Floating 2,000 miles off the U.S. Mainland, Honolulu offers a dose of tropical paradise in as little as five and a half hours.
(Photo courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines)
Direct flights depart daily from Honolulu bound for the United States’ best-known cities, including Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. There’s only one airport on the island, the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), which is also the largest airport in the entire State of Hawaii. There’s a wide range of options for travellers to choose from, but prices vary considerably depending on the airline carrier, the time of year and the destination. We’ve analysed the best direct flight options between Honolulu and the United States, taking into consideration prices, departure times, onboard facilities and amenities, and customer reviews. There are hundreds of indirect flights to choose from too, but given the environmental implications – not to mention the inconvenience – we’ve omitted these from our list.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines offers direct flights to 15 major US cities, including Chicago, San Jose, Austin, San Francisco and Oakland. This makes it the best option for travellers hoping to fly directly to destinations beyond NYC and LA. Tickets tend to be a little more expensive than competitors, though prices currently include a no-fee change. There are four tickets to choose from Main Basic, Main Cabin, Main Refundable and First Class. Passengers in all classes are entitled to an island-inspired cooked meal, in-flight entertainment with the latest blockbusters and Pau Hana cart snacks for an additional fee. The airline is renowned for its Hawaiian hospitality and ranks highly with customers too.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines frequently ranks as one of the best airlines in the country, making it a top choice for travellers who prioritize comfort and reliability. The airline offers direct flights to a handful of major cities on the West Coast, including Ancorage, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. Flight times depend on the destination, but rarely exceed six hours. There are three classes of tickets to choose from: economy, premium and first-class. In economy, passengers receive complimentary non-alcoholic drinks but will need to pay for meals and snacks, while in first-class passengers can enjoy complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and food. The airline doesn’t offer seatback entertainment, though you can stream movies from your own device. Unlike most U.S.-based airlines, Alaska doesn’t offer any lie-flat seating even in first class.
(Photo courtesy of Alaska Airlines)
American Airlines
American Airlines offers direct flights from Honolulu to Los Angeles, Phoenix and Dallas-Fort Worth. Flights tend to depart late in the evening and arrive early in the morning: a good option for those looking to maximise their holiday days. Depending on the time of year, passengers can choose from three types of ticket: economy, premium economy and business class. First class is not available on any non-stop route. Tickets are reasonably priced, but passengers will need to pay extra for checked bags. The most basic ticket still gives passengers the opportunity to choose their own seat – a rarity on most airlines. All flights offer complimentary seatback entertainment, as well as onboard WiFi for an extra fee.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines currently operates direct flights from Honolulu to eight cities across the United States: Los Angeles, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Detroit, Atlanta, New York and Boston. Prices tend to linger around the same as those offered by American Airlines, though they do vary depending on the time of year you’re travelling. Passengers travelling in the main cabin can expect free snacks and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks All flights include in-flight entertainment and hourly and daily WiFi plans. T-mobile customers can enjoy one-hour free WiFi too. For the first time, Delta passengers flying from Hawaii to New York can enjoy Delta Premium Select services too, which include noise-cancelling headphones, a memory foam pillow and a deeper recline seat.
(Photo: American Airlines)
United Airlines
United Airlines offers direct flights from Honolulu to 16 US cities, making it the best option for travellers who are flexible on US destinations. Prices are some of the cheapest we’ve found online too, with some routes available for little more than $100. There are five types of tickets available: Basic Economy, Economy, Economy Plus and Business. Unsurprisingly, Business is best for those who are happy to pay a premium for added comfort. You’ll need to pay for checked bags but you can bring a carry-on bag for free. Seats are assigned and changes are not permitted. Economy Plus offers most of the same amenities as Economy, with extra legroom.