$124 Find Cheap Flights from Hawaii to California

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Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$124
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 11% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 15% increase in price.
Flight from Kailua-Kona to Los Angeles

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

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Hawaii to California 
MikeFlew with Alaska AirlinesKOA-SJCJul 2025
Be prepared for your flight by purchasing a meal before departure, and by all means spend the eight bucks for inflight WiFi.
KeithFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesOGG-LAXJul 2025
Check your seating assignment thoroughly when you check in to ensure it's the seat you paid for. Flights number, planes, seat assignment, departure times can change at moment's notice, so make sure your confirmed flight assignment in 100% correct!!!
LeoFlew with American AirlinesHNL-LAXJul 2025
Avoid LAX if you can fly into other CA airport. LAX is very confusing. Our gate was adjacent to another that was boarding at the same time. We could not hear our boarding announcements. Almost missed our boarding group. Terminal 4 has multiple floors, the signs were okay, but a 3-D map is needed to fully comprehend your path. Very limited food options and super expensive restaurants with mediocre food (CrownLAX). Avoid LAX if your want a pleasant layover/transfer process.
Verified travelerFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesHNL-OAKMay 2025
Make sure you give yourself time, our gate was a long walk down but noticed there was a shuttle option? Because of timing I decided to walk it, I wouldve liked to take a shuttle.
OlgaFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesOGG-SJCMay 2025
Get to the airport 1 1/2 to 2 before your flight. Airport to confusing with the process especially if it your first time in Kahului.
CHARLESFlew with American AirlinesOGG-LAXMar 2025
Allow plenty of time to pass through agriculture and TSA security screening.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesHNL-SANDec 2024
Get there a couple hours early. TSA is not the best organized. The security line took us about 50 minutes to an hour.
GeraldFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesHNL-SFOFeb 2025
There is an agricultural inspection of carryon bags at the gate. Don’t try and bring home any pineapples.
Verified travelerFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesKOA-SMFOct 2024
The gate we were at did not have a designated boarding area. This caused passengers to congregate in the middle of a walkway. The gate agent was clear in telling people to sit until their zone was called, but many did not listen. Whole fruits and vegetables are also not allowed, so don't pack those back to California. Bags were also weighed -- carry-ons could be just 25 pounds or less. This was enforced.
Verified travelerFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesLIH-SMFOct 2024
Get to the airport early. Long line through security.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesOGG-SANJun 2024
The exiting gates and boarding connecting flights are very close, always bring an empty water container that you can fill in the airport filtered water dispensers bring your own favorite food
HeatherFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesHNL-LGBAug 2024
Easy entry and exit. Easy to get to rental car. Extremely fast exit from airport itself.
RaquelFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesOGG-LAXJun 2024
Sit last row so no one is behind you and buy cancel noise headphones!
SusanFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesLIH-OAKAug 2024
That they willlet you check your carry ons the gate sometimes
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesHNL-SANMay 2024
Don't use a small water bottle. Get a big one and fill it prior to boarding so you can keep hydrated better.
Dr. SherrieFlew with United AirlinesHNL-LAXApr 2024
Pack your own snacks and download your movies and shows in case the WiFi doesn’t work.
AntonellaFlew with SouthwestHNL-SMFApr 2024
Bring a charge / battery for your phone and your own food.
MichaelFlew with Alaska AirlinesOGG-SANMar 2024
Get to the airport extra early for a Hawaii flight.
Verified travelerFlew with Hawaiian AirlinesLIH-OAKMay 2024
Bring some food and be prepared for seat changes.
Verified travelerFlew with United AirlinesHNL-LAXJan 2024
Not many places to eat at LAX after 9 pm, sandwiches are 11.99 at the convenience store. Everything else was good at both airports.

FAQs for booking flights from Hawaii to California

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

    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 Hawaii to California.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Hawaii to California 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 Hawaii to California?

    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 Hawaii to California 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 Hawaii to California?

    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 Hawaii to California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • Which airlines fly most frequently to California?

    Hawaii and California are connected by different airlines. The airlines that fly that route the most regularly are Hawaiian Airlines (343 flights per week), Alaska Airlines (330 flights per week), and United Airlines (183 flights per week).

  • How many airports are there in California?

    There are 28 airports in California. The busiest airport is Los Angeles Airport (LAX), with 39% of all flights arriving there.

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

    Prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in California is Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB), with an average flight price of $248.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to California?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to California is Thursday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $489. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Saturday, where round-trip prices are $614 on average.

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

    The cheapest time of day to fly to California is generally in the evening, when round-trip flights cost $407 on average. Morning departures are around 37% more expensive than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to California is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $560.

  • What is the cheapest flight to California?

    The cheapest ticket to California from Hawaii found in the last 72 hours was to San Jose, at $119 round-trip. The most popular route is Honolulu (HNL) to Los Angeles (LAX) and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $183.

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

    The cheapest month for flights from Hawaii to California is February, when tickets cost $280 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and July, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $514 and $510 respectively.

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

    To get a below average price on the flight from Hawaii to California, you should book around 6 weeks before departure, which saves you about 14% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 25 weeks before departure.

  • How many cities have direct flights to California?

    From Hawaii, there are direct flights to California from 4 cities. The city with the most direct flights is Honolulu, with 1,484 direct flights each week.

  • How many direct flights to California are there each day?

    There are around 369 direct flights from within Hawaii to California every day. Most flights (43%) depart in the morning.

  • How many direct flights to California are there each week?

    Each week there are around 2,580 direct flights from within Hawaii to California. The most common day for departures is Sunday, with 16% of flights taking off on this day.

  • How long is the flight to California?

    An average nonstop flight from Hawaii to California takes 6h 34m, covering a distance of 2511 miles. The shortest route is Kahului (OGG) to San Jose (SJC) with an average flight time of 4h 55m.

  • How many long-haul flights are there to California each week?

    There are not any long-haul (6-12 hour flight duration) or short-haul (up to 3 hour flight duration) flights to California. Instead, there are 2,580 medium-haul flights (3-6 hour flight duration), with the most arriving from Honolulu.

  • What are the most popular destinations in California?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Los Angeles (29% of total searches to California). The next most popular destinations are Las Vegas (28%) and San Francisco (11%). Searches for flights to San Diego (8%), to San Jose (4%) and to Sacramento (4%) are also popular.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Hawaii to California

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Hawaii to California? 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 11203 reviews
7.1Food
8.1Boarding
7.8Comfort
7.0Entertainment
8.5Crew
Airline reviews

Waiting 2 hours after landing to arrive at a gate was ridiculous.

4.0 OkayJack, Oct 2025DEN - SAN
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

Waiting 2 hours after landing to arrive at a gate was ridiculous.

Almost 3 hr delay in Settle with very little information available to passengers. They boarded the plane and we waited for a long time inside the plane as well.

I was delayed several times. Missed a very important event. The airline only provided a $12 voucher after being delayed 3 times.

I was a pilot with EAL so my input maters more than the average traveler. The crew at the ticket counter were amazing. I was traveling with a frozen 20 pound turkey from our farm in Oxford Florida and they were over the top in helping me get through TSA. The gate personnel were likewise accommodating. You and Jet Blue are my favorite airlines . Would love to do an add for Alaska Airlines. Nels Siverson

Online check in didn't work. Somehow ended up with 2 Alaska rewards numbers and 1 for Hawaiian. No one at check in could figure out what to do. No one at check in could help me confirm an upcoming flight on Hawaiian Airlines.

This was more with the third party booking through Kayak but my KTN for Pre-TSA, even though I entered it, wasn't assigned to my ticket when I got to the airport. I had to go through regular security. Also the Alaska app had trouble loading my ticket in the first place and I had to ask for it to be printed. Alaska Airlines was great but wanted you to know about this hiccup in the ticketing interface.

The flight was fine, but the Kayak app is terrible. I could not input my flight. I couldn’t use it for anything and it would not even let me try to add a seat once you purchased the ticket you might as well. Delete the Kayak app as far as I’m concerned. I’m done with kayak. Com

My flight got canceled never left san diego and miss out my fam event

Food and entertainment not applicable - standard drinks and cinnamon cookies; crew did not do a song and dance for us so no entertainment. I like the slightly better leg room than American Airlines - at least it felt that way. Flight crew and atmosphere seemed more welcoming than American, too.

this was the THIRD time in four Alaska flights that were 2 hours late. Only one was due to weather. The intentionally posted each flight as only 1 hour and 55 minutes late so that they wouldn't have to give out vouchers. And then the flights all ended up more than 2 hours late. Makes United look like a premium carrier.

Staff were friendly and happy. Delta could make sure passengers that don't have the app know of changes. Without Kayak I would not have known about the change of gate or the delay. Kayak was faster to notify me.

They changed planes and the new plane couldn’t carry enough fuel to fly across the country so we had to stop in Kansas City to refuel. Flight was delayed .

Flight was too crowded and seats are too small, especially since passengrs are getting larger. Having a middle seat is ALWAYS tough! Woman on my left was large & kept creeping in to my space. Flight personnel were great! Have more savory rather than sweet snacks please.

Delay in SLC jammed us up in Chicago. Got caught up in rush hour traffic

The crew took good care of us. The flight from ATL to SFO is a longer one, and there were multiple beverage offerings. I like the 757's that Delta uses. Good airplane that is comfortable. I do wish Delta would separate Priority boarding from the better seats. I would gladly take a smaller seat in an open row than be jammed into Comfort just to get priority boarding, just to make sure I don't have to check a bag.

Gate agent rushed to fill hot jetway with crowd so it took over 12 minutes to go from gate to plane. Just like a discount airline Pooly prepared cabin and third time that claim of rough air prevented any cabin service. Friends on a Southwest flight at similar time had service.

I was uncomfortably cold on the plane. Other than that it was uneventful and therefore as enjoyable as a plane ride can be.

Food was surprisingly good but the WiFi was not great

My flight was extremely cold. I had a jacket and a cover was left in each seat. The cover was extremely thin and I have a disability, fibromyalgia and arthrithis and AC air is the worst. I closed my vent and my husbands vent and it still was frigid. I asked the attendant if I could get another cover and she quickly almost dismissively and totally unconcerned stating, (I quote) (one per chair) and walked off so quickly that I didn't get a chance to explain to her that I literally have adisability. I didnt want to make a seen so I set on that flight for over 5 hours in pain, joints locking up and extremely uncomfortable. When my fibromyalgia flares up my joints not only ache but they will lock up also and it takes me days to get back to my regular self even though I take medication for it. I felt like it would not have hurt anyone at all for her to just give me an extra cover because I'm sure they have all types of medical issues in people that fly every day.

Not a "Delta" issue, but a JFK issue: We booked a connecting flight with 3 1/2 hours between to clearn immigration and customs. Our inbound flight (BCN to JFK) was on the taxiway 45 minutes which ate into our layover time. Immigtration was insanely quick with the CBP MPC app; however, clearing TSA (again, after we were ALREADY cleared in Spain on the inbound international flight) took over 95 minutes. This left us with 10 minutes before boarding the connecting flight (JFK to SAN) to walk to the far end of Terminal 4 and try to find food. We didn't find any food that could promise to serve us in under 10 minutes so we boarded the Delta flight after coming off a plance and an 8-hour flight knowing that we wouldn't be served any food on the next 5 1/2 hour flight. I feel like Delta needs to put pressure on the JFK TSA to open more screening stations (by our count, we saw only 5 scanners open and a line of - as we said - over 90 minutes. The insult is that we WERE ALREADY SCREENED through TSA, but as you come off one flight into the USA, you have to go through the whole process again. It seems like if you have a connecting flight, there should be a way to pass through immigration and customs without needing to return through TSA.

I like Hawaiian, it was great that they had good internet connection across the Pacific Ocean, thanks to Star Link satellites. The seating was comfortable, ( I was in economy ). Maybe I missed it, but I only got offered a beverage once. It was a nonstop flight KOA to SMF. I would take it again next time I go that way.

Previously flown Hawaiian Airlines on similar routes, I found Alaska Airlines to be noticeably more comfortable. The seats on Alaska Airlines provided better support and cushioning, which made a significant difference on the long flight to the islands. When you’re spending 5-6 hours in the air, seat comfort really matters, and Alaska Airlines delivered where it counts. After comparing both carriers, I’ve decided to book with Alaska Airlines for all my future Hawaii trips. The superior seat comfort alone makes it worth choosing Alaska over Hawaiian Airlines. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and prioritizing comfort, I’d recommend giving Alaska Airlines a try. You won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended for Hawaii travel!

The crew was EXTREMELY helpful And sweet and the flight was smooth!

Flying with Hawaiian Airlines is a treat! They have the best crew, food and drinks! I’ve always enjoyed flying with Hawaiian Airlines and will continue to use them!

Amazing all female crew, including the pilot. Great flight attendants and smooth trip. Food was good. Boarding the plane from back to front would have made things significantly smoother. Took forever to wait for people to clear the alley. A little extra leg room would be nice also. Please thank your flight crew!

We decided to take our mom on vacation but we were worried how well she will do on the flight, she's a senior and required special accommodations such as transport chair since she can't stand for long periods. To our surprise my whole family was given priority boarding, my mom was given chair, we were not standing in line and were given seats in good area next to our mom. A+ experience!

I like that you have eliminated plastic cups, bottles and straws. The crew was conscientious about separating the used paper cups from the trash. This change to paper is a great move and makes me want to choose Alaska when I fly.

Attendants seemed un-engaged and indifferent when asked for assistance.

Overall it was a good flight. The thing I most appreciated was that you eliminated plastic cups and water bottles and stir sticks and had paper cups, wood stir sticks and cans. Plus, I saw that the airline staff were actually keeping the used paper cups separate and unfolding the used cardboard meal boxes and keeping those items separate from the trash. Good for them! This makes me want to support Alaska Airlines and fly Alaska again. Thank for taking this step in working to reduce single use plastics! Kudos!

Ok but why they need to sell the ear buds?

Flight was timely, relatively comfortable, with decent entertainment and food served. Only problem encountered was with the free messaging which I highly appreciate, but it did not work from iphone to non-iphones.

The internet service I paid for didn’t work at all and the flight crew was not very friendly.

Subject: Formal Complaint: Discriminatory and Unprofessional Conduct – Request for Immediate Action & Compensation Dear [Airline Customer Relations Team], I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding my recent travel experience with [Airline], which was by far the worst I have ever encountered. What occurred was not only unprofessional, but in several instances discriminatory, unsafe, and unacceptable. On the first leg of my trip, I arrived only four minutes past check-in. Instead of making any attempt to resolve the matter, your representative flatly denied me boarding and made me wait while she attended to passengers who arrived after me. By the time a manager intervened, it was too late to board, costing me time, money, and unnecessary frustration. The second leg of my trip (Chicago–San Francisco) raised even more serious concerns. From the outset, it was apparent that the staff—particularly two attendants—prioritized Caucasian passengers while dismissing African American and minority passengers. • When a Caucasian passenger in the exit row refused to comply with federal safety requirements, I, as a first responder, immediately offered to switch seats and assume the responsibility. My offer was blatantly ignored, and instead, a Caucasian passenger seated further up was chosen. This was discriminatory and deeply insulting, especially as I was actively de-escalating the situation that could have delayed the flight further. • During a lengthy tarmac delay of over 90 minutes, passengers were given conflicting and unreasonable instructions that created unnecessary distress and tension. • Throughout the flight, a visibly intoxicated passenger directly in front of me was disruptive, rude to others, failed to comply with seatbelt and electronic device rules, and yet faced no enforcement from the crew. In stark contrast, I was singled out for repeated compliance checks even though I was following every rule. This unequal treatment was so obvious that multiple passengers around me spoke up in my defense. This pattern of behavior demonstrated a clear lack of professionalism, disregard for passenger safety, and discriminatory treatment. I expect far better from an airline of your stature. As a paying customer subjected to this unacceptable treatment, I am formally requesting: 1. A full investigation into the conduct of the staff on both flights. 2. A written apology acknowledging the discriminatory and unprofessional behavior I endured. 3. Appropriate compensation for the distress, inconvenience, and mishandling of my travel. If this matter is not addressed promptly and thoroughly, I will have no choice but to escalate my complaint further, including filing with the U.S. Department of Transportation and sharing my experience through other channels. I trust [Airline] will take this complaint seriously and provide a timely resolution.

Check in was quick and easy during early hours. Flight was on time, and customer services was a plus.

The flight was comfortable with the exit row and great service

Plane was crowded and even when we hit altitude, the plane was hot, not enough air flow.

1. when we went to check in, our 2 first class seats had been CANCELED and the flight was sold out. This was done without our prior knowledge. It was all we could do to restore one first class seat for my wife and I flew economy. 2, Our flight home was scheduled to leave at 10:30 pm. Due to tsunami warnings, the roads were closed and our flight status was uncertain as to whether it would leave as scheduled. It was announced that it would now leave at 11:20 pm and the roads were now open since the tsunami had come and gone. We made a mad dash to the airport and checked in. Delays were announced at 12:30 pm, 1:30 am, 2:30 am and at 3:30 am it was canceled. Since this was a flight due to natural (tsunami) causes, there was no compensation. We were told to return at 1:00 pm the next day and our baggage would be kept on the plane since the same plane was going to leave at 1:00 pm. We had to return to our hotel for the rest of the night. The same plane did not leave at 1:00 pm and our baggage was gone! All in all, it was a miserable performance by UA. Information was hard to obtain and no one knew what was going on and what was going to happen. Hundreds of passengers slept on the floor, chairs, etc. No food and no water was made available to the passengers. It was a situation where UA could care less what was going on. As a one million mile flyer, I had not experienced anything like this before and it was hugely disappointing!

Boarded plane and then delayed 1.5 hours while on the plane

Horrific. They missed my connecting flight to San Diego. I didn’t get there until Monday at 9am when I had a mandatory court settlement conference scheduled at 6am since we had parties on the east coast. This caused many issues. All because United apparently forgot to hold the doors open until my flight landed that only had a 10 minute delay. This was the last flight to Southern California. So I couldn’t even rent a car to finish the trip. United cannot be trusted when traveling on specific days and times since weather didn’t have anything to do with the delays.

My flight was delayed a very short period of time but they did not hold my connecting flight to San Diego, also through United. So they closed the doors before we got off our plane. They would only have to help the door open for another five to ten minutes. So I missed a court deadline for a manditory mediation settlement conference for my client. I had to get an associate to be there in person and be on the phone with him relaying what he needs to do the entire time. The court was very upset with me and so was my client. United cannot be trusted.

We are too tired and frustrated to comment politely at this point

The flight crew was rude. We were in first class and no one even offered water until an hour after we were in the air. Horrible experience

Great. Quick and quiet and east. The breakfast choices were a welcome surprise!

The stewardess hit me with the food kart twice on the head and didn't say I'm sorry once. The same stewardess gave me a warm Apple Juice with No ice. The Flight was delayed for Departure 6 times, starting from 2:36pm, finally taking off 7:50pm. I was late picking up my child from the sitter by 3 hours.

Did not get the seat I selected and paid for.

My flight was delayed for several hours. Sitting at gate 16 for several hours, I got a text from Kayak the gate changed to 9 before it was announced. Very bad communication at each gate from American Airlines employees. I received 10 notifications of delay from Kayak. My vacation started off horrible! I will write to American Airlines corporate office also.

Delayed flight that lead to a missed connection and a 5-hour trip became a 12-hour flight 🙄

There is no room, no gluten free options, or any free internet/entertainment. You have to bring your own tablet or smartphone because there are no screens.

Amazing food, great staff, with one noticable detail missing ...but no seat entertainment in any of aircraft ...I am not a fan

Boarding gate in Honolulu was staffed with a great clerk with a soothing voice despite the flight delay of over an hour. Flight attendants in the plane were all grumpy, not pleasant looking bunch. Their sour attitude showed throughout the flight. Inly able to get a select few movies started. Most of the movie links in the “free entertainment” did not work.

Everything you need to know for your flight to California

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