Jetstar is pulling out of its Sydney to Honolulu route in October 2025. What does this mean for travellers chasing cheap flights to Hawaii from Australia?

Jetstar has announced it will end its direct flights between Sydney and Honolulu on 24 October 2025, marking the end of its 19-year service to Hawaii and its final route to the United States. For nearly two decades, the low-cost airline offered Aussies an affordable, no-frills escape to the islands.

In our previous comparison of Qantas vs Jetstar on this popular leisure route, Jetstar took the win for price-conscious travellers. But with that budget option gone, a new showdown begins between two full-service competitors: Qantas vs Hawaiian Airlines.

What We’re Comparing: Key Factors for Hawaii-Bound Travellers

If you're planning a tropical getaway and choosing the best airline to Hawaii from Australia, here’s what we looked at:

• Pricing, Comfort, and Inflight Experience – How do Hawaiian Airlines and Qantas compare when you factor in meals, baggage, and entertainment?

• Flight schedules and reliability – Are departure and arrival times traveller-friendly?

• Aircraft type and safety – How do they stack up on aircraft used and safety records?

Hawaiian Airlines: Price and Inclusions

Our return flight with Hawaiian Airlines came to $1,120 AUD. This fare includes:

• Meal, snack, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)

• Standard window seat (rear half of the plane)

• Inflight entertainment via seatback screens

• 23kg of checked baggage + 7kg carry-on

• USB charging ports

Blankets and pillows are not included in the base fare but are available for purchase at $15 AUD per set which would bring the price to $1,135 AUD.

Qantas: Price and Inclusions

The Qantas return fare came in at $1,330 AUD, which includes:

• Meals, snacks, and unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)

• Inflight entertainment via seatback screens

• 30kg of checked baggage + 7kg carry-on

• Blanket and pillow

• Laptop charging ports at each seat

However, seat selection is not included, adding $90 return. That brings the total to $1,420 AUD.

Qantas Frequent Flyer members get free seat selection, and membership costs $90. So, if you join, the cost evens out and you’ll also earn Qantas Points for your flight. There are even ways to get free membership.

Safety and Aircraft: Equal Across Both Airlines

Both Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines fly the Airbus A330 on this route in a 2-4-2 configuration, with:

• Seat pitch: 31 inches (79 cm)

• Seat width: 17–18 inches

Both carriers have a fatality-free record in the jet era and consistently feature in our list of the world’s safest airlines.

Flight Schedule Comparison: Evening Departures, Similar Arrivals

• Qantas departs Sydney at 8:10 pm and arrives in Honolulu at 9:00 am.

• Hawaiian Airlines departs at 9:40 pm and arrives at 10:30 am.

Return flights:

• Qantas departs Honolulu at 10:45 am and arrives in Sydney at 6:20 pm the next day.

• Hawaiian departs at 12:05 pm and arrives at 7:45 pm the next day.

Entertainment and Tech: Qantas Has the Edge

Both airlines offer seatback screens with extensive entertainment libraries at no extra charge.

• Qantas includes laptop power outlets

• Hawaiian offers USB ports more suitable for smaller devices

If you're working in-flight or need to power a laptop, Qantas may be the better option.

The Value Equation: Is Qantas Worth the Extra $210?

At first glance, Qantas is $210 more expensive than Hawaiian. But if your baggage goes over Hawaiian’s 23kg allowance, that gap can disappear fast and Qantas becomes the better price:

• Excess baggage ex-Sydney costs $200 AUD

• Excess baggage ex-Honolulu costs $200 USD

It’s also worth noting that the Australian departures are overnight flights, and only Qantas includes blankets and pillows. If you’re flying Hawaiian, be sure to factor in the cost of purchasing these onboard, or plan to bring your own.

Verdict: Which Airline to Choose for Your Hawaii Holiday?

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 may need power outlets

Choose Hawaiian Airlines if:

• You’re travelling as a family and can distribute baggage weight if needed

• You’re on a budget and simply want the lowest fare

• You can comfortably stay within the 23kg baggage limit

• You don’t need blankets and pillows, or can pack your own within the 7kg carry-on allowance, easily avoiding the extra cost.

Final Thoughts: A New Era for Flights to Hawaii from Australia

With Jetstar stepping away, it’s not just the end of an era—it’s the start of a new competition. The Hawaii route is still in demand, and both Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines offer strong, full-service experiences.

For travellers, the takeaway is simple: check both airlines before you book, watch for sales( they have them all the time), and choose based on your travel style, baggage needs, and loyalty program preferences.