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Cheap Flights from San Francisco to The Big Island

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 5 days
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona2 stops$421
Hilo
Hilo2 stops$421
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona2 stops$421
Hilo
Hilo2 stops$421
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for San Francisco to The Big Island flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from San Francisco to The Big Island to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest San Francisco to The Big Island flight route?

The cheapest ticket to The Big Island from San Francisco found in the last 5 days was to Kailua-Kona, at $378 round-trip. The most popular route is from San Francisco (SFO) to Kailua-Kona (KOA), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 5 days was $378.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to The Big Island?

The cheapest time of day to fly to The Big Island is generally in the morning, when round-trip flights cost $510 on average. Morning departures are around 10% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to The Big Island is generally in the evening, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $566.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from San Francisco to The Big Island?

No, with an average price for the route of $667, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to The Big Island?

The cheapest month for flights from San Francisco to The Big Island is January, when tickets cost $375 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and June, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $741 and $613 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to The Big Island?

If you are looking for a flight deal from San Francisco to The Big Island, look for departures on Tuesdays and avoid leaving on a Saturday, as it's usually the priciest day. When flying back from The Big Island, Thursday is the cheapest day to fly and Tuesday is the most expensive.

How far in advance should I book a flight from San Francisco to The Big Island?

To get a below average price on the flight from San Francisco to The Big Island, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 6% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 4 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

September
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 31% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 19% increase in price.

FAQs - booking The Big Island flights

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from San Francisco to The Big Island?

    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 San Francisco to The Big Island.

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

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

    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 San Francisco to The Big Island 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 San Francisco to The Big Island?

    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 San Francisco to The Big Island up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

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

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from San Francisco to The Big Island? 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.
7.9
Alaska AirlinesOverall score based on 13135 reviews
7.8Comfort
8.5Crew
7.0Entertainment
7.0Food
8.1Boarding
Airline reviews

Alaska prevented me from selecting a seat and was only assigned a seat at the gate. This gave me unnecessary anxiety prior to boarding. Several 15-minute delays (probably weather though no explanation was provided) eventually pushed departure back by one hour.

6.0 GoodDAVID, Oct 2026
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

Alaska prevented me from selecting a seat and was only assigned a seat at the gate. This gave me unnecessary anxiety prior to boarding. Several 15-minute delays (probably weather though no explanation was provided) eventually pushed departure back by one hour.

Low cost, but I think I really wanted an aisle seat, and I could not easily get one. The return leg might be easier.

Flight was delayed 14 hours! We missed an entire day of our vacation and had to pay for hotel that we didn’t use

Could not check in online. Called airline twice, thinking Hawaiian Airlines could check me in during phone call. NO. In 2nd phone call, Customer Service explained that due to “transition period” of Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska Airlines merger, I could only check in at the airport. In addition, flight to Kahului was late at arrival gate; I made connection to Lihue but my bag did not, so I had to return to Lihue airport a couple hours after my arrival to retrieve the bag.

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.

When we checked in our luggage, we had to use the tray, but include this tray is extra weight. I think you should not use the tray.

I flew from San Francisco to Honolulu on Alaska Airlines codeshare with Hawaiian Airlines, with a Hawaiian Airlines plane and crew. The flight was well organized, including boarding and deboarding. The crew was professional. Unfortunately, the charging ports at my seat and the seat next to me were broken. The Hawaiian airline terminal was a pleasant surprise compared to the rest of Honolulu airport.

Window seat and a packed plane. A very uncomfortable flight.

My flights went about as good as they could be. I’ll always take Alaska when possible.

The staff were great, no screens on the back of seats and the connection for the films on your own devices, was not great.

WiFi was a major problem and if it does not work on a 4 hour flight then that lowers the overall experience

The Airline Attendant found us in flight and moved us to seats in the front of economy due to the short time we would have to make our connecting flight. We really appreciated it.

Carmen was an absolute delight on the flight staff! Everyone was lovely and made it a very pleasant flight.

Internet connectivity still seems to be touchy on these flights, making it difficult to rely on it for getting work done.

Crew was absolutely fantastic and we’re so welcoming and friendly ❤️

Flight delayed four separate times. I’m now one hour hours late to landing.

The plane was an older model, so it wasn’t as comfortable as others. The flight attendants were not helpful during onboarding. It was a full flight so there was chaos finding space for baggage.

Awesome! On time flight, early arrival, and a complimentary upgrade!

Delta’s staff is unmatched. From the gate agents, to the pilots, to the flight attendants… all top of the industry.

Our flight from SFO to MSP was right on time on 11/15/2025. No delays. As we approached MSP at about 8 pm, we circled in the air until 8:40 pm so I don't call that efficient for MSP. I think the captain should announce the delay and why. (as if we all don't know that we are just circling around the area, slowing down, speeding up, slowing down.) Thank you. Marilyn Fischer

No charging outlets worked. Other than collecting trash attendants didn’t come around. No one could hear flight attendants announcements during the flight. Seat pads were horrible. Sitting on a board for 5 hours. What happened to Hawaiian airlines comfort, hospitality, and extras? Our pilots did an excellent job trying to minimize turbulence and incredible job in landing in windy conditions.

I could not believe that on a 5 hour plus flight we were not given a complimentary meal . That should be illegal. Or it would be nice to be informed beforehand that a complimentary meal would not be provided. The wording in the email I got about pre ordering food was phrased in a way that made the food seem like it would be free. Very misleading! Also during boarding we were informed there would be empty seats we could move to if we wanted, all we had to do was wait for an announcement, however an announcement was never made. Then when we tried to change seats ourselves we were singled out over the loud speaker and told we could not move without asking. Then the flight was about to take off , so we didn’t have time to ask . Then we were told we could not move to the exit row because you had to pay for those seats, but we were not told where we could move. Also no one was in the exit rows so , if something happened no one would be there to assist the passengers. Also people should be allowed to move there if the airline wasn’t able to sell them. One passenger asked if he could pay for the upgrade and the flight attendant said she did not have the capability to charge for the seat on her mobile device, so the airline ended up losing possible income anyways . So why not let people move there during flight if you have no way to charge them? Then the landing was bumpy and awful and many passengers complained out loud when we landed .

Most of the crew was wonderful but I had one bad experience with a crew member. When realizing my seat did not have an outlet compatible with my phone charger that I would need for transportation upon landing I asked an older, blonde heavily madeup member (I am describing her as I did not get her name) if there were chargers elsewhere I could use she said no, that not even the flight attendants had access to any. This however being my second flight of the day with Hawaiian airlines on a similar plane knew that chargers were available in extra comfort seating. I asked another passenger if I could use their plug and they agreed. She twice berated me for this and when I asked her to please stop talking to me about it she yelled that she was writing me up and ran down the aisle and did not return. I found this behavior disturbing. The other passenger was not bothered and this didn’t appear to be a safety hazard to anyone but it seemed to enrage her that used a plug that was not next to me.

They canceled our flight and reboot us for a later flight which threw off the rest of our plans

Friendly and helpful crew. But we departed 4 hours later than scheduled departure.

Wonderful flight. Food and drink were given as well as wifi. Amazing luxury!

They should have offered the headsets for sale so we could watch the entertainment. Our earbuds did not work. I thought they just did not have them. But then I called Hawaiian after and found out they were available for purchase

Love the food service and attentiveness of the crew. Could have wi-if on flight

Our first experienced in Hawaiian Airlines was just okay. I traveled with my 2 year old and 5 year old and both kids are first time in Kona. We had delayed in San Francisco for 3 hours which is okay safety first. Originally our flight from sfo to maui to Kona since we had delayed the airlines re-route us from sfo to maui to Honolulu to Kona. I don’t know what to do I felt bad with my two kids they have been in 4 Airports and 4 airplanes going to Kona. I cried after we checked in at the courtyard Kona. It was a lot for my 2 year old and 5 year. Like I said I know it is safety first but the Airlines could have done better for people that traveling with kids. If you are in my shoes all what will you do? Anyhow, I tried to make my two kids as happy as possible while we are in Kona. I am not certain to fly Hawaiian Airlines again. I hope my experienced helps to improve whatever it needs to improve With all due respect, Christina Lorenzo

In flight breakfast sandwich unexpected, no charge and very good. Economical ticket price. All good.

New Max 10, first class seats have been shrunk. End of a 20 hour journey, it was United not Lufthansa, just glad to get home

One of my checked luggage was damaged. Cracked on the top by the handle.

I have been flying united for a long time but now I’m done

Older aircraft, no meal, only food was for purchase. Not impressed United.

Stuck on tarmac for two hours plus a 5.5 hour flight. Rude flight attendant. And no meals, not even for purchase!

I learned that seating towards the end of plane that a line forms for the restroom and people use your chair as a hand railing, bumping your seat consistently. I was seated in the aisle. I think that next time if I am towards the back row I would want to sit in the middle or window seat.

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.

Everything was great, only problem was that flights were delayed

Crew was nice and helped. But they placed my checkin suitcase on the wrong airplane so I didn’t have my CPAP machine to use for 1 night. The United attendant at HNL informed me that it’s on the next flight from SFO to HNL and ETA is 8:18PM and that they will deliver it tonight. At 9:30 PM, I saw conflicting reports , one saying it’s on the way from the airport and the other saying it’ll be delivered after 6:45 am tomorrow. So I called UA Zbaggage Resolution Center and the agent says it’ll be delivered tomorrow by nighttime At latest.

They lost my luggage and have ruined first day of my vacation. Still don’t have it. I have nothing. I also paid for a seat I did not get. They changed both our seats with no notice. Will never fly this airline again.

Flight was delayed 3 hours. No food on plane besides snacks

I have flown Jet Blue many times between JFK and SFO. I appreciate how clean the planes are, the ability to select my onboard entertainment and the flight crews have always been amazing! Unfortunately, my trip from SFO to JFK on August 23 was unusual. I arrived early at SFO for the 12:00 noon scheduled boarding. The flight was supposed to take off at 12:45pm but after sitting for a while, the plane had to return to the gate to have a generator inspected. After deplaning and then reboarding, we eventually took off around 3:30 pm. It was explained to the passengers that because the plane was using a backup generator, additional fuel was needed and the flight would take longer than originally scheduled. We were originally supposed to arrive at JFK at 9:32 pm but instead, arrived at midnight. Unfortunately, I was exhausted for the funeral I attended the next morning. As a passenger, I have always expected that the plane will be in good mechanical order and that all parts will function as expected. I'm not entirely certain that if I fly Jet Blue in the future, that I will have the same level of confidence that I had become accustomed to. Thanks for the opportunity to provide this feedback. Kathy Nigro

Seats were great, the staff was great, and the food was about the best I've had on a plane, and is especially the best of any US-based carrier I've flown. Free Wi-Fi was also great.

Rude crew member. She seemed annoyed at me without me saying a single word. Also loudly admonished me for having my bag next to my seat instead of tucked away before landing. Just telling me to put it away and guiding me without giving me a lecture would have been enough.

Too many long delays with JetBlue. Worst major airline that serves JFK but unfortunately I keep going back because of the prices.

Little snafu at boarding. Staff communicated with gate poorly. Flight attendant was rude making disembark early. This was an older mint class. Needs an overhaul for sure. Food was good. The male flight attendant was really nice.

I really liked the way snacks and drinks were available throughout the flight!!! The flight attendants were also all fantastic!

Always like Jet Blue! It seems, however, that people are getting bigger & seats are getting smaller! We had a very full flight and I couldn't get an aisle seat like I always do. I wish there were more leg room. People sitting next to me were very nice though so it was fine to disturb them if I needed to use the restroom. Otherwise the flight was fine but a bit long.

None of the in flight Direct TV worked. A better selection of Shows would have been better. The baggage was s low. Otherwise we enjoyed our flight!

More options for your flight to The Big Island

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