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Travel plans are rarely predictable — especially flying to paradise. Hawaiian Airlines knows that plans change, which is why their cancellation policy is designed to provide travelers with peace of mind. Whether you’re flying between Hawaiian Islands, to the U.S. mainland or internationally, here’s a full guide to the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy.

1. 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation

Hawaiian Airlines will let you cancel risk-free within 24 hours of booking all tickets purchased directly from its website, mobile app or customer service.

Key Points:

• You need to cancel the subscription within 24 hours of the purchase.

• It can only be booked for a date at least 7 days after the day of booking

• You will receive a full refund to your original payment method.

This rule applies to all fare types, including Main Cabin Basic, Main Cabin and First Class.

2. Main Cabin Basic Fares (Most Restrictive)

Hawaiian Airlines’ lowest fare type — Main Cabin Basic — caters to budget-conscious travelers. But those fares come with additional restrictions.

Cancellation Rules:

• 24-hour rule with no refunds or changes afterwards

• No travel credit or refund if canceled outside that window.

• No upgrades or seat selection available.

Select this fare only if your plans are set and unlikely to change.

3. Main Cabin and First Class Fares (Standard & Flexible)

For Main Cabin, First Class, and Business Class fares (not Basic), you have more flexibility:

• And with Hawaiian Airlines, you can cancel without incurring any change fees, because the airline eliminated most change/cancellation fees on tickets booked on or after March 1, 2021.

• You won’t get a refund, but you will normally get a travel credit to use for future flights.

Important Notes:

• Rebooking may incur a fare difference.

• Travel credits generally expire 12 months from the original booking.

4. Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets

Both refundable and non-refundable ticket options are available for Hawaiian Airlines flights. Whether your ticket is refundable will depend on the fare type you purchased at checkout.

Refundable Tickets:

• More expensive, but most flexible.

• Bookable with a full refund if canceled prior to departure.

• You can either request a refund online, by phone, or at the airport.

Non-Refundable Tickets:

• No cash refund, but eligible for travel credit (exception: Main Cabin Basic).

• Credits can also be applied to future bookings.

5. Award Ticket Cancellations (HawaiianMiles)

If you’ve booked your flight using HawaiianMiles:

• You have the option to cancel your award ticket and recoup the miles in your account.

• Mileage redeposit fees may apply (usually waived for Pualani Elite members).

• The fees or taxes paid in a credit card would normally be refunded.

If you want to cancel an award ticket, sign into your HawaiianMiles account or call customer service for assistance.

6. Same-Day Flight Changes and Cancellations

For those travelers looking for a little more flexibility on the day of travel, Hawaiian Airlines provides the option to change your flight on the same day.

Eligibility:

• Only for flights between Hawaii and the rest of the U.S.

• The change is valid for another flight on the same day; between the same cities.

• Availability and a same-day change fee (waived for elite members) apply.

7. How to Cancel a Hawaiian Airlines Flight

Hawaiian Airlines provides a few methods for cancelling a flight:

• Mobile App: Find your booking, then tap “Cancel Flight.”

• Phone: Call customer service for assistance with cancellation.

• Airport: Cancel at a Hawaiian Airlines ticket counter.

8. Travel Credits (Electronic Certificates)

Hawaiian Airlines typically provides a credit certificate when you cancel an eligible non-refundable ticket, which can be used to pay for future travel.

Details:

• Credits are tied to the original passenger’s name and are not transferable.

• Usually valid for 1 year beginning at the original purchase date.

• Online or through customer service if you need to rebook

9. Waivers and Exceptions

When unforeseen events like inclement weather, health emergencies or natural disasters arise, Hawaiian Airlines could release a travel waiver. These allow for:

• Free flight changes.

• No-fee cancellation, including for restricted fare types.

• Extended validity on travel credits.

To see whether current waivers are in place, head to the omicron Travel Alerts section of the Hawaiian Airlines site.

10. Requesting a Refund

If you’re due a refund (for a refundable ticket, or during the 24-hour window), you can request it:

• Online via the “Manage Flights” section.

• By calling customer service.

• Processing time: Refunds typically take 7–10 business days to appear in your account.