Compare Cheap Flights from Christchurch to Honolulu
Honolulu is the capital and largest city of Hawaii and tops bucket lists for people around the world. While Hawaii is a state within the USA, it has a completely unique culture compared to the rest of the country. While US history only goes back a few hundred years, Hawaiian culture and history go back about 1,500 years and have roots in Polynesia. Hawaii is made up of eight different islands, each offering lots of beautiful nature and beaches. Oahu is the most populous island and where you’ll find Honolulu. As one of the most popular islands for visitors to Hawaii, Oahu offers lots of of attractions, nature, food, shopping, and nightlife to keep you entertained. Booking cheap flights from Christchurch to Honolulu is the perfect way to escape the cold Christchurch winter and get a taste of laid-back island life.
Start planning your next tropical adventure with Webjet’s cheap airfares from Christchurch to Honolulu, Hawaii.
The best time to visit Honolulu
With idyllic island weather year-round, it’s never a bad time to book return flights from Christchurch to Honolulu. The weather in Honolulu stays fairly stable all year, with temperatures averaging 27 to 30°C. The weather is dry for most of the year, but you’ll experience a bit of rain between January and April. Although Oahu experiences some rain during these months, it’s actually one of the busiest times to visit Hawaii. That’s because this is when surfing is at its best. Surfers from all over the world flock to Honolulu and the island’s North Shore to experience the waves.
The summer months between June and August are the other high season in Honolulu. During each of these busy periods, hotels increase their rates due to the high demand. If you’ll be visiting Honolulu during one of these seasons, be sure to book your hotel early in order to find the best rates.
For the best deals, consider visiting Honolulu in April to early June or September to mid-December. These seasons are when you’ll experience the lowest volume of tourists. During these months, the weather is gorgeous, and there are lots of festivals and events to keep you busy.
Departing From Christchurch
Christchurch is home to the second busiest airport in New Zealand and the primary airport servicing the South Island. Christchurch Airport (CHC) is conveniently located about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) northwest of the the CBD.
Departing from Christchurch, you can fly to Honolulu Airport in less than 12 hours with a stopover. Several airlines fly this route, including Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, Qantas, United Airlines, Emirates, and Fiji Airways. Each day, there are about 20 cheap flights from Christchurch to Honolulu to help you get your holiday started.
Getting to Christchurch Airport
In order to reach Christchurch Airport from the city, you can catch one of the city’s Metro Red Buses. The Purple Line is available from several major stops, including the Bus Interchange, Ferry Road, and the University at Ilam Road. Bus route 29 is also an option, and it departs from the Bus Interchange and Fendalton. Bus fare on each of these routes costs $8.50 NZD for a one-way ticket and $15 NZD return.
Taxis and Ubers are convenient options and will get you to Christchurch Airport in about 20 minutes from the city centre. Travelling from the CBD and inner suburbs, a taxi to Christchurch Airport comes to about $35 NZD.
Parking at Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Airport offers several car parks that are within walking distance to the terminal. There are several short term and long term car parks to choose from.
Where to Park at Christchurch Airport
• The Long Stay car park offers uncovered parking. Rates start at $27 NZD per day and $135 NZD per week.
• Orchard Road car park offers the most affordable daily rate. Prices start at $22 NZD per day and $154 NZD per week.
• The Craddocks offer a cheap long-term rate. It’s right outside the airport with a shuttle to the terminal. Rates start at $24 NZD per day and $100 NZD per week.
Arriving in Honolulu
Honolulu has one major airport, which receives the majority of international flights into Hawaii. If you enjoy window seats when flying, try to book a window seat for the flight into Honolulu; between the bright blue water, green landscape, and modern skyscrapers, the view flying into Honolulu is stunning. Daniel K. Inouye Airport (HNL) is located 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Downtown Honolulu, offering quick and easy connections into the city.
How to Get from Daniel K. Inouye Airport (HNL) to Your Honolulu Hotel or Accommodation
Public transport offers the most affordable journey from Daniel K. Inouye Airport (HNL) to the city. Honolulu’s public bus system is called TheBus and offers three different routes from the airport. To reach central Honolulu or the neighbourhood of Waikiki, you can catch bus 19 or 20. For a bus to the Kalihi Transit Center, you can catch bus route 31. From the Kalihi Transit Center, you can catch buses to a variety of destinations around Oahu, such as the North Shore. Single ride tickets on TheBus cost $2.50 USD ($3.75 NZD).
For a direct ride to your hotel, you can opt to catch a shuttle from Daniel K. Inouye Airport (HNL). Shuttle buses operate on an as-needed basis and can either be pre-booked or booked at the airport for the same price. Once you have your ticket, head to the shuttle right outside of baggage claim. Tickets to ride the airport shuttle cost $16 USD ($23.85 NZD) and include two suitcases and a carry-on bag. If you’re planning to surf in Hawaii and brought your board with you, the shuttles can accommodate surfboards for an additional $22 USD ($32.80 NZD).
Taxis from the airport are available at the centre median outside of baggage claim. A taxi from the Honolulu airport will typically get you into Downtown or Waikiki in about 15 minutes. Taxi fare to these neighbourhoods costs about $40 to $45 USD ($59.65 to $67.10 NZD). Taxis also charge a small surcharge of 50 cents USD (75 cents NZD) for each piece of luggage. Remember, when taking a taxi in the USA, it is also customary to tip 15 to 20% of your total fare.
Things to do in Honolulu
Diamond Head Crater
All throughout Hawaii, you’ll find hikes that offer up beautiful views. One of the most popular hiking spots is the Diamond Head Crater. This inactive volcano is located a short distance from the coastal Waikiki neighbourhood. There is an easy hour-long hike to the top where you can see sweeping views over the city, the ocean, and the bright green Hawaiian landscape.
Pearl Harbor
One of the most significant events to take place in Hawaii was the bombing of Pearl Harbour in December 1941. This event was responsible for the United States entering into World War II. While visiting Pearl Harbour, you can learn more about this historic event and how it affected the people of Honolulu in the aftermath. Pearl Harbour is made up of memorials, such as a submarine, a museum, and several ships.
Go to the Beach
One of the main draws for visitors to Hawaii is its beaches. Waikiki Beach is located right in the heart of Honolulu and is an easy walk from Downtown. Lanikai Beach is slightly outside the city and offers a relaxing atmosphere with small crowds and calm waves. The North Shore of Oahu is an iconic spot due to its beautiful beach and legendary surfing. Avid surfers will instantly fall in love with the North Shore. And if you haven’t surfed before, it’s the perfect spot to try surfing for the first time.
Iolani Palace
Up until 1893, Hawaii was a kingdom with its own royal family. Iolani Palace was the royal residence and is located right in the heart of Honolulu. Visiting Iolani Palace is a great way to learn about Hawaii’s history and culture before it became part of the United States.
Koko Head and Hanauma Bay
Koko Head is a mountain located east of Honolulu that offers a challenging hike. This hike is unique in that you don’t hike up a normal trail; instead, you make the trek up an old railroad track. From the top of Koko Head, there are amazing views of Honolulu and the Oahu coastline. After visiting Koko Head, go to nearby Hanauma Bay. This spot is home to lots of colourful fish, coral, and sea turtles, making it an ideal place to go snorkelling.
