Southwest Flights & Routes to Hawaii – A Complete Guide [2023]

Southwest Airlines has been flying to Hawaii since March 2019. After lots of initial anticipation about how many routes the airline would operate, it has settled on a small, but mighty, set of daily flights to Hawaii from multiple cities on the West Coast. Southwest also operates some interisland flights to help you island hop during your vacation.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about Southwest flights to Hawaii, including the most recent changes, plus some tips to boost your Southwest Rapid Rewards balance so you’ll be able to buy your ticket with points.

Southwest’s Current Routes to Hawaii from California

The first Southwest flight to Hawaii took off in 2019. Since then, Southwest has been adding additional routes and more are planned for the future.

Southwest offers nonstop service to 4 different Hawaiian islands from 8 cities in California, Arizona, and Nevada.

Southwest’s Current Hawaii Interisland Flights

How To Earn Enough Southwest Points To Fly to Hawaii

Since Southwest now offers service to Hawaii, it’s a good time to stock up on Rapid Rewards points, because the only thing better than flying to Hawaii is flying to Hawaii on points!

You’ll love the Southwest Rapid Rewards program for a few reasons. It’s straightforward, easy to use, and there are no blackout dates. If a fare is available for cash, you can use Rapid Rewards points to purchase it, too.

Southwest Rapid Rewards points are worth ~1.3 cents each. The ticket cost in points is based on the cash cost, so you’ll see that a more expensive ticket will cost more Rapid Rewards points, too.

Bottom Line: Southwest doesn’t offer business or first class seats on any flight. However, keep in mind that Southwest has one of the roomiest economy cabins in the industry. Don’t forget to check out our expert tips on finding the best seat on your next Southwest flight for some guidance on the best spots on the plane.

10 Ways To Earn Lots of Southwest Rapid Rewards Points

1. Take a Southwest Flight: This one is pretty straightforward but worth mentioning: you’ll earn points for every flight you take on Southwest Airlines. Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away plus fares earn more points than Wanna Get Away fares, but also they cost more.

2. Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: Southwest offers both personal and business credit cards. Each of these cards earns bonus points on all Southwest Airlines purchases including flights, inflight purchases, Southwest gift cards, Southwest Vacations packages, and at participating Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners.

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card focuses on the Southwest traveler with anniversary points, travel credit, upgrades, and money back on inflight purchases.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card

This card focuses on the Southwest traveler with anniversary points, travel credit, upgrades, and money back on inflight purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn 50,000 points.

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$650

Annual Fee

$149

APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Priority Credit Card is the most premium personal Southwest card offering from Chase. When you peel back the curtain, it is easy to see why.

Not only does the card offer multiple bonus categories to help you earn more Southwest Rapid Rewards points, but it is also loaded with benefits that are sure to offer quite a bit of value to Southwest flyers.

Here is a full overview of the card to help you decide if it is a good fit for your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points per $1 on Southwest purchases
• 2x points per $1 on local transit and commuting, including rideshare purchases
• 2x points per $1 on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming purchases
• 1x point per $1 on all other purchases
• 7,500 points each year on your cardmember anniversary
• $75 annual Southwest travel credit
• 4 Upgraded Boardings per year
• 25% back on inflight purchases
• 1,500 tier qualifying points towards elite status for every $5,000 spent
• Travel and purchase protection

Cons

• $149 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable points

Card Highlights

• Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 7,500 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 3X points on Southwest^® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• $75 Southwest^® travel credit each year.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Airline Credit Cards

Rewards Center

Southwest Rapid Rewards Frequent Flyer Program

More Reads

• Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards
• The Southwest Companion Pass

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Premier Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn Southwest points on every purchase, plus anniversary points, Tier Qualifying Points, and points toward the Companion Pass!

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Premier Credit Card

Earn Southwest points on every purchase, plus anniversary points, Tier Qualifying Points, and points toward the Companion Pass!

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn 50,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$650

Annual Fee

$99

APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Another week, another flight. Flying weekly can get tiring, but you know that every flight gets you closer to taking some great vacations with your significant other or your favorite travel buddy.

To save money on the flights, you like to use Southwest Airlines.

So why not get the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Premier Credit Card to help you earn extra Rapid Rewards points?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points per $1 on Southwest purchases
• 2x points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
• 2x points per $1 on local transit and commuting, including rideshares
• 2x points per $1 on Internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services
• 6,000 anniversary points each year on your card renewal
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In certificates per year
• Earn Tier Qualifying Points for your spend
• 25% back on inflight purchases

Cons

• $99 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 6,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 3X points on Southwest^® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In^® each year.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Airline Credit Cards

Rewards Center

Southwest Rapid Rewards Frequent Flyer Program

More Reads

• Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards
• The Southwest Companion Pass

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card makes it easy to earn unlimited points and qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card

This card makes it easy to earn unlimited points and qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass.

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn 50,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$650

Annual Fee

$69

APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you spend a lot of time in the air, it’s important to get a great deal on your plane tickets.

Southwest Airlines can help you get those deals.

One way to save is by using the Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Plus Credit Card. This card helps you earn points for all your spending, and earning more reward points is always a good thing for a busy traveler!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x points per $1 on Southwest purchases
• 2x points per $1 on local transit and commuting, including rideshares
• 2x points per $1 on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming
• 3,000 anniversary points each year on your card renewal
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In certificates per year
• 25% back on inflight purchases

Cons

• $69 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Card Highlights

• Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2X points on Southwest^® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In^® each year.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Airline Credit Cards

Rewards Center

Southwest Rapid Rewards Frequent Flyer Program

More Reads

• Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards
• The Southwest Companion Pass

Southwest^® Rapid Rewards^® Performance Business Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Southwest frequent flyers will love the upgraded boarding positions, inflight Wi-Fi credits, and bonus points on each cardmember anniversary.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Southwest^® Rapid Rewards^® Performance Business Credit Card

Southwest frequent flyers will love the upgraded boarding positions, inflight Wi-Fi credits, and bonus points on each cardmember anniversary.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,040

Annual Fee

$199

APR

21.49%-28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Performance Business Credit Card is a phenomenal option for business owners who are Southwest frequent flyers. It helps you earn more points on all of your business expenses, offers upgraded boarding certificates and Wi-Fi credits, and helps you reach higher levels of Southwest elite status. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases
• 3x points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases
• 2x points per $1 spent on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services
• 2x points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services
• 9,000 bonus points each year after your cardmember anniversary
• Up to 365 inflight Wi-Fi credits per year
• 4 Upgraded Boarding certificates per year
• Earn 1,500 tier qualifying points towards Southwest status for every $5,000 spent on the card
• Up to a $500 fee credit for points transfers when you use your card to transfer points to another Southwest Rapid Rewards member
• Employee cards at no additional cost
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit
• No foreign transaction fees
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Baggage delay insurance
• Extended warranty protection
• Purchase protection

Cons

• $199 annual fee
• Doesn’t earn transferable rewards

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 9,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
• Earn 4X pts on Southwest^® purchases.
• Earn 3X points on Rapid Rewards^® hotel and car rental partners.
• Earn 2X points on rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services and 1X points on all other purchases.
• 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Airline Credit Cards
• Business Credit Cards
• Best Sign Up Bonuses

More Reads

• Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for Southwest Airlines Flyers
• How To Earn Southwest Points Quickly
• Best Chase Business Credit Cards

Southwest^® Rapid Rewards^® Premier Business Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Business owners who fly Southwest often can earn extra points for all of their spending, and add employee cards at no additional cost.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Southwest^® Rapid Rewards^® Premier Business Credit Card

Business owners who fly Southwest often can earn extra points for all of their spending, and add employee cards at no additional cost.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$780

Annual Fee

$99

APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Premier Business Credit Card is built for business owners that regularly fly with Southwest and are looking for a card that helps them earn more points while providing benefits such as 25% back on inflight purchases and EarlyBird Check-In certificates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points per $1 on Southwest purchases
• 2x points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and rental car partners
• 2x points per $1 on local transit and commuting purchases, including rideshare, passenger trains, buses, taxis, tolls, and parking lots and garages
• 1x point per $1 on all other purchases
• 6,000 anniversary points
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In certificates per year
• 25% back on inflight purchases
• $500 fee credit for points transfers per year
• 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) toward A-List status for every $10,000 spent
• Employee cards at no added cost
• No foreign transaction fees
• Lost luggage insurance
• Baggage delay insurance
• Purchase protection and extended warranty protection

Cons

• $99 annual fee
• Doesn’t earn transferable rewards

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
• 6,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
• Earn 3X points on Southwest Airlines^® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards^® hotel and car rental partners.
• Earn 2X points on rideshare.
• 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In^® each year.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Airline Credit Cards
• Business Credit Cards
• Best Sign Up Bonuses

More Reads

• Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for Southwest Airlines Flyers
• How To Earn Southwest Points Quickly
• How To Get Southwest Elite Status

3. Southwest Credit Card Referral Bonus: If you already have a Southwest card, you can earn bonus points by referring friends and family. Visit Chase’s Refer-A-Friend program to see which Southwest credit cards are participating.

4. Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards Points:  Southwest is a Chase transfer partner at a 1:1 ratio. If you need to top off your Southwest account for a redemption, you can easily and instantly transfer points over from your Ultimate Rewards account.

5. Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning Credit Cards: Since Chase points transfer to Southwest at a 1:1 ratio, any Ultimate Rewards points you earn can be transferred into Rapid Rewards points.

Chase credit cards tend to have more varied rewards categories (including travel and dining) than Southwest cards, so you can earn points even faster.

Our Recommended Chase Card (with points that transfer directly to Southwest):

POPULAR FIRST CARD

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

APR

21.49%-28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
• 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
• Excellent travel and car rental insurance
• 10% annual bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Credit Cards
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Sign Up Bonuses

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

More Reads

• The Chase Sapphire Preferred 80k or 100k Bonus Offer
• Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Score Requirements
• Military Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Sapphire Preferred
• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve
• Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred

6. Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal: Did you know you can earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points just by shopping online? Search for your favorite store and click through the Rapid Rewards shopping portal, and you will be earning bonus points on your purchase. It’s a great way to maximize every dollar you spend.

7. Rapid Rewards Dining Program: How about earning extra points each time you dine out? When you participate in the Rapid Rewards Dining program, you’ll earn bonus points each time you eat at participating restaurants. Just be sure to link your credit card to your Rapid Rewards Dining account first.

8. Book a Southwest Rapid Rewards Vacation Package: Booking a Southwest Vacations package earns points on the flight portion of your trip, plus bonus points are often available.

9. Book a Southwest Rapid Rewards Hotel or Car Rental Partner: Each time you book a hotel or car through a Southwest partner, you’ll earn bonus Rapid Rewards points.

10. Buy Southwest Rapid Rewards Points: This isn’t the best option, but if a promotion is running a promotion or you just need to top off your account for a specific redemption, buying Southwest points is an option.

Bottom Line: There are so many ways to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points without even stepping foot on an airplane. Check out our guide to earning Southwest Rapid Rewards points without flying for more ways to earn.

Final Thoughts

Southwest is known as a top-notch domestic airline with great customer service and flyer-friendly policies. In addition to great domestic routes including Hawaii, Southwest flies to lots of international destinations too.

Southwest makes it easy to fly to Hawaii since its frequent flyer program is so easy to use and has no blackout dates. Plus you won’t have to pay for your bags and you’ll enjoy the great customer service that Southwest is known for.