Southwest® flights from San Francisco to Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii from $172

Island hopping from Honolulu (HNL)

Your flight from SFO to Honolulu, Hawaii might be just the beginning. Flying is the primary way to travel between the Hawaiian islands, which means it’s also the key to a dream multi-island itinerary. Check out our Hawaii inter-island flights page for details on trips to Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island of Hawaii, and see our Hawaii page for trip inspiration.

Getting from HNL to Waikiki, downtown Honolulu and nearby areas

Once your flight from SFO to Oahu lands at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), you've got several options for getting where you need to go. Waikiki is roughly 20 to 30 minutes away, depending on traffic and your mode of transport.

• Rental car: A great option if you want the freedom to explore Oahu at your own pace. Book your rental car through Southwest before you fly, then head to the rental lot near the airport to pick up your wheels.
• Rideshare and taxis: Available outside the arrivals area. Expect around 20 to 30 minutes to Waikiki or downtown Honolulu under normal traffic conditions.
• Hotel shuttles: Many Waikiki resorts offer complimentary airport transfers, but check with your hotel before you fly to confirm schedules and availability.
• Public transit: TheBus is Honolulu’s public bus system, with budget-friendly routes between HNL and Waikiki. Follow the signs for the city bus stop at the airport.

How to find cheap flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Honolulu (HNL)

Want to find cheap flights from SFO to Hawaii? When you know what to look for, you’ll find more options that fit your budget:

• Use the Low Fare Calendar: If your schedule has some wiggle room, check the Southwest Low Fare Calendar to spot the most affordable travel dates at a glance.
• Book early: Booking well in advance is one of the most reliable ways to save on airfare from San Francisco to Hawaii, since prices almost always increase as the travel dates get closer.
• Shoulder seasons: Spring and early fall often bring smaller crowds and cheaper flights, plus an overall more relaxed vibe.
• Stay in the loop: Sign up for Southwest email alerts to get notified about promotions and special offers as soon as they go live.

What’s the best time to travel from San Francisco to Honolulu?

• Whale season: If you want to see Hawaii’s famous humpback whales, you’ll find them here from approximately December through March. Reserve flights and tours early, as this is a busy time for the islands.
• Budget-friendly: Late spring and fall often mean fewer visitors, a calmer atmosphere, and more room to enjoy popular beaches and viewpoints.
• Peak periods: Book earlier if you’re traveling during the summer and winter peak seasons, and be ready for higher prices and busier attractions across Honolulu.
• Surf season: Winter brings larger swells to Oahu's famous North Shore, while summer offers calmer conditions at many beaches, making it a great time for beginner surf lessons and more relaxed days on the water.

What to do in Honolulu after you land

• Waikiki Beach: Honolulu’s most famous shoreline, perfect for a day of swimming, beginner-friendly surf lessons, or a sunset stroll along the sand.
• Diamond Head: This popular hike up an ancient volcanic crater rewards you with panoramic views over Waikiki, the city, and the surrounding coastline.
• Pearl Harbor: An unforgettable historic site where you can visit memorials like the USS Arizona, which still rests where she sank in 1941.
• Local food scene: From plate lunches and fresh poke to malasadas and shave ice, Honolulu’s mix of neighborhood spots and modern eateries makes eating part of the adventure.