The Guide to Southwest Airlines Hawaii Flights

All the benefits of flying Southwest, like free checked bags, still apply on its flights to the Hawaiian Islands.
June Casagrande
Sally French
By Sally French and  June Casagrande 
Updated
Edited by Kevin Berry

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

Does Southwest fly to Hawaii? Yes — true to its name, Southwest will fly you to the most southwestern state in the U.S.

The low-cost air carrier launched flights to Hawaii from the West Coast in 2019, and service to the tropical island state has only expanded since then, including new routes from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Diego as of December 2021.

Whether you’re a snowbird seeking Hawaii’s seemingly eternal summer, or the kids are out of school and you need vacation plans, you’re in luck: Southwest flies to Hawaii year-round.

Here’s what you need to know about Southwest Airlines' Hawaii flights.

Does Southwest fly direct to Hawaii?

Southwest serves five airports in Hawaii:

  • Hilo (ITO), island of Hawaii.

  • Honolulu (HNL), Oahu.

  • Kahului (OGG), Maui.

  • Kona (KOA), island of Hawaii.

  • Lihue (LIH), Kauai.

Getting to Hawaii from the U.S. mainland on Southwest

Southwest has direct flights to Hawaii out of the following California airports:

  • Long Beach (LGB).

  • Los Angeles (LAX).

  • Oakland (OAK).

  • Sacramento (SMF).

  • San Diego (SAN).

  • San Jose (SJC).

Outside of California, Southwest also offers flights to Hawaii from:

  • Las Vegas (LAS).

  • Phoenix (PHX).

Flight times vary based on the route, but tend to run between five and six hours.

Southwest interisland flights in Hawaii

You don’t need to pick just one island to fly to; Southwest offers interisland flights, so you can easily skip from the quaint town of Hilo to the bustling nightlife of Honolulu in under an hour.

Here are some sample Southwest interisland routes, and their average flight times:

  • Kahului to Kona: 40 minutes.

  • Lihue to Honolulu: 42 minutes.

  • Honolulu to Hilo: 58 minutes.

Photo courtesy of Southwest.

What the flight is like

Since the five-to-six-hour flight to Hawaii is more than double the average Southwest flight length, expect some changes to service.

In-flight refreshments

Drinks: A typical Southwest flight includes a complimentary nonalcoholic drink. On flights to Hawaii, you’ll also have the choice to sip Minute Maid Pineapple Orange Juice Blend. Alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase. In addition to the usual beers, wines and spirits, Southwest brings the tropical vibes with the option to purchase a Kona Longboard Island Lager or a Blue Chair Bay Coconut Spiced Rum for $7 each.

Snacks: The snacks get a slightly-tropical boost too. Many of us are familiar with the small bag of snacks (think pretzels, a snack mix or Brownie Brittle) typical of Southwest flights. Flights to Hawaii usually feature a full snack box consisting of all of the aforementioned prepackaged items, as well as additional items such as tropical fruit snacks and spreadable cheese.

Prepare for an onslaught of prepackaged carbs on your Southwest flight to Hawaii. (Photo by Sally French)

In-flight entertainment

On all Southwest flights movies and TV shows are free to stream, and there are even some live TV channels — just bring your own device. There aren’t any seatback screens, so you’ll have to stream movies and shows from your own phone, tablet or laptop. Annoyingly, there isn't even a handy spot built into the seat to mount your phone or laptop, but a water bottle as a backstop might do the trick.

To access entertainment from your device, open www.southwestwifi.com and navigate to the Inflight Entertainment & Connectivity tab to start streaming.

Seats are pretty basic, with no built-in screen, no in-seat power (on most flights) and no good place to mount your phone or tablet. (Photo by Sally French)

In-flight Wi-Fi

Southwest-provided entertainment is free to stream online. But pretty much everything else you want to access via Wi-Fi will cost you — albeit not very much. All other internet access can be purchased for $8 a flight per device on Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft.

🤓Nerdy Tip

If you bring your own electronics, hopefully your battery is strong. Southwest planes are sorely lacking in one area: seatback chargers. Southwest doesn't have standard or USB plugs on board, so charge up before boarding or consider packing a portable charger.

That said, in-flight Wi-Fi is free for A-List Preferred Members, which is the highest tier of Southwest elite status. Free Wi-Fi is also a benefit for customers who hold the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card.

How to find cheap Southwest flights to Hawaii

Southwest flights generally don’t appear in third-party travel agencies and flight aggregators like Expedia, Orbitz or Google Flights. So if you’re using those tools to search for flights to Hawaii, don’t be dismayed if no Southwest flights show up. Instead, go directly to Southwest’s website to book.

Figuring out how to book Southwest flights to Hawaii is easy if you're already familiar with the platform. As usual, you can book your flights using cash or Rapid Rewards points.

No matter which currency you use to book, Southwest fares to Hawaii can vary based on where you're departing from, what island you're traveling to and your travel dates. Here are some tips for ensuring you get the best deal on your flight.

Be flexible about travel dates using the Southwest Low Fare Calendar

Even the same flight one day apart could be a massively different price. Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar on the desktop site to see a monthly view of all airfares. If you can be flexible about when you travel, you could sometimes save hundreds of dollars.

In this example, you could save nearly $200 per ticket (each way) by flying out just a few days apart.

Looking at the departing flights, say you intended to depart on Sunday, June 8. Airfare is a whopping $351 one way. But it’s just $199 the same day of the week, but just one week prior. If you can adjust your trip dates by a week, you might save hundreds of dollars.

Earn the Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Companion Pass is essentially a buy-one-get-one-free pass that enables you to fly a companion of your choice for nearly free whenever you fly. Just pay the taxes and fees (often only $5.60 each way for domestic flights) and add your companion to your itinerary, and they will join you to Hawaii.

Especially if you find yourself having to book one of those $400 one-way flights, holding the Companion Pass could theoretically save you $800 on your Hawaii trip alone, depending on the original airfare.

While earning the Southwest Companion Pass can be a challenge (unless it's included with a sign-up bonus), it might be worth pursuing if you know a Hawaii trip is on your travel horizon. To qualify for a traditional Companion Pass, you'll need to do one of the following:

  • Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year.

  • Earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year. Qualifying points include those that you earn through revenue flights booked via Southwest, those that you earn on Southwest credit cards and base points you earn from Rapid Rewards partners.

Look beyond Southwest

Outside of Southwest, fares from the West Coast to Oahu could easily run $600 round trip. But as low-cost competitor Southwest entered the market, other airlines lowered their prices to remain competitive. Use tools to shop for flights (we recommend Google Flights). While Southwest airfare prices don’t appear in Google Flights, many other major airlines do. You may check Southwest airfares first, but check what the competition has for sale too.

In fact, shortly after Southwest announced service to Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines began offering low-cost main cabin basic fares. But unlike Hawaiian’s basic fare, Southwest flights include perks that could still net more in savings, such as up to two free checked bags, no change fees and more.

You might also find great deals on other airlines, such as the United flights to Hawaii.

Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards to help get you to Hawaii

Southwest credit cards can help you quickly rack up Rapid Rewards points for your spending; plus, if you meet the welcome offer requirements, you can get a huge windfall of points at once.

Southwest offers several ways to help you rack up points toward free flights on purchases. Credit card options include:

Beyond earning points to use toward more flights, Southwest credit cards come with other benefits that will improve any flight — but especially one to Hawaii. Here are a few standouts:

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
NerdWallet rating 

4 upgraded boardings per year with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Hold the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, and you’ll receive four upgraded boardings per year, when available.

First off, given how long the flight to Hawaii is, you don’t want to get stuck in the middle seat for five hours. But secondly, even if you check in early enough to nab a B group over the dreaded C, you still could end up with a middle seat. That’s because the Southwest boarding process allows families with a child age 6 or younger to board as part of family boarding, which occurs before the B group.

Given Hawaii’s popularity as a family vacation destination, there likely will be more families boarding than your average Southwest flight. Even if those people were assigned C group, they’ll board ahead of you with a tot in tow, leaving you with the middle seat in front of the bathroom.

Don’t tempt fate on this one; pull out your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card and use your upgraded boarding credit. You don't even have to wait in line at the gate to upgrade — you can now upgrade your boarding position online via Southwest's upgraded boarding page.

New! Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
NerdWallet rating 

Free Wi-Fi with the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Maybe you’re headed to Hawaii to take advantage of remote work or you just need to be connected during your flight. Don’t miss a minute, even on the plane, thanks to Southwest's in-flight Wi-Fi. It normally costs $8 per flight, per device, but is free for A-List Preferred Members. If you don’t have Southwest elite status, you can also get free Wi-Fi if you hold the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, which offers 365 $8 credits per year.

Photo courtesy of Southwest.

Important policies to be aware of

On flights to Hawaii, most of the usual policies still apply, though there are some minor changes specific to Hawaii.

Change policy: As is the case with all Southwest flights, tickets to Hawaii can be changed with no fees. That said, if you’re changing to a more expensive flight, then the fare difference may apply.

Pet restrictions: As far as animals go, only fully trained service dogs assisting customers with disabilities are permitted on flights between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. Even still, those animals must comply with Hawaii’s import requirements, such as proof of a current rabies vaccination. They’re also subject to any State of Hawaii Quarantine Program fees.

Additionally, plan on flying into Honolulu International Airport if you’re bringing a service animal on your Hawaii trip, as that airport is the only point of entry for dogs entering Hawaii unless a valid Neighbor Island Inspection Permit has been issued by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Luggage restrictions: Not only can you not bring your pet, but you probably can’t bring your pet plant. Per U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, certain plants, plant products, animals and animal products are not permitted on flights to Hawaii. That’s the U.S. government’s rule — not Southwest’s.

Upon your return, there are some souvenirs you can’t take along with you back to California, or wherever your final destination may be. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service prohibits or restricts bringing many types of agricultural products from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland, including most fresh fruits and vegetables and certain types of plants and flowers.

Here are some common items from Hawaii not allowed into the U.S. mainland or Alaska:

  • Most fresh fruits and vegetables.

  • Berries of any kind, including fresh coffee berries.

  • Cactus plants.

  • Citrus or citrus-related flowers and leaves, and no jade vine or Mauna Loa.

  • Live insects.

  • Soil, including any plants in soil.

  • Sugarcane.

However, here are some common items from Hawaii that are allowed into the U.S. mainland or Alaska:

  • Beach sand and seashells.

  • Coconuts.

  • Coffee.

  • Processed fruits and vegetables, such as dried fruit.

  • Fresh pineapple.

  • Fresh flowers, leis and foliage (except no citrus or citrus-related flowers and leaves, and no jade vine or Mauna Loa).

Photo courtesy of Southwest.

Which Hawaiian island should you choose?

So you’re ready to jump on a Southwest flight to Hawaii — but now you’re struggling to pick an island destination. Each Hawaiian island is unique, so pick one that suits your vacation style. All of the islands offer beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and breathtaking hikes.

There are a total of eight main islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, though only six are accessible to tourists. Of those, Southwest flies to four islands. Here are some differences:

On Oahu, you might visit Iolani Palace. Pictured here is the Throne Room. The two thrones were for King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani. (Photo by Sally French)

  1. Oahu: You’ll fly into Honolulu. Head to this cosmopolitan capital city if you want not just the beaches, but also to experience historical sites like Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace, which is the only official state residence of royalty in the U.S. Plus you'll have a more active nightlife and social scene compared with the other islands.

  2. Maui: Upon landing in Kahului, you’ll likely drive off to a resort, where you can relax on long stretches of golden sand beach. Major resort areas include Kaanapali and Wailea. After you’ve recovered from the flight, take a waterfall-lined car trip called the Road to Hana — just beware if you’re prone to car sickness.

  3. Hawaii: The Big Island, as it's commonly referred to, is where you go to see the volcano Kilauea, which is part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. True to its name, the island is big — which means Southwest operates flights out of two separate airports. Hilo is on the east side of the island, while Kona is on the west.

  4. Kauai: This island is referred to as the Garden Island, a fitting name as you’ll find lush tropical foliage and the beautiful Napali Coast, best viewed by boat or helicopter tour. NerdWallet considers Kauai to be the best Hawaiian island for first-timers. To visit Kauai via Southwest, you’ll fly into Lihue.

Frequently asked questions

Southwest currently flies to five airports in Hawaii:

  • Hilo (ITO), island of Hawaii.

  • Honolulu (HNL), Oahu.

  • Kahului (OGG), Maui.

  • Kona (KOA), island of Hawaii.

  • Lihue (LIH), Kauai.

Yes, Southwest flies to Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui. Kahului is the second-busiest airport in the state of Hawaii.

Southwest airfare costs vary based on factors including distance and demand. But if you can take advantage of a fare sale, we’ve spotted flights between California and Hawaii for as low as $99, and interisland flights at just $29.

Southwest flies to Hawaii year-round. While the wettest months in Hawaii are from November to March, average temperatures are consistently warm, as the average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average daytime winter temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

In general, yes. Southwest allows you to bring your own food on board. Given that flights from Hawaii to California are more than five hours, you’ll want a little something to munch on during your trip (and airplane snacks probably won’t cut it).

That said, the USDA may restrict the types of food you can bring on board, given that many fresh fruits and vegetables are prohibited from being brought from Hawaii back onto the U.S. mainland. Here are some common items you cannot bring from Hawaii back onto your Southwest flight:

  • Most fresh fruits and vegetables.

  • Berries, including fresh coffee berries.

  • Sugarcane.

Most edible souvenirs can be transported back (and consumed in flight). Some common items you might bring back from Hawaii that are legal to transport include:

  • Fresh pineapple.

  • Coffee.

  • Coconut.

  • Commercially canned or processed foods, including processed fruits and vegetables (like dried fruit).


How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Travel Cards from our Partners
Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
5.0
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

1x-5x

5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

Points

Intro offer

60,000

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Points
Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
5.0
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

1.5%-6.5%

Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Cashback

Intro offer

$300

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
4.7
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

2x-5x

Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

Miles

Intro offer

75,000

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Miles
See more Travel cards
Get more smart money moves – straight to your inbox
Sign up and we’ll send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money.