Top Airlines Offering Cheap Flights to the Big Island, Hawaii

Here are the top airlines with direct flights to the Big Island. You don’t have to worry about layovers or connecting flights, which can add significant travel time to your journey. Luckily, getting to Kailua-Kona has never been more convenient, with 125 direct flights every month.

Find Major Airports in the Big Island 

Navigating major airports in Kailua-Kona is relatively easy. The Big Island is served by two main airports: Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west side and Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east side.

The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole is situated on the western coast of the Big Island. It serves as the main entry point for visitors to the Kona and Kohala regions. The airport provides easy access to popular destinations such as the Kona Coast resorts, beaches, and historical sites. KOA offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants, gift shops, and car rental services. Its open-air design complements the island’s tropical climate and relaxed atmosphere. Several major airlines offer flights to Kona from the U.S. mainland and inter-island flights from other Hawaiian islands.

The Hilo International Airport is situated on the eastern side of the Big Island and serves as the main airport for the town of Hilo and the surrounding areas. The airport provides convenient access to attractions such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Hamakua Coast, and the lush rainforests of East Hawaii. Although smaller than KOA, ITO offers essential amenities such as car rental services, a restaurant, and gift shops. The airport primarily serves inter-island flights from other Hawaiian islands, with limited direct flights from the U.S. mainland.

Flights to Big Island Snapshot

Economy Class

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TOTAL NUMBER OF ECONOMY CLASS DEALS TO the Big Island IN THE LAST MONTH​

17

Seat - Cheap Flights - OneAir
AVERAGE ONEAIR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY ROUNDTRIP DEAL​ TO the Big Island

$340

Business Class

OneAir - Travel the world for less
TOTAL NUMBER OF BUSINESS CLASS DEALS TO the Big Island IN THE LAST MONTH​

13

Business Class - Cheap Flights - OneAir
AVERAGE ONEAIR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS ROUNDTRIP DEAL​ TO the Big Island

$850

The Cheapest Time to Fly to the Big Island

Consider booking a flight to The Big Island on a Friday, the most budget-friendly day of the week, with an average price of $385. Another economical option is departing on a Wednesday, with prices averaging at $377. It’s advisable to avoid booking on a Saturday, as it tends to be the priciest day, with rates reaching $422.


For the best budget-friendly options, target January and February due to lower demand and ocean temperatures. Another option for a cost-effective journey is from September to November, when prices drop across the board. The Big Island consistently offers lower prices than other Hawaiian islands, and during fall, they drop even further with plenty of enticing package deals.

 

On the other hand, the most expensive months to fly to The Big Island are typically June, July, and August, which coincide with the peak summer travel season. During these months, prices for flights and accommodations tend to be at their highest due to increased demand from tourists seeking to enjoy the warm weather and summer break. December is also a pricier month to visit, as many travelers flock to the island for the holiday season.

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Cheapest months to fly

January, February, September to November

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Most Expensive Months to Fly

June to August, December

Compare Prices

Here’s a breakdown of airline ticket prices to Kailua-Kona International Airport (KOA)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Figuring out the best time to go to the Big Island is important for planning your trip. But here’s the good news: there’s no bad time to visit. This island has something for everyone, whether you love exploring outdoors or chilling by the pool. So, you’re in for a great time no matter when you decide to go. 

 

  • December to March: Warmth and surfing, rain possible. Opportunity to see humpback whales.
  • April to May: Good deals, lovely weather. More crowds around Memorial Day.
  • June to August: Slightly higher prices, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Chance to see sea turtles.
  • September to November: Lower prices and delightful weather. November is the rainiest month but a peaceful time to visit.
  • Kaʻū Coffee Festival: April or May
  • Street Eats: A Kailua Village Food Truck Festival: October
  • Kona Coffee Cultural Festival: November
  • Kona Brewer’s Fest: March

The flight duration to Kailua-Kona varies depending on the departure location. Flights from the West Coast tend to be shorter than flights from the East Coast. 

 

  • Miami, Florida: 12 hours and 11 minutes
  • Los Angeles, California: 5 hours and 45 minutes
  • New York: 12 hours and 41 minutes
  • San Francisco, California: 5 hours and 20 minutes
  • Boston, Massachusetts: 13 hours and 9 minutes

The Hilo International Airport (ITO) is the cheapest airport on the Big Island. It’s on the island’s east side and offers some of the most budget-friendly options. On average, round-trip flights from the United States start at $719. Despite Honolulu being the capital, Hilo is the largest city in the state.

On average, Big Island plane tickets range from $241 to $776, with varying costs based on factors like the airline, time of year, and departure location. Generally, flights from nearby islands and cities in the Pacific Northwest tend to be more budget-friendly than those from other parts of the United States.

Several major airlines offer flights to the Big Island, including Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.

Direct flights to Kona International Airport are available from several U.S. mainland cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Phoenix. However, direct flights to Hilo International Airport are less common.

Flight times vary depending on the departure city. From the U.S. West Coast, flights to Kona typically take around 5 to 6 hours, while flights from the East Coast can take up to 11 to 12 hours.

Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines offer inter-island flights between the Big Island and other Hawaiian islands, such as Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.

It’s recommended to book your flight at least 2 to 3 months in advance for the best deals and availability, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak travel seasons.

Kona and Hilo airports offer various transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, shuttles, and public buses. Some hotels and resorts also provide airport shuttle services.

Pack lightweight, casual clothing suitable for warm weather and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes. Pack appropriate gear and footwear if you plan on hiking or visiting the volcanoes.

Discover the Big Island

Looking for cheap flights to the Big Island? OneAir makes it easy to discover incredible flight deals to destinations around the world. Follow these simple steps to start saving on your next trip.

 

  • Set your departure airports on OneAir. Choose your preferred departure airports, and we’ll search for the cheapest flights from those cities to the Big Island. OneAir offers deals from over 50 major US airports, so you can find the most convenient and affordable options. 
  • Be flexible with your travel dates. If your schedule allows, use our “Explore” or “Add Destinations” feature to find the most affordable days to fly to the Big Island. Shifting your dates by just a day or two can often result in significant savings.
  • Turn on your notifications. We’ll notify you via email or push notification whenever the price for your selected route is at its lowest. This way, you’ll never miss a deal.
  • Compare flight options from multiple providers. Choose the cheapest, fastest, or most convenient flights to the Big Island based on your priorities.
  • Filter for direct flights. If you prefer nonstop service to the Big Island, simply tick the “Nonstop” box when searching. We’ll show you all available nonstop routes, so you can avoid lengthy layovers.
  • Get the best unpublished deals. Dreaming of a luxurious journey to the Big Island? We also find the best deals on Premium Economy, Business, and First Class fares. Compare prices across all cabin classes – you might be surprised by an affordable premium seat.
  • Expand your search to nearby airports. Unlock even more deals by searching for flights to the Big Island from nearby airports. This will show you flight prices from alternative departure airports close to your origin city.

Book a complete travel package. Once you’ve found your perfect flight to the Big Island, why not add a hotel room or rental car? OneAir also offers exclusive hotel, car, and activity deals, so you can save even more on your entire trip.

 

Discover New Destinations with the “Explore” Tab. Not set on the Big Island? Use our “Explore” search to find the cheapest flights from your city to anywhere in the world. You might just discover your next dream vacation spot!