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Planning a trip to Hawaii often means packing more than just a carry-on. Maybe you’re bringing extra clothes or your sports equipment for catching waves. Either way, you’ll want to understand Hawaiian Airlines baggage policies and fees before you fly.
For flights within Hawaii, your first checked bag will cost $30. If you're flying between Hawaii and other parts of the U.S., expect to pay $40. Baggage fees can add up, but there are ways to avoid them, including using the right credit cards.
What’s Hawaiian Airlines’ baggage policy?
Hawaiian Airlines charges $40 for your first checked bag on U.S. flights, which is slightly higher than some other major airlines. Delta and JetBlue charge $35 (during the off-peak season for JetBlue), and Southwest Airlines lets you check two bags for free.
American Airlines matches Hawaiian's $40 fee, but with AA you can save $5 by paying online. Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t have that option.
| Airline | First checked bag fee |
| Hawaiian Airlines | $40 |
| Southwest Airlines | $0 |
| Delta Airlines | $35 |
| JetBlue Airways | $35 off-peak, $40 peak |
| American Airlines | $40 ($35 if you pay online) |
If you're island hopping in Hawaii, you'll pay less – $30 for your first checked bag on flights to neighboring islands.
Checked baggage fees for domestic flights
Hawaiian Airlines’ fees vary depending on whether you're flying within the islands or on a domestic flight within North America. Here’s what you can expect.
| Checked bags | Neighbor islands | Domestic U.S. |
| 1st checked bag | $30 | $40 |
| 2nd checked bag | $40 | $45 |
| Each additional bag | $50 | $150 |
Checked bags are measured based on the linear dimensions: length + width + height = total. If your checked bag is over 62 linear inches and/or is heavier than the maximum weight of 50 pounds, it may be considered overweight and/or oversized baggage.
This comes with extra fees. These fees depend on the weight of your bag and where you’re traveling, and you’ll have to pay them in addition to the regular baggage charges.
| Excess weight | Neighbor islands | Domestic U.S. |
| 51-70 pounds | $35 | $100 |
| 71-100 pounds | $70 | $200 |
Hawaii Airlines doesn’t accept bags over 100 pounds. If you’re traveling with heavy luggage, consider splitting it across different bags or finding an alternative.
Checked baggage fees for international flights
If you’re flying internationally, your baggage allowance and fees depend on your cabin class and destination. Most international flights allow you to check at least one bag free of charge. Check what fees apply to your specific route.
As a general rule, in Coach Class, you can pack up to 50 lbs without being charged extra fees. Business Class passengers get a more generous allowance of 70 lbs. Both classes have the same size limit of 62 inches.
If you’re a water sports enthusiast like me, Hawaiian Airlines includes surfboards, kiteboards, paddleboards, and wakeboards in your free baggage allowance when traveling non-stop or with connections between the USA and Australia or New Zealand.
Carry-on baggage and personal items allowance
Like most domestic carriers, Hawaiian Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, which is often a backpack or a laptop bag.
Carry-on bags must:
- Fit safely under the seat in front of you or in an approved overhead compartment
- Measure less than 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches
- Be under the weight limit of 25 pounds
You’ll need to check oversized or overweight baggage, but there are special rules that apply to certain items.
| Item | Rules |
| Musical instruments | You can count one musical instrument as your carry-on if it can be safely stowed and space is available (regardless of size). |
| Assistive devices | If you have a disability, you can bring assistive devices such as portable oxygen concentrators, respiratory assistive devices, canes, walkers, crutches, and prosthetics with you. They won’t count as a carry-on. |
| Ancillary (extra) items | You can bring items like an overcoat, a book, or snacks (including baby food) at no extra charge. |
| Car seats, booster seats, and strollers | These generally count as carry-on baggage. The one exception is if you have a car seat that meets Rule 12(E)(1) requirements and you use it during the flight. |
| Wagons and carts | Not allowed in the cabin. |
If your item doesn’t fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, then you may be required to check it. If you are traveling with something fragile, you’ll be allowed to purchase a second airfare so your item has a seat of its own to travel in.
- Smart bags with lithium-ion batteries that can’t be removed
- Lithium batteries that have been recalled by the manufacturer
- More than 12 ounces of powder-like substances (if traveling to the U.S. from another country)
- Hoverboards
- Segways
- Electric unicycles
- Stoves
- Fuel
- Fuel canisters
- Ice
- Large containers of non-solid foods
- Alcoholic beverages
If you’re not sure if your item is going to be allowed in the cabin, it’s a good idea to get in touch with Hawaiian Airlines and ask.
How to avoid checked bag fees on Hawaiian Airlines
Now that you know how much it will cost to check your bags with Hawaiian Airlines, let’s talk about ways you can get around these fees.
1. Only pack a carry-on
The best carry-on bags give you lots of room to pack what you need for a trip. With Hawaiian Airlines’ allowance of a suitcase or carry-on bag and a personal item, you can easily pack the airplane essentials and skip having to check any of your bags.
Stick to items you absolutely need, such as medications, valuables, clothing, footwear, etc. My biggest piece of advice is to think about what you can buy cheap once you land. Why clutter up space in a carry-on for toothpaste and shampoo? You can get travel-sized items like these at a local pharmacy or big-box store.
2. Join the frequent flyer program
If you’re a Pualani Platinum or Pualani Gold member of Hawaiian Airlines’ customer loyalty program, you can get some of your bags checked for free.
When you sign up for a HawaiianMiles free membership, you’ll begin earning miles each time you fly with Hawaiian Airlines. At this level of membership, you’ll get a discount of $15 for the first bag and $20 for the second bag when flying within the Hawaiian Islands.
Once a HawaiianMiles member completes 15 flight segments with the airline or earns 10,000 miles, they qualify for the Pualani Gold Membership, which allows two free checked bags. If you fly 30 segments or earn 20,000 miles, you get Pualani Platinum status, which allows you three free checked bags. Any bags in addition to those would incur an excess baggage fee.
Hawaiian Airlines also offers a paid membership program called Premier Club. For a new membership fee of $299 or 40,000 miles ($249 or 35,000 miles for renewals), you get a bunch of useful perks, including express check-in, access to priority security lines, zone 2 pre-boarding, access to the Premier Club lounges on the islands, and two free checked bags.
3. Buy a premium ticket
One of the perks of flying with a premium or international ticket on Hawaiian Airlines is the checked baggage allowance. If you’re flying first-class or internationally, you can check two bags free of charge (one bag for Australia and New Zealand).
4. Bring your military documentation
Hawaiian Airlines offers active, retired, or retiring military personnel and their qualified dependents a baggage fee waiver for up to five checked bags per person when traveling on official orders. You’ll have to provide a valid military ID and proof of your orders when checking in to have the fees waived. Each bag must be less than 70 pounds and 80 linear inches.
If you’re an active-duty serviceperson traveling on personal business, you’ll be able to check two bags for free with a valid military ID. The baggage fee waiver doesn’t apply to dependents, and each bag must be less than 50 pounds and 62 linear inches.
P.S. There are also other ways members of the military can save big by using credit cards.
5. Use a travel card
Travel credit cards are a great money-saving source when it comes to baggage fees. Some offer an annual travel credit, others allow you to be reimbursed for particular purchases.
Many people choose to sign up for one or more of the best airline credit cards. That's because cards affiliated with the airline you’re flying often have baggage allowances for cardholders.
If you frequently use Hawaiian Airlines, one of the best credit card options might be the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®. This card gives cardholders their first checked bag for free. Its welcome offer allows you to Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days, which could bump you into Pualani Platinum Membership. This level of the airline’s customer loyalty program allows you up to three free checked bags.
Maybe you only fly to Hawaii occasionally. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card could be a great option. This card makes our list of the best travel credit cards. It enables you to earn miles by making everyday purchases. You can use miles to pay for some airline purchases, such as baggage fees. It also has a redemption feature, through which you trade in miles for an account credit toward a specified travel purchase.
Read our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review for more information.
FAQs
How much does Hawaiian charge for luggage?
It depends on your route and travel class. For flights within Hawaii, your first checked bag costs $30. With domestic travel, you’ll have to pay a higher fee of $40. If you’re flying internationally or first class, you can check two bags for free (one bag for Australia and New Zealand, but you can include your surfboard/kiteboard as checked luggage).
Do you get a free carry-on with Hawaiian Airlines?
Yes, you can have one free carry-on bag, one personal item, and ancillary items like a jacket or a book at no extra charge. Just make sure that these items comply with the size requirements and fit under the seat in front of you or in an overhead compartment.
Does a backpack count as a carry-on on Hawaiian Airlines?
You can count a backpack as a carry-on or your personal item. I’d recommend counting your backpack as a personal item so you can also bring a small suitcase as a carry-on and potentially avoid baggage fees.
Can I bring my own snacks on Hawaiian Airlines?
Yes, you can bring food (including baby food) to eat during the flight - it’s an ancillary item.
What happens if my bag is over 50 pounds of Hawaiian Airlines?
If your bag exceeds the weight limit, you’ll have to pay overweight baggage fees. These fees can be as high as $200 for domestic flights. Depending on how heavy your bag is, it might be cheaper to check a second bag or try to fit a few extra items in your carry-on.
Bottom line
As you can see, there are lots of ways to get free baggage and avoid paying fees when flying on Hawaiian Airlines. It simply pays to understand Hawaiian Airlines' baggage rules and fees.
After all, who wants to think about spending extra money when you’re starting a trip to one of the most beautiful places in the world? You can use that cash you saved to make your experience on the islands truly unforgettable.
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