$138 Find Cheap Flights from The Big Island to California

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Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$138
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 7% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 6% lower on average.
Flight from Kailua-Kona to San Diego

Flights from The Big Island to California: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from The Big Island to California 
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
KOA
-
SFO
Feb 2026
I flew direct from Kona Airport. It's small, friendly . But on the obverse side loading did take a very long. Take a direct flight to San Francisco; connection is a terrible experience in Honolulu International 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.
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.

FAQs for booking flights from The Big Island to California

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from The Big Island 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 The Big Island to California.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from The Big Island 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 The Big Island 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 The Big Island 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 The Big Island 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 The Big Island 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?

    The Big Island and California are connected by different airlines. The airlines that fly that route the most regularly are United Airlines (41 flights per week), ITA Airways (38 flights per week), and Air Canada (33 flights per week).

  • How many airports are there in California?

    There are 30 airports in California. The busiest airport is Los Angeles Airport (LAX), with 38% 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 San Jose Airport (SJC), with an average flight price of $198.

  • 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 $471. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Monday, where round-trip prices are $579 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 $447 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 $614.

  • What is the cheapest flight to California?

    The cheapest ticket to California from The Big Island found in the last 72 hours was to San Francisco, at $279 round-trip. The most popular route is Kailua-Kona (KOA) to Los Angeles (LAX) and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $297.

  • What is the cheapest month to fly from The Big Island to California?

    The cheapest month for flights from The Big Island to California is January, when tickets cost $235 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and July, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $632 and $556 respectively.

  • How far in advance should I book a flight from The Big Island to California?

    To get a below average price on the flight from The Big Island to California, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 25% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 23 weeks before departure.

  • How many cities have direct flights to California?

    From The Big Island, there are direct flights to California from 1 city. This city is Kailua-Kona and there are 273 direct flights each week.

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

    There are around 39 direct flights from within The Big Island to California every day. Most flights (42%) depart in the afternoon.

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

    Each week there are around 273 direct flights from within The Big Island to California. The most common day for departures is Monday, with 16% of flights taking off on this day.

  • How long is the flight to California?

    An average nonstop flight from The Big Island to California takes 9h 03m, covering a distance of 2457 miles. The shortest route is Kailua-Kona (KOA) to Sacramento (SMF) with an average flight time of 5h 05m.

  • 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 273 medium-haul flights (3-6 hour flight duration), with the most arriving from Kailua-Kona.

  • What are the most popular destinations in California?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Los Angeles (26% of total searches to California). The next most popular destinations are Las Vegas (24%) and San Diego (12%). Searches for flights to San Francisco (9%), to Ontario (6%) and to San Jose (5%) are also popular.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from The Big Island to California

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from The Big Island 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
SouthwestOverall score based on 4314 reviews
7.0Food
8.0Comfort
8.1Boarding
8.6Crew
7.5Entertainment
Airline reviews

This leg was much better, but we did have to have a 3 hour lay o er after coming from a very exhausting hiccup with our flight from BNA to Den

8.0 ExcellentCheryl, Apr 2026
DEN - SBA
Read more Southwest reviews

This leg was much better, but we did have to have a 3 hour lay o er after coming from a very exhausting hiccup with our flight from BNA to Den

The Air hostess were very rude on my flight from Houston to Austin . Their regular communication itself felt a they are shouting at people.

Boarding was easy. The seats are small and fairly uncomfortable

The problem with the seat assignments is that there were a lot of rows in the front that were empty but my row at the back was full. Just not so pleasant.

No food or entertainment, just a quick 40 minute flight. A little bumpy due to Santa Ana winds but pilot has no control over that. Good flight and landing!

Good but I prefer choose your own seat. With the new assigned seats they should board from the back I see no advantage to this new boarding. Just like every other airline

Mediocre. Boarding is now unpleasant. The employees, once friendly and nice, are now regularly speaking sternly to passengers, badgering them to do things right so they can take off on time and gate check bags because they don't have enough overhead bin space. The pretzel snack was crushed flat and broken into even smaller pieces, which happens frequently lately. Drink service was suspended before they reached my row.

The charges were ridiculous for an hour flight and the turbulence was very scary.

3 hour delay. Had to change plans and was still delayed.

The flight crew was extremely rude and especially not helpful when our flight was delayed.

I had to change my flight last minute due to a medical emergency. Their agent was compassionate and extremely helpful. This airlines really cares about making travel, for fun, work, or an emergency a customer-focused experience. Thank you!

See what I wrote in the previous section. This was a terrible experience. I would like refund.. I even paid an extra $70 for an aisle seat closer to the front to ensure that I got off early enough to catch the next flight. The fact that the plane did not wait, and even left eearlier, knowing that the first flight came in late, and was moved to a terminal three train stops away is appalling. My friend that flew JetBlue, their flight was delayed and came in later and the connecting flight WAITED for them. How is it that JetBlue could do that, and Alaska could not.

The seat on the plane out was broken and would not lean back. I have back problems and sitting up straight was hard on my lower back and caused pain for over half the flight. Since I paid extra for First Class so I would not have these issues. This needs to be addressed.

No headphones provided. No gf food. Only 1 beverage cart run sAN to HNL. Rarely saw crew members

The check-in crew for Alaska was rude, unhelpful, and the opposite of customer-centric. We arrived 50 minutes before our flight and were told it was too late to check baggage. When I asked what the cutoff was, the agent started speaking in codes “D50” and yelling to their manager who also spoke in codes. They then tried to speak to me using these codes and all I wanted to know was the time of the cutoff, which they would not — or could not — articulate. They booked me and my family on the next flight while smirking.

Generally Good. Outbound flight was marred by a continuously s creaming baby. Fortunately the flight was only 90 mins long it would be nice if people traveling with small childres could be centered in one part of the plane. Also, you need to adapt your servey to include a "not applicable " option for things like food and entertainment, which are not offered on shorter flights. I fily Alaska by choice as given all the cirumstances, I fel\el you do a good job.

A solidly good experience, but would’ve appreciated more communication with regards to travel delays.

I wasn’t aware that we needed to supply our own screens for entertainment

Alaska Airlines staff go out of their way to accommodate my fragile musical instrument, every time. They are unlike any other airline. I've experienced this can-do attitude on several flights with different staff, so this must be the culture of their company. I appreciate Alaska!

No issues and clear sailing. What a preferred to have sat in one of empty seats other than my assigned seat that would be my only complaint if it was to complain.

Everything went smoothly, although the usual gripes about airline travel were still present: the boarding process is inefficient, the snack selection is limited, and so on. Since there was extra space on the flight, the gate agent rearranged many people's seats to put people on the aisles and windows, leaving the middle seats empty, as much as possible, which was pretty great.

While they turned off most cabin lights to allow people to sleep, I was bothered by how bright the side lights still were. It was still quite bright for me in a window seat, when I wish I could have slept!

One of the flight attendants was a little cranky. I appreciated the free wifi and plug to charge my laptop

WiFi didn’t work most of the time. The usb chargers would work only occasionally for 5 mins and wouldn’t charge after that. Had to keep trying repeatedly at each of the seats in the row.

The crew bent over backwards to thank us for flying and make us comfortable. The food service was quick and efficient. The Captain communicated and said goodbye and thank you as we departed. They really stood out!

Generally on time departures and arrivals, clean planes, sky miles membership provides great benefits (complimentary upgrades, etc).

my mom urmila patel needed a wheelchair which was not available on the curbside. she needed to walk almost 50 meters inside (at the risk of falling) and then had to wait in line to get a wheelchair (this is not ok). Once obtained she had to seat in it for 30-45 minutes for someone to take her in thru the checkin process (which was fairly smooth and easy). the lady who helped her with her checkin process was very courteous and helpful

Staff at the check-in counter were friendly, happy and helpful. They tagged our bags and sent us to “bag drop off” but were not very clear about where that was. The airport was busy we headed off in what we thought was the right direction until a gentleman waved us down and actually came after us. He was the baggage handler for Delta and recognized our “deer in the headlights “ look-he brought us to the right area (which was marked as the Southwest Airlines Drop Off) and sent us on our way. Wonderful guy, low key and working with a big smile on his face. Loved it. Loved him.

Arlene was a great flight attendant. I also liked how one of the other flight attendants gave us a heads up about snacks and asked everyone to remove their headphones when it was their turn to order. Good idea.

I haven’t flown economy in over 20 years but it was not bad. Room by my feet for my bag and seat was roomy enough. Surprised in a good way.

Flight delayed two hours , missed connection flight then connection cancelled- horrible experience with hotel

The checking was disaster, the crew wasn't behave well. It took us two hours to check in, after that thr line at the TSA was long, we barely make the flight. Bad airline

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.

Outstanding service, efficient & friendly crew, flight was safe, comfortable & on time

The crew was great. Very friendly and responsive. The plane was old, small and tight. We ran out of overhead space and I had to check. Middle seat was particularly tight.

The flight was delayed from take off because only one runway was operational in San Francisco.

Several missed and almost missed connections. It felt like everything was being patched together last minute without enough resources and it ended up being an extremely stressful experience that basically ruined our weekend on the west coast. What a waste.

Packed in plane small uncomfortable seats elbow to elbow nobody wants to be in that situation for the money they paid

Checking in united could not figure out my star alliance gold. Baggage did not get marked priority and didn't receive boarding passes. When got to SFO lounge personal fixed everything Immediately

Flight left on time, arrived early, pleasant staff provided water, coffee, etc. access to bathrooms was reasonable and were well maintained. blankets were available, lots of entertainment options. LUGGAGE SERVICE WAS GREAT. I got my one checked bag quickly and was able to make a bus connection for a 2 hour bus ride saving me from waiting another 1.5 hours.

Terrible, if possible won't be flying again anytime soon!

Wonderful in-seat entertainment with seatback screens and huge selection of quality movies. The ability to bluetooth connect headphones was amazing.

Horrible service no Wi-Fi connection on both leg of the flight and they are refusing to fix bad service

Everything you need to know for your flight to California

Cabin class types available on flights to The Big Island

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