SAN - KOA

$157 Find Cheap Flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$314
Typical prices: $400-$665
Delta
Sun 12/2Sun 12/9
SAN - KOA • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$540
Typical prices: $420-$709
Alaska Airlines
Fri 2/2Fri 2/9
SAN - KOA • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Alaska Airlines. Average duration is 6h 10m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 5 weeks in advance save around 33% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 28% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $367 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 7h 56m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Kailua-Kona!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona (SAN-KOA)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from San Diego to Kailua-Kona

Wed, Dec 2 - Tue, Dec 8
Delta Logo
11:07 am - 6:36 pmSAN  San Diego-KOA Kona Intl
9h 29m1 stop Los Angeles
Delta Logo
9:40 pm - 12:56 pmKOA  Kona Intl-SAN San Diego
13h 16m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
$314Delta
Tue, Dec 8 - Tue, Dec 15
Delta Logo
11:06 am - 7:55 pmSAN  San Diego-KOA Kona Intl
10h 49m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
Delta Logo
9:40 pm - 10:11 amKOA  Kona Intl-SAN San Diego
10h 31m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
$314Delta
Wed, Oct 28 - Wed, Nov 4
Southwest Logo
6:45 am - 12:20 pmSAN  San Diego-KOA Kona Intl
8h 35m1 stop Sacramento Intl
Southwest Logo
7:05 pm - 6:45 amKOA  Kona Intl-SAN San Diego
9h 40m1 stop Honolulu
$320Southwest
Wed, Oct 28 - Wed, Nov 4
Southwest Logo
6:45 am - 12:20 pmSAN  San Diego-KOA Kona Intl
8h 35m1 stop Sacramento Intl
Southwest Logo
6:00 am - 6:30 pmKOA  Kona Intl-SAN San Diego
10h 30m2 stops Honolulu San Jose
$330Southwest
Wed, Dec 2 - Wed, Dec 9
American Airlines Logo
6:25 am - 3:02 pmSAN  San Diego-KOA Kona Intl
10h 37m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
American Airlines Logo
10:21 pm - 8:36 amKOA  Kona Intl-SAN San Diego
8h 15m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
$349American Airlines
Fri, Feb 26 - Tue, Mar 2
American Airlines Logo
6:15 am - 3:31 pmSAN  San Diego-KOA Kona Intl
11h 16m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
American Airlines Logo
10:48 pm - 11:20 amKOA  Kona Intl-SAN San Diego
10h 32m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
$378American Airlines
Thu, Jan 28 - Mon, Feb 8
Alaska Airlines Logo
11:04 am - 10:29 pmSAN  San Diego-KOA Kona Intl
13h 25m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
Alaska Airlines Logo
11:29 pm - 7:41 pmKOA  Kona Intl-SAN San Diego
18h 12m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
$400Alaska Airlines
Wed, Jan 6 - Mon, Jan 11
Alaska Airlines Logo
11:04 am - 10:29 pmSAN  San Diego-KOA Kona Intl
13h 25m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:51 am - 9:44 pmKOA  Kona Intl-SAN San Diego
10h 53m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
$400Alaska Airlines
Mon, Nov 9 - Thu, Dec 3
United Airlines Logo
6:20 am - 12:59 pmSAN  San Diego-KOA Kona Intl
8h 39m1 stop Los Angeles
United Airlines Logo
11:55 pm - 9:50 amKOA  Kona Intl-SAN San Diego
7h 55m1 stop San Francisco
$476United Airlines
Wed, Mar 3 - Tue, Mar 9
United Airlines Logo
1:28 pm - 8:57 pmSAN  San Diego-KOA Kona Intl
9h 29m1 stop San Francisco
United Airlines Logo
11:55 pm - 12:13 pmKOA  Kona Intl-SAN San Diego
10h 18m1 stop San Francisco
$476United Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for San Diego to Kailua-Kona flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from San Diego to Kailua-Kona?

Round-trip flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona typically range from $400 to $665. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $314, on Delta.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Diego to Kailua-Kona?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Diego to Kailua-Kona. It’s 11% cheaper than the average day, while Saturday is the most expensive, with prices 12% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from San Diego to Kailua-Kona?

•April is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego to Kailua-Kona at $386 round-trip.
•July ($676) and June ($645) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 75% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona the cheapest?

Flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona are cheapest 5 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 33% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San Diego to Kailua-Kona

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Brandon Schultz

Brandon Schultz

Expert on SAN

Brandon Schultz is an award-winning food and travel writer based in New York City. His work has appeared in Forbes, AAA, Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, and The Daily Meal, among many others, and he is the author of 6 books, including 3 cookbooks.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on KOA

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Key details for San Diego to Kailua-Kona flights

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$157
The most popular month to fly with an average 24% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from San Diego to Kailua-Kona

When to book flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Diego to Kailua-Kona based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your San Diego to Kailua-Kona flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from San Diego to Kailua-Kona:

    • Earliest: departs at 11:32 am and lands at 5:42 pm
    • Latest: departs at 11:48 am and lands at 5:58 pm.

    The flight takes about 6h 10m.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona?

    Two cabin classes are available on flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona:

    • Economy Class
    • First Class

  • How long is a flight from San Diego to Kailua-Kona?

    A nonstop flight from San Diego to Kailua-Kona takes 6h 10m, covering 2,551 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from San Diego to Kailua-Kona?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a San Diego to Kailua-Kona flight?

    Round-trip flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona range from $400 to $665, with an average of $538 over the past 12 months. Anything below $400 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute San Diego to Kailua-Kona flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 14% above the $538 route average. Book 5 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from San Diego to Kailua-Kona?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $367 round-trip via Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS), compared to $568 for nonstop.

  • Which aircraft model is used most often on flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona?

    The Boeing 737 MAX 8 family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Southwest and Hawaiian Airlines. Other aircraft seen on the route include Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) variants.

  • How are flight departures from San Diego to Kailua-Kona spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on San Diego to Kailua-Kona flights, with 100% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 0%, evening flights for 0%, and night flights for 0%.

  • Have flight prices from San Diego to Kailua-Kona changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, round-trip prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $314 to $2,963. That means the highest observed fare was about 9x higher than the lowest one.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on San Diego to Kailua-Kona flights?

    Alaska Airlines is the only airline on the San Diego to Kailua-Kona route offering in-flight Wi-Fi. Pricing depends on fare class.

  • How are flight prices from San Diego to Kailua-Kona looking right now?

    One-way fares from San Diego to Kailua-Kona are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $197, which is 24% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available at Kona Intl Airport (KOA)?

    Kona Intl Airport (KOA) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $29 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Dollar
    • Thrifty
    • Budget
    • Hertz
    • Sixt

  • Which airports can I use when flying from San Diego to Kailua-Kona?

    Flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona usually depart from San Diego (SAN) and arrive at Kona Intl (KOA).

  • Which airports do connecting flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona pass through?

    One-stop flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona most commonly connect through:

    • San Francisco (SFO) - 31% of one-stop connections
    • Los Angeles (LAX) - 20% of one-stop connections
    • Sacramento Intl (SMF) - 13% of one-stop connections
    • Honolulu (HNL) - 12% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 21% on flights from San Diego to Kailua-Kona. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $480 round-trip on average, while Saturday is the most expensive at $607, a difference of $127.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • What airlines fly from San Diego to Kailua-Kona?

    Only Alaska Airlines operates flights between San Diego and Kailua-Kona.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from San Diego to Kailua-Kona?

    Flying via Honolulu (HNL) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 7h 56m, compared with 8h 20m via Sacramento Intl (SMF) and 8h 22m via Los Angeles (LAX).

  • What is the time difference between San Diego and Kailua-Kona?

    Kailua-Kona is 3 hours behind San Diego (Hawaii-Aleutian Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on San Diego to Kailua-Kona flights?

    Among airlines operating San Diego to Kailua-Kona flights:

    • Alaska Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on San Diego to Kailua-Kona flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • Alaska Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

  • What are the transport options leaving from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport?

    The Heel-On-Bus Agency provides bus services from KOA to downtown. The buses are available outside the airport’s entrance/exit between terminals 1 and 2. Car rentals are an option for passengers looking for more freedom. Several car rental agencies operate off-site but offer free shuttle services to their lots. These shuttles leave from baggage claim areas A and B. SpeediShuttle offers door-to-door services between KOA and several destinations around the island. You can take this shuttle from the baggage claim area. Taxis are also available outside the baggage claim areas A and B, and all are metered.

  • Does Kona International Airport offer accessibility services?

    Passengers with limited mobility have stair-free access to all airport areas. You can request wheelchair assistance directly from your airline and they will provide the service upon arrival. There are also reserved parking spots, accessible restrooms, dedicated seating, and fast track services. Low vision passengers are allowed to bring their service animals to KOA. KOA also provides Aira services and tactile guide paths to guide low-vision passengers. The hard of hearing will have visual paging and messaging and access to TDD telephones.

  • Which airlines have lounges at San Diego International Airport?

    United Airlines and Delta are the only airlines with premium lounges at SAN. Delta runs a members-only lounge, while you can access the united Airlines lounge by showing your flight ticket and paying at the door. You’ll find the Delta lounge in terminal 2 near gate 37 and the United Airlines lounge in terminal 1 on the mezzanine level near the departures gate. SAN also has a USO lounge for active US military members, it’s in terminal 2 on the east floor.

  • Are dogs welcome at San Diego International Airport?

    Dogs and other pets are welcome at SAN. However, TSA requires all pets to stay within their carriers while traveling through the airport. Pets are only allowed outside when walking through security or using pet relief areas. SAN has provided six pet relief areas; five are pre-security, with only one option post-security. The five areas are outdoors and marked with a grassy patch with a fire hydrant. The post-security area is in terminal 2 west.

Your guide to booking San Diego to Kailua-Kona flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure and avoid flying on Saturday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $480, about $127 less than Saturday fares (21% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 5 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 33% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San Diego to Kailua-Kona trip for April. Fares historically average $386 round-trip in that month - typically $290 less than the most expensive month, which is July (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Airport (LAS) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $367 round-trip on this route - about $201 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • You can easily get cash from the ATMs at San Diego International Airport (SAN). Bank of America operates several ATMs at SAN that run 24/7 and you’ll find them around gates 1, 2, 5, and 13 and around the food court in terminal 1.
  • If you need currency exchange services, traveler’s insurance, or money transfers, these services are offered by Travelex at SAN. Travelex has two locations in terminal 2: around the baggage claim area and Gate 22 after security.
  • Around 1,376 kg of carbon is emitted on flights from San Diego to Kona. You can fly more sustainably with United Airlines, which has a flight that emits 54% less carbon per passenger on this route.
  • Unwind with express spa services at Be Relax Spa in SAN before your flight. They offer massages, salon services, and more. You will find them in terminal 2 around gates 26 and 36.
  • If you have time after your flight, check out the Space Center at Kona International Airport (KOA). It is an educational facility in the main terminal building dedicated to Hawaii’s first astronaut.

Prefer to fly direct from San Diego to Kailua-Kona?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from San Diego Airport to Kona Intl Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Diego to Kona Intl

Monday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Thursday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Friday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Saturday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Sunday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Kona Intl to San Diego

Monday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Thursday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Friday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Saturday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Sunday

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from San Diego to Kailua-Kona

Complete your trip to Kailua-Kona with a hotel stay or car rental