before booking, as the premium cabins vary significantly.

Travelers connecting through Dallas or Chicago can access American’s Flagship Lounges if flying in Business or holding elite status. These lounges include restaurant-quality meals, cocktails, and quiet zones that let you start your vacation early. American also partners with major Maui hotels and car rental providers to offer bundled vacation packages that often cost less than booking each element separately.

AAdvantage members will find strong redemption value on Hawaii routes. Web Special awards to Maui sometimes drop as low as 12,000 miles each way in Economy. If you’re looking to save even more, consider flying out of Phoenix, where American frequently lists Maui fares $150 to $200 lower than other major hubs. Just be mindful of summer monsoon season in Arizona, as afternoon storms can lead to minor delays.

American Airlines distinguishes itself with a dedication to premium service and exceptional business class in-flight amenities.
American Airlines distinguishes itself with a dedication to premium service and exceptional business class in-flight amenities.

4. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines

  • 🏠 Hub: Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), Salt Lake City (SLC)
  • 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select, First/Delta One
  • 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles — SkyTeam alliance
  • Perks: Most reliable operations, excellent app, free messaging
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Delta’s Basic Economy but use the “Move Up” feature in the app, 24 hours before departure. Upgrades to Comfort+ or First often sell for 50-70% less than the original fare difference.

Want the smoothest path to paradise? Delta brings industry-leading reliability to Maui with direct flights from Seattle, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and (seasonally) Atlanta. When you’re planning that dream Hawaiian vacation, their operational excellence means one less thing to stress about.

Delta has upped their Hawaii game with aircraft specifically configured for these premium leisure routes. Many of their Maui flights now feature upgraded interiors with personal entertainment screens actually worth watching, power outlets at every seat, and fast WiFi that works over the Pacific. First Class cabins offer spacious recliners perfect for napping after that mai tai, while Comfort+ delivers those extra inches of legroom that make a noticeable difference on a 6+ hour flight. 

The Delta experience shines on the ground too. They have a mobile app that provides real-time updates and seamless tracking of everything from departure times to when your bags will arrive on the carousel. Premium passengers have access to the popular Sky Clubs, boasting substantial food offerings, premium beverages, and shower facilities in key gateway cities. For families, Delta’s “Infant On Lap” process works more smoothly than most competitors, without the documentation hassles some parents encounter elsewhere.

SkyMiles might not deliver chart-topping value, but their frequent flash sales can offer Maui tickets for as little as 20,000 miles roundtrip from West Coast cities. Be strategic about aircraft types: Delta’s newer A330s and 767-400s offer substantially better premium cabins than the older 757s that still operate some Hawaii routes.

Delta's premium-priced services justify their cost with superior amenities and meticulous service.
Delta’s premium-priced services justify their cost with superior amenities and meticulous service.

5. 🇺🇸 United Airlines

  • 🏠 Hub: San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Denver (DEN), Chicago (ORD)
  • 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, Polaris (select routes)
  • 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus — Star Alliance network
  • Perks: Most extensive Hawaii network, newest aircraft, comprehensive packages
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Book widebody flights from Chicago or Denver instead of West Coast routes. You’ll get lie-flat seats in Polaris for around the same price as domestic-style recliners.

No mainland carrier flies more people to Hawaii than United. They’ve got nonstop service from major hubs like San Francisco, L.A., Denver, and Chicago, which makes getting to Kahului pretty easy no matter where you’re starting from.

Here’s the catch: not all flights are created equal. The widebody jets from Denver and Chicago come with Polaris Business Class with lie-flat seats, big screens, and an experience that actually feels long-haul. You’ll also find Premium Plus on those flights, which gives you more space, upgraded meals, and a bit more breathing room. On the other hand, West Coast routes usually use 737s with standard domestic recliners up front. The tip here is simple: if you’re splurging, fly from Chicago or Denver. It’s a longer flight, but the seat makes it worth it.

United also does a good job with vacation packages. You can bundle flights, hotels, and even car rentals at prices that often beat booking everything separately. The Economy Plus is a nice middle ground if you want a little more comfort without going all the way to First. And for those collecting miles, United’s dynamic award pricing sometimes drops Maui flights below their usual 22,500-mile saver level.

United Airlines provides a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
United Airlines provides a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

6. 🇺🇸 Southwest Airlines

  • 🏠 Hub: Oakland (OAK), San Jose (SJC), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX)
  • 💺 Cabin Options: Economy (all flights)
  • 🎯 Loyalty Program: Rapid Rewards — Independent
  • Perks: Two free checked bags, no change fees, transparent pricing
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Sign up for Southwest’s “Click ‘N Save” emails to be updated when flash sales sometimes drop Maui fares below $250 one-way.

If you want to stretch your Hawaii budget without flying bare bones, Southwest is tough to beat. Since entering the Hawaii market in 2019, they’ve brought their no-fuss, customer-friendly vibe to Maui with nonstop flights from California and Arizona. Think simple pricing, no hidden fees, and a lot of flexibility.

The Southwest experience feels refreshingly different from other carriers: One class of service with open seating means no complex cabin hierarchies, though paying for Early Bird Check-In ($25) secures a better boarding position and first crack at preferred seats. But Southwest’s real game-changer for Hawaii? Two free checked bags per person saving families $120+ roundtrip compared to carriers charging for luggage. Plus, the all-Boeing 737 fleet features consistent layouts with decent legroom, though entertainment means streaming to your own device rather than seatback screens.

Where they really shine is flexibility. Change your plans? No problem. Wanna Get Away Plus lets you hop on an earlier or later flight on the same day with no change fee. That’s great when your hike gets rained out or you want to linger longer by the beach.

Rapid Rewards points stay pretty predictable and easy to use, and fares to Maui usually land around $300 to $500 roundtrip from California, and $450 to $650 from places like Phoenix or Vegas.

Southwest upholds excellent service standards and provides amenities that enhance the travel experience.
Southwest upholds excellent service standards and provides amenities that enhance the travel experience.

7. 🇨🇦 Air Canada

  • 🏠 Hub: Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), Toronto (YYZ)
  • 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Signature Class)
  • 🎯 Loyalty Program: Aeroplan — Star Alliance network
  • Perks: Canadian connections, competitive fares, exceptional premium cabins
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Rouge-operated flights for leisure trips. These cost 15-20% less than mainline service but still include free entertainment and meals unlike true budget carriers.

America’s northern neighbor delivers surprising value for Maui-bound travelers. Air Canada connects Vancouver directly to Kahului with modern Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, while offering seamless one-stop service from cities throughout Canada at prices that often undercut US competitors.

Air Canada’s Hawaii service runs two ways. The mainline flights come with updated cabins, free meals, power outlets, and seatback screens even in Economy. On some routes, they switch to Air Canada Rouge, which skips some frills but still beats budget airlines on comfort and price. If you want to upgrade, Premium Economy offers wider seats and better meals without jumping all the way to Business. And for travelers who are up to splurge, Signature Class delivers lie-flat seats and top-tier service.

Flying through Vancouver has a major perk: US pre-clearance. You’ll go through customs before boarding, so when you land in Maui, it’s just like arriving from another US city. That can shave a ton of time off your airport wait. And if you have lounge access, Vancouver’s Maple Leaf Lounge is one of the best in Canada, with hot meals, barista coffee, and showers.

Aeroplan points go far on Hawaii routes, especially during promo periods with credit card transfer bonuses. The move savvy travelers make? Drive across the border and fly out of Vancouver, where fares to Maui are often $150 to $200 cheaper than from Seattle. 

Air Canada's dedication to quality positions it as a leading choice among the best Maui airlines.
Air Canada’s dedication to quality positions it as a leading choice among the best Maui airlines.

8. 🇦🇺 Qantas Airways

  • 🏠 Hub: Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE)
  • 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First (select routes)
  • 🎯 Loyalty Program: Qantas Frequent Flyer — oneworld alliance
  • Perks: Multi-island flexibility, Australia stopover options, quality service
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Flying from Australia? Book Qantas’ Sydney-to-Honolulu route and take advantage of the free stopover in Oahu before continuing to Maui. Two islands for the price of one.

Looking to combine Australia with Hawaii? The flying kangaroo creates the perfect opportunity with their Sydney-Honolulu service on Boeing 787 Dreamliners, easily connecting to Maui on partners Hawaiian Airlines or Alaska Airlines.

Qantas brings renowned long-haul expertise to the Pacific crossing. The latest Economy cabins feature ergonomic seats with better recline and legroom than most competitors, plus thoughtful details like foot nets and smartphone holders. Premium Economy offers substantially wider seats with extendable leg rests and enhanced dining. Business Class features their acclaimed suite-style pods with direct aisle access and premium bedding, while seasonal First Class (on select aircraft) provides an ultra-luxurious experience rarely found on Hawaii routes.

One of the biggest perks here is the built-in stopover flexibility. Many Qantas fares allow a free layover in Honolulu, letting you explore two Hawaiian islands without booking separate tickets. It’s a great setup for Australians chasing a longer beach holiday, or for Americans stringing together a round-the-world trip with Hawaii and Australia on one itinerary.

Meanwhile, Qantas Points deliver solid value despite recent devaluations, with frequent transfer bonuses from credit card partners. When booking, make sure to plan ahead, especially around Australian holidays, when award seats and cheaper fares tend to disappear fast.

Qantas Airways stands out among top Maui airlines due to its commitment to excellence and passenger-focused approach.
Qantas Airways stands out among top Maui airlines due to its commitment to excellence and passenger-focused approach.

9. 🇬🇧 Virgin Atlantic

  • 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow (LHR), Manchester (MAN)
  • 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium, Upper Class
  • 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Club — Independent with multiple partnerships
  • Perks: Partner redemptions, stylish experience, excellent premium cabins
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Transfer points to Hawaiian Airlines during Virgin’s 30% bonus promos. That can drop a one-way flight to Maui to just 14,000 Virgin points.

Virgin Atlantic doesn’t fly to Hawaii directly, but their partnership with Hawaiian Airlines unlocks some of the best value flights to Maui using points. With the right timing, it’s one of the savviest ways to get to paradise.

Through Virgin’s Flying Club program, you can redeem points for Hawaiian Airlines flights at fixed rates. Economy runs 20,000 points one-way between the US mainland and Maui, or 40,000 in business. However, during transfer promos, you can snag those same redemptions for just 14,000 and 28,000 points. That’s a serious deal, especially considering what most programs charge for the same routes.

The real value here is in strategy. Use Virgin to fly across the Atlantic in comfort, then connect to Hawaii with Hawaiian Airlines. The Premium cabin is a sweet spot, offering wider seats and better meals without the price tag of Business Class. And if you’re splurging, Upper Class comes with suite-style seats and access to the Clubhouse lounges complete with craft cocktails, à la carte dining, and a vibe that’s more boutique hotel than airport.

For US travelers with transferable credit card points, Virgin creates a clever two-step path to Maui that can cost far fewer points than booking with domestic carriers. UK and European travelers can also look for Virgin vacation packages that bundle flights to the West Coast with Hawaiian connections, often for less than piecing it all together separately. 

Virgin Atlantic's dedication to quality and innovation makes it a compelling choice for flying to Maui.
Virgin Atlantic’s dedication to quality and innovation makes it a compelling choice for flying to Maui.

10. 🇨🇦 WestJet

  • 🏠 Hub: Calgary (YYC), Vancouver (YVR), Toronto (YYZ)
  • 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium
  • 🎯 Loyalty Program: WestJet Dollars — Independent
  • Perks: Value pricing, friendly service, Canadian connections
  • 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Westjet’s “Member Exclusive” fares offered every Tuesday. These unadvertised deals require signing up for their free WestJet Rewards program but can save $100-150 per ticket to Maui.

WestJet keeps things simple, friendly, and budget-conscious when heading to Maui. The airline runs seasonal nonstop flights to Kahului from Calgary and Vancouver, using the newer Boeing 737s that balance affordability with comfort.

The experience here strikes an appealing middle ground between no-frills budget carriers and legacy airlines. The standard Economy includes free carry-on baggage, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and basic snacks, while Premium cabin offers wider seats, improved legroom, and enhanced meal service at prices significantly below what Air Canada charges for similar accommodations. The inflight atmosphere also feels distinctly Canadian, with friendly crews who manage to be both professional and approachably casual.

WestJet stands out for its pricing transparency. No hidden fees or surprise add-ons at checkout. And if your fare drops after you book, their “Price Drop Guarantee” can refund you the difference. For US travelers near the border, driving to Vancouver or Calgary is often worth it as flights to Maui from these cities frequently cost $150-200 less than from nearby American airports like Seattle.

The airline’s loyalty program, WestJet Dollars, works more like cashback than points. You earn a percentage of your spend that can be used toward future flights, making it simple and easy to track. Expect roundtrip fares to Maui to land between $450-650 in Economy and $800-1,200 in Premium.

WestJet ensures a dependable and comfortable journey to Maui for travelers.
WestJet ensures a dependable and comfortable journey to Maui for travelers.
In this extensive guide, we've examined top airlines for Maui travel, each providing distinct amenities, service, and travel quality.
In this extensive guide, we’ve examined top airlines for Maui travel, each providing distinct amenities, service, and travel quality.
The best airlines to fly to Maui for all types of travelers
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Jon Miksis

About Jon Miksis

Award-winning Travel Writer • Founder of Global Viewpoint • 70+ countries visited • 10 Million+ readers

Since 2017, I’ve traveled 3–6 months a year, sharing detailed guides that have helped over 10 million readers travel smarter, deeper, and better. My work blends firsthand experiences — from U.S. road trips and cold-plunge cabins to Michelin-starred dining and business-class flights — with honest, independent reviews.

I’ve been hired by leading tourism boards in 7 countries across Europe, North America, and South America, as well as international travel brands. My travel tips and insights have been featured in Forbes, HuffPost, Yahoo Travel, and The Boston Globe. I’ve personally reviewed 500+ hotels, retreats, and flight experiences — and I never recommend a place I wouldn’t return to myself.

I also save $5–10K per year on airfare using flight tools and 10+ travel credit cards, and I’ve invested over $100K into personal development through transformational retreats and coaching since 2021.

When I’m not road-tripping across the Northeast or writing guides for Global Viewpoint, you’ll find me cold plunging in local lakes, sipping espresso in quiet cafes in Vienna, or chasing fall foliage across New England. I split my time between exploring the world and soaking up life in Boston, my lifelong home base. Some of my favorite places I keep going back to? Switzerland, Spain, Iceland, Italy, Greece, the Faroe Islands, Guatemala, California, Montana, Vermont, and coastal Maine in autumn.

See my latest adventures on Instagram and TikTok.

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