Flights to Hawaii from $180 round-trip

When Southwest Airlines entered the mainland to Hawaii market (March 2019), it shook up the cash cow era of the big legacy airlines. At one time round-trip, economy fares pushed $1,000 or more — and everyone was locked into flying to and from the islands on the same airlines.

Well, no more. It’s the all-for-one now and when one airline posts an island sale everyone’s in. This makes creating your vacation a lot easier and a lot cheaper.

One-way fares from and return to Los Angeles are $90 to Maui and $119 to Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii (Kona). Other departure airports include Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland and San Diego.

Pick your airline because all are participating:

• Alaska
• American
• Delta (often $20 more each way)
• Hawaiian
• Southwest
• United

These low rates are the basic nonrefundable economy. That means there you will pay more each way for an advance seat selection and changes or refunds are not permitted. You can take one carry-on item free and checked bags start from $30 per piece.

You can choose a Main Cabin economy fare at a higher rate that would let you choose a seat and make ticket changes (fare difference may apply). Main Cabin fares are nonrefundable but there is an option to choose yet another higher rate for the option for a refund.

American and Delta offer a fare category just behind first class — Main Plus and Comfort+ respectively. Rates may be from $275 to $380 each way (varies by destination, availability). You’ll have priority boarding to your chosen seat with leg rest, a free checked bag, sleep package, upscale meals and most importantly – a nice wide and comfortable seat. It might be worth it to pony up on these 6+ hour flights. Also look for this category on United Comfort Plus, Hawaiian Extra Comfort select flights.

Southwest Airlines has Business Select fares but without any comfort upgrades other than priority boarding.

Depart and return April 11 through May 24. There is no ticket-by date, so make haste. Start your search at Google Flights and select one-way vs round-trip. You will see more flight choices. (Note that Southwest does not show up on Google Flights.)

And during sale fare promotion times you can book inter-island flights as low as $39 one-way.

When you are ready to choose a hotel and reserve a rental car, check out Pleasant Holidays, planning Hawaiian vacations and experiences for over 60 years. There are always many promotions on the website such as discount-off, resort credits, experiences and inter-island flights.

See Clark’s travel planning and booking guide for the best tips on stress-free travel, and check out InsureMyTrip.com for travel insurance. These deals could end at any time!