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Airfare deals are typically only available on limited dates. We recommend you use Google Flights to find dates to fly, then book through an online travel agency such as Orbitz or Expedia, which allows you to cancel flights without penalty by 11pm Eastern Time within one day of booking. However, if you’re using The Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll need to book directly with the airline or through the Amex Travel portal to get 5x MR points. Remember: Fares may disappear quickly, so book right away and take advantage of Orbitz or Expedia’s courtesy cancellation if you’re unable to get the time away from work or family.
Flights from the West Coast to Hawaii are back on sale with fares dropping as low as $285 round-trip. Competition is strong in these markets and it seems that airlines have last-minute seats to fill. However, there are some deals that are stretching out into Spring 2019.
Make sure to check the fare rules for these options. Sun Country and United basic economy fares aren't going to include a carry-on bag, but thankfully the United option from LA to Hilo is booking into regular economy — meaning you can choose a seat, carry on a bag and elites even get an upgrade.
To search, head to Google Flights and enter your origin and destination cities. Scroll through the calendar function to find dates and prices that work for you. Finally, click through to book directly with the airline or through an OTA like Priceline or Expedia.
Airlines: Hawaiian, United, Delta, Sun Country, Alaska
Routes: OAK/LAX/PDX/SAN/SFO to KOA/ITO/HNL/OGG
Cost: $285+ round-trip
Travel Dates: November 2018 to March 2019 (depending on the route)
Pay With: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare booked directly with the airline), Citi Premier® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express® Gold Card, or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
Oakland (OAK) to Kona (KOA) for $285 round-trip on Hawaiian:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Hilo (ITO) for $289 round-trip nonstop on United (NOT basic economy):
Los Angeles (LAX) to Kona (KOA) for $289 round-trip nonstop on Hawaiian:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Kona (KOA) for $289 round-trip nonstop in Delta Basic Economy:
Portland (PDX) to Honolulu (HNL) for $297 round-trip nonstop on Sun Country:
San Diego (SAN) to Kahului, Maui (OGG) for $333 round-trip nonstop on Alaska basic economy:
San Diego (SAN) to Kahului, Maui (OGG) for $333 round-trip nonstop on Hawaiian:
San Francisco (SFO) to Kona (KOA) for $333 round-trip nonstop on Alaska:
Maximize Your Purchase
Don’t forget to use a credit card that earns additional points on airfare purchases, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel), Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express® Gold Card, Citi Premier, or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.
