Comparing Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines: Figuring Out Which Provides the Best Flight Deals to Hawaii Following Jetstar's Departure
New Era for Flights to Hawaii from Australia: Qantas vs Hawaiian Airlines
It's a whole new ball game in the skies for Hawaiian holiday-bound Aussies with Jetstar stepping away from the Sydney to Honolulu route in October 2025. But fear not, for two full-service heavyweights are ready to face off – Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines.
Before you pack your sunscreen and Hawaiian shirts, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of what we're looking at: pricing, in-flight experiences, flight schedules, aircraft type, safety, and a whole lot more!
Qantas or Hawaiian: What's the Score?
Hawaiian Airlines: The Budget Champion
We clocked in our return flight with Hawaiian Airlines at $1,120 AUD, and here's what you'll get for your money:
- Meals, snacks, and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Standard window seat (rear half of the plane)
- In-flight entertainment via seatback screens and free Starlink WiFi
- 23kg checked baggage and 7kg carry-on
- USB charging ports
Get ready to splash out an extra $15 AUD for blankets and pillows if you feel the chill or crave a good snooze during your overnight Australian departure.
Qantas: Comfort and Dough
The Qantas return ticket came in a little pricier at $1,330 AUD, but what's included in their package?
- Meals, snacks, and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- In-flight entertainment via seatback screens
- 30kg checked baggage and 7kg carry-on
- Blanket and pillow
- Laptop charging ports at each seat
But there's a catch – seat selection costs an extra $90 return. But fret not, Qantas Frequent Flyer members can get their seat for free, and membership costs only $90 – so it's a win-win!
Safety and Aircraft: A Perfect 10
Both Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines rock the Airbus A330, with a 2-4-2 configuration and:
- Seat pitch: 31 inches (79 cm)
- Seat width: 17-18 inches
These guys have a stellar safety record, consistently decking out our list of the world's safest airlines.
Flight Schedule Comparison: Timing is Crucial
- Qantas departs Sydney at 8:10 pm, landing in Honolulu at 9:00 am.
- Hawaiian Airlines jets off at 9:40 pm and lands at 10:30 am.
Return flights:
- Qantas takes off from Honolulu at 10:45 am, arriving in Sydney at 6:20 pm the next day.
- Hawaiian Airlines departs at 12:05 pm and touches down at 7:45 pm the next day.
Connectivity, Entertainment and Tech: Hawaiian Takes the Lead
Both airlines offer seatback screens with an abundance of entertainment options, free of charge. Hawaiian Airlines, however, offers a shot of connectivity with their free Starlink WiFi – ideal for work, streaming movies, or gaming at blistering speeds.
The Value Equation: Is Qantas Worth the Extra $210?
At first glance, Qantas is $210 more expensive, but things can get interesting when your baggage exceeds Hawaiian's 23kg limit.
- Excess baggage ex-Sydney: $200 AUD
- Excess baggage ex-Honolulu: $200 USD
Qantas also hands out blankets and pillows on Aussie departures, which might be a comforting thought for flight-time sleepers.
The Final Verdict: Which Airline to Choose?
Choose Qantas if:
- You're a Qantas Frequent Flyer and want to collect points
- You need a generous baggage allowance
- You want the comfort of having a blanket and pillow provided
- You plan to work on the flight and your laptop will need power
Choose Hawaiian Airlines if:
- You're on a budget and simply want the lowest fare
- You can keep your luggage under the 23kg limit
- You want to stay connected during your flight
- You can manage without blankets and pillows or pack your own
This marks the advent of a fresh competition for flights to Hawaii from Australia. The choice is yours, lovely traveller – go, explore, and enjoy the journey!
- As you evaluate your travel options for a trip to Hawaii from Australia, consider the offerings of both Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines in terms of lifestyle and travel experience.
- When comparing budget and comfort, Hawaiian Airlines offers a lower-cost ticket with in-flight entertainment, free Starlink WiFi, and a standard seat selection, while Qantas, at a higher price point, offers a generous baggage allowance, laptop charging ports, and the option to collect points through their Frequent Flyer program.
