By Elois da Costa 
If you are wondering how much is a round trip plane ticket to hawaii, the short answer is that most travelers pay between $350 and $900 from the U.S. mainland, but prices can go higher or lower depending on the season, departure city, airline, and how early you book. The good news is that Hawaii flights go on sale often, and with the right strategy you can save hundreds of dollars on the same trip.
Hawaii is one of the most popular destinations in the United States, so airfare changes constantly. In this guide from The Everyday Travel Guide, you will learn realistic price ranges, what affects ticket costs, when to book, and how to find the best deals without spending hours searching.
Average Cost of a Round Trip Plane Ticket to Hawaii
The price of a round trip ticket to Hawaii depends mostly on where you fly from and when you travel. Here are the typical ranges for economy class tickets.
From the West Coast
Flights from California, Oregon, or Washington are usually the cheapest.
- Low season deals: $300 to $450
- Average price: $450 to $650
- Peak season: $650 to $900
Travelers from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle often find the best fares using tools like Google Flights search tool because many airlines compete on these routes.
From the Midwest
Flights take longer and usually cost more.
- Low season deals: $450 to $650
- Average price: $650 to $850
- Peak season: $850 to $1,100
Booking early is especially important if you fly from Chicago, Dallas, or Denver.
From the East Coast
Flights from New York, Florida, or the Northeast are usually the most expensive.
- Low season deals: $600 to $800
- Average price: $800 to $1,100
- Peak season: $1,100 to $1,400
Travelers on the East Coast should compare prices on sites like Expedia flight deals because package discounts sometimes reduce the total cost.
Why Flight Prices to Hawaii Change So Much
Many travelers are surprised that the same flight can change price several times in one week. This happens because airlines use dynamic pricing.
1. Season of travel
Hawaii has busy and slow seasons.
High season
- Christmas and New Year
- Spring break
- Summer vacation
- Thanksgiving week
Low season
- Late January
- February
- September
- Early November
According to the Hawaii tourism statistics reports, visitor numbers increase during holidays, which causes flight prices to rise.
2. How early you book
Airlines usually release tickets about 10 to 11 months in advance. The best prices often appear 2 to 5 months before travel.
Booking too early can be expensive, but booking too late is usually worse.
3. Day of the week
Flights are often cheaper when you travel:
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Saturday
Weekend departures usually cost more because demand is higher.
4. Airport choice
Hawaii has several major airports:
- Honolulu (Oahu)
- Maui (OGG)
- Kona (Big Island)
- Lihue (Kauai)
Honolulu is usually the cheapest because it has the most flights.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Hawaii
If your schedule is flexible, these months usually have the lowest prices.
Best months for cheap flights
- January (after New Year)
- February
- September
- October
- Early November
These months have fewer tourists, so airlines lower prices to fill seats.
Sites like Skyscanner price comparison can help you check the cheapest dates across an entire month.
Most Expensive Times to Visit Hawaii
Avoid these periods if you want the lowest airfare.
- Christmas to early January
- Spring break weeks
- June to mid August
- Thanksgiving week
During these times, hotels and rental cars also cost more, so the total trip becomes expensive.
How to Find the Best Deals on Flights to Hawaii
Finding cheap airfare is easier if you use the right strategy.
Use flight comparison tools
Always compare prices on multiple sites.
Good tools include
- Google Flights
- Expedia
- Skyscanner
- Airline websites
These tools show flexible dates and price changes.
| Tool | Best For | Why Use It | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Flights | Fast price comparison | Shows flexible dates, price calendar, and multiple airlines at once | https://www.google.com/flights |
| Expedia | Package deals | Good for flight + hotel discounts and travel bundles | https://www.expedia.com |
| Skyscanner | Finding cheapest dates | Great for searching the lowest price in a full month | https://www.skyscanner.com |
| Airline websites | Direct booking | Sometimes airlines offer lower prices on their own site | https://www.southwest.com |
Set price alerts
Most flight search websites allow alerts.
You choose your route and receive an email when the price drops.
This is one of the easiest ways to save money.
Be flexible with dates
Changing your trip by just one or two days can reduce the price a lot.
Flying midweek is often cheaper than flying Friday or Sunday.
Consider nearby airports
Sometimes flying from a different airport saves money.
For example
- Instead of New York JFK, try Newark
- Instead of Los Angeles, try San Diego
- Instead of Miami, try Fort Lauderdale
Even a short drive can reduce airfare.
Book separate tickets
Sometimes the cheapest option is:
- Flight to West Coast
- Then flight to Hawaii
Low cost airlines sometimes offer good deals for short routes.
Budget Airlines That Fly to Hawaii
Several airlines offer competitive prices.
Popular airlines for Hawaii flights
- Southwest Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
Southwest often has sales, and their baggage policy can save money. You can check rules on the Southwest baggage policy page before booking.
How Much You Should Budget for the Whole Trip
Flights are only part of the cost.
Here is a basic budget for one person.
Flight
$400 to $900
Hotel per night
$150 to $400
Food per day
$40 to $100
Rental car per day
$50 to $100
Total for one week
$1,500 to $3,500 per person
Planning ahead makes a big difference.
Travel information on the official USA travel site recommends booking early for popular destinations like Hawaii.
Tips to Save Money on a Hawaii Trip
These simple tips can reduce your travel cost.
Book 2 to 4 months early
Travel in low season
Use flight alerts
Avoid holiday weeks
Compare multiple airports
Use airline miles if possible
Check package deals
Many travelers save hundreds of dollars by following these steps.
Is It Cheaper to Buy One Way or Round Trip?
Most of the time, round trip tickets are cheaper.
Airlines prefer round trip bookings because they fill more seats.
However, sometimes you can save money by:
- Using different airlines
- Flying into Honolulu and leaving from Maui
- Booking separate one way tickets
Always compare both options.
How Far in Advance Should You Book Hawaii Flights?
Best time to book
2 to 5 months before travel
For holidays
4 to 8 months before travel
For summer
3 to 6 months before travel
According to the FAA air travel information page, demand strongly affects ticket prices, so earlier booking usually means better availability.
Final Answer: How Much Is a Round Trip Plane Ticket to Hawaii?
Most travelers pay between $350 and $900 for a round trip plane ticket to Hawaii from the U.S. mainland, but the exact price depends on season, location, and how early you book. The cheapest flights usually appear in low travel months, and the best deals go to travelers who compare prices and stay flexible.
If you plan ahead, use price alerts, and avoid peak seasons, you can visit Hawaii without overspending.