Increased competition among major airlines is creating more affordable travel opportunities to Hawaii for the winter 2025-2026 season. Following Alaska Airlines' acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, carriers including Delta, United, and American are offering competitive one-stop fares from mainland U.S. hubs like Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
Travelers can now find round-trip flights for under $600, a significant reduction compared to nonstop options. This guide provides details on securing these fares and outlines key activities to plan for a trip to Oahu and Maui.
Key Takeaways
- Lower Airfares: Increased airline competition has led to one-stop round-trip flights to Hawaii for under $600 for winter 2025-26.
- Best Travel Months: The most affordable fares are typically found for travel during November, January, and February.
- Oahu Highlights: Key activities include learning to surf in Waikiki, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, and visiting the USS Arizona Memorial.
- Maui Experiences: Popular options include whale watching, snorkeling with sea turtles in Napili, and viewing the sunrise from Haleakalā.
- Booking Strategy: Securing the best prices often requires choosing a basic economy ticket with a connection on the West Coast.
Understanding the New Airfare Landscape
The recent merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines has introduced a new dynamic to the market for flights to Hawaii. This has prompted other major carriers to adjust their pricing strategies, resulting in lower fares for consumers, particularly for flights with one connection.
While direct flights remain a premium option—for instance, Delta's nonstop service from Minneapolis to Honolulu starts at $1,378—travelers willing to make a single stop can achieve substantial savings. For example, sample fares on Alaska/Hawaiian from MSP to Honolulu have been spotted for as low as $462 round-trip.
By the Numbers: Hawaii Airfare
- $1,378: Starting price for a nonstop Delta flight from MSP to Honolulu.
- $600: The target price point for a bargain round-trip fare to Hawaii.
- $421: A sample one-stop fare from MSP to Maui (OGG) on Alaska Airlines.
Finding the Best Deals
To capitalize on these lower prices, flexibility is key. Searching on platforms like Google Flights or Kayak for travel dates in November, January, and February will yield the best results. Opting for a basic economy ticket with a manageable layover on the West Coast is the most common way to secure a fare at or below the $600 threshold.
It is important to note that while Honolulu (HNL) is the state capital, it is not always the most expensive island to fly into. Current trends show competitive pricing across all four major islands, so it is worthwhile to compare fares to Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
What to Do on Oahu: Honolulu and Beyond
Oahu offers a blend of vibrant city life, iconic beaches, and significant historical sites. Staying within walking distance of Waikiki Beach provides easy access to many of the island's most famous attractions.
Learn to Surf at Waikiki Beach
Waikiki is recognized as the birthplace of modern surfing, and its gentle, rolling waves make it an ideal location for beginners. Numerous local businesses along the beach offer lessons and board rentals.
A typical board rental can cost as little as $20 for one to three hours, providing ample time to practice. The conditions are forgiving, allowing many first-time surfers to successfully stand up and ride a wave.
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Located within the crescent of a volcanic crater, Hanauma Bay is a protected marine life conservation area. Its calm, turquoise waters are home to a stunning array of tropical fish, including parrotfish and butterfly fish, as well as sea turtles and rays.
Booking Your Visit to Hanauma Bay
Due to its popularity and protected status, reservations are mandatory. They must be made exactly two days in advance, starting at 7 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time, through the official Honolulu Parks and Recreation website. Slots fill up extremely quickly, so it is essential to be online at the designated time.
Visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
A visit to the USS Arizona Memorial offers a profound historical perspective on World War II. The memorial is built over the sunken battleship, serving as a tribute to the crew members who lost their lives on December 7, 1941.
The National Park Service manages the site and recommends arriving at least one hour before your scheduled shuttle boat departure. This allows time to explore the compelling museum exhibits, which provide context for the attack on Pearl Harbor. Reservations should be booked two to three weeks in advance on Recreation.gov.
Exploring the Island of Maui
Maui is known for its dramatic landscapes, from volcanic peaks to stunning coastlines. While the town of Lahaina continues its recovery from tragic wildfires, other areas like Napili and Kaanapali on the west coast are fully open to visitors.
Where to Stay for Value
The Napili Bay area on Maui's northwest coast offers excellent accommodation options that are more affordable than the larger resorts in nearby Kaanapali. Properties like Napili Shores Maui, Castle Napili Surf, and Napili Sunset on the Beach provide well-rated stays with significant savings.
Snorkeling and Marine Life
Maui offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities. One of the most famous spots is Black Rock at Kaanapali Beach, located near the Sheraton resort. The calm waters on the front side of the rock are clear and teeming with colorful fish.
For a more relaxed experience, Honokeana Cove in Napili is a short walk from many accommodations and is a well-known gathering spot for Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Experience Whale Watching Season
The peak season for whale watching in Maui is from December to March, when humpback whales migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters to breed and give birth. Charter boats based in Kaanapali are known for providing memorable, close-up encounters.
"The captains are skilled at navigating to locations where you can not only see the whales but also hear them sing through hydrophones. It's a surreal experience."
A popular operator is the Ka’anapali Beach Whale Watch Experience, which costs approximately $120 per person and guarantees whale sightings during the season.
Witness a Haleakalā Sunrise
For a truly unforgettable adventure, the sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā is a must-do. This dormant volcano rises over 10,000 feet, and watching the sun emerge above the clouds is often described as a life-changing event.
Planning for the Haleakalā Sunrise
This experience requires significant planning. A vehicle reservation is mandatory for entry between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. and must be made up to 60 days in advance on Recreation.gov. There is a separate park entrance fee paid upon arrival. The journey from west Maui hotels begins around 3 a.m., and temperatures at the 9,700-foot visitor center can be near 40°F (4°C) with high winds, so dressing in warm layers is essential.
As the sun rises, the sky transforms through shades of indigo, lavender, and fuchsia, creating a spectacular natural display that rewards the early start and careful preparation.
