If you’re planning a getaway to the beautiful islands of Hawaii, you might be wondering, Spirit Airlines Hawaii With Spirit Airlines being a popular low-cost carrier known for its affordable fares, it’s only natural to look for ways to save on your trip to paradise. However, as of now, Spirit Airlines does not offer direct flights to Hawaii. While this may be disappointing to some, it doesn’t mean that you can’t use Spirit Airlines as part of your journey to the Aloha State.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Spirit Airlines’ Hawaii travel options, what alternatives you can explore, and how to make your Hawaiian vacation both affordable and easy to plan.
Does Spirit Airlines Fly to Hawaii?
Currently, Spirit Airlines does not fly directly to Hawaii. This is because Spirit operates a fleet of narrow-body aircraft, which are designed for short-haul flights. Hawaii, on the other hand, requires a long-haul flight, which typically needs wide-body aircraft to handle the distance and provide the necessary amenities for travelers during the 5-6 hour flight.
Although Spirit Airlines has an extensive network of domestic and international routes, Hawaii remains outside of its current service offerings. But don’t let this discourage you—there are still ways to make your trip to Hawaii possible by incorporating Spirit Airlines into your travel plans. Here's how.
How to Get to Hawaii Using Spirit Airlines
Even though Spirit Airlines doesn’t fly to Hawaii directly, you can still use Spirit to reach a U.S. West Coast city and book a connecting flight to Honolulu, Maui, or any other Hawaiian island. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to organize your travel:
1. Fly to a West Coast Hub with Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines offers affordable flights to several major cities on the U.S. West Coast. You can easily find Spirit flights to cities like:
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Las Vegas (LAS)
- Seattle (SEA)
These cities are excellent departure points for your Hawaiian journey. After reaching your West Coast destination, you can then book a connecting flight to Hawaii with another airline.
2. Book a Connecting Flight to Hawaii
After landing at your West Coast hub, you will need to book a separate flight to Hawaii. Fortunately, there are several airlines that provide direct flights from the West Coast to Hawaii, including:
Hawaiian Airlines: As the state’s flagship carrier, Hawaiian Airlines operates frequent non-stop flights to Honolulu and other Hawaiian islands. This is an excellent option if you prefer to fly directly from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or other cities to Hawaii.
Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines offers direct flights from the West Coast to Hawaii, with routes from cities like Seattle, Portland, and Los Angeles to Honolulu, Maui, and other islands. They are also known for competitive pricing.
American Airlines: With direct flights from cities like Dallas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, American Airlines is another option for connecting to Hawaii. They offer comfortable service and a seamless experience.
Southwest Airlines: Southwest has recently expanded its operations to include direct flights to Hawaii. From cities like Oakland, Los Angeles, and San Diego, you can enjoy affordable non-stop service to Honolulu and other Hawaiian airports.
3. Consider Layover Time and Baggage Policies
When booking separate flights, be sure to allow sufficient time between your Spirit Airlines arrival and your connecting flight. Since Spirit is not coordinating with your connecting airline, a layover of at least 2 hours is recommended to ensure a smooth transfer. Additionally, check the baggage policies of both Spirit Airlines and your second airline to avoid additional fees or complications.
4. Look for Budget-Friendly Airlines for the Second Leg of Your Journey
For the second part of your trip to Hawaii, consider airlines like Southwest or Alaska Airlines, which offer affordable fares while maintaining high standards of service. While these airlines might not be as low-cost as Spirit, they often provide budget-friendly options for direct flights to Hawaii.
Alternative Airlines for Direct Flights to Hawaii
If you’re not keen on booking separate flights, you may want to consider flying directly to Hawaii with airlines that specialize in non-stop flights to the islands. Some of the best choices for direct flights include:
Hawaiian Airlines: The most direct option, Hawaiian Airlines offers frequent non-stop flights from the West Coast to Honolulu, Maui, and other Hawaiian destinations. While fares may be higher than Spirit’s, booking early can help you find competitive pricing.
Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines is known for providing reliable service and affordable direct flights to Hawaii from cities like Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle. Alaska Airlines frequently has deals on flights to Hawaii.
Southwest Airlines: Southwest is another budget-friendly option for travelers looking to fly directly to Hawaii. With non-stop flights from Oakland, Los Angeles, and San Diego, Southwest offers competitive pricing and a solid in-flight experience.
American Airlines: American Airlines also offers non-stop flights to Hawaii from major cities such as Dallas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. With full-service amenities, American Airlines can be a comfortable choice for long-haul flights.
Tips for Saving Money on Your Hawaii Vacation
While Spirit Airlines may not offer direct flights to Hawaii, there are still ways to save money on your overall trip. Here are some helpful tips for booking a budget-friendly Hawaiian vacation:
1. Book Flights Early
The earlier you book your flight, the better the chances of scoring lower fares. Spirit Airlines often offers flash sales and promotions, so keeping an eye on special offers can help you save big. If you’re booking separate flights, booking early can also help you secure better pricing on the connecting flight.
2. Travel During the Off-Peak Season
Hawaii is a popular destination year-round, but traveling during off-peak months like late spring or early fall can help you avoid higher airfare costs. Avoiding major holidays like Christmas and summer break will also allow you to find cheaper flights.
3. Use Fare Comparison Websites
Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak are excellent tools for comparing fares across multiple airlines. By using these comparison tools, you can ensure that you’re getting the best deal, whether you’re flying with Spirit or another carrier for the second leg of your journey.
4. Be Flexible with Travel Dates
Airfares can vary widely depending on the day of the week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the best days to fly for lower fares, while weekends tend to be more expensive. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you’ll have a better chance of finding cheaper flights.
Conclusion
While Spirit Airlines does not fly directly to Hawaii at this time, there are still ways to incorporate Spirit Airlines into your Hawaii-bound journey by flying to a West Coast hub and booking a connecting flight to Honolulu or another Hawaiian destination. Whether you choose to fly with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or another carrier for the second leg of your journey, you can still enjoy a budget-friendly trip to the islands.
By booking early, being flexible with your travel dates, and using fare comparison websites, you can keep your Hawaiian vacation affordable while ensuring you make the most of your time in paradise. Safe travels and enjoy your tropical getaway!