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How to Book a Trip to Hawaii

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Hawaii

Plan your Hawaii getaway during the shoulder season and pay off your flight over 18 months with no interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $560 before anything else
Across the 0% window $31.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $560 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Hawaii is quietest when the summer crowds clear out or before they arrive. Heading over between April and June, or from September to November, gets you warm water, empty beaches, and cheaper flights. It is the best time to see the islands without tripping over other tourists.

A typical flight from the US mainland runs about $560. Instead of dropping that cash all at once, we can break it down into smaller, monthly chunks to keep your budget intact.

Keep in mind that 0% interest is not a free pass. If you do not pay off the full balance within the 18-month window, the standard interest rate kicks in on whatever is left, which will quickly erase your savings.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your window

    Aim for the shoulder seasons of April to June or September to November. Flights are cheaper and the islands are less crowded. You still get great weather without the peak-season price hikes.

  2. 02

    Track the flights

    Set up price alerts now for major Hawaiian airports like Honolulu or Kahului. Watch the prices for a couple of weeks to catch a dip. A good target price from the mainland is around $560.

  3. 03

    Spread out the cost

    You can buy the ticket using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. It gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That means you can pay $31.11 per month to cover a $560 flight without owing a dime in interest.

  4. 04

    Lock in basic lodging

    Skip the massive luxury resorts if you want to keep costs down. Look for local guesthouses or condo rentals slightly off the beach. You will save hundreds and still be a short walk from the sand.

  5. 05

    Plan cheap meals

    Eating out in Hawaii gets expensive fast. Hit up local grocery stores for poke, or find food trucks for plate lunches. It is better food anyway, and it keeps your daily spending low.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

When is the cheapest time to fly to Hawaii?

The shoulder seasons from April to June and September to November usually offer the lowest airfares. You avoid the winter holiday rush and the summer family vacation crowd.

What does 0% interest on purchases actually mean?

It means the bank will not charge you interest on the things you buy for a set period. It is not free money, but it lets you split up a big purchase over time without extra costs.

Do I need to rent a car in Hawaii?

It depends on the island, but generally yes if you want to explore beyond your resort. Public transit is limited on most islands except Oahu, so budget for a rental if you plan to wander.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

You might lose your promotional interest rate and face late fees. Always make at least the minimum payment on time to keep your promotional rate active.