Getting to Hawai'i
The flight to Hawaii is quite a long trip from anywhere, but especially the Midwest. I've had the pleasure of making this long trek several times now and each trip goes a little smoother and less stressful. I hope to share some tips on making this journey a little more comfortable, island hopping, what to pack for the flight/the islands, and choosing the right airline.
Choosing your flight
For me, the main elements that make for a flight are efficient travel time, leg room, picking a good seat, bringing snacks, an efficiently packed carry-on, and a neck pillow.
Check out my travel essentials list!
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Choosing a good flight path/schedule is the first step to getting to and from Hawaii the fastest and most efficient. Coastal states generally have much more flexibility with flight times and obviously cheaper options. For those landlocked in the "flyover states" like my friends in Nebraska, connecting flights are a given. Personally, I always look for the sweet spot with layovers. You don't want one too short (30 min) or too long (8 hours). The last couple trips have had very unpredictable flight times and lots of delays, and thankfully I had buffer days for travel. If you are late to the beach, it can be a bummer, but if you miss a wedding because the Denver airport lost power, that's a whole other ordeal. I've had pretty decent luck with flights with a 1.5 hour layover. This gives you enough time to maybe grab some food and not have to stress making your connecting flight. Obviously, air travel is not perfect. Many of us have suffered the unfortunate forced airport sprint. There's nothing worse than awaiting a vacation flight, only to miss it because you're stuck on the tarmac waiting to disboard your first one.
Airline & Reward Options
I personally love flying with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or Delta. I always have good experiences with them and they have good snacks and quick layovers. United and American Airlines tend to have cheaper flights and better leave time options for the price, but sometimes you get what you pay for. Shop around online and look for price differentiations between different days and times to find the best flight for your budget and your timeframe.
Being a rewards member with an airline can be very beneficial with layovers, especially when you get access to airport lounges. Many offer free rewards services, so I would always recommend at least signing up to earn credits there. Hawaiian and Alaska recently merged under "Atmos". Free luggage credits are another great benefit to having a card with an airline, just try to select one that you frequently fly with. For example, Co-branded airline credit cards are the easiest way to avoid baggage fees. Almost all major U.S. carriers offer cards that waive the fee for the first checked bag—a perk that extends to travel companions on the same reservation, saving up to $35 to $45 per person, per direction. Some offer a fee waiver for TSA precheck or Global Entry which is also really nice to have.​
You are going to gain time/daylight when flying to Hawaii from the US mainland (4-5 hours coming from Nebraska depending on the time of year). Try to keep this in mind for check-in times if you're staying at an Air BnB or hotel. There is not much to do around the airport in Honolulu, so if you don't have somewhere to stash your bags you may have to bring them along. Some hotels offer bag storage, and some air bnbs let you check in early.
The following are travel cards I personally use and love. If you apply through my links, I may earn a referral bonus!
If you are a military member, you get credit card fees waived! I would highly recommend the Amex Platinum if you want a great card with good rewards and great lounge access options.
Connecting Flights & Lounges
Upgrading to the Chase Reserve card has been such a game changer in my travelling. The rewards have been really nice, and there are great travel benefits for those that fly at least a couple times a year. With a $300 annual travel voucher, lounge access at most major airports, and Global Entry/TSA precheck voucher, this card has been well worth it for me. I have Priority Lounge access which has been especially great for layovers. I generally have time to stop for a free meal and can unwind a little between my long flights. I try to check the app to see which airports have better layover options (if time allows). Unfortunately, the Plumeria Lounge at the Honolulu Airport is no longer affiliated with the Priority Pass Lounges. Thankfully, I have Centurion Lounge access as well through Amex, which I have came to love more than Chase Reserve. I am able to use the IASS, Hawaiian Premier, and the Delta Lounge (if flying Delta) in Honolulu.
Some airports have Priority or Centurion Lounges, and some don't. I try to book connecting flights though the ones that do if possible, and depending on the timing, because it is usually beneficial for me financially, I save money on food and get a comfortable place to recharge after the long journey. Coming from the Midwest, you generally have to take at least two flights to get to Hawaii, so there are a lot of coastal pit stops to choose from. Denver and Chicago do have direct flights, but this is a long flight and can be uncomfortable, so I usually try to avoid if possible. However, Denver has been my connection on most trips recently and does have some great lounge options.
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Here are the currunt lounges at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport:
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Air Canada: United Club, above Gate G3, Terminal 2
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Air New Zealand: United Club, above Gate G3, Terminal 2
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ANA/All Nippon Airways: ANA Suite Lounge / ANA Lounge above Gate C4, Terminal 2
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American Airlines: Admirals Club, third level above The Local @HNL, Terminal 2
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Asiana Airlines: United Club, above Gate G3, Terminal 2
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Delta Air Lines: Delta Sky Club, across Gate F1, Terminal 2
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Four Seasons: Four Season Resort Lana’i Guest Lounge, near Gate D1, Terminal 2
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Ko Olina: Ko Olina Traveler’s Lounge, Garden Court Area, Terminal 2
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Korean Air: Korean Air Lounge, Garden Court Area, Terminal 2
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Hawaiian Airlines: Premier Club, second level, Terminal 1 and Plumeria Lounge, third Level, Terminal 1
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IASS/International Airport Service Systems: Hawaii Lounge, Garden Court Area, Terminal 2
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Hawaii HIS Corporation: LeaLea Lounge, Garden Court Area, Terminal 2
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Japan Airlines: Sakura Lounge, third level above The Local @HNL, Terminal 2 and the Sakura Lounge Hale, third level above Gate C1, Terminal 2
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Qantas Airways: Qantas Business Lounge, Garden Court Area, Terminal 2
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United Airlines: United Club, above Gate G3, Terminal 2
Timing your Flights
I prefer red-eye flights for leaving Hawaii to return to the mainland. When heading back to the midwest (or further East) I will lose hours (4-5 just flying to Nebraska). I like the later flights because with the right gear (noise-cancelling headphones/earplugs/eye sleep mask), I can sleep the entire way back, I don't lose daylight better spent with friends and family back home to travelling, and I can get a full day on island before my flight (so I don't have to take off work). This is also nice if it's your last day of vacation on island and you want to make the most of it, or like me, don't want to take an extra day of vacation from work to spend on an airplane. I usually land at home on an afternoon flight and am rested enough to meet up with friends when I get home. You will gain a good amount of time flying to the island, so you may land in the morning this way if you take an early flight out from the mainland. Keep this in mind if you're staying at a condo/hotel, as check-in times vary, but are usually in the afternoon. Purchasing flight tickets well in advance is usually your best bet for saving extra $$ and getting the perfectly timed trip itinerary. I try to book mine about 3-4 months in advance, and earlier if it is around busy travel times or holidays.
Seat Assignments
It would be so lovely to fly first class on this flight. It's a long, cramped, and smothering 5+ hours in the air. Depending on which flight you choose, you may have the option of choosing your seat assignment for your flight(s). I try to avoid sitting near the engines because it is generally much louder. I also avoid sitting near the lavatories, because of obvious reasons (smelly/high traffic). I enjoy sitting in the aisle rows for quick access to my carryon if needed, bathroom breaks and to stretch my legs frequently. I don't normally have a preference on seating for short flights, unless I'm flying over somewhere interesting during the day that I would like to view from the air. Window seats are great for sleeping, you get an extra place to lean your head, as well as control over the window shade. I don't have much to say about the middle seat but try to avoid it unless I'm flying with people I know. Most flights to Oahu are booked full so this is good to keep in mind. If I am with people I know, or amongst strangers I'd like to converse with, it's alright. Otherwise, I avoid the middle seat at all costs.
Carry On | Personal Item
Packing my personal item efficiently is very important to me. I hate digging for things as soon as I sit down, so it's nice to have them in easily accessible pockets (such as headphones, phone charger, or neck rest). I try to keep my ID/boarding pass in a pant pocket or small pocket on my back pack/bag. I keep a pair of sunglasses in a sturdy case with a pair of ear plugs and an eye mask so I can find them easier. I'll have a phone charger handy (most planes have plug in's now) in case I need to charge, as well as a portable charger. I try to keep enough stuff to get by in my carryon in case the airline loses my luggage, which happens occasionally. My necessity on any plane trip is my NECK PILLOW. Not having this item is a sure fire way to make my flight an uncomfortable one. I am an open-mouth, head back sleeper when seated... so unless I want to snore in front of a plane full of strangers I use this to sleep with my neck upright... also avoiding an uncomfortable neck kink as soon as we land.
Finding a Ride
Once you land at Daniel K. International Airport, you can grab your bags and head to your next destination. It's easy to call an Uber or Lyft from this area, there are a lot of drivers waiting for rides on this side of the island. They will take you to any part of the island, but sometimes have an attitude when they have to take you to North Shore since it is a far, generally one-way trip. If you are traveling to the north shore your ride may be a bit pricier ($80-150). A few people make daily trips to the airport for a set fee and may be a better deal than the ride share apps at the time, but these usually need to be scheduled in advance. There are car rental agencies located inside the airport that are easy to find when you land. Turo is another great option for affordable car renting. Some Turo car owners will leave their vehicle for you in the airport for quick, convenient pickup, as well as drop-off at the end of your trip. Be aware, thieves will target rental cars, especially ones that stick out (Jeeps, Camaros, any convertibles, etc.) Sometimes incognito is best. Keep all valuables with you, and if needed, well-hidden in the trunk to avoid break-ins. Try not to let anyone see inside your trunk at touristy spots. Break-ins happen all the time, especially for tourists.
