13 Stunning & Affordable Places to Fly from Honolulu Right Now

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Looking for cheap flights from Honolulu can feel like searching for parking in Waikiki. But after countless hours digging through deals (and maybe stress eating a few too many malasadas), I’ve discovered some amazing destinations that won’t force you to dip into your rent money. While your friends are dropping a grand on basic Vegas trips, you could be exploring Tokyo’s food scene or chilling on a beach in the Philippines.

I’ve tracked down some of the best places in Honolulu to catch flights that actually make sense for a real vacation. Last month, I snagged a $450 roundtrip to Osaka, where the street food alone was worth every penny. These food markets will make you forget all about your poke bowl cravings. Here are 13 destinations that prove island life doesn’t mean staying stuck in the middle of the Pacific.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from Honolulu

Looking for cheap places to fly from Honolulu? Before jumping into all the coolest cities and airports to fly into, I want to share a quick tip to save money on airfare.

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. HNL) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $565 roundtrip fare from Boston to Honolulu. On average, I save about $400 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Best Destinations with Cheap Flights from Honolulu

Looking for cheap flights from Honolulu? Fly to Bakersfield for a laid-back California escape, explore Phoenix with its stunning desert landscapes and vibrant nightlife, or visit Denver for outdoor adventures and breathtaking mountain views. Head to Salt Lake City for skiing, national parks, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re after sunshine, nature, or city life, these are some of the best destinations for budget-friendly travel from Honolulu.

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1. Honolulu to Bakersfield ($357–$480 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (with connection)
• 🛫 Airlines: United, American (connecting flights only)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November 🌞 for mild temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Agriculture enthusiasts 🚜, outdoor adventurers 🏔️, budget travelers 💰

Bakersfield is California‘s hidden gem in the Central Valley. This unpretentious city offers authentic experiences without the tourist crowds or prices of coastal California destinations.

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is this awesome music venue/museum/restaurant where you can experience live country music, browse memorabilia, and feast on hearty American food all in one spot. Kern River Canyon just outside town gives you incredible hiking trails, white water rafting, and fishing spots that locals love but tourists rarely discover. For a completely different vibe, Murray Family Farms lets you pick your own fresh produce and taste farm-to-table treats that make supermarket fruit seem sad by comparison.

Getting from Honolulu to Bakersfield requires a connection since there are no direct flights. Your best bet is connecting through LAX or SFO, then either continuing on a short connecting flight or renting a car for the drive (about 2 hours from LA). March and April offer perfect weather with temperatures in the 70s and the surrounding hills still green from winter rains. 

2. Honolulu to Phoenix ($405–$520 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 6 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: American, Hawaiian, Southwest (connecting flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October-April 🌵 for perfect desert temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts 🥾, golf lovers 🏌️‍♂️, baseball fans ⚾

Phoenix is basically the opposite of Hawaii’s humid paradise. This desert playground offers stunning mountain views, incredible outdoor activities, and that dry heat that actually makes 90 degrees feel pleasant compared to island humidity.

Camelback Mountain offers hiking trails ranging from casual to “why did I think this was a good idea” levels of difficulty, all delivering killer views of the entire valley. Old Town Scottsdale is the perfect spot for upscale shopping, gallery hopping, and patio dining where people-watching is an Olympic sport. For nature unlike anything in Hawaii, Desert Botanical Garden showcases thousands of desert plants in stunning outdoor exhibits that are especially magical when lit up at night.

Coming to Phoenix from Honolulu typically requires a connection since direct flights are limited. American Airlines offers the most routing options through their Phoenix hub, though prices rarely drop below $450 roundtrip even during sales. February and March hit that perfect 70-80°F days, wildflowers blooming in the desert, and MLB Spring Training bringing 15 baseball teams to the area for pre-season games.

3. Honolulu to Denver ($315–$440 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 7 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: United, Southwest, Hawaiian (some direct flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-October 🏔️ for outdoor adventures and April for skiing deals ⛷️
• 🏆 Perfect for: Mountain lovers 🏔️, craft beer enthusiasts 🍺, outdoor adventurers 🥾

Denver is where island energy meets mountain elevation. This mile-high city sits at the base of the Rockies and serves up sunny weather, year-round outdoor action, and a food-and-drink scene that’s been leveling up fast.

Catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, one of the most iconic outdoor venues on earth, carved straight into massive red sandstone cliffs. In town, the RiNo Art District is loaded with breweries, murals, and food halls where you can try half a dozen local beers without leaving the block. For alpine adventure, Rocky Mountain National Park is just 90 minutes away with hiking trails, alpine lakes, and wildlife that’ll make your Instagram pop. 

Direct flights from Honolulu to Denver are more common than you’d expect. United runs the most consistent nonstop service, while Southwest offers occasional deals with a short stop along the way. 

4. Honolulu to Salt Lake City ($377–$500 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, United, Hawaiian (some direct flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September 🏔️ for summer adventures & December-March ❄️ for skiing
• 🏆 Perfect for: Ski enthusiasts 🎿, outdoor adventurers 🥾, national park explorers 🏞️

Salt Lake City is where you trade beach bums for mountain enthusiasts. This Utah hub sits surrounded by stunning mountains with world-class skiing, hiking, and outdoor adventures all within 30-45 minutes of downtown.

Park City is just 40 minutes away with some of America’s best ski resorts that hosted the Winter Olympics and the famous Sundance Film Festival that transforms the town every January. Antelope Island offers this surreal landscape where buffalo roam freely on a massive island in the middle of the Great Salt Lake with salt flats that stretch to the horizon. For hiking without the crowds, Big Cottonwood Canyon delivers alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and mountain peaks that will have you forgetting about Hawaiian trails.

Delta dominates this route since SLC is their western hub, occasionally offering direct flights from Honolulu, though most itineraries include a connection. July and August give you perfect mountain weather with warm days and cool nights ideal for exploring outdoor attractions. 

5. Honolulu to Molokai ($99–$150 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Mokulele Airlines (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-October 🌴 for driest weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Off-the-grid seekers 🏝️, culture enthusiasts 🌺, nature lovers 🌲

Molokai is what Hawaii was like 50 years ago before mass tourism took over. This authentic island offers zero traffic lights, no buildings taller than a palm tree, and locals who still live the traditional Hawaiian way of life.

At Kalaupapa National Historical Park, explore the powerful story of a remote leprosy colony reached only by hiking or riding a mule down a cliff. For beach time with zero crowds, head to Papohaku Beach, a three-mile stretch of white sand that often feels completely deserted. If you want culture without the buffet line, visit the Molokai Plumeria Farm to learn traditional lei-making surrounded by fragrant blossoms. Summer months are ideal here, with sunny skies, calm water, and little rain—perfect for outdoor activities.

Getting from Honolulu to Molokai is super quick on small planes operated by Mokulele Airlines that fly low enough for incredible views of the islands and ocean below. 

6. Honolulu to Lanai City ($105–$160 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 25 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Mokulele Airlines, Lanai Air (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-October 🌴 for driest weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Luxury seekers 🌟, adventure enthusiasts 🏝️, relaxation experts 🧘‍♀️

Lanai is Hawaii’s most exclusive island that somehow still feels undiscovered. This former pineapple plantation turned luxury destination offers incredible resorts, untouched beaches, and adventures that few tourists ever experience.

Hulopoe Beach sits in front of the Four Seasons Resort with perfect white sand, crystal clear water, and spinner dolphins that frequently visit the bay. Garden of the Gods gives you this surreal landscape of red rock formations that looks more like Mars than Hawaii, perfect for off-roading adventures in 4×4 vehicles. 

The quick hop from Honolulu to Lanai takes just 25 minutes on small planes that offer amazing aerial views of Oahu, Molokai, and Lanai as you island-hop across the channel. Lanai Air provides complimentary flights if you’re staying at the Four Seasons, while Mokulele Airlines serves everyone else with affordable fares. May through September offers the best weather with minimal rain and perfect temperatures for outdoor adventures. 

7. Honolulu to Los Angeles ($179–$290 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Hawaiian, United, American, Delta (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November 🌞 for pleasant temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Entertainment seekers 🎬, beach lovers 🏖️, food enthusiasts 🍽️

Los Angeles is where island life meets Hollywood dreams. This sprawling metropolis offers everything from perfect beaches to urban hikes to celebrity sightings all under reliable sunshine.

Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach give you that classic SoCal beach experience with boardwalk performers and prime people-watching, while Griffith Observatory offers those iconic city views with the Hollywood sign in the background. For food that’ll make you forget about poke bowls, Grand Central Market downtown houses dozens of food vendors serving everything from gourmet PB&J sandwiches to authentic pupusas. April and May bring perfect temperatures in the low 70s without summer smog or tourist crowds, ideal for exploring both indoor and outdoor attractions.

The flight route from Honolulu to LA is one of the busiest from Hawaii with tons of daily options. Hawaiian Airlines typically offers the best experience with island-style service and complimentary meals, though Southwest sometimes has cheaper fares with their generous free checked bag policy. 

• Read Next: Budget-Friendly Places to Fly from LAX

8. Honolulu to Seattle ($226–$340 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 6 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Alaska, Hawaiian, Delta (12+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July-September 🌲 for sunniest days & least rainfall
• 🏆 Perfect for: Coffee enthusiasts ☕, nature lovers 🌲, seafood aficionados 🦀

Seattle is what happens when you swap island sunshine for Pacific Northwest cool. It’s laid-back, outdoorsy, and just quirky enough to feel like its own little world. This city mixes rugged nature and buzzing neighborhoods in a way that’s perfect for travelers needing a break from the beach.

Pike Place Market is more than just guys tossing fish. It’s a multi-level maze of local vendors, tucked-away restaurants, and the original Starbucks. Kerry Park gives you that perfect skyline view with Mount Rainier looming in the background on clear days. For nature that will make you forget Hawaiian beaches, Discovery Park offers 534 acres of trails, beaches, and meadows with views of both the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.

This route from Honolulu is dominated by Alaska Airlines which runs the most direct flights and typically offers the best deals with fares occasionally dropping below $250 roundtrip during their frequent sales. Hawaiian Airlines costs more but gives you that last taste of island hospitality before landing in the mainland. August brings the most reliable sunshine with days hovering around 75°F without the humidity you’re used to in Hawaii. 

9. Honolulu to San Diego ($197–$310 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Hawaiian, Alaska, Southwest (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November 🌞 for perfect weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, family vacations 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, outdoor enthusiasts 🌊

San Diego is basically Hawaii’s laid-back mainland cousin. This Southern California paradise offers perfect beaches, consistent sunshine, and a relaxed vibe that’ll make your transition from island life practically seamless.

La Jolla Cove gives you those perfect Pacific views with sea lions lounging on rocks and crystal clear water for snorkeling right offshore. Balboa Park is this massive 1,200-acre urban oasis housing 17 museums, gorgeous gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo where you can spend an entire day and still not see everything. For beach vibes without tourist crowds, Coronado Island offers wide, pristine beaches with the iconic red-roofed Hotel Del Coronado as your backdrop.

Hawaiian Airlines provides direct flights, while Alaska Airlines frequently runs sales with fares sometimes dropping below $250 roundtrip if you can book during their Tuesday promotions. April and October are ideal thanks to perfect 70°F days without summer crowds or winter cloudiness. 

• Read Next: Cheap Places to Fly from San Diego

10. Honolulu to Portland ($275–$390 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Alaska, Hawaiian, Delta (6+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July-September 🌲 for warmest, driest weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food enthusiasts 🍽️, beer lovers 🍺, outdoor adventurers 🏔️

Portland is where Hawaiian sunshine meets Pacific Northwest quirkiness. This Oregon hub offers incredible food, craft beverages, and outdoor adventures all wrapped in a package of delightful weirdness.

Powell’s City of Books takes up an entire city block with new and used books organized into color-coded rooms where you could literally spend days browsing. Forest Park is one of America’s largest urban forests with over 80 miles of trails right in the city limits. For food unlike anything you’ll find in Hawaii, the city’s famous food cart pods like Cartopia and Hawthorne Asylum serve everything from Georgian khachapuri to Korean fried chicken out of converted trailers and trucks.

Alaska Airlines typically offers the best deals, with fares sometimes dropping below $300 roundtrip during their seasonal sales. Time your visit around August for reliable sunshine with warm days hovering around 80°F and almost zero chance of the rain Portland is famous for. 

11. Honolulu to Las Vegas ($299–$430 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 6 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Hawaiian, Southwest, United (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & October-November 🎲 for milder temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Entertainment seekers 🎭, pool partiers 🏊, gambling enthusiasts 🎰

Las Vegas is what happens when island chill gets swapped for full-blown sensory overload. This desert playground serves up mega resorts, flashy shows, and nonstop nightlife that’s practically the opposite of a beach nap.

The Strip is packed with over-the-top themed hotels, like Bellagio with its dancing fountains and Paris Las Vegas with a replica Eiffel Tower that lights up the skyline. Inside, you’ll find everything from Cirque du Soleil acrobatics to celebrity residencies that sell out for months. When you need a breather, head 30 minutes west to Red Rock Canyon for hiking trails and dramatic desert views that make you forget you’re even in Nevada.

Direct flights from Honolulu run daily, and this is one of the most popular mainland routes. Hawaiian Airlines wins on comfort and island-style service, but Southwest often comes in cheaper with two free checked bags. For the best experience, plan your visit between October and November when the weather cools down and the tourist crowds thin out.

12. Honolulu to Tokyo ($497–$680 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: JAL, ANA, Hawaiian, United (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May 🌸 & October-November 🍁 for comfortable temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food enthusiasts 🍜, culture seekers 🏮, technology lovers 📱

Tokyo feels like stepping into the future and the past at the same time. The city buzzes with high-speed trains, neon signs, and vending machines that sell everything imaginable, but it also slows down with tranquil gardens, centuries-old temples, and quiet alleyways. Spring and fall are the best times to go, with mild temperatures, clear skies, and cherry blossoms or colorful leaves depending on when you visit.

Shibuya Crossing is that crazy intersection where thousands of people cross at once in all directions. Hit up the second-floor Starbucks for the perfect view of this human traffic jam. Shinjuku Gyoen park is your chill spot when the city gets too intense. For legit food, the tiny alleys of Omoide Yokocho are packed with hole-in-the-wall spots serving ramen and yakitori that will ruin you for Japanese food back home.

Tons of airlines fly this route, with JAL and ANA offering the best service (hello, hot towels and actually good airplane food). Hawaiian Airlines is solid too and sometimes has deals around $550 roundtrip. 

• Read Next: Unique Airbnbs in Tokyo

13. Honolulu to San Francisco ($204–$320 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: United, Hawaiian, Alaska, Southwest (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September-November & March-May 🌉 for clearest weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Foodies 🍷, outdoor enthusiasts 🌲, tech enthusiasts 💻

San Francisco is where tropical island vibes meet foggy city cool. This compact city packs more amazing food, crazy hills, and tech billionaires into 7×7 miles than should be physically possible.

Golden Gate Bridge obviously makes it onto everyone’s photo reel, but viewing it from Baker Beach gives you that perfect shot without the tourist crowds. Mission District serves up the best burritos you’ll ever have at spots like La Taqueria where the line is worth it. For nature without leaving the city, Golden Gate Park is bigger than Central Park with hidden gardens, actual bison, and museums that would be main attractions in other cities.

This route from Honolulu is super competitive with multiple daily flights from all major airlines. United runs the most options since SFO is their major hub, but Alaska Airlines often has the best deals with fares sometimes dropping below $250 roundtrip during their frequent sales. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from Honolulu

Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from Honolulu? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from Honolulu to anywhere.

What are some of the cheapest destinations to fly to from Honolulu?

Some of the cheapest destinations to fly to from Honolulu include cities within the U.S. such as Los Angeles, Seattle, and Las Vegas. Additionally, other affordable destinations include nearby Pacific islands like Molokai and Lanai City. These destinations often offer competitive airfare deals, especially during off-peak seasons, making them popular choices for budget-conscious travelers from Honolulu.

Which airlines offer the best deals for flights departing from Honolulu?

Several airlines offer competitive deals for flights departing from Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines, being the largest carrier based in the state, frequently provides special rates to various destinations. Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines are also known for their affordable fares and promotions from Honolulu to mainland U.S. cities. For international routes, carriers like Japan Airlines and ANA often have promotions for destinations in Asia. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and check for seasonal deals or promotions to get the best rates.

How can I find the best deals on flights from Honolulu?

Here are some of the things that you can do to find the best deals on flights from Honolulu. You can regularly check airline websites, using flight comparison tools, and being flexible with your travel dates can help you snag the best deals. It is also best to travel during off-peak times, you can also book in advance and consider nearby airports.

Is it cheaper to book flights from Honolulu well in advance?

Yes, generally speaking, booking flights from Honolulu well in advance can lead to cheaper fares. Airlines often release their tickets up to a year in advance, and prices tend to be lower the further out you book. As the departure date approaches and seats fill up, prices typically rise. However, there are exceptions, and occasional last-minute deals can be found. It’s also worth noting that the optimal booking window can vary based on the destination, season, and specific airline promotions. Monitoring fare trends and setting up price alerts can help travelers secure the best deals.

When is the off-peak season for flights departing from Honolulu?

The off-peak season for flights departing from Honolulu typically falls during the spring and fall months, specifically from mid-April to mid-June and September to mid-December. During these periods, there’s a decrease in tourist traffic, leading to potentially lower airfares and accommodation rates. The weather remains relatively pleasant, although there might be occasional rain showers. Avoiding major holidays and school vacation periods can also help in finding lower fares. It’s always a good idea to check specific dates and airlines, as promotions and deals can vary.

Are there direct flights from Honolulu to international destinations?

Yes, there are direct flights from Honolulu to several international destinations. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu serves as a major hub connecting the U.S. mainland to Asia and the Pacific. Travelers can find direct flights to countries such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, among others. Airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines, Qantas, and Air Canada offer non-stop services to various international cities. It’s always advisable to check with specific airlines and routes for the most up-to-date flight information.

How does the duration of the flight affect its cost?

The duration of a flight can influence its cost in several ways including fuel consumption, aircraft utilization, onboard services, and airport fees. However, it is essential to note that many other factors, like competition on the route, demand, time of booking, and seasonality, can also significantly impact flight costs. Sometimes, shorter flights can be more expensive than longer ones due to high demand or limited availability.

Do flight prices from Honolulu fluctuate throughout the year?

Yes, flight prices from Honolulu do fluctuate throughout the year. Factors like seasonality, holiday and events, economic factors, airline promotions, and demand-supply affect these variations. It’s always a good idea to monitor flight prices, set up fare alerts, and be flexible with travel dates to secure the best deals from Honolulu.

Which airport in Honolulu do most of the cheapest flights depart from?

The primary airport in Honolulu is the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, from which most of the flights, including the cheapest ones, depart.

Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of when booking cheap flights?

Always read the fine print. Some fares might not include baggage fees, seat selection, or in-flight amenities. Ensure you’re aware of any additional costs before booking.