The 7 CHEAPEST Airports to Fly into Hawaii (2025)

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If you’re planning a Hawaiian getaway but want to stretch your travel budget, you’ve come to the right place! Having flown to Hawaii three times and with experience traveling to 66 countries, I know how to spot the best deals to paradise. I dug into key factors—average ticket prices, flight availability, seasonal variations, and direct routes—and analyzed data from 55 major flight routes across the U.S. and Canada to uncover the top airports for affordable flights to Hawaii.

These seven budget-friendly airports offer the best deals for flights to the Aloha State, so you can spend less on getting there and more on enjoying everything Hawaii has to offer. Whether you’re set on surfing the North Shore, hiking volcanic landscapes, or simply soaking up the island vibes, these airports will help you make the journey without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into the best gateways to Hawaii on a budget!

#1 tip for finding cheap places to fly into Hawaii

If you’re looking to book a cheap flight to Hawaii, I’ll let you in on a little secret to save money on airfare:

I’ve been using Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to find affordable tickets to Hawaii, Canada, Spain, and beyond. I save thousands of dollars with them each year, which has helped me to pay for other flights to my favorite travel destinations. 

To try it out for yourself, all you have to do is sign-up for their free email alerts. From there, you enter your home airport (or wherever you’d like to depart) and your planned destination. Then, they’ll send mistake fares and HEAVILY discounted flight deals directly to your inbox.

On my latest flight to Hawaii, I saved $510 on a roundtrip fare from Boston to Honolulu! Typical savings average around $450 roundtrip. And the best part? You can get these savings for FREE – Going offers a free version for this email service. If you’re a frequent traveler like me, though, I recommend looking into the premium version. It only costs $49/year, and the savings will likely pay for themselves on your first trip. 

Now, let’s take a look at what are the cheapest airports to fly into Hawaii. 

Cheapest places to fly into Hawaii in 2025: the best airports in Hawaii 

In terms of landmass, Hawaii is smaller than 86% of the states in the U.S. The Aloha State is actually about the same size as my home state, Massachusetts. However, don’t let its small size fool you: this popular vacation destination is home to many high-traffic airports. 

Hawaii has five main commercial airports and several private, charter, public, military, and government-use airports. It also has two smaller commercial airports that primarily service inter-island flights and commuter jets. 

If you’re looking for the cheapest airport in Hawaii, you can make your search easier by starting with the comprehensive list below.  

1. Honolulu International Airport (HNL)

• 🏠 Location: 5 miles northwest of downtown Honolulu, Oahu
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Most flight options in the state plus major airline hubs
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Southwest, Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Honolulu sees the most flash sales out of any Hawaii airport, especially from LAX and Vegas

Honolulu International is the busiest and most affordable airport for flying into Hawaii. Roundtrip fares from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or Dallas often dip between $340 and $510, especially between April and early June or again in late October. With so many airlines servicing HNL, price drops happen frequently, and nonstop options are easy to find.

The airport puts you right near downtown, just 20 minutes from Waikīkī Beach and close to top attractions like Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head. If you want to explore beyond the city, the North Shore’s famous surf beaches are less than 90 minutes away.

Fun fact: HNL has the most nonstop routes to and from the mainland U.S. of any airport in Hawaii, making it the easiest island to fly into without a layover.

• Read next: Unique Things to Do in O’ahu

2. Hilo International Airport (ITO)

• 🏠 Location: 3 miles east of downtown Hilo, Big Island
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Fewer direct flights and lower tourist traffic help keep fares low
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Hawaiian Airlines, United, Southwest
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Flying into Hilo is often cheaper than Kona, especially when booking Southwest or inter-island hops from Honolulu

Hilo International is one of the most affordable ways to reach the Big Island, especially if you’re flying from West Coast cities like Los Angeles or San Jose. Roundtrip prices often land between $360 and $520, with the best deals popping up between May and early June or again in late October. Hawaiian Airlines offers solid service, while United and Southwest compete on key routes.

The airport is just a 10-minute drive from Hilo town and puts you close to Rainbow Falls, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and the lush eastern side of the island. You’re also within an hour of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, one of the most dramatic natural areas in all of Hawaii.

Fun fact: Hilo International is one of the only airports in Hawaii with a single-runway setup that can handle wide-body jets like the Boeing 767.

3. Kona International Airport (KOA)

• 🏠 Location: 7 miles north of Kailua-Kona, Big Island
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: High flight volume and strong airline competition
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Delta, United
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for flights into KOA from West Coast cities like San Diego or Oakland, which often dip below $400 roundtrip

Kona Airport is the busiest airport on the Big Island, and that works in your favor when it comes to airfare. Because it’s a major hub for mainland routes, flights from places like Los Angeles or Phoenix regularly range between $390 and $550 roundtrip. Airlines like Alaska and Delta frequently roll out deals, especially in the spring or late fall.

Once you land, you’re only 15 minutes from Kailua-Kona’s historic oceanfront district and less than an hour from Hapuna Beach, one of the top-rated beaches in the state. Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park and the petroglyphs of Waikoloa are also close, offering a mix of cultural and natural highlights.

Fun fact: KOA’s entire terminal is outdoors. It’s one of the only major U.S. airports where check-in, security, and baggage claim all happen under open skies.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Hawaii

4. Kahului Airport (OGG)

• 🏠 Location: Central Maui, about 5 miles from downtown Kahului
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Heavy tourist demand keeps airlines competing on prices
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Southwest, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Use OGG as a base to explore Maui and skip pricey inter-island flights by flying here directly

Kahului is the go-to airport for visiting Maui, and because of its popularity, airfare stays competitive. Roundtrip flights from West Coast cities like Portland, Oakland, or LAX often land between $380 and $540. If you’re flexible, booking between late April and early June can lead to even better rates.

The airport is centrally located, so it’s an easy jump to just about anywhere on the island. You’re 45 minutes from the black sand beaches of Waiʻānapanapa, 30 minutes from historic Lahaina, and under an hour from sunrise views at Haleakalā. Even the scenic Road to Hāna starts less than 10 minutes away.

Fun fact: Kahului Airport is one of Hawaii’s only airports with its own dedicated car rental facility that connects directly to the terminal via tram.

5. Lihue Airport (LIH)

• 🏠 Location: Southeast coast of Kauai, about 2 miles from Lihue town
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Less tourist volume than Oahu or Maui, with steady airline service
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, United
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Booking flights midweek into LIH can shave off $80 or more compared to weekend fares

Lihue Airport offers one of the most scenic landings in Hawaii and often comes with cheaper fares than you’d expect. Roundtrip flights from Seattle, San Diego, or San Jose usually range from $380 to $560, especially if you aim for shoulder seasons like May or late September. Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines frequently run specials, and United also connects major mainland hubs.

Upon landing, you’re a short drive from Wailua River State Park and just over an hour from Waimea Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Hanalei Bay and Kapaʻa town are also within reach, offering beaches, hiking, and small-town charm.

Fun fact: LIH was one of the filming locations for the original Jurassic Park, and parts of the airport still appear in the opening scenes of the movie.

6. Lanai Airport (LNY)

• 🏠 Location: About 3 miles southwest of Lanai City
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Limited inter-island flights keep prices low and steady
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Mokulele Airlines, Southern Airways Express
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Fly into Honolulu or Maui first, then hop to Lanai for under $130 roundtrip

Lanai Airport may be small, but it’s one of the smartest entries for travelers who want luxury or seclusion without the sky-high airfare. Most visitors connect through Oahu or Maui, with commuter flights averaging $80–$130. Fall and late spring tend to offer the smoothest weather and lower crowds, which also helps keep flight prices reasonable.

After landing, you’re just 10 minutes from Lanai City and about 25 minutes from Hulopoʻe Beach, a great spot for snorkeling and swimming. Jeep rentals are popular here, giving you easy access to scenic backroads and sites like Keahiakawelo, known as the Garden of the Gods. For hiking or solitude, head to Munro Trail for misty forests and sweeping views.

Fun fact: Lanai Airport sees fewer than 150 passengers a day on average, which means shorter lines, faster baggage claims, and an overall smoother arrival compared to Hawaii’s larger airports.

• Read next: Unique Travel Experiences

7. Molokai Airport (MKK)

• 🏠 Location: 6 miles northwest of Kaunakakai
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: No large airlines or tourist surge keeps inter-island fares low
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Mokulele Airlines, Southern Airways Express
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Use Molokai as a low-cost add-on to a Maui or Oahu trip with under-$70 flights

Molokai Airport is a great pick for travelers chasing a laid-back Hawaii experience without tourist crowds or big-budget flights. Commuter fares from Honolulu or Kahului often run between $40 and $70 one way. Late winter and early fall usually see fewer travelers, so you’re more likely to score flight and lodging deals during those months.

The airport is about 20 minutes from Pāpōhaku Beach, one of the largest stretches of sand in Hawaii, and even closer to downtown Kaunakakai. You can also explore Kalaupapa National Historical Park or try shoreline fishing near One Aliʻi Beach. Molokai doesn’t have resorts, which makes it ideal for those looking to unplug and slow down.

Fun fact: Pilots often land manually at Molokai using visual flight rules, which helps keep the airport efficient and quick to navigate for travelers with tight connections or minimal wait times.

• Read next: Molokai Travel Guide

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the cheapest airports in Hawaii 

Looking for more information on visiting Hawaii? Here are some of the most common questions related to finding the cheapest airports to fly into Hawaii and planning an affordable vacation.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Hawaii?

Since flight tickets are often dependent upon demand, busier seasons will likely increase ticket prices even among the cheapest airports in Hawaii. Being a tropical vacation destination, Hawaii sees visitors year-round, but some times are busier than others. 

If you’re looking to minimize vacation costs, avoid flying to Hawaii in December, as that’s considered high season in Hawaii. Costs tend to surge during the winter break period. June, July, and August (peak summer months) are also very busy months, and can see similar price hikes. 

For the cheapest flights to Hawaii, I recommend you consider January and February. These are the cheapest months to fly to Hawaii with the best flight deals. April and the time between September and November also tend to be cheaper when it comes to cheap flights and hotel deals. 

Which Hawaiian Island is the cheapest to visit? 

Finding the cheapest airport to fly into Hawaii is the first step in planning an affordable vacation. To minimize overall expenses, look for the cheapest places to stay in Hawaii. Consider hotel, transportation, food, and other costs. 

Generally, Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit if you’re looking for a more affordable vacation. Oahu has many hotels, attractions, and tours, so not only do you have a lot of options, but you also have some competition to help drive down prices. 

Another benefit to staying in Oahu that helps make it the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit is its public transportation system. Oahu has affordable public transportation, so you don’t have to worry about paying rental car fees to visit your destinations. You can also take advantage of ride-sharing services and Turo when you need a ride. 

Which airlines offer direct flights to Hawaii?

While Hawaii is part of the United States, getting to paradise can seem like a journey in and of itself. Depending on where you are flying from, you may experience various long and annoying layovers. No one wants to start their vacation with a three-hour layover, do they? Of course not. 

The good news? Some major airlines offer non-stop flights to Hawaii for a quicker trip to paradise. The only downside is that these direct flights to Hawaii will not be among the most affordable. However, when you know all the secrets of finding the best flight deals, such as checking  Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare airline prices, anything is possible. 

These are some of the major airlines currently offering non-stop flights to the Hawaiian islands:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Japan Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

If you’re flying from the United States, you can find direct flights to Hawaii’s cheapest airports from many major cities. These include but are not limited to Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, LA, Las Vegas, NYC, Oakland, Phoenix, Seattle, and Washington DC.

If you’re looking for a direct flight to Hawaii from Canada, you can fly Air Canada and WestJet. Depending on the airline, you can get Canadian direct flights to Hawaii from Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver. 

How far in advance should I book a flight to Hawaii? 

When looking to book a cheap flight to Hawaii, your timing is essential. If you’re a spontaneous adventurer, you might have luck finding some last-minute deals on flights to Hawaii. However, the best way to fly to Hawaii cheaply is to book a few months in advance. 

Throughout my travels, I have found that you can find the best deals when you book your flight between 3-6 months in advance. This is when airlines offer the best deals, promotions, and discounts on trips to the Aloha state. 

Finding cheap airfare to Hawaii is like waiting for that perfect wave. Sometimes you need a lot of patience, while other times, they catch you by surprise. You have to be prepared to catch that perfect wave when it comes around.