$75 Cheap Flights to Papaaloa, HI

Flights to Papaaloa at a glance

Traveling to Papaaloa is a breeze. You can select from a variety of airlines, including both full-service and budget options. Compare flight durations to find the best fit for your budget and itinerary as you plan your exploration of the city's renowned sights and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Papaaloa: Kona International Airport (KOA), Hilo International Airport (ITO), Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUE)
• Closest airport to Papaaloa: Hilo International Airport, ITO (around 22 miles)
• Flights per week: 1,700+ flights arriving across Papaaloa airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Papaaloa: around 15+ carriers

Popular airports near Papaaloa

Papaaloa is a charming city perfect for vacations filled with outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, and family-friendly activities. With its beautiful beaches, it's no wonder travelers are drawn to this destination, which is conveniently accessible via three major airports.

• Kona International Airport (KOA): Situated in North Kona, Hawaiʻi County, Hawaii, approximately 56 miles from Papaaloa, this airport offers both domestic and international flights. It connects to over 135 domestic cities and more than 10 international locations. Travelers can opt for first class, business class, or premium economy seating for enhanced comfort, depending on their chosen airline and route. Key airlines operating here include United, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines.
• Hilo International Airport (ITO): Found in Hilo District, Hawaiʻi County, Hawaii, about 22 miles from Papaaloa, this airport provides services for both domestic and international travel. It links to around 45 domestic cities and 2 international spots. Passengers can choose to upgrade to first class or business class for a more comfortable journey, depending on the airline and route. Notable airlines include Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.
• Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUE): Located in South Kohala, Hawaiʻi County, Hawaii, roughly 29 miles from Papaaloa, this airport primarily handles domestic flights. The main airline serving this airport is Southern Airways, ensuring connectivity within the region.

Top routes to Papaaloa

• Honolulu (HNL) to Papaaloa (ITO/KOA), with one-way flight options from around $50
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Papaaloa (ITO/KOA), with one-way tickets available from around $120
• San Francisco (SFO) to Papaaloa (ITO/KOA), with one-way tickets available from around $130
• Seattle (SEA) to Papaaloa (ITO/KOA), with one-way tickets available from around $130
• Kahului (OGG) to Papaaloa (ITO/MUE/KOA), with one-way tickets available from around $50

Cheapest routes to Papaaloa

• Honolulu (HNL) to Papaaloa (ITO/KOA), with low one-way fares from around $50
• Kahului (OGG) to Papaaloa (ITO/MUE/KOA), with cheap one-way fares from around $50
• Lihue (LIH) to Papaaloa (ITO/KOA), with low one-way fares from around $55
• Portland (PWM/PDX) to Papaaloa (ITO/KOA), with cheap one-way fares from around $120
• Oakland (OAK) to Papaaloa (ITO/KOA), with affordable one-way prices from around $120

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Papaaloa

• Hawaiian Airlines: Services both Hilo International Airport (ITO) and Kona International Airport (KOA), representing about 24% of arrivals in Papaaloa. The typical one-way fare is around $370, with premium cabin service possibly including first class, depending on the specific route.
• United: Offers flights to Hilo International Airport (ITO) and Kona International Airport (KOA), making up approximately 22% of arriving travelers in Papaaloa. The average fare for a one-way ticket is about $430, with premium cabin selections possibly including premium economy and first class based on the route.
• Alaska Airlines: Connects to Hilo International Airport (ITO) and Kona International Airport (KOA), contributing roughly 18% of arrivals to Papaaloa. One-way fares average around $340, with premium cabin options potentially featuring business class and first class, depending on the route taken.
• Southwest Airlines: Flies into Hilo International Airport (ITO) and Kona International Airport (KOA), accounting for about 14% of arrivals to Papaaloa. The average one-way fare is approximately $340, providing travelers with a reliable and budget-friendly choice.
• American Airlines: Operates flights to Hilo International Airport (ITO) and Kona International Airport (KOA), representing around 12% of arrivals in Papaaloa. Average one-way fares are approximately $480, with premium cabin service options that may include premium economy, business class, and first class depending on the route.

Best time to fly to Papaaloa

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Papaaloa are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Papaaloa can reach up to 68.9°F in January. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 73.4°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $240), roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? January, October, and February offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $243 to $260, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Papaaloa

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Papaaloa is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Papaaloa hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Papaaloa flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Papaaloa

Papaaloa welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Papaaloa efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Kona International Airport, Kona-Hawaii Seaport, a seaport, is conveniently located just 0.1 miles away by walking, making it easily accessible for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Papaaloa, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Papaaloa is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Papaaloa on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Papaaloa

• Laupahoehoe: Located 1 mile drive away from Papaaloa, Laupahoehoe is a charming city known for its outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. Visitors can explore the breathtaking Akaka Falls, perfect for a romantic outing or an adventurous day trip. Don’t miss the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, which offers a serene family-friendly environment. For relaxation, Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park is an excellent spot for eco-friendly activities and picnics, making it a wonderful destination for families and nature lovers alike.
• Hakalau: Hakalau is located 8 miles drive away from Papaaloa and boasts beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. This vibrant city features the impressive Hakalau Beach Park, ideal for a beach day filled with sun and sand. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate nearby Akaka Falls and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, both offering picturesque views and opportunities for exploration. With its recreational areas and golf courses, Hakalau provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for travelers.
• Honomu: Located 10 miles drive away from Papaaloa, Honomu invites travelers to immerse themselves in its natural beauty and outdoor pursuits. The city is home to the enchanting Akaka Falls, a must-visit for nature lovers seeking romance or adventure. For those who enjoy botanical wonders, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is nearby, providing a lush escape. Honomu also features urban parks and golf courses, ensuring visitors have ample opportunities for leisure and recreation during their stay.

Tips for short-haul flights to Papaaloa

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it's often more cost-effective to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your largest clothing items, and planning your outfits strategically. This approach also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may not provide in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself engaged, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Be sure to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack your own snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Papaaloa

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines even provide the option to select your seat earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, visit a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge, if available. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and easy to access.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to acclimate your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to rest or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Papaaloa

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Papaaloa on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

December is the cheapest month to fly to Papaaloa. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Papaaloa. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Papaaloa, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Papaaloa

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Papaaloa in 2026 starts from $137, while one-way tickets start from from $75. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Papaaloa. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Papaaloa

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Papaaloa. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Papaaloa and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Papaaloa, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Papaaloa. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Papaaloa plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Papaaloa

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Papaaloa.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Papaaloa are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Papaaloa. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Papaaloa for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Papaaloa. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Papaaloa flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Papaaloa. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.