Southwest® flights from Orange County/Santa Ana to Honolulu (Oahu) from $172

Island Hopping from Honolulu (HNL)

Honolulu makes the perfect hub for exploring multiple Hawaiian islands. Once your flight from Santa Ana to Honolulu lands, frequent flights connecting Oahu to Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island make it easy to build a multi-island itinerary. Flying is the fastest and most efficient way to travel between the islands, so check out our Hawaii inter-island flights to map out your adventure. Learn more on our main flights to Honolulu page to get more tips for island travel and planning.

Traveling to Hawaii with Surfboards and Beach Gear

If you think of waves as much as planes when you hear “boarding time,” we have great news: We’re happy to transport surfboards as checked baggage on our flights to Hawaii. (Your board probably won’t be the only one flying that day.) Just review our instructions for flying with surfboards before you pack, and leave a little extra time to check in your board before you, well, board.

Getting From HNL to Wakikki, downtown Honolulu, and Nearby Areas

Honolulu is one of the easiest areas of Hawaii to get around, with plenty of ways to roll right out of the airport and into vacation mode. Once your flight to Honolulu from SNA lands, here’s what you can expect for transit options:

• Rental cars: Pick up a car at the rental lot and explore Oahu on your own schedule. Reserve your car before you fly to keep things simple when you land.
• Rideshares and taxis: Head outside the baggage claim to catch a ride to Waikiki or downtown Honolulu, usually in about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Hotel shuttles: Many resorts and hotels run their own shuttles. Check ahead to see whether your stay offers one, and find out whether you need to reserve a spot in advance.
• Public transportation: TheBus, Honolulu’s public transportation system, offers an affordable way to get from the terminal to major spots like Waikiki and downtown.

What’s the Best Time to Travel from Santa Ana to Honolulu?

• Year-round warmth: If island sun is your major priority, Honolulu delivers steady tropical weather pretty much any time you go.
• Winter and holidays: Expect higher demand as travelers head to Hawaii to escape colder temperatures elsewhere.
• Spring and fall: Great picks if you’re looking for a little more breathing room, with lighter crowds and often better value.
• Surf seasons: Winter brings big-league swells to the North Shore, while summer offers gentler waves that are great for newer surfers and casual beach days.

What to Do in Honolulu After You Land

• Waikiki Beach: Sink your toes into the sand, watch the surf roll in, or sign up for a beginner lesson to catch your first wave.
• Pearl Harbor National Memorial: Spend some time at this powerful historic site, taking in exhibits and memorials that stay with you long after you leave.
• Diamond Head State Monument: Make the climb to the top for wide-open views of Honolulu and the coastline that are worth every step.
• Local dining: Follow your nose to fresh poke, shave ice that beats the heat, and the hearty plate lunches that are a local favorite.