Flights From Hawaii to Canada: WestJet Cuts 50 Winter Flights
7 min read
As of September 25, 2026. Airline schedules change often. This article will be reviewed on a 90-day cycle.
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Flights from Hawaii to Canada are getting harder to find this winter. WestJet is scheduled to fly 264 flights between Canada and Hawaiʻi in December 2026, down from 314 in December 2025, a cut of 50 flights and about 12,500 seats, according to Cirium schedule data reported by TheTravel. WestJet has also dropped its Vancouver to Lihue route entirely, and fares are running higher as airlines pass along jet fuel costs.
Quick overviewTap to expand
- WestJet is scheduled to cut December 2026 Hawaiʻi flights by 15.9% (314 down to 264) and seats by 20.9% (59,892 down to 47,396), per Cirium data.
- Across all airlines, Canada to Hawaiʻi capacity in December 2026 is down 48 flights (8.9%) and 10,118 seats (10.1%).
- WestJet will not operate Vancouver to Lihue in its 2026-27 schedule, leaving Kauaʻi with no nonstop flights to Canada.
- WestJet still flies year-round from Honolulu and Maui to Vancouver and Calgary. Air Canada also flies nonstop from Vancouver to Hawaiʻi.
- For points, Air Canada flights book through Aeroplan, which takes 1:1 transfers from Chase, Amex, Capital One, and Bilt.
Most of the coverage on this story is about Canadian visitors coming here. I want to look at it from our side: if you live on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, or the Big Island and you've got a Vancouver, Whistler, Banff, or family trip to Canada on the calendar, here's what changed and how I'd handle it.
How many Hawaiʻi flights is WestJet cutting this winter?
WestJet is scheduled to operate 264 flights between Canada and Hawaiʻi in December 2026, compared with 314 in December 2025. That is 50 fewer flights (down 15.9%) and 12,496 fewer seats (down 20.9%), based on Cirium schedule data published by TheTravel on September 25, 2026. These are scheduled numbers, so they can still shift before December.
| WestJet, Canada to Hawaiʻi | December 2025 | December 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | 314 | 264 | -50 (-15.9%) |
| Seats | 59,892 | 47,396 | -12,496 (-20.9%) |
| All airlines, flights | 48 fewer flights year over year | -8.9% | |
| All airlines, seats | 10,118 fewer seats year over year | -10.1% | |
Source: Cirium schedule data via TheTravel, published September 25, 2026.
The winter cut follows an even bigger fall pullback. WestJet cut 36.4% of its Hawaiʻi flights in September 2026, dropping 110 flights to just 70 for the month, according to an earlier TheTravel analysis.
Why are Hawaii to Canada fares higher this winter?
Fares between Hawaiʻi and Canada are higher mainly because of jet fuel costs and softer Canadian demand for US travel. Fuel prices spiked in 2026 after the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, and WestJet has said its fares adjust as fuel prices rise. Fewer seats on the same routes also puts upward pressure on holiday fares.
WestJet's CEO said earlier this year that the airline was passing more of its fuel costs on to customers through fares, fees, and surcharges. WestJet also raised checked bag fees in April 2026, its third increase in about two and a half years. Separately, coverage of WestJet's broader US route cuts points to weaker Canadian demand for transborder travel, tied in part to strained US-Canada relations.
Is WestJet still flying from Honolulu to Vancouver and Calgary?
Yes. WestJet still flies year-round from Honolulu (HNL) and Kahului, Maui (OGG) to Calgary (YYC) and Vancouver (YVR), plus seasonal service from Edmonton (YEG). There are simply fewer flights on those routes this winter. Big Island service is seasonal and resumes in late October 2026.
What happened to WestJet's Kauaʻi flights?
WestJet confirmed to Beat of Hawaii that it removed Vancouver to Lihue (LIH) from its 2026-27 schedule, ending a route that started in December 2009. That was the only nonstop flight between Kauaʻi and Canada. AeroRoutes had listed it as a four-times-weekly seasonal route starting December 7, 2026 before it was cancelled. Kauaʻi residents heading to Canada now need to connect through Honolulu, Maui, or the mainland.
Air Canada also flies nonstop from Vancouver to Hawaiʻi. Recent listings show Air Canada nonstops from Vancouver to Honolulu, Maui, and Kona. If WestJet's dates don't work, check Air Canada before assuming you need a connection.
What does this mean for Hawaiʻi locals flying to Canada?
For Hawaiʻi residents, fewer WestJet flights means fewer seats during the busiest travel weeks, especially around Christmas and New Year's. The practical result: less room for last-minute bookings, fewer cheap fares, and more competition for award seats on the flights that remain. Kauaʻi residents lose their only nonstop option.
The good news is that there are still two airlines flying nonstop between Hawaiʻi and Vancouver, and cash fares outside peak weeks can still be reasonable. As of September 2026, Air Canada's own site showed Honolulu to Vancouver one-way economy fares starting around USD 143 on select November 2026 and February 2027 dates. Those are lowest-available fares and move fast, so treat them as a snapshot, not a promise.
Can I use points to fly from Hawaii to Canada?
Yes. The most direct points option is Air Canada Aeroplan, since Air Canada flies nonstop between Vancouver and Hawaiʻi. Aeroplan accepts 1:1 point transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, and Bilt. Air Canada is a Star Alliance airline, so United MileagePlus can also book it. Atmos Rewards points won't cover Air Canada flights.
One thing to know: Aeroplan uses dynamic pricing on Air Canada's own flights, within its award chart ranges. That means the points price moves with demand, just like cash fares. As one snapshot, Air Canada's site showed a Vancouver to Honolulu one-way economy award from 32,434 points plus CAD 242 on a February 2027 date. When a cash fare is under USD 200, paying cash and saving your points is often the smarter play.
Transfer bonus trackers show Chase running a 20% bonus on transfers to Aeroplan through September 30, 2026 (1,000 Chase points become 1,200 Aeroplan points). Only transfer when you've found award space you want, because point transfers can't be reversed. Check the latest on our transfer bonus tracker.
Which credit cards earn points I can use for Canada?
Any card that earns transferable points works here. For Chase, that means a card that allows transfers to partners, like the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred. Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, and Bilt points all transfer to Aeroplan too. See how these stack up for island families in our best credit cards for Hawaiʻi residents guide.
How should I book Hawaii to Canada flights this winter?
Book earlier than usual, compare WestJet and Air Canada side by side, and price out both cash and points before you commit. With fewer seats in December, waiting for a sale is riskier this year. Here's the order I'd follow.
- Lock in your dates first. If you have flexibility, avoid the week before Christmas and the days around New Year's, when fewer seats will hurt the most.
- Check both nonstop airlines. Search WestJet and Air Canada from your home airport. From Kauaʻi, price a connection through HNL or OGG.
- Price the cash fare. Note the lowest fare, including bag fees, since both Canadian airlines have raised them in 2026.
- Price the Aeroplan award. Compare the points plus taxes against the cash fare. If the points aren't getting you solid value, pay cash.
- Transfer only when the seat is there. Once you find the award, transfer from Chase, Amex, Capital One, or Bilt and book right away.
- Watch for schedule changes. With carriers trimming schedules, check your reservation every few weeks and know your rebooking options if a flight gets cancelled.
Frequently asked questions
How many flights did WestJet cut between Canada and Hawaiʻi for December 2026?
WestJet is scheduled to operate 264 flights between Canada and Hawaiʻi in December 2026, down from 314 in December 2025. That is 50 fewer flights, a 15.9% drop, and 12,496 fewer seats, a 20.9% drop, based on Cirium schedule data reported by TheTravel on September 25, 2026. Scheduled numbers can still change before December.
Does WestJet still fly from Honolulu to Vancouver?
Yes. As of September 2026, WestJet still flies year-round from Honolulu and Maui to Vancouver and Calgary, with seasonal flights from Edmonton. WestJet is running fewer flights on these routes this winter, so expect less choice on dates and times, especially around the holidays. Always confirm the current schedule on WestJet's site before planning.
Are there still nonstop flights from Kauaʻi to Canada?
No. WestJet removed its Vancouver to Lihue route from the 2026-27 schedule, and it was the only nonstop between Kauaʻi and Canada. Kauaʻi residents flying to Canada this winter will need to connect, usually through Honolulu or Maui, or through a mainland West Coast airport.
Which airlines fly nonstop from Hawaiʻi to Canada?
As of September 2026, WestJet and Air Canada both fly nonstop between Hawaiʻi and Canada. WestJet serves Honolulu and Maui from Vancouver and Calgary, plus seasonal Edmonton and Big Island service. Air Canada flies nonstop from Vancouver to Honolulu, Maui, and Kona. Schedules vary by season, so check both airlines for your dates.
Can I use Atmos Rewards points to fly to Canada?
Not on Air Canada or WestJet nonstops from Hawaiʻi. Air Canada is a Star Alliance airline, so its flights book through Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus. Aeroplan takes 1:1 transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, and Bilt, which makes it the most practical points option for Hawaiʻi to Canada flights.
Why are flights from Hawaiʻi to Canada more expensive this winter?
Two main reasons. Jet fuel prices spiked in 2026, and WestJet has said its fares adjust as fuel costs rise. At the same time, WestJet is flying fewer seats to Hawaiʻi, which means less supply during peak holiday weeks. Both Canadian airlines also raised checked bag fees in 2026, which adds to the total trip cost.
Sources
- TheTravel, "Flying From Canada To Hawaii Just Got Harder (And Pricier) This Winter," September 25, 2026 (Cirium schedule data).
- TheTravel, "Canada To Hawaii Flight Capacity Is Shrinking," September 2026 (September WestJet capacity).
- Beat of Hawaii, "After 16 Years, Kauai Is Losing These Flights The Other Islands Keep," July 2026 (WestJet confirmation on Vancouver to Lihue).
- Yahoo News Canada, WestJet winter schedule coverage citing AeroRoutes, August 2026.
- The Globe and Mail and BNN Bloomberg, WestJet fuel surcharges, fares, and baggage fee increases, April 2026.
- Air Canada flight pages for Honolulu (cash and Aeroplan fare snapshots), viewed September 2026.
- NerdWallet and The Points Guy, Aeroplan transfer partners and dynamic pricing, 2026.
- TransferPoints.com and Roame, Chase to Aeroplan transfer bonus listings, September 2026.
Want a points plan built for your family's next trip?
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Join the ʻOhana programScottie's Take
Honestly, this one's a bigger deal for our friends on Kauaʻi than anyone else. Losing the only nonstop to Canada stings, and I feel for anyone who was counting on that Lihue flight for a ski trip or a holiday visit with family.
For the rest of us, my bottom line is simple: if Canada is on your list this winter, don't wait. Fewer seats means the good fares and the good award space go first. I'd check Air Canada and WestJet side by side, run the cash price against the Aeroplan price, and only move points when the seat is actually sitting there. And if you've got Chase points, that Aeroplan transfer bonus is worth a look before it ends.
Planning a Canada trip from the islands this winter? Drop a comment or send me a message. I'd love to hear where you're headed, and I'm happy to help you figure out the move.
