by I frequently receive a common question from travelers around the globe — “How do I get to Hawaii from various parts of the world?” This tropical paradise, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Pacific,” attracts countless visitors every year. However, many people are unsure about how to plan their flights to Hawaii. Whether you’re flying from North America, Europe, or Asia, there are many options to consider, and the flight times and layovers vary. In this post, I’ll guide you through how to easily fly to this dream destination from cities around the world.
1. About Hawaii: A Paradise Destination
Before diving into flight options, let’s take a brief moment to appreciate Hawaii itself. Hawaii is the only U.S. state made up of an archipelago, located in the central Pacific Ocean. It consists of eight main islands and hundreds of smaller ones. Hawaii boasts beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests, volcanoes, unique culture, and a diverse range of wildlife. It truly is a dream destination for every traveler.
While Hawaii is an incredibly popular destination, many people perceive it as being far away, especially from locations outside the U.S. However, with the development of the aviation industry, flights to Hawaii have become more accessible, and traveling from major cities around the world is more convenient than ever.
2. Flying from the U.S. Mainland to Hawaii
1. From Los Angeles/San Francisco to Hawaii
If you’re in the U.S., flying to Hawaii is relatively easy. There are many daily direct flights from cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Typically, the flight duration from Los Angeles to Hawaii is about 5 to 6 hours, while flights from San Francisco are slightly shorter, about 4 hours.
Major airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines operate direct flights to Hawaii. Most flights from the mainland U.S. land in Honolulu (on Oahu Island) or other major islands like Maui and the Big Island.
2. From New York to Hawaii
For those flying from New York, the journey is much longer, usually taking about 11 to 12 hours. There are no direct flights, so you’ll typically have a layover in cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco before continuing on to Hawaii. Airlines like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines offer these connecting flights, which usually first stop in California or another major U.S. city before proceeding to Hawaii.
3. From Chicago to Hawaii
A flight from Chicago to Hawaii usually takes about 9 hours. Airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines offer direct flights to Hawaii, with the most common destinations being Honolulu and Oahu Island.
3. Flying from Europe to Hawaii
1. From London to Hawaii
One of the most common flights from Europe is from London to Hawaii, which takes about 17 to 18 hours. Since there are no direct flights, you’ll have a layover in cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Airlines like British Airways, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines operate these transatlantic flights. Typically, you’ll first fly to the West Coast of the U.S., then take a connecting flight to Hawaii.
2. From Paris to Hawaii
Flying from Paris to Hawaii also takes around 18 hours. Like flights from London, these routes usually involve a layover in Los Angeles or another major U.S. city. Airlines such as Air France, American Airlines, and United Airlines operate these flights.
4. Flying from Asia to Hawaii
1. From Tokyo to Hawaii
Flights from Tokyo to Hawaii are about 8 hours long. ANA (All Nippon Airways) and Japan Airlines (JAL) offer direct flights to Honolulu on Oahu Island. For flights from other Japanese cities like Osaka or Nagoya, you’ll usually need to connect in Tokyo.
2. From Beijing/Shanghai to Hawaii
If you’re flying from major Chinese cities like Beijing or Shanghai, the flight time to Hawaii is around 12 to 13 hours, with a layover typically in cities like Tokyo, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. Airlines such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines provide these flights.
3. From Seoul to Hawaii
Flights from Seoul to Hawaii take about 9 hours. Korean Air and Asiana Airlines operate direct flights from Seoul to Honolulu. Alternatively, you can also transit through Tokyo or Los Angeles for more flexible flight options.
5. Hawaiian Airport Transportation: How to Get Around the Islands
Once you arrive in Hawaii, you’ll land at one of several major airports, each acting as a gateway to the islands. The primary airports include Honolulu International Airport (HNL), which serves Oahu Island, Kona Airport (KOA) on the Big Is land, Maui Airport (OGG), and Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai Island.
Getting from the airport to the city center and major attractions is straightforward. You can choose to rent a car, take the airport shuttle, or even arrange for hotel transfers. Additionally, there are inter-island flights available for those wishing to travel between the islands, providing easy mobility for visitors.
6. How to Book Flights to Hawaii: Tips for the Best Deals
Here are some personal tips for booking flights to Hawaii and ensuring you get the best prices:
- Plan Ahead: When booking a flight to Hawaii, it’s best to start looking several months in advance. Typically, booking early can help you secure better prices.
- Use Flight Search Engines: Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo are great tools for comparing prices across different airlines, helping you find the best options for your trip.
- Consider Connecting Flights: Direct flights are usually more convenient, but if you’re willing to spend a little more time, connecting flights can often be cheaper.
- Look for Seasonal Deals: Hawaii is a popular tourist destination, so flight prices tend to be cheaper during the off-season (such as in spring or fall). Avoid traveling during peak holiday seasons like summer or Christmas to save on airfare.
- Join Frequent Flyer Programs: If you’re a frequent flyer, it’s a good idea to join an airline’s loyalty program. This will allow you to earn miles, which can be redeemed for free flights or upgrades.
7. Every Moment in Hawaii Is a Memorable Experience
Whether you’re flying from the U.S. mainland or from distant places in Europe or Asia, getting to Hawaii is now easier than ever, and this beautiful vacation paradise is within your reach. Hawaii is not just a travel destination; it’s the beginning of an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, hiking near volcanic craters, or immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage, every moment in Hawaii is something to treasure.
I hope this flight guide will help you plan an easy and enjoyable trip to Hawaii. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been there before, Hawaii always has new surprises and memories waiting for you. Get ready to embark on your journey to paradise!
