You don’t have to fly to Mexico or the Caribbean to explore some of the world’s best beaches.

You can find them right here in the U.S. 

Hawaii has been declared the top trending destination in the U.S. right now by Alaska Airlines. 

According to the airline, they have seen strong year-on-year bookings for the islands.  

Furthermore, Alaska offers 66 daily flights from the continental U.S. to Hawaii, thanks to its combined network with Hawaiian Airlines.  

So why is Hawaii trending right now? Here’s what you need to know:  

Which Hawaiian Island To Visit  

Hawaii doesn’t just refer to the Big Island (Officially known as Hawaii) but also the name given to the full collection of 137 islands. But I will focus only on the 8 main islands here.  

These are Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Niʻihau. 

colorful clouds and palm trees are reflecting into the lagoon at Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu Hawaii Oahu

It doesn’t matter which island you choose. Hawaii is a paradise for nature lovers, with lush rainforests, volcanoes, and incredible beaches.  

The Big Island has a great variety of beaches, including white sand beaches, black sand beaches, and even green sand beaches.  

But some of the most renowned beaches are on the island of Maui. The snorkeling and surfing of Honolua Bay attract travelers from across the world.  

If it’s volcanoes you’re interested in then visit the Big Island which has not only the most volcanoes but also the most volcanic activity. In fact, Kīlauea and Maunaloa are the two most active volcanoes in the world.  

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii

To visit the Volcanoes National Park, you will need an entry pass, which is priced at $15 per person or $30 per private vehicle if you’re driving.  

This is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great place to visit to truly marvel at what nature can do.  

Finally, if you’re looking for an authentic Hawaiian experience, Kauai and Lanai are considered undeveloped in tourism terms, yet they still boast paradise scenery and incredible hiking trails.  

Getting To Hawaii  

Hawaii is a wonderfully accessible destination for American travelers. This is great news because the more airlines that fly to a destination, generally, the cheaper the flights are, driven down by competition.  

So, how much can you expect to spend on your flights to Hawaii?

I’ve looked at flights to Honolulu because it is the state capital and the biggest Hawaiian city.  

Honolulu, Hawaii

To fly from Los Angeles flying out from November 2 and returning on November 7 would cost just $175. This is with Alaska Airlines or for $228 you can fly with Hawaiian Airlines.  

The flight time is 5 hours 50 minutes outbound and 5 hours 10 minutes inbound.  

To fly from Seattle flying out on November 13 and returning on November 19 would cost $299. Again this cheapest option is with Alaska Airlines but for $425 you could fly with Delta if that’s your preferred airline.

The flight time on this route is 6 hours 15 minutes outbound and 5 hours 48 minutes inbound.

hawaiian airlines plane taking off against a blue sky

You can fly nonstop to Hawaii from 27 mainland U.S. cities. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines all offer nonstop flights.  

So, although I have added a couple of examples, it would be impossible to share all the options and prices here. You really are spoiled for choice!  

When To Visit Hawaii 

Although Hawaii is a year-round destination, particularly for American travelers, there’s a reason why Alaska Airlines has announced that Hawaii is its top trending destination right now.  

Kapalua beach West Maui Hawaii

And that’s because fall and winter are the best times of the year to visit.  

The period from December to March is considered the busiest, and many American travelers choose to spend the holiday season exploring Hawaii.  

What is the insider’s tip for the best time to visit? Right now!  

Woman on Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii

October has great warm weather coupled with low crowd levels. You’ll also find that prices are at their lowest in October and November, making it a great choice if you want to save a few bucks and you don’t mind the occasional rain shower on your trip.  

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