$138 Find Cheap Flights from California to Hawaii

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Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
High seasonJuly
Cheapest flight$138
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 18% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 13% increase in price.
Flight from San Diego to Honolulu

Flights from California to Hawaii: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from California to Hawaii 
IreneFlew with DeltaLAX-HNLJun 2025
Click the QR code to do the Ag declaration before you board
Verified travelerFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesSMF-HNLMar 2025
Bring a blanket for the flight and your own snacks. WiFi on the plane was great and the leg room in our seats was good also
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesSJC-HNLMay 2025
Get there early, you may have to walk to a different terminal
LawrenceFlew with United AirlinesSFO-HNLMay 2025
Get to your gate early!!! Very little seating at/near gates 19, 20, 21 and 22. The last couple of flights, American boarding (very different gates) has been very straightforward. The last time on United, boarding at gate 19 was bedlam. Really going to look hard before scheduling on United next time!!!
William DrewFlew with SouthwestSJC-HNLDec 2024
If you're flying from San Jose, arrive at the airport early. You never know how long the line at TSA will be. If you have time, the airport has well-designed facilities and reasonable priced restaurants. The Southwest ground staff is professional and will help you through the check-in and cattle call boarding process
FSFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesOAK-HNLOct 2024
Bring your own headset, else you need to pay for some, if you need them.
William DrewFlew with Alaska AirlinesSFO-HNLNov 2024
Arrive at least two hours before your flight.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesSAN-KOAJun 2024
Dress with a tank top under your sweater because once you exit the plane, the Kona heat will hit you like an oven
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesSAN-HNLMay 2024
I suggest packing a big snack bag and a large water bottle in case there are any issues with the flight causing a delay. When there are delays, no food is served, so you are stuck in a chair hungry and thirsty.
BryanFlew with Alaska AirlinesSAN-OGGMay 2024
Airlines are becoming much stricter in limiting people to one carry-on bag and one personal item.
MichaelFlew with Alaska AirlinesSAN-HNLMar 2024
Get there early as possible for the long haul across the Pacific.
Verified travelerFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesLAX-LIHFeb 2024
Show up early! I didnt know it was international terminal.. and AirTags!

FAQs for booking flights from California to Hawaii

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from California to Hawaii?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from California to Hawaii.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from California to Hawaii?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from California to Hawaii is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from California to Hawaii?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly from California to Hawaii with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from California to Hawaii?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from California to Hawaii up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in Hawaii?

    Prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in Hawaii is Kona Intl Airport (KOA), with an average flight price of $280.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to Hawaii?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to Hawaii is Tuesday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $380. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Saturday, where round-trip prices are $430 on average.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Hawaii?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to Hawaii is generally at night, when round-trip flights cost $379 on average. Morning departures are around 4% more expensive than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to Hawaii is generally in the afternoon, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $452.

  • What is the cheapest flight to Hawaii?

    The cheapest ticket to Hawaii from California found in the last 72 hours was to Honolulu, at $235 round-trip. The most popular route is Los Angeles (LAX) to Honolulu (HNL) and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $235.

  • What is the cheapest month to fly from California to Hawaii?

    The cheapest month for flights from California to Hawaii is February, when tickets cost $312 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and June, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $964 and $595 respectively.

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

    To get a below average price on the flight from California to Hawaii, you should book around 10 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 16 weeks before departure.

  • How long is the flight to Hawaii?

    An average nonstop flight from California to Hawaii takes 7h 03m, covering a distance of 2513 miles. The shortest route is San Jose (SJC) to Kahului (OGG) with an average flight time of 5h 13m.

  • What are the most popular destinations in Hawaii?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Honolulu (56% of total searches to Hawaii). The next most popular destinations are Kahului (22%) and Lihue (11%). Searches for flights to Kailua-Kona (10%), to Hilo (2%) and to Kapalua (0%) are also popular.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from California to Hawaii

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from California to Hawaii? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.0
Alaska AirlinesOverall score based on 10000 reviews
7.1Food
8.1Boarding
8.5Crew
7.1Entertainment
7.8Comfort
Airline reviews

The Alaska app and website were not fully operational. I had to spend about 15 minutes at the counter doing things that should have been completed online. The agent was very nice and helpful, however.

8.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Jun 2025OAK - SEA
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

The Alaska app and website were not fully operational. I had to spend about 15 minutes at the counter doing things that should have been completed online. The agent was very nice and helpful, however.

Flying on Hawaiian Airlines was good. But, getting a boarding pass was a hassle. I booked what I thought was an Alaska Airlines flight that was actually a Hawaiian Airlines flight. I couldn't check in online. I had to wait for the Hawaiian Airlines counter to open so I could get my boarding pass which was a requirement for me to get in The Club or the Centurion Lounge. (I had no check in luggage so I didn't expect to have to physically check in.) The Alaska Airlines staff blamed the FAA for the problem.

Staff are helpful and patient. I don’t appreciate the almost 5 hours delay and also the delay of our luggage and being switched from one carousel to another to pick them up.

Staff were great but we were delayed on the tarmac for over an hour.

Great crew, smooth flight and landing. Wish they would offer Dr. Pepper and a choice of flavors of pretzels.

Terrible check in experience, and they ended up losing our bag.

they didn't fix a plane and we were delayed travelling an extra 12 hours.

This flight was how a flight should be. The flight from Hawaii to Seattle was terrible

Our big luggage never made it to Boston. Very crucial to get it ASAP as heart medication is in there.

Wish I got An email stating that I needed to check in at hawaiian even if I made my ticket thru alaska. I had to walk to terminal A from Terminal B.

Most aspects were good however if they assign boarding zones they ought to enforce them or why bother? My luggage from SAN-JFK-MAD was lost in NY so I without my main bag for two days upon arrival in Spain. They were helpful in tracking it and eventually delivered it to my hotel. The flub was because of a delay upon arrival in NYC. I had booked 2 1/2 hours between flights but we had to hold on the taxiway for an hour after landing while waiting for a clear gate which likely caused the baggage error.

Excellent flight, the planes were newer, they did a nice job with boarding, great service overall.

It would be nice if was given wires ear buds. Overall was a good experience was able to sleep on the plane

737-800 in first class was pretty dumpy. Seat had an uncomfortable angle, storage under the seat was blocked so even my very modest backpack didn't fit, power outlet was flaky. Weird tiny seat pockets that couldn't hold a gallon ziploc bag, emesis bag missing, etc. etc. No in-flight service due to turbulence. Crew was excellent, boarding was smooth despite a full flight.

Delta flight was on time, seats were comfortable, and crew was nice.

Thank you for not flipping the plane on the run way. You guys get a 5 star rating for the flight!!!

Boarding is, as it always is… horrible. Gate lice. Slow moving zones. Too many people with carry ons

It was terrible, if they ran flights on time it would make a big difference.

Delta seems to be improving in many areas, except they are super bad with the food available. Bring back normal food service on long flights.

I actually received a notification from kayak on email but not one by text from Delta when my departure gait changed and I almost missed my flight

It was very pleasant. The staff and crew are very polite.

Hawaiian Airlines staff is always professional & quick & easy check in & boarding process

Customer service by Susan of Alaskan Air was outstanding. We missed our flight out of JFK. She got us rebooked the following day. Way to go Susan.

Bar code for checking luggage and boarding pass didn't work. Had to stand in long customer service line. Passengers at Oahu should be aware the Terminal for Hawaiian Air requires travel by shuttle. Budget an extra 20-30 minutes to get from the main terminal to the remote terminal.

Checking baggage at Honolulu was a real mess. No signs directing where to go.

We boarded an hour and a half late because a coffee maker leaked in the plane. Then we had to wait for awhile to get off the plane because another plane was in our spot at the terminal. I had plans when I landed that I had to skip so it was pretty disappointing.

We moved from the international terminal to a new location. I think there are still some bugs to work out . We didn’t receive check in notification and had to scramble to find it but i think it will work out

Not so good. The takeoff was aborted after reaching 100 knots due to a problem with the front tires. I do commend the pilot for a quick decision and preventing a potential disaster. We returned to the gate to put fresh tires on the front. Our flight was delayed for over 3 hours. The rest of the flight was okay. We were reimbursed by Hawaiian Airlines for only $50. Not too generous

Arrived at the gate with no seats assigned. Was told by gate agent the flight was full and we would not be on it. I asked the gate agent how could I be sold tickets when the flight was full. She replied, “Thats just how they do it.” I was able to get seats once I arrived at the gate. The flight itself was great. I’ll never purchase tickets without seat assignments from kayak or anyone again. Shame on kayak or Hawaiian airlines or all of you.

The temperature on the plane was too cold and the food was not very good. Everything else was good.

it was so bad. I tried to board my flight from vancouver to saskatoon. And to my surprise they did not board me cause the flight was changed and no email was send to me. and on my boarding pass which i got from seattle says different flight. I did not knew anyone from Vancouver, air canada crew was rude, i asked for today flight but they were rude and i had early morning dental appointment in saskatoon. I was so much in pain and my whole day is wasted today. and i suffered alot. They did provide me hotel but they did not provide me any food. I am really really disappointed first time had so bad experience with air canada. I may think twice to book it again. If i can get any reply or any composition that would be great. Thanks

Very comfortable (upgraded to business class). The audio on my screen didn’t work, but I managed to play the audio through my phone while watching the screen.

I was supposed to be on business class at first class from Denver back to Miami due to weather changes. I missed my connection and it’s put on a flight to Fort Lauderdale. Instead of honoring my business class/1st class ticket, they put me in coach, but there were two first class seats open. I think it’s absolutely disgusting that I paid for first class $1300 ticket and they put me in economy and they had to open seats available and I have still not been refunded the difference. I ended up having to eat a snack box instead of the meal I was supposed to get and did not get home till 2 AM so I think that’s a little pathetic that I had to live off crackers for dinner And my poor dog ate some cheese and salami. Oh yes, apparently when they switched me to the new flight they forgot to mention I had a service dog

Boarding seemed to be organized bedlam. For what ever reason, preboarding took longer than 20 minutes. Made the plane 20 minutes late taking off. Luckily we arrived on time. Flight crew seemed very friendly. Only slight turbulence.

The personnel were professional and friendly. The Boeing 737 Max 9 is too claustrophobic and was very warm at both airport gates, and still warm in the air.

While the staff was pleasant and helpful, the following observations are for your awareness. There was some delay on the tarmac on take off and landing. The paid lunch/food offerings were limited. Entertainment was only available on WiFi at a cost.

get E+, a must for 5 hours flight if you are tall

The first flight was better in terms of the aircraft.

Electric plugs didn't work. Entertainment system wasn't working

The design of the light switch on the arm rest is ridiculous.

The chair cushions may need an upgrade. I have been noticing they are so worn out, thin so you’d sit in a dip 😄. Other than that, all was an enjoyable trip. Thanks AA!

Cramped seats. FAA should make airlines have more legroom, for even short people complain

Eventless. It was a good flight and good crew. Can’t complaint.

Very helpful ground crew after an earlier flight delay and being rebooked on a different flight.

The plane was late and then sat on the runway for almost 45 minutes before taking off.

We kept being told that the flight was full and that all overhead compartments were full and therefore had to check in our hand luggage. We were some of the last people to board and noticed that there was still sufficient space in the overhead compartments. We were obliged to check in hand luggage when there was space and so had to wait at luggage retrieval which took a while to then noticed damage to our luggage - not a great experience!

This was an overnight flight. There was no meal service in first class, just a simple snack basket was offered along with beverages. There should have been some type of continental breakfast prior to arrival in PHL. As an Executive Platinum American Airlines Advantage member, I received no name recognition from the first class flight attendant. When disembarking at PHL, the flight attendants were more interested in their cell phones than saying "thank you" to the passengers as they disembarked.

The flight was quick and to the point. The crew just did their job w/o excessive talking and everything was just perfect.

Awkward carry on process. Forced to check all carry on. No overhead space of worthiness. Left delayed, but made up the time. Crew was amicable.

Amazingly comfy flight - I had upgraded for a reasonable price and it was worth it. The food also was good.

Book cheap flights from California to Hawaii

Recent round-trip flight deals

8/7Thu
nonstopHawaiian Airlines
6h 07mSAN-HNL
8/13Wed
nonstopHawaiian Airlines
5h 24mHNL-SAN
$278
8/7Thu
nonstopHawaiian Airlines
6h 07mSAN-HNL
8/13Wed
1 stopHawaiian Airlines
9h 35mHNL-SAN
$286
8/25Mon
1 stopAlaska Airlines
9h 53mSAN-HNL
9/2Tue
nonstopAlaska Airlines
5h 30mHNL-SAN
$289
8/25Mon
1 stopAlaska Airlines
9h 53mSAN-HNL
9/2Tue
1 stopAlaska Airlines
12h 39mHNL-SAN
$293
8/27Wed
1 stopDelta
11h 00mSAN-HNL
9/2Tue
1 stopDelta
12h 58mHNL-SAN
$298
11/15Sat
nonstopDelta
6h 07mLAX-HNL
11/19Wed
nonstopDelta
5h 25mHNL-LAX
$317
8/18Mon
1 stopUnited Airlines
8h 46mSAN-HNL
8/28Thu
2 stopsUnited Airlines
10h 05mHNL-SAN
$322
10/8Wed
nonstopUnited Airlines
5h 20mSFO-HNL
10/8Wed
nonstopUnited Airlines
5h 02mHNL-SFO
$322
10/5Sun
nonstopAmerican Airlines
5h 50mLAX-HNL
10/9Thu
nonstopAmerican Airlines
5h 36mHNL-LAX
$336
11/5Wed
nonstopAmerican Airlines
5h 51mLAX-KOA
11/11Tue
nonstopAmerican Airlines
5h 22mKOA-LAX
$337

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Recent one-way flight deals

9/15Mon
1 stopHawaiian Airlines
10h 31mSAN-HNL
$138
9/17Wed
1 stopHawaiian Airlines
9h 46mSAN-HNL
$139
9/2Tue
nonstopAlaska Airlines
6h 10mSAN-HNL
$149
9/25Thu
1 stopAlaska Airlines
8h 35mLAX-HNL
$158
9/11Thu
1 stopDelta
11h 15mSAN-HNL
$159
8/18Mon
nonstopDelta
5h 31mLAX-KOA
$159
8/20Wed
nonstopAmerican Airlines
5h 47mLAX-HNL
$163
10/8Wed
nonstopAmerican Airlines
5h 54mLAX-HNL
$165
8/13Wed
1 stopUnited Airlines
8h 31mLAX-KOA
$169
10/16Thu
nonstopUnited Airlines
5h 39mLAX-HNL
$171

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Last minute flights from California to Hawaii

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

6/21Sat
nonstopUnited Airlines
5h 34mLAX-HNL
6/26Thu
multi-stopUnited Airlines
7h 31mHNL-LAX
$448
6/20Fri
multi-stopSouthwest
12h 30mLAX-HNL
6/28Sat
multi-stopSouthwest
10h 35mHNL-LAX
$453
6/22Sun
multi-stopAlaska Airlines
11h 10mLAX-OGG
7/2Wed
nonstopAlaska Airlines
5h 00mOGG-LAX
$453
6/21Sat
multi-stopDelta
13h 06mLAX-OGG
7/3Thu
multi-stopDelta
9h 26mOGG-LAX
$454
6/18Wed
multi-stopAlaska Airlines
15h 01mLAX-OGG
6/25Wed
multi-stopAlaska Airlines
10h 00mOGG-LAX
$457
6/21Sat
multi-stopDelta
13h 06mLAX-OGG
7/1Tue
multi-stopDelta
9h 26mOGG-LAX
$462
6/22Sun
multi-stopHawaiian Airlines
9h 31mLAX-HNL
6/30Mon
nonstopHawaiian Airlines
5h 20mHNL-LAX
$487
6/19Thu
multi-stopHawaiian Airlines
28h 45mSFO-OGG
6/26Thu
multi-stopHawaiian Airlines
9h 43mOGG-SFO
$503
6/20Fri
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
9h 06mONT-HNL
6/25Wed
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
15h 53mHNL-ONT
$588
6/22Sun
nonstopAmerican Airlines
5h 42mLAX-HNL
7/2Wed
nonstopAmerican Airlines
5h 33mHNL-LAX
$608

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Everything you need to know for your flight to Hawaii

Cabin class types available on flights to California

Cabin classes available on flights to California. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.

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