Airfares to Hawaii drop to record low

Competition on the Auckland to Honolulu route has stepped up a notch, with Air New Zealand and Flight Centre offering return airfares between the two cities for just $499.

The budget 'seat+bag' fares are on sale until September 17, but are likely to sell out before then.

Travellers keen to grab the deal must travel between selected dates in September and November, and the fares are only available at Flight Centre.

Just a few years ago, return airfares to Hawaii would cost more than $2000 a person.

Sean Berenson from Flight Centre NZ says the prices reflect the intense competition on the route.

"This current level of competition is unprecedented and we can only advise that Kiwis take advantage of this incredibly competitive market place while it lasts," Mr Berenson said.

Airfares have continued to trend downwards since Hawaiian Airlines began flights between Auckland and Hawaii in 2013.

Newshub.