10 day itinerary for Hawaii in March

Question

I am planning Hawaii trip in March for 10 days, I willbe travelling from Jfk and want to know which airports I should book for arrival and departure in Hawaii. I will make my rest of itinerary later but want to keep an eye on airfare and book flights. Since they charge fee so want to make sure at least Airports are fixed and rest of itinerary can revolve around this.

Answer

For a 10-day trip to Hawaii in March, choosing your arrival and departure airports wisely can help you maximize your time on the islands and keep your airfare reasonable. Hawaii has multiple major airports on different islands, and your decision on which ones to fly into and out of will impact your itinerary. Here's a breakdown of the main airports and what to consider when booking flights:

Arrival Airport Options:

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) – Oahu: This is the most common airport for international flights and is the largest and busiest in Hawaii. If you're planning to start your trip on Oahu, this is the most convenient option. Oahu is also home to many of Hawaii's cultural and historical landmarks (like Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head), and it’s easy to get around the island from HNL. Many flight deals will land here, and it provides the most options for onward flights to the other islands.
Kahului Airport (OGG) – Maui: If you plan to begin your trip on Maui, consider flying into Kahului Airport. Maui offers beautiful beaches, scenic drives like the Road to Hana, and great outdoor activities. If you plan on visiting Maui first and then heading to another island (like Oahu or the Big Island), Kahului could be a good option.
Kona International Airport (KOA) – Big Island (Hawaii Island): If you're looking to start your trip on the Big Island, Kona is a great choice. The Big Island offers a variety of landscapes, including volcanoes, beaches, and rainforests. Kona is closer to the popular resort areas like Waikoloa and Kailua-Kona, so it’s ideal for a relaxing start to your vacation.
Lihue Airport (LIH) – Kauai: Kauai is the most laid-back and lush of the Hawaiian Islands, and flying into Lihue Airport is the best option if you want to explore its natural beauty first. However, Kauai is a smaller island, and its airport has fewer direct international flight options, so it may require a layover in Honolulu or another major airport.

Departure Airport Options:

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) – Oahu: If you arrive on one island and want to explore others, it’s often easiest to use Honolulu as your departure point. Oahu is a major hub for flights to the mainland, so you’ll likely find the most flight options and competitive pricing for your return to JFK. Additionally, Oahu has many transportation options to get around, making it a convenient place to conclude your trip.
Kona International Airport (KOA) – Big Island: If you end your trip on the Big Island and prefer to fly out of Kona, that’s also a viable option. There are direct flights to the mainland from KOA, but be mindful that there are fewer flight options compared to Oahu, so it’s important to check availability and pricing in advance.
Kahului Airport (OGG) – Maui: You can also depart from Maui, but similar to Kona, there are fewer options than from Oahu. If you have time on Maui at the end of your trip, this might be an excellent option to consider. Maui offers great beaches and outdoor activities, making it a relaxing spot to end your vacation before heading back to the mainland.

Suggested Arrival and Departure Strategy:

Since you'll be traveling to multiple islands, it’s often best to book an open-jaw ticket (arriving at one airport and departing from another) to save on backtracking. Here are a couple of possible options depending on your desired route:

Option 1: Arrive in Honolulu (Oahu), depart from Kona (Big Island): Start your trip by exploring Oahu’s beaches, culture, and history. Then, head to the Big Island for a few days of volcanic landscapes and relaxing beach time. Kona has direct flights to and from the mainland, so this is a solid option for departure.
Option 2: Arrive in Kahului (Maui), depart from Honolulu (Oahu): Start with Maui to enjoy its natural beauty, beaches, and outdoor activities. Then, head to Oahu for the last leg of your trip to take in the sights, explore Pearl Harbor, and shop in Honolulu. Honolulu is the best choice for departure with more flight options.
Option 3: Arrive in Lihue (Kauai), depart from Honolulu (Oahu): If you want to start your trip with Kauai’s laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery, Lihue is the best arrival airport. After exploring Kauai’s natural beauty, you can make your way to Oahu for the remainder of the trip and depart from Honolulu.

By booking flights to one island and out of another, you avoid the need for backtracking and save time. Just be sure to factor in inter-island flights if you're planning to visit multiple islands. Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, and other carriers offer frequent inter-island flights that make island-hopping relatively easy and affordable.

Additional Tips:

Flexibility: Be flexible with your travel dates to take advantage of better airfare pricing. Flights to Hawaii can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of day, and season.
Booking Inter-Island Flights: If you're hopping between islands, try to book your inter-island flights early, as they can fill up quickly, especially during busy travel periods like March.
Rental Cars: For most islands, renting a car is highly recommended to explore at your own pace. Make sure to reserve your rental car in advance, especially in popular locations like Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.

With 10 days, you have plenty of time to explore at least two or three islands. Booking your flights with arrival and departure airports in mind will give you more flexibility in planning the rest of your itinerary. Have a fantastic trip!