There's an All-out Airfare War for Flights to Hawaii — Here's How to Take Advantage

Melanie Lieberman
Updated
Since last June, we’ve been closely following an airfare war that’s entangled almost every major domestic carrier, including United, Hawaiian, and Alaska Airlines.

Since last June, we’ve been closely following an airfare war that’s entangled almost every major domestic carrier, including United, Hawaiian, and Alaska Airlines.

Related: Those Cheap Flights to Hawaii Are Finally Here

And last week, Southwest took the next step toward realizing its Hawaiian ambitions by receiving a permit to operate at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Yesterday, flights to the Hawaiian Islands plummeted to an all-time low, with tickets from the West Coast selling for a cool $177 round-trip.

Of course, knowing that flight prices are on the decline is one thing — actually taking advantage of the tumbling fares is another.

To help you make the most of this airfare war, we’ve highlighted the easiest ways to spot cheap flights and plan your dream trip to Hawaii.

Related: How to Score Cheap Round-trip Flights to Hawaii in 2018

Sign Up for Airfare Alerts

Flight deals, even those catalyzed by an airfare war, are unpredictable and short-lived. To make sure you’re the first one to know when flights to Hawaii from your home airport go on sale, set a fare alert. We suggest Google Flights, Airfarewatchdog, KAYAK, or the farecasting app, Hopper.

Subscribe to Deal Alerts

If you’re flexible about when you go to Hawaii (so long as you get there eventually and there’s a frozen cocktail waiting for you upon arrival) you can wait for a deal alert. A few favorites are Scott’s Cheap Flights, Thrifty Traveler, and the paid app service DealRay. Travelers can also check The Flight Deal and Airfare Spot sites regularly.

Pay Attention to Airline News

We can’t always predict when flight deals will happen — but we can safely guess which airlines will offer the next great flight deal to Hawaii. Southwest is eager to start selling tickets to the Aloha State before the end of 2018, and will likely introduce competitive fares 15 percent below the ticket price offered by competitors. (It’s called the Southwest Effect, and it could make all your Hawaiian travel dreams come true.)