Lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and unique cultural heritage make Hawaii a must-see destination for many travelers, but a trip to Hawaii can be expensive, especially during peak travel seasons. While there is no “bad” time to visit, there is certainly a cheaper time to visit, especially when it comes to airfare. By following a few smart booking tips, you can make your Hawaiian dream vacation more affordable by purchasing cheap (or cheaper) flights to the islands.

Here are the cheapest times to travel to Hawaii, plus other budget-friendly travel tips.

Factors that impact flight prices

Airlines use dynamic pricing, which means prices increase during periods of high demand and decrease during periods of low demand. The holidays, in particular, are a high-demand time in Hawaii, as is summer. “For example, if you’re flying during the Christmas rush, the busiest days are December 20-22, which are also the most expensive, often costing over $100 more than flying on Christmas Eve or opt for the quieter days of December 16-18,” an Expedia spokesperson said. Travel + Leisure.

However, periods of high demand are not limited to seasonality or holidays. “Major events like the total solar eclipse, the Olympics or major sporting events can also drive up prices for certain routes and destinations. So if flight prices seem unusually high, it’s worth checking if something special happens during your travel dates,” says the Expedia spokesperson.

The cheapest time to fly to Hawaii

If you’re looking for cheap flights to Hawaii, the best month to travel is September. “September is one of the cheapest months to visit Hawaii, with savings of more than 25%, or nearly $245, off peak prices, making it the perfect time for bargain hunters who want to benefit from fewer crowds and lower costs,” the Expedia spokesperson said. “Although this falls during hurricane season, hurricanes affecting the Hawaiian Islands are relatively rare.”

Tips for finding cheap flights

Sign up for price alerts.

So how do you determine what actually constitutes a cheap flight? Start with set price alerts to find out the usual price of your route. Then, when you notice a price drop, you can book that cheaper rate.

Check the different destinations and departure points.

Hawaii has several airports with flights from the mainland – this does not to have to land in Honolulu. Check prices at different airports in Hawaii, as it may be cheaper to fly to one than the other. Note that you will need to factor in the cost of an inter-island flight if this cheaper option is not your final destination.

Generally speaking, flights to Hawaii are cheaper from the West Coast than anywhere else in the country. So if you live elsewhere, consider flying to the West Coast on a budget airline and then taking a separate flight to Hawaii. Just make sure you have extra time for a layover if you’re traveling on two separate tickets: airlines aren’t responsible for rebooking if you miss your connection.

Don’t wait until the last minute to book.

By Expedia 2024 Air Travel Hack ReportTravelers booking domestic flights 28 days before departure save up to 24% on airfare. If you wait longer, prices usually increase.

Keep your price alerts active after you book.

That said, don’t worry about booking your flights too early. If you keep your price alerts active after booking, you can see if the price drops. If so, you can usually get an airline credit for the price difference. Just keep in mind that airline credits often have an expiration date, so you’ll need to book another trip soon (usually within a year).

Compare pricing options carefully.

Beware of basic economy rate. “It may be cheaper at first, but once you add in seat selection or baggage fees, the savings might not be as noticeable,” says the Expedia spokesperson. Only book basic economy if you’re traveling light and don’t mind being stuck in the middle seat.

Other ways to save money on your trip

Stay in hotels off the beach.

Generally, the closer you are to the beach, the more expensive your hotel will be. If you don’t mind being just a few blocks from the beach, you can usually save money.

Avoid the ocean view.

Along the same lines, if you book a beachfront hotel, don’t pay for the ocean view: opting for a city or garden view is usually cheaper. How much time are you actually going to spend in your hotel anyway?

Book accommodations with kitchens.

Dining out can quickly get expensive. And while we absolutely support dining at local restaurants, we know it’s difficult to do on a daily basis, so consider booking a hotel room with a kitchen to save money by cooking “à la style”. House “.

Dine at food trucks.

If you’re looking for good, affordable eats, visit a local food truck. Hawaii is full of them, serving just about every type of food imaginable.

If you rent a car, plan to do your entire trip in one trip.

Cars are essential for getting around many Hawaiian destinations. Rather than reserving a rental car for the duration of your visit, consider reserving a car for just a few days instead: cram all your car activities into those few days, then use the rest of the time to relax at the beach.

Visit free attractions and attend free events.

This one may be a no-brainer, but there are plenty of activities in Hawaii that are completely free, whether it’s hiking, visiting some parks and gardens, snorkeling, or watching surfers catch some waves.