$113 Find Cheap Flights from Hawaii to California

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Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$113
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 11% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 22% increase in price.
Flight from Honolulu to San Jose

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

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Hawaii to California 
GreggFlew with Hawaiian Airlines
HNL
-
OAK
Dec 2025
Be sure to pack food for your flight of 5+ hours.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
OGG
-
LAX
Dec 2025
Make sure you check on your flight before going to the airport
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
KOA
-
LAX
Nov 2025
Pay to reserve your seat and bring airbuds for the free movies!
MikeFlew with Alaska Airlines
KOA
-
SJC
Jul 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 Airlines
OGG
-
LAX
Jul 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 Airlines
HNL
-
LAX
Jul 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 Airlines
HNL
-
OAK
May 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 Airlines
OGG
-
SJC
May 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 Airlines
OGG
-
LAX
Mar 2025
Allow plenty of time to pass through agriculture and TSA security screening.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
HNL
-
SAN
Dec 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 Airlines
HNL
-
SFO
Feb 2025
There is an agricultural inspection of carryon bags at the gate. Don’t try and bring home any pineapples.
Verified travelerFlew with Hawaiian Airlines
KOA
-
SMF
Oct 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 Airlines
LIH
-
SMF
Oct 2024
Get to the airport early. Long line through security.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
OGG
-
SAN
Jun 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 Airlines
HNL
-
LGB
Aug 2024
Easy entry and exit. Easy to get to rental car. Extremely fast exit from airport itself.
RaquelFlew with Hawaiian Airlines
OGG
-
LAX
Jun 2024
Sit last row so no one is behind you and buy cancel noise headphones!
SusanFlew with Hawaiian Airlines
LIH
-
OAK
Aug 2024
That they willlet you check your carry ons the gate sometimes
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
HNL
-
SAN
May 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 Airlines
HNL
-
LAX
Apr 2024
Pack your own snacks and download your movies and shows in case the WiFi doesn’t work.
AntonellaFlew with Southwest
HNL
-
SMF
Apr 2024
Bring a charge / battery for your phone and your own food.
MichaelFlew with Alaska Airlines
OGG
-
SAN
Mar 2024
Get to the airport extra early for a Hawaii flight.
Verified travelerFlew with Hawaiian Airlines
LIH
-
OAK
May 2024
Bring some food and be prepared for seat changes.
Verified travelerFlew with United Airlines
HNL
-
LAX
Jan 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 Alaska Airlines (243 flights per week), Hawaiian Airlines (233 flights per week), and United Airlines (225 flights per week).

  • How many airports are there in California?

    There are 29 airports in California. The busiest airport is Los Angeles Airport (LAX), with 40% 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 $236.

  • 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 $498. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Saturday, where round-trip prices are $635 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 $408 on average. Morning departures are around 38% 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 $564.

  • What is the cheapest flight to California?

    The cheapest ticket to California from Hawaii found in the last 72 hours was to San Francisco, at $129 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 $139.

  • 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 $307 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and April, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $612 and $567 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 5 weeks before departure, which saves you about 15% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 22 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 1,077 direct flights each week.

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

    There are around 292 direct flights from within Hawaii to California every day. Most flights (36%) depart in the afternoon.

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

    Each week there are around 2,038 direct flights from within Hawaii to California. The most common day for departures is Sunday, with 15% of flights taking off on this day.

  • How long is the flight to California?

    An average nonstop flight from Hawaii to California takes 6h 37m, covering a distance of 2511 miles. The shortest route is Kahului (OGG) to Oakland (OAK) with an average flight time of 4h 54m.

  • 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 2,038 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 Las Vegas (30% of total searches to California). The next most popular destinations are Los Angeles (25%) and San Francisco (12%). Searches for flights to San Diego (8%), to San Jose (4%) and to Oakland (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 11603 reviews
8.5Crew
8.1Boarding
7.0Entertainment
7.8Comfort
7.1Food
Airline reviews

Our late returning flight was annoying. The plane was small, but it made boarding and disembarking quicker. I do wish they offered a gluten free snack.

8.0 ExcellentSarah, Jan 2026
BOI - SMF
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

Our late returning flight was annoying. The plane was small, but it made boarding and disembarking quicker. I do wish they offered a gluten free snack.

The seats are very small. I’m 5’ 3”, so don’t think I should notice. The food selection was non existent and very disappointing. 5 hour flight plus TSA, etc. I would have appreciated a small salad, crudités. Something fresher not just chips.

The flight was delayed, but once it arrived everything moved right along.

They canceled my flight with only a couple hours before checking in at the airport and offered no alternatives to get home.

The ticket I purchased through Kayak did not show up in my Alaska Airlines app, and neither of the codes given to me worked for online check in. I've never had to show up to the airport at 6am wondering if I've been scammed. Cheap flight fare or whatever does not play well with airlines and I will be wary of using Kayak in the future.

Was notified the departure would be late. Later on it was suddenly on time. Traffic by LAX was horrendous, and I missed the flight.

you sent me to some shitty "Airfaireassist" thing that did a bait and switch on the faire. Won't be using Kayak ever again

Great airline. Sat next to a really big person tho

Did not like that every price option offered, even the more expensive one, required I pay for my seat. My seat was changed without my consent My TSA did not show in Boarding Pass

I wasn’t able to check in prior to arriving at the airport, I was told by the agent I may not get a seat on the plane as others were waiting for seats, I sat there for 2 hours before being assigned a seat, very stressful. The plane was delayed. Overall not a great travel experience for a 44 minute flight.

The boarding and seat assignment system no longer works for me, but I know it is being replaced. Otherwise, I am good with the overall experience.

The lead steward kept singing about "San Francisco" and hotel California---more annoying than humorous....needs work. Flight was smooth and on time.

Still a fan of open seating. Flight was on schedule and arrived on time. The 737 MAX is very comfortable.

San Diego airport is brand new, spacious, airy and very smooth checkin at SW baggage drop.

Ever since Southwest starting charging for bags, passengers don't want to pay to check their bags, so the gate agents have to beg people to check their roller bags now because there's "not enough space". This was a terrible business move by Southwest.

Delays delays delays. Late taking off, late landing, wait for a gate, etc.

Connecting flight is on time and boarding was a breeze!

Very smooth checking in our luggage with a super pleasant SW agent. I enjoyed a fun entertaining movie.

First time traveling on Southwest since bag fees were implemented. Usual good service. Just more expensive now.

It was a perfect flight in all aspects! Both legs!

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 liked the Starlink WiFi but didn't like how they said they were the only airline to offer a free meal and it turns out to be just a standalone sandwich and then charge for snacks to go with it. Rather have the free snacks like Southwest, but have the option to purchase a decent meal for a 5+ hour flight.

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!

Unbelievably poor service from flight attendants. They didn’t even do water service on a four hour flight. Just disrespectful.

Flight was late - I was downgraded from first class to coach

United needs to step up their game. Delayed flight leaving Seattle, San Francisco. Older aircraft, not very comfortable.

Plane boarded early a quickly, was mostly full. We left close to on time. And landed early.

7 hours delayed due to operational issues on United’s end. Basically laziness.

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

Everything you need to know for your flight to California

Cabin class types available on flights to Hawaii

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