Flying to Kauai Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

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Travelling to Kauai is more affordable than ever before. Set your sights on a tropical paradise and enjoy the Kauai’s “off seasons” are spring (mid-April to mid-June) and fall (September to mid-December). Luckily for you, the off seasons are the most affordable time to travel and feature Kauai’s most reliable weather.
How to shop?

Begin shopping at least 4 months in advance and make sure to purchase at least 21 days prior to your vacation dates. Sales usually occur on Mondays so Tuesday is traditionally the cheapest day to purchase tickets. Recognizing a “good deal” is easier if you price check for one person first to get a baseline when you are travelling in a group. Also, if the nearest airport to you does not regularly fly to Hawaii, finding inexpensive tickets to Los Angeles and booking separate tickets to Hawaii can yield better deals if you watch the sales and have relatively flexible dates for travel. Just make sure to give yourself enough time between flights since you may have to change terminals. Los Angeles and San Francisco have the highest number of outbound flights to Hawaii, making these cities ideal to find great deals!

When should you look?
The best deals usually pop up in October, but they sell out quickly, so be ready to pounce as soon as you see availability. Airlines took a hard hit last fall/winter, so look for deals this year as they are predicting lower flight rates through winter. Pacific Northwest and Los Angeles typically have the lowest rates, with Mid-west and East coast a bit more unpredictable. This year has seen unprecedented deals so be on the lookout for round trip tickets at unbeatable prices.

Timing is Everything!
Since desirable dates can sell out in hours, I suggest subscribing to airfare sites so you don’t miss out on the latest deals. Have your calendar ready and pre-select weeks that work best for your family. Watch Hawaiian and Alaskan airlines as they typically have the best rates. Using sites that compare ticket prices and send you alerts on deals will keep you in the loop, getting you the best air fares so you have more spending money to enjoy the wonders of Kauai.

A Special Note
The Hawaiian Islands are particularly busy the last week of April and first week of May as many Japanese tourists flock to the islands for a much needed vacation. The last week in April is called Golden Week in Japan because three major holidays take place one after the other. My suggestion is to book your flights and accommodations early if you plan on vacationing during these weeks.
What to expect when you arrive?

While Kauai’s airport, Lihue Airport, is small, it does feature a Starbucks, flower shop, and visitor information center. Catch a courtesy bus, shuttles, taxis, or get adventurous and rent a car from Thrifty, Dollar, Avis, Alamo, Budget, National, and Hertz. Exploring the island requires a car and there is really only one major road around the island.
Planning your trip requires patience, diligence and a little creativity. Starting early and subscribing to airfare alerts will pay off when you find the best deal for your trip. Search vacation rentals and learn more about the island with the best kept secrets in Hawaii. See Kauai at her best…experience the island’s rich history, diverse geography, and discover natural wonders that will create lifelong memories.