Jet Star from Aus to HNL transfer to HA to KOA

Question

Anyone got any recent experience with this combination and can let me know if it is do-able please.

Sunday

6.05am Arriving HNL on Jet Star T

10.30am Departing Hawaiian Airlines

I have had a look through the forum and searched key words but haven't found any recent info.

Answer

Based on your flight schedule, it looks like you have about a 4-hour window between your JetStar flight arriving in Honolulu (HNL) at 6:05 am and your Hawaiian Airlines flight departing for Kona (KOA) at 10:30 am. In general, this is a reasonable layover, but there are a few things to consider:

1. Customs and Immigration

If you're flying internationally into HNL on JetStar from Australia, you will need to go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This process can sometimes take longer than expected, especially if there are many international flights arriving around the same time. You should allow time to clear immigration and collect any checked luggage (if you have it), though if your flights are on the same ticket, your checked bags might be transferred automatically to Hawaiian Airlines.

Typically, international arrivals may take 30-60 minutes to clear customs, but it can vary depending on the day and time.
If your flights are booked separately, you may need to collect and re-check your bags, which would add more time.

2. Inter-Terminal Transfer

Hawaiian Airlines departs from Terminal 1 at HNL, and JetStar often arrives at Terminal 2. There is a shuttle bus that runs between the terminals, which takes only a few minutes. It’s a good idea to head directly to the Hawaiian Airlines check-in counter after clearing customs.

Plan for a quick walk or shuttle ride between terminals.
If you're flying Hawaiian Airlines, they do have a priority security lane for their passengers, which can help save time.

3. Check-in and Security

You'll need to check in with Hawaiian Airlines if you haven't already done so online, which can take some time depending on the line. Security screening at HNL can also take 10-20 minutes. Hawaiian Airlines recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before your domestic flight, so with a 4-hour layover, you'll have plenty of time for this process.

Consider checking in online with Hawaiian Airlines ahead of time to save time.
Make sure to monitor the flight status for any changes or delays, as things like weather or security issues can affect timing.

4. Risk of Missing the Connection

With a 4-hour window, the timing should be comfortable, but keep in mind that there are always variables like delays in customs, long lines, or slow transfer between terminals. If there are any issues, Hawaiian Airlines does offer a rebooking service for missed connections, though they may charge a fee if it's not an issue caused by their airline.

If there’s a delay on the JetStar flight, Hawaiian Airlines will typically accommodate passengers on later flights, especially if the delay is beyond your control.
It's a good idea to have your flight confirmation and any relevant details handy, just in case you need to work with the airline on rebooking.

5. Conclusion

In summary, this transfer is generally doable as long as you stay on top of the timing, clear customs quickly, and head directly to the Hawaiian Airlines gate. With a 4-hour layover, you should have enough time to make the connection, but it's always a good idea to monitor your flights for any updates, and consider checking in with Hawaiian Airlines in advance to streamline the process.

Safe travels, and enjoy your trip to Hawaii!