Flying on a plane from Phoenix, Arizona to Hawaii takes just over six hours. On average, you’ll be in the air for six hours and six minutes. From gate to gate, it will take about six hours and 28 minutes.

A flight from Phoenix to Hawaii is offered on several airlines. However, the most popular airlines for this trip are American Airlines, Southwest, and Hawaiian Airlines. These airlines usually offer the most direct flights from Sky Harbor International to Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines is probably your best bet if you want to travel to a different island besides Oahu.

Below are some of the main things you need to know about your flight times between these two destinations.

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Should I Take a Direct Flight?

Booking a nonstop or direct flight from Phoenix to Hawaii can save time and inconvenience. First and foremost, you only have to worry about boarding and getting off one piece of aircraft. You also only have to wrestle with any carry-on luggage twice – once when you board and once when you deplane.

Direct flights take you from Phoenix to Honolulu in about six and a half hours. While you can count on a full day of traveling, it’s much better than potential extended or overnight layovers.

While you can sometimes save money by taking indirect or connecting flights, it may not be worth it. Plus, you won’t always save money since airlines have become more competitive. Keep in mind any extra food and lodging costs you might have to incur with next-day layovers.

How Many Miles is it from Phoenix to Hawaii?

You’ll travel 2,917 miles by air from Phoenix to Honolulu. If you’re flying into a different Hawaiian airport, your distance may vary depending on the flight path. However, most major airlines fly into Honolulu, then have you take a connecting flight to another island through another airline, such as Hawaiian Airlines.

When Should I Travel?

The time of year you travel from Phoenix to Hawaii is more about personal preference and convenience than anything. If you can’t take your vacation time until January, then you’ll be traveling during the off-season. October through February has the least amount of travel from Phoenix into Hawaii.

Flights start to pick up again in March and steadily increase until July’s peak, which is when air travel really skyrockets and doesn’t taper off again until September. If you prefer less crowded beaches, hotels, and airports, give October a try. It’s the least popular month for travel to Hawaii from Phoenix.

While Tuesdays and Thursdays have fewer flights leaving Phoenix for Hawaii, there really isn’t much of a significant difference. You’ll find plenty of airlines flying in and out of both airports every day of the week.

Is There a Better Time to Fly?

More flights to Hawaii take off from Phoenix at 8 am than other times. After that, 10 am and 11 am are the most popular times. But you’ll find a few flights earlier than 8 am and throughout the afternoon or early evening.

You may have a better chance of finding a flight at 8 am than other times of the day, which can be crucial for your travel planning. For instance, you’ll know you’ll need to take off for the airport and wake up early. You may also need to drop off any pets at boarding facilities the day before.

However, that’s not to say you’re limited to this type of itinerary. If you prefer a later flight and can find one, by all means, do it. You won’t have to spend an extra night on pet boarding and can sleep in the day you fly out.

Which Carriers Fly from Phoenix to Hawaii?

American, Hawaiian, and Southwest Airlines offer direct flights from Phoenix to Hawaii. Most of these airlines will fly you directly to Honolulu. However, Hawaiian Airlines may offer direct flights from Phoenix to Maui or the Big Island. It will depend on the day you want to travel and the time.

Other airlines will be able to get you from Phoenix to Hawaii on connecting flights. For instance, United Airlines may offer a flight from Phoenix to Denver International Airport. From Denver, United will fly you straight to Honolulu.

This type of flight schedule will obviously impact your travel time. You might be up in the air for an hour as you travel from Phoenix to Denver. After deplaning at DIA, you have an hour layover before boarding your flight to Honolulu. From there, you’re in the air for nearly seven hours.

So you can see how it can be more advantageous to abandon your traditional airline for one that offers a direct flight from Phoenix.

How Many Flights Per Week Are There?

According to airport data, American Airlines flies 10 flights per week from Phoenix to Hawaii. Hawaiian Airlines flies five flights per week, and Southwest takes off three times per week.

From this information, you stand a better chance of booking a flight with American Airlines than the other two carriers. That is unless you have a strong preference for one carrier and are able and willing to accommodate their flight schedule.

Which Airline Has the Best On-Time Record?

Hawaiian Airlines wins this category by a 3% margin over American Airlines. The former has a 93% reliability rating, while American pulls in at second place with 90%. Southwest’s reliability rating trails behind at 85%. If you want to decrease your chance of being on a delayed flight, Hawaiian Airlines is your best bet.

Conclusion

Taking off from Phoenix to Hawaii on a direct flight is feasible, as several airlines fly out multiple times a week. The time you’ll spend on a direct flight from boarding to arrival at the gate is about six and a half hours. If this seems too long, be sure to stock up on some extra snacks, a travel pillow, and some entertainment.

While you’ll spend most of the day in the air, it will be worth it once you land!

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James Brockbank

Founder at The Family Vacation Guide

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

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