Traveling to Hawaii is a dream for many travelers, and Southwest Airlines has become one of the most popular carriers for reaching the islands using Rapid Rewards® points. But one question dominates search intent:
How many Southwest points do you need to fly to Hawaii?
The answer isn’t fixed—and that’s exactly where most travelers get confused.
This in-depth guide breaks down exact point ranges, real booking examples, pricing mechanics, expert tips, and comparison strategies, so you can confidently plan your Hawaii trip using Southwest points without overpaying.
Understanding Southwest Rapid Rewards: Why Hawaii Is Different
Southwest Airlines uses a revenue-based loyalty system, meaning points required are tied directly to the cash price of the ticket, not a traditional award chart.
Key takeaway:
- When fares go down → points required go down
- When fares rise → points required increase
This dynamic pricing model applies to all routes, including Southwest Hawaii flights.
Southwest Airlines Hawaii Routes (Updated Overview)
Southwest operates Hawaii flights from both the U.S. West Coast and interisland routes within Hawaii.
Mainland to Hawaii Gateways
Southwest flies nonstop to Hawaii from:
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- San Diego (SAN)
- San Jose (SJC)
- Oakland (OAK)
- Sacramento (SMF)
- Las Vegas (LAS)
- Phoenix (PHX)
Hawaiian Destinations Served
- Honolulu (HNL – Oʻahu)
- Kahului (OGG – Maui)
- Lihue (LIH – Kauaʻi)
- Kona (KOA – Big Island)
- Hilo (ITO – Big Island)
How Many Southwest Points Are Needed for Hawaii Flights?
Typical One-Way Point Ranges (Mainland → Hawaii)
| Fare Type | Cash Price (One-Way) | Points Required (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wanna Get Away | $129–$179 | 7,500–11,500 points |
| Wanna Get Away Plus | $179–$249 | 11,500–17,000 points |
| Anytime | $300–$450 | 20,000–32,000 points |
| Business Select | $500+ | 40,000+ points |
Round-trip estimate:
15,000–35,000 points for most travelers booking Wanna Get Away fares.
Real-World Example: Los Angeles to Honolulu
Route: LAX → HNL
Fare Type: Wanna Get Away
Cash Fare: $158 one way
Points Required: ~9,800 Rapid Rewards points + $5.60 TSA fee
What this tells us
- Southwest points average 1.3–1.5 cents per point in value
-
Hawaii redemptions often offer excellent value, especially during sales
Southwest Interisland Hawaii Flights: Points Needed
One of Southwest’s biggest advantages in Hawaii is low-cost interisland flights.
Typical Interisland Pricing
| Route | Cash Fare | Points Needed |
|---|---|---|
| HNL ↔ OGG | $39–$59 | 2,500–4,000 |
| HNL ↔ LIH | $39–$69 | 2,500–4,500 |
| HNL ↔ KOA | $49–$79 | 3,000–5,000 |
These are some of the cheapest award flights in the U.S.
How Southwest Calculates Points (Expert Breakdown)
Southwest uses a fixed conversion ratio based on fare type:
| Fare Type | Points per $1 Spent |
|---|---|
| Wanna Get Away | ~70 points |
| Wanna Get Away Plus | ~85 points |
| Anytime | ~100 points |
| Business Select | ~120 points |
This model ensures transparent pricing, praised by consumer advocacy groups like Consumer Reports for simplicity and fairness.
Best Time to Book Southwest Hawaii Flights With Points
Optimal Booking Windows
- 3–6 months in advance for peak seasons
- 6–10 weeks before departure for shoulder seasons
Best Months for Low Points
- January (after New Year)
- Late April–early June
- September–early December (excluding holidays)
Southwest frequently launches Hawaii fare sales, during which point prices drop automatically—even if you already booked.
Pro Tip: Reprice Your Award Flight for Free
Southwest allows:
- Unlimited free changes
- Point refunds if the price drops
Step-by-Step: How to Reprice
-
Log into your Rapid Rewards account
-
Select your reservation
-
Click “Change Flight”
-
Rebook the same flight at the lower points price
-
Points are refunded instantly
This feature is often cited by travel analysts as one of Southwest’s biggest consumer-friendly advantages.
Companion Pass: Fly to Hawaii for (Almost) Free
If you hold the Southwest Companion Pass, your designated companion flies with you on paid or award flights, paying only taxes.
Hawaii Companion Pass Cost
- Main ticket: Points required (e.g., 12,000)
- Companion ticket: $5.60 one way
This effectively cuts your point cost in half.
Southwest Credit Cards: Fastest Way to Earn Hawaii Flights
Popular Sign-Up Bonuses
-
50,000–75,000 Rapid Rewards points (varies by offer)
That’s often enough for:
-
2–4 round-trip flights to Hawaii
Cards Earn Points On:
- Southwest purchases
- Dining
- Travel
- Everyday spending
Based on publicly available information, these cards are frequently ranked by Consumer Reports and major financial publications for transparency and consumer value.
Southwest vs Other Airlines: Hawaii Award Comparison
| Airline | Typical Round-Trip Points |
|---|---|
| Southwest | 15,000–35,000 |
| United | 45,000–80,000 |
| American | 45,000–70,000 |
| Delta | 50,000–90,000 |
| Alaska | 35,000–60,000 |
Southwest consistently ranks among the lowest point requirements for Hawaii flights.
Baggage Policy: Hidden Value of Southwest Points
Every Southwest Hawaii ticket includes:
- 2 free checked bags (up to 50 lbs each)
- No change fees
- No cancellation fees
On other airlines, baggage fees alone can exceed $140 round-trip, significantly reducing award value.
Are Southwest Hawaii Flights Worth Using Points?
Yes—especially if you value:
- Transparent pricing
- Free checked bags
- Flexible changes
- No blackout dates
- Strong point value consistency
According to frequent traveler analyses and consumer research, Southwest remains one of the most reliable airlines for award travel to Hawaii.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Hawaii With Points
- Waiting too long to book peak-season flights
- Not repricing when fares drop
- Using points on Business Select unnecessarily
- Ignoring Companion Pass opportunities
- Booking one-way on another airline without comparing total costs
Step-by-Step: Booking Southwest Hawaii Flights With Points
- Visit Southwest.com
- Select “Points” instead of “Dollars”
- Enter your route and dates
- Compare fare types
- Choose Wanna Get Away for best value
- Pay points + $5.60 TSA fee
- Confirm and monitor for price drops
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the cheapest Southwest points flight to Hawaii?
Interisland flights can be as low as 2,500 points, while mainland flights sometimes drop below 8,000 points one way during sales.
2. How many points do I need round-trip to Hawaii?
Most travelers need 15,000–35,000 points round-trip, depending on departure city and timing.
3. Do Southwest points expire?
No. Rapid Rewards points never expire as long as the program remains active.
4. Can I cancel a Hawaii award flight?
Yes. All points are refunded with no penalty.
5. Are taxes charged on award flights?
Yes. You’ll pay $5.60 per one-way flight for TSA fees.
6. Is Southwest better than United or Delta for Hawaii?
For flexibility, baggage, and lower point requirements, Southwest often wins for economy travelers.
7. Can I use the Companion Pass to Hawaii?
Yes. Your companion only pays taxes—even on award tickets.
8. Do Southwest Hawaii flights include meals?
Complimentary snacks and beverages are provided; full meals are not standard.
9. Are there blackout dates for points?
No. If a seat is available for cash, it’s available for points.
10. Is Southwest adding more Hawaii routes?
Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on new Hawaii routes at this time.
Final Verdict: How Many Points Do You Really Need?
If you’re planning a Hawaii trip and want maximum flexibility, strong point value, and minimal fees, Southwest Rapid Rewards remains one of the smartest choices.
