These Are the 7 Cheapest Airports to Fly into Hawaii in 2026

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I’ve been flying to Hawaii for over a decade now, visiting all six major islands and obsessively tracking flight prices along the way. For this guide, I dug into 55 routes across every Hawaiian airport to figure out where you’ll find the best deals in 2026. I’ve also included the latest on new routes, airline changes, and a few tricks I’ve picked up from booking way too many flights to the islands.

This is one of the best years to fly to Hawaii in recent memory. Alaska and Hawaiian just merged, which means more routes and better connections than we’ve seen in years. Southwest is launching new nonstops from Burbank, Ontario, and Las Vegas, and airlines are undercutting each other to fill seats. Here’s my complete breakdown of the cheapest airports in Hawaii and how to make the most of them.

1. 🌺 Honolulu International Airport (Daniel K. Inouye)

• 📍 Location: 5 miles northwest of downtown Honolulu, Oahu
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Alaska/Hawaiian, Southwest, United, American, Delta
• 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $240 to $400 from the West Coast
• 🎯 Best For: First timers, anyone wanting maximum flight options
• 🆕 What’s New in 2026: Southwest routes from Burbank and Ontario, new Skyline rail to Waikiki
• 💡 Pro Tip: Book 6 to 8 weeks out and aim for late April through early June for the best deals

If you’re flying to Hawaii for the first time, Honolulu is almost certainly where you’ll land. It’s the state’s busiest airport by a long shot, with 19 airlines flying to 55 destinations across 15 countries. That kind of competition is exactly what drives prices down, and it’s why Honolulu consistently offers some of the cheapest fares to the islands.

The big news this year is Southwest going all in on Southern California. They’re launching daily nonstops from Ontario in June 2026 and peak day service from Burbank in August, which gives them 10 mainland routes into Honolulu. Alaska Airlines is also starting Burbank flights in May, so both airlines are now fighting over the same passengers. In my experience, that kind of head to head competition almost always leads to fare sales, so keep an eye on those routes if you’re anywhere near LA.

Getting from the airport to Waikiki just got a whole lot easier too. The Skyline rail opened its airport station in October 2025, and there’s now a W Line express bus that connects directly to Waikiki every 10 minutes. The whole trip costs about $3 with a HOLO card, which you can buy right at the station. I’d still recommend renting a car if you want to explore the island properly, but for a quick beach trip, public transit works well now.

• Once you land, plan your visit: 10 Unique Things to Do in O’ahu
• You may also like: Fly to Hawaii for Cheap in 2026 with My Insider Tips

2. 🏝️ Kahului Airport (OGG)

• 📍 Location: Central Maui, between the West Maui Mountains and Haleakala
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Southwest, Alaska/Hawaiian, United, American, Delta
• 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $240 to $350 from the West Coast
• 🎯 Best For: Anyone visiting Maui (it’s your only real option for mainland flights)
• 🆕 What’s New in 2026: Expanded passenger terminal, Alaska adding second daily LA flight
• 💡 Pro Tip: February and April tend to have the lowest fares, and booking on a Sunday can save you 6 to 13 percent compared to Friday

If you’re flying to Maui, Kahului is where you’re landing. It’s the only airport on the island that handles mainland flights. That concentration of traffic works in your favor because airlines are constantly competing for your business. Southwest, Alaska, Hawaiian, United, American, and Delta all fly here regularly, which keeps prices lower than you might expect for a flight to paradise.

Right now, Kahului consistently posts some of the cheapest average fares of any Hawaii airport. Momondo data shows average one-way fares around $49, and you can regularly find roundtrips from West Coast cities in the $240 to $350 range if you book during shoulder season. Alaska is ramping up its presence in 2026 with a second daily nonstop from Los Angeles plus seasonal flights, so expect even more competitive pricing on that route as they fight for market share.

A few important notes if you’re planning a Maui trip in 2026. The airport recently completed a $62 million expansion to the passenger waiting area, so the experience is much better than it was a few years ago. However, historic Lahaina and Front Street remain closed to visitors as the community continues rebuilding after the devastating 2023 wildfires. Kaanapali, Kapalua, and the beaches north of Lahaina are fully open and welcoming tourists, and locals have made it clear that responsible visitors are both needed and appreciated. Just travel mindfully and support local businesses when you can.

• Check this out next: 20 Things to Do in Maui at Night That Beat Every Other Island

3. 🌋 Kona International Airport (Ellison Onizuka)

• 📍 Location: West side of the Big Island, 7 miles north of Kailua-Kona
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Alaska/Hawaiian, Southwest, United, American, Delta
• 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $250 to $400 from the West Coast
• 🎯 Best For: Resorts, coffee farms, snorkeling, and volcano access
• 🆕 What’s New in 2026: Alaska upgrading SF-Kona to daily nonstops in June, Delta seasonal service from Salt Lake City
• 💡 Pro Tip: February is consistently the cheapest month to fly here, and booking on a Tuesday or Wednesday can shave another 10 to 15 percent off your fare

The Big Island has two airports. Kona is the one you want if you’re staying on the sunny west side where most of the resorts, beaches, and coffee farms are located. It’s a unique airport with an open-air design featuring thatched tiki-style roofs, so you’ll feel the tropical breeze the moment you step off the plane. The vibe is relaxed and distinctly Hawaiian, which sets the tone for the rest of your trip.

Kona is surprisingly affordable thanks to the sheer number of airlines fighting for your business. Six major carriers fly nonstop from Los Angeles alone, including Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest, and United, and that kind of competition keeps prices honest. Alaska is ramping up its Big Island presence in 2026 by upgrading the San Francisco to Kona route to daily nonstops starting in June.

One thing to know about Kona is that it has more seasonal routes than some of the other Hawaii airports. Delta runs a winter service from Salt Lake City that operates December through March, and American has seasonal nonstops from Dallas-Fort Worth during the holidays. If you’re flexible on timing, these seasonal routes can offer excellent deals since airlines often discount them to fill seats during launch periods. For year-round travel, your best bets are Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and Denver, all of which have consistent daily service from multiple carriers.

• Take a look at my guide: 12 Unique Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii 

4. 🌿 Hilo International Airport (ITO)

• 📍 Location: East side of the Big Island, minutes from downtown Hilo
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Hawaiian, Alaska, Southwest
• 💰 Typical Interisland Roundtrip: $80 to $160 from Honolulu
• 🎯 Best For: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, rainforests, authentic local vibes
• 🆕 What’s New in 2026: Southwest launching Las Vegas nonstops in August (Hilo’s first mainland flight in years!)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Fly into Hilo and out of Kona to see both sides of the Big Island without backtracking

Hilo has been the forgotten stepchild of Hawaii airports for a long time. While Kona on the west side gets all the mainland nonstops and resort traffic, Hilo has been stuck with interisland connections only. That means most visitors from the mainland have had to route through Honolulu first. That’s about to change in a big way, and if you’re planning a Big Island trip, this is news worth paying attention to.

Southwest just announced they’re launching nonstop service between Las Vegas and Hilo starting August 6, 2026, and this is a big deal. It’s the first direct mainland flight to Hilo in three years, and it opens up easy connections through Southwest’s Las Vegas hub to 75 other cities. The flights will run three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with one-way fares starting around $292. Just keep in mind Southwest checked bags aren’t free anymore, so budget about $45 each way for your first bag unless you have elite status or a Southwest card. Southwest is even adding special flights during the Merrie Monarch Festival in April 2026.

Even without the new mainland service, Hilo is worth considering if you want to see the real Hawaii. This is the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Kilauea has been putting on quite a show lately with eruptions reaching 1,500-foot fountains. The airport itself is small and easy to navigate, and interisland flights from Honolulu run as low as $39 one-way if you book in advance. My favorite strategy for Big Island trips is to fly into Hilo, spend a few days exploring the volcanoes and rainforests, then drive across to Kona and fly out from there. You’ll see the whole island without retracing your steps.

5. 🌴 Lihue Airport (LIH)

• 📍 Location: Southeast coast of Kauai, minutes from Poipu and Waimea Canyon
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Alaska/Hawaiian, Southwest, United, American, Delta
• 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $260 to $400 from the West Coast
• 🎯 Best For: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, quieter beaches, honeymooners
• 🆕 What’s New in 2026: Alaska upgrading SF-Lihue to daily nonstops in June, Portland-Lihue now year-round
• 💡 Pro Tip: November is consistently the cheapest month to fly here, and Thursday departures tend to be 16% cheaper than Sundays

Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands and, honestly, my personal favorite for sheer natural beauty. The Na Pali Coast cliffs are unlike anything else in Hawaii, and Waimea Canyon earns its nickname as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Lihue is the only commercial airport on the island, and it’s refreshingly small with quick security lines and zero chaos.

Six airlines now fly nonstop from Los Angeles, including Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest, and United. You’ll also find direct service from Oakland, San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, Sacramento, and Phoenix. Alaska is making a big push in 2026 by upgrading San Francisco to Lihue to daily nonstops in June and converting Portland to Lihue from seasonal to year-round. More daily flights means more competition, which should help keep prices in check.

Fares to Kauai tend to run slightly higher than Honolulu or Maui since there’s only one airport serving the whole island. Roundtrips from the West Coast typically fall between $260 and $400, with November being the sweet spot for deals. The airport is undergoing runway reconstruction through December 2026, but it hasn’t affected flight schedules.

6. 🌴 Lanai Airport (LNY)

• 📍 Location: 3 miles southwest of Lanai City, central Lanai
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Mokulele (Southern Airways), Lanai Air
• 💰 Typical Interisland Roundtrip: $140 to $200 from Honolulu
• 🎯 Best For: Luxury seekers, off-the-beaten-path adventurers, cat lovers
• 🆕 What’s New in 2026: Lanai Air expanded daily service on larger Cessna SkyCourier aircraft
• 💡 Pro Tip: Take the Expeditions ferry from Maui ($60 roundtrip) for a scenic alternative to flying

I’ll be honest with you: Lanai is not going to be the cheapest Hawaiian island to reach. But if you’re looking for something completely different from the typical Hawaii experience, it’s worth every penny. This tiny island has just one town, three hotels, and about 3,000 residents. Oracle founder Larry Ellison bought most of the island in 2012, and it’s become a destination for travelers seeking solitude and luxury over crowds and convenience.

Getting to Lanai requires a connection since there are no mainland flights. Mokulele Airlines (operated by Southern Airways) flies small 9-passenger Cessna prop planes from both Honolulu and Kahului, with fares typically running $70 to $100 one-way. The flights take about 25 to 50 minutes depending on your departure point. Lanai Air offers a more upscale option with daily flights from Honolulu on Pilatus and Cessna SkyCourier aircraft at $160 one-way, including two bags and a shuttle to the Four Seasons.

For budget-conscious travelers already on Maui, I recommend the Expeditions ferry. It runs three times daily from Maalaea Harbor to Manele Harbor on Lanai, costs $30 each way, and takes about an hour. During whale season (January through April), you’ll likely spot humpbacks breaching alongside the boat. Once on Lanai, rent a 4×4 to explore the otherworldly Garden of the Gods, hike the Munro Trail for views of five islands, or visit the famous Lanai Cat Sanctuary.

• Find more awesome destinations: 30 Unique Travel Experiences to Book in 2026

7. 🌺 Molokai Airport (Hoolehua)

• 📍 Location: Central Molokai, 7 miles northwest of Kaunakakai
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Southern Airways Express/Mokulele
• 💰 Typical Roundtrip: $80 to $160 inter-island from Honolulu or Kahului
• 🎯 Best For: Travelers seeking authentic, untouched Hawaii
• 🆕 What’s New in 2026: Free wifi finally added (April 2025), Japan Airlines interline agreement
• 💡 Pro Tip: Book directly through Mokulele rather than aggregators for the most accurate schedules

Molokai is the Hawaii that existed before the resorts showed up, and its tiny airport reflects that perfectly. There are no jet bridges, no Starbucks, and until recently, no wifi. The terminal is smaller than most coffee shops on Oahu, but that’s exactly why people come here. If you want an island with zero traffic lights, no buildings taller than a palm tree, and beaches where you might be the only person for miles, Molokai delivers.

Getting here requires a small prop plane, either a Cessna Caravan or a Saab 340, operated by Southern Airways Express under the Mokulele brand. They run multiple daily flights from Honolulu and Kahului, with one way fares typically landing between $40 and $80. The airline has had some reliability hiccups over the past year with maintenance groundings, so I’d recommend building flexibility into your schedule and avoiding same day connections. Free wifi was finally added to the terminal in April 2025, which makes waiting for delayed flights considerably less painful.

Once you land, the real Molokai begins. Papohaku Beach stretches three miles with almost nobody on it, Halawa Valley offers guided cultural hikes to waterfalls, and the Kalaupapa National Historical Park tells one of Hawaii’s most profound stories. Just know that accommodations are extremely limited, so book early.

• Read next: Molokai: Ultimate Travel Guide to Experiencing the Real Hawaii Like a Local