Best Travel Insurance in Hawaii for 2026

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Hawaii residents departing for vacations and business trips face a travel reality unlike any other state: every journey to the mainland or beyond requires crossing thousands of miles of the Pacific Ocean. There are no driving alternatives, no nearby airports to reroute through, and no train connections to consider. When flights are disrupted, Hawaii travelers are truly stranded. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu serves as the state’s primary gateway, handling over 21 million passengers annually as the hub connecting the islands to the world. But isolation cuts both ways; windstorms, volcanic activity, and even distant tsunamis can ground flights across the island chain. This guide helps Hawaii residents understand their unique travel vulnerabilities, prepare for Pacific weather patterns, and choose insurance coverage that protects trips departing from paradise.

Best Travel Insurance Companies in Hawaii at a Glance

RateChaser's picks for the best travel insurance in Hawaii.
CompanyBest ForHighlightsNext Steps
Faye Travel InsuranceBest Overall
  • Pretty much everything & anything related to your travel well-being
  • Get a quote in 60 seconds, 24/7 assistance & quick claims. 
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Battleface Travel InsuranceBest for Adventure and Sporting Trips
  • Consistently affordable pricing below industry averages.
  • Adventure sports coverage is included automatically.
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Travelex Travel InsuranceBest for Families
  • Free coverage for children 17 and under on the Ultimate plan (one child per adult) significantly reduces family travel insurance costs.
  • Excellent pre-trip customer service with knowledgeable, patient representatives and a user-friendly website.
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Generali Travel InsuranceBest for Cruises & Vacation Rentals
  • A simple three-tier plan structure makes comparison easy.
  • 24/7/365 emergency assistance hotline.
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HTH Travel InsuranceBest for Extended International Stays
  • Specialized insurance products designed for expatriates, international students, and digital nomads staying abroad for months or even years.
  • Coverage for travelers up to 95 years old.
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    Travel Insured InternationalCancel for Any Reason Coverage
    • Highly customizable coverage with a three-tier structure and multiple add-on bundles
    • Strong coverage for pre-existing conditions when purchased within a time-sensitive window
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    Aegis Travel InsuranceBest for Budget Policies
    • Innovative Stress Less Benefits for real-time claims assistance.
    • Highly customizable coverage options to fit specific trip needs.
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    Berkshire Hathaway Travel InsuranceBest Claim Processing
    • Industry-leading claims speed.
    • Fixed benefit payouts (no receipt haggling).
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    Top-Rated Travel Insurance Companies in Hawaii of 2026

    Faye Travel Insurance

    Best Overall Travel Insurance Company
    Editor's Rating
    9.0
    Great for Online Experience

    Faye Travel Insurance stands out due to its genuinely impressive, digital-first experience that makes travel insurance user-friendly and non-anxiety-inducing. A significant strength is its financial security, with plans underwritten by U.S. carriers United States Fire Insurance Company and Great American Insurance Group, both holding the gold standard A+ rating from A.M. Best. Furthermore, the base plan offers strong emergency medical coverage, up to $250,000 for international trips, and a high limit of $500,000 for medical evacuation. The company also allows for policy customization with unique add-ons, including pet care coverage and a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) option.

    The product offers excellent value and affordability. The pricing is genuinely competitive, often on the lower end of the average travel insurance cost, and its quote process is quick and transparent, providing precise numbers upfront with no hidden fees. Instead of confusing customers with multiple tiers, Faye offers a simplified single comprehensive plan that can be tailored with add-ons, making the decision process easier for most travelers. Additionally, families traveling together benefit from better per-person rates, and children under 18 often receive reduced rates.

    Faye's mobile-first approach is arguably its greatest differentiator, boasting a high 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot. The app is packed with features that genuinely enhance the travel experience, such as real-time flight tracking with notifications, in-app claims filing, 24/7 live chat support with real humans, and access to a network of telemedicine doctors. The company is also noted for its innovative Digital Wallet system for quick reimbursements, which eliminates long waits for checks, and has received praise for proactive communication with some users, even suggesting they file claims for eligible expenses they may not have considered.

    Faye Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Outstanding mobile app with features that genuinely enhance the travel experience
    • Competitive pricing with clear, upfront costs
    • Strong financial backing with A+ rated underwriters
    • Fast claims processing for straightforward situations
    • Comprehensive base coverage with useful add-ons like pet care
    • 24/7 customer support with multiple contact methods
    • Simplified single-plan approach makes decisions easier
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    Get quotes on Faye's website.

    Travel Insured International Travel Insurance

    Best for Customizable Coverage
    Editor's Rating
    8.1
    Good for Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

    Travel Insured International is an excellent choice for travelers who prioritize financial stability and comprehensive medical protection. The company's parent, Fairfax Financial Holding, maintains a consistent A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, signifying robust financial backing and a strong ability to pay out claims. The insurance coverage is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, offering a double layer of financial security. For a product that has stood for over 30 years and is part of a larger corporate family managing billions in assets, you gain peace of mind knowing the company has the financial muscle to meet its ongoing obligations.

    Furthermore, the product's medical and evacuation coverage limits are among the highest in the industry, making it ideal for international trips or remote destinations. The premium Worldwide Trip Protector Platinum plan offers up to $500,000 for emergency medical issues and up to a remarkable $1 million for emergency evacuation and repatriation. Crucially, the medical coverage on both the Deluxe and Platinum plans is primary, meaning you can file a claim directly with Travel Insured International without the hassle of navigating your primary health insurance first. This level of protection and streamlined process for serious medical issues provides genuine value.

    Finally, Travel Insured International offers unparalleled flexibility through its three-tier plan structure (Essential, Deluxe, Platinum) and extensive add-on bundles. This à la carte approach allows you to tailor your policy exactly to your needs, whether that means adding Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, a Pet Bundle for pet-related expenses, or an upgrade for extreme sports medical protection. This customization ensures you are not paying for unnecessary coverage and can build a comprehensive policy that is a perfect fit for your unique trip, including strong options for pre-existing conditions when purchased within the required timeframe.

    Travel Insured Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Solid financial strength with an A-rated parent company
    • Highly customizable coverage with a three-tier structure and multiple add-on bundles
    • Industry-leading medical evacuation coverage (up to $1 million on Platinum plan)
    • Primary medical coverage on Deluxe and Platinum plans
    • Strong coverage for pre-existing conditions when purchased within a time-sensitive window
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    Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance

    Best for Claim Processing Experience
    Editor's Rating
    9.0
    Good for Complete Policies

    Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) is an exceptionally strong choice for travelers who prioritize financial security and industry-leading claims efficiency. Backed by the financial power of Warren Buffett’s empire (Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company) and sporting the highest possible AM Best rating of A++ (Superior), the company offers unmatched credibility and peace of mind that claims will be paid. Furthermore, BHTP has made their claims process their central promise, with a motto of "Claims is Our Product." They consistently deliver, boasting payments up to five times faster than the industry average, often utilizing same-day electronic payments through their BHTP Burst system, and simplifying the process with "pic-and-click" mobile filing.

    A second compelling reason to choose BHTP is its innovative approach to benefits and overall value, particularly for families and specific travel styles. Their ExactCare plans offer a popular "Kids Covered Free" feature for up to two children under 18, a benefit offered by only a handful of travel insurers. For those seeking niche coverage, the company provides specialized plans like AdrenalineCare for high-risk adventure sports and WaveCare for cruisers. Additionally, BHTP offers fixed benefit payouts for certain covered events (like a $500 payout for lost luggage), which eliminates the typical hassle of haggling over receipts and provides quick, predictable reimbursement.

    Finally, the company's commitment to customer experience extends beyond payment speed to include unique, complimentary services. Every policy includes a 24/7/365 Emergency Assistance line and complimentary concierge services, which can assist with everything from restaurant reservations and securing event tickets to finding a local doctor or interpreter, all at no extra cost. While their entry-level medical limits are a weakness for extended international travel, BHTP's overall affordability, the availability of pre-existing conditions coverage (if purchased early), and the "15-Day Free Look" money-back guarantee make it a solid, value-driven option for domestic or short-haul international trips where fast, secure claims processing is the top priority.

    Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Industry-leading claims speed.
    • Exceptional financial backing (A++).
    • Budget-friendly pricing.
    • Kids are covered free on select plans.
    • Fixed benefit payouts (no receipt haggling).
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    Get quotes and compare prices with Squaremouth

    Battleface Travel Insurance

    Best for Adventure Travelers
    Editor's Rating
    8.8
    Good for A La Carte Pricing

    The primary reason to choose Battleface is its exceptional blend of affordability and granular customization, centered around its flagship Discovery Plan. Unlike bundled competitors, Battleface offers a truly "build-your-own" policy, allowing travelers to pay only for the coverage they need, which consistently results in budget-friendly pricing below industry averages. This modularity makes it ideal for the savvy, budget-conscious traveler who can tailor a policy to their exact risk profile, often achieving 15-30% savings compared to comparable comprehensive plans.

    A major draw for a specific segment of the market is Battleface’s explicit focus on the adventure traveler. All plans automatically include Adventure Sports Coverage for activities like skiing, scuba diving, and mountain climbing, which is often a costly add-on with other providers. Furthermore, the company offers a robust set of core protections, including high limits for Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation, a notably short three-hour delay trigger for Missed Connection coverage, and the option to add Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR), providing significant flexibility for diverse and unpredictable trips.

    Finally, Battleface is a modern, tech-forward insurtech with solid financial reassurance. It offers a user-friendly digital experience, a functional mobile app for accessing policy documents offline, and provides 24/7 emergency assistance through its in-house operations team, Robin Assist. While the company itself is young, its U.S. policies are underwritten by Spinnaker Insurance Company, which holds an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best. This backing provides financial stability and solid reassurance that legitimate claims will be paid.

    Battleface Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Fully customizable coverage lets you pay only for what you need.
    • Consistently affordable pricing below industry averages.
    • Adventure sports coverage is included automatically.
    • Strong customer service ratings with personalized support.
    • User-friendly digital experience with a mobile app.
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    Travelex Travel Insurance

    Best for Families
    Editor's Rating
    8.6
    Good for Traveling with Children

    Travelex's primary appeal lies in its strong financial backing and competitive, family-friendly pricing. The company's policies are underwritten by financially robust carriers, including Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company and Zurich Insurance Group, both holding high A++ and A+ (Superior) ratings from A.M. Best. This dual backing provides a strong reassurance that claims will be paid. Furthermore, their pricing is competitive, with the Ultimate and Essential plans averaging below the industry standard. For families, the Ultimate plan offers a significant perk: complimentary coverage for one child (17 and under) per insured adult, which can lead to genuine cost savings.

    A key differentiator for Travelex is its generous policies and flexible coverage options. It offers a 21-day "Free Look Period," which is more generous than most competitors' 10-14 day windows, allowing ample time to review, modify, or cancel a policy without penalty. The Ultimate plan also accommodates longer trips, covering up to 180 days. Travelers can customize their plans with optional upgrades, such as Adventure Sports Coverage, rental car damage, and Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) on the Ultimate plan, enabling a modular approach to coverage.

    The company is consistently praised for its excellent pre-trip customer service and user-friendly digital experience. Reviewers often highlight patient, knowledgeable representatives who are helpful in explaining coverage options and guiding the purchase process. The website makes getting an instant quote and reviewing exact coverage limits a straightforward process. However, while the pre-trip experience is strong, the review notes a key area of weakness in the inconsistent and sometimes frustrating claims process handled by Zurich Travel Claims Administration, which is an important consideration despite the company's other advantages.

    Travelex Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Backed by financially strong underwriters with A++ and A+ (Superior) A.M. Best ratings, ensuring claims-paying ability.
    • Free coverage for children 17 and under on the Ultimate plan (one child per adult) significantly reduces family travel insurance costs.
    • Competitive pricing with average premiums below industry average ($292 for Ultimate, $240 for Essential vs. $311 industry average).
    • Generous 21-day Free Look Period allows ample time to review and modify or cancel policy without penalty.
    • Excellent pre-trip customer service with knowledgeable, patient representatives and a user-friendly website.
    GET A QUOTE

    Get quotes and compare prices with Squaremouth

    HTH Travel Insurance

    Best for Extended Stays and Remote Locations
    Editor's Rating
    8.6
    Good for All Ages

    HTH Travel Insurance's primary appeal lies in its exceptional focus on medical coverage and robust financial backing. Their TripProtector Preferred plan offers industry-leading medical coverage limits up to $500,000, which is significantly higher than most competitors. This coverage is considered "primary," meaning travelers do not need to file with their domestic insurance first. Furthermore, all their policies are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, which holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, providing a high level of financial security and confidence that claims will be paid out.

    The company is distinguished by its unique and genuinely practical service features designed for travelers abroad. The Direct Pay Program is a major differentiator, allowing HTH to pay participating network providers directly, eliminating the need for the traveler to pay upfront and file for reimbursement later. This is complemented by the excellent mPassport app, which helps users find English-speaking doctors, dentists, and hospitals in over 180 countries and includes a valuable medication translation tool.

    Overall, HTH is best suited for a specific niche of travelers who prioritize health and peace of mind over budget or trip cancellation benefits. This includes long-term travelers, expats, and students studying abroad. They are also an excellent option for seniors (up to age 95) who may struggle to find coverage elsewhere. While their pricing is above average and they lack strong adventure sports coverage, the high medical limits, Direct Pay option, and the assurance of Nationwide's financial strength make it a top choice for those facing medical emergencies overseas.

    HTH Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Industry-leading medical coverage limits up to $500,000.
    • Direct Pay option eliminates upfront medical costs at network providers.
    • Specialized insurance products designed for expatriates, international students, and digital nomads staying abroad for months or even years.
    • Excellent Passport app for finding global healthcare.
    • Coverage for travelers up to 95 years old.
    GET A QUOTE

    Get quotes and compare prices with Squaremouth

    Aegis Travel Insurance

    Best for Budget-Conscious Travelers
    Editor's Rating
    8.3
    Good for Value Seekers

    Aegis Travel Insurance (formerly GoReady) is presented as a strong, budget-conscious choice for travelers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, earning an overall score of 7.5/10. Key strengths include its competitive pricing, which led to it being named the "Most Economical Travel Insurance Company" by U.S. News, and its innovative "Stress Less Benefits" that handle claims in real-time to prevent the traveler from having to front the cash. The company also offers highly customizable single-trip plans (like Go Ready Choice and Go Ready VIP) and multi-trip options, with robust coverage limits and a strong financial backing from A-rated underwriters like Zurich American Insurance Company.

    However, the review points out a significant weakness in the traditional claims process, which earned a low score of 6/10. Customers frequently report slow and frustrating processing times, citing communication gaps between Aegis and its third-party claims administrators. Other drawbacks include a maximum trip length capped at 60 days for most single-trip plans and the lack of a dedicated mobile app for policy management, which is noted as a miss for a company targeting digitally-native travelers. For travelers with pre-existing conditions, coverage is only available if the policy is purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit.

    In conclusion, Aegis delivers legitimate value for its price and is a solid choice for those prioritizing affordability and the convenience of real-time claims assistance for in-trip issues. Travelers should choose Aegis if they seek customizable, cost-effective coverage and are planning shorter trips (under 60 days). Conversely, those planning long-term trips or who prioritize a seamless digital experience and a guaranteed fast, hassle-free claims process are advised to look elsewhere. The overall recommendation is to go in with realistic expectations about the potential for delays in reimbursement-style claims and to meticulously document all necessary paperwork.

    Aegis Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Excellent value with competitive pricing across all plan tiers.
    • Innovative Stress Less Benefits for real-time claims assistance.
    • Highly customizable coverage options to fit specific trip needs.
    • Strong financial backing from reputable underwriters.
    • 24/7 emergency assistance with global support.
    GET A QUOTE

    Get quotes and compare prices with Squaremouth

    Generali Travel Insurance

    Best for Cruises & Vacation Rentals
    Editor's Rating
    8.2
    Good for Domestic Trips

    Generali Travel Insurance is an excellent choice for a specific segment of travelers, primarily those who place the highest value on financial security and stability. Backed by Assicurazioni Generali, one of the oldest and largest insurance companies in the world, with a "rock-solid" A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating from AM Best, customers can be highly confident that the company will be solvent and able to pay out claims. This longevity and financial muscle are particularly appealing to travelers planning expensive vacations, cruises, or anyone whose primary concern is avoiding the risk of their insurer going bankrupt. If financial peace of mind is your top priority, Generali provides a level of certainty that few competitors can match.

    For the budget-conscious traveler, Generali offers significant value, often coming in below the industry average in terms of cost, particularly with its Standard plan. The company's three-tier plan structure (Standard, Preferred, and Premium) is refreshingly simple, making it easy for customers to compare options and choose a policy without confusing add-ons. This straightforward approach, combined with competitive pricing, makes Generali ideal for domestic trips, weekend getaways, and vacation rental bookings. It provides reliable, basic protection, including 100% trip cancellation and medical coverage, without the bells and whistles that drive up the price for travelers who don't need them.

    Finally, Generali sets itself apart with unique, complimentary features and specialized coverage that cater to specific needs. All plans include access to 24/7/365 emergency assistance, complimentary concierge services for travel logistics, and identity theft protection, adding significant value beyond the core insurance policy. Furthermore, they offer coverage for several niche scenarios that other providers may exclude, such as trip cancellation if a service animal becomes sick or dies, or if a traveler is unable to get a required vaccination. This specialized coverage makes Generali a superior choice for travelers with service animals or those who value having a comprehensive suite of included travel support services.

    Generali Travel Insurance at a Glance
    • Exceptional financial stability backed by one of the world's largest insurers (A+ AM Best).
    • Competitive pricing that often beats industry averages.
    • A simple three-tier plan structure makes comparison easy.
    • 24/7/365 emergency assistance hotline.
    • Complimentary concierge services and identity theft protection.
    GET A QUOTE

    Get quotes and compare prices with Squaremouth

    Daniel K. Inouye International: Hawaii’s Gateway to the World

    Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu is the largest and busiest airport in Hawaii, handling approximately 21-22 million passengers annually. Named after Hawaii’s legendary senator, the airport serves as Hawaiian Airlines’ primary hub and offers nonstop service to destinations across North America, Asia, and Oceania. The airport’s Reef Runway, the world’s first primary runway built entirely offshore, provides a unique engineering solution to Hawaii’s limited land.

    Recent improvements include the Mauka Concourse (opened 2021), a new consolidated rental car facility, and the implementation of Mobile Passport Control and digital ID capability at TSA checkpoints. The Skyline light metro system now connects the airport to Honolulu, thanks to Segment 2, which opened in October 2025, improving ground transportation options.

    Daniel K. Inouye International at a Glance

    Annual passengers: 21-22 million

    Regional ranking: Busiest non-Australian airport in Oceania, top 20 U.S. for international traffic

    Hub carrier: Hawaiian Airlines (10th largest U.S. airline)

    Terminals: 3 terminals with multiple concourses

    Transit access: Skyline light metro connection (opened October 2025)

    Unique feature: Reef Runway, the world’s first primary offshore runway (12,000 feet)

    Neighbor Island Airports: Connecting the Chain

    Hawaii’s island geography means most residents also rely on neighbor island airports for interisland travel and, increasingly, direct mainland connections:

    • Kahului Airport (OGG), Maui: Second-busiest Hawaii airport with growing mainland nonstop service. Popular with West Coast travelers.
    • Ellison Onizuka Kona International (KOA), Big Island: West side airport with increasing mainland service. Named after a Hawaii-born Space Shuttle Challenger astronaut.
    • Hilo International (ITO), Big Island: East side airport with more limited service but essential for local access.
    • Lihue Airport (LIH), Kauai: Garden Isle’s primary airport with mainland connections.

    The Isolation Factor: No Plan B

    Hawaii’s geographic isolation creates travel vulnerabilities that mainland residents don’t face. When flights are canceled or delayed, there are no alternative transportation options. You cannot drive to your destination, take a train, or easily reroute through a nearby airport. The nearest mainland airports are 2,400+ miles away across the Pacific Ocean.

    Why Hawaii Travelers Need Different Insurance Thinking

    No driving alternative: Mainland travelers can rent a car if flights fail. Hawaii travelers have no such option.

    Limited rerouting: Mainland travelers can often reroute through nearby hubs. Hawaii’s options are limited to other island airports or waiting for the next available flight.

    Long recovery times: When major disruptions occur, aircraft and crew repositioning across the Pacific takes longer than recovery on the mainland.

    Higher stakes: Missed flights mean missed days of vacation or business. There’s no quick fix when you’re 2,400 miles from anywhere.

    Weather Disruptions: Pacific Patterns

    While Hawaii enjoys generally pleasant weather, several patterns can disrupt travel across the island chain:

    Recent Hawaii Travel Disruptions

    January 2025 Windstorm: Approximately 400 flights canceled or delayed statewide. Hawaiian Airlines saw nearly 50% of its flights delayed at some airports. Ground stops were issued at Honolulu, suspending interisland and some transpacific flights.

    July 2025 Tsunami Warning: Over 150 flights were disrupted as airports across the island chain grounded flights. Airlines, including Hawaiian, Alaska, Southwest, United, American, and Delta, all reported cancellations and delays.

    Recovery from major disruptions can take days as aircraft are repositioned across the Pacific. Passengers report extended waits and multiple rebookings.

    Kona winds (southerly winds that bring humid conditions), heavy rain events, and volcanic activity (vog from Kilauea can affect visibility) add to the potential for disruption. While less frequent than mainland weather disruptions, Hawaii events can affect multiple airports across the island chain simultaneously.

    Seasonal Patterns for Hawaii Departures

    Season

    Departure Risks

    Winter (Dec-Feb)

    Peak tourist season means high demand and limited rebooking options. Kona winds are more common. Heavy rain is possible on the windward sides. North Shore surf season brings big swells but generally doesn’t affect airports. Holiday travel is hectic.

    Spring (Mar-May)

    Transitional weather with occasional rain. Spring break brings high demand, generally good flying conditions. Whale season ends in April.

    Summer (Jun-Aug)

    Peak family travel season with high demand. Hurricane season begins in June, and conditions are generally dry. Trade winds provide pleasant weather but can occasionally cause turbulence on interisland flights.

    Fall (Sep-Nov)

    Hurricane season peaks in August and September. Shoulder season means better availability. Kona storms are possible in October and November, bringing heavy rain. Thanksgiving marks the start of the busy winter season.

    Cancel for Any Reason: Essential for Island Travelers

    Hawaii residents have full access to Cancel for Any Reason coverage from all major providers. CFAR is particularly valuable given Hawaii’s isolation and limited alternatives:

    • No backup options: When mainland flights are disrupted, travelers can drive or reroute. Hawaii travelers have no such fallback. CFAR lets you cancel before getting stuck.
    • Pacific weather uncertainty: Windstorms and other weather events can develop with limited warning. CFAR provides flexibility when conditions look threatening.
    • Long-haul trip protection: Flights to Asia, Australia, and the mainland represent significant investments. CFAR protects these high-value itineraries.
    • Cruise departure protection: Many Hawaii residents take cruises departing from West Coast ports. CFAR protects the positioning flights that are essential to reaching your ship.

    Trip Delay Coverage Recommendations

    Feature

    Hawaii Recommendation

    Delay Trigger

    Six hours is strongly recommended. With limited flight options across the Pacific, delays are longer than on the mainland. The next available flight may be the following day.

    Daily Maximum

    $250-$300/day in Honolulu. Hawaii accommodations are expensive, and demand spikes during disruptions. Airport-adjacent options are limited and pricey.

    Total Maximum

    $1,000-1,500 recommended. Major disruptions can strand travelers for multiple days as aircraft reposition across the Pacific. Hawaii’s isolation means recovery takes longer.

    Trip Interruption

    Essential for Hawaii travelers. If disruptions occur at your destination, you face the same limited return options. Critical for cruise connections and international trips.

    Shopping Tips for Hawaii Travelers

    1. Prioritize higher coverage limits. Hawaii’s isolation means delays extend longer and recovery costs more. Don’t skimp on daily and total maximums.
    2. Use 6-hour delay triggers. With limited flight options, even moderate delays can strand you overnight. Shorter triggers capture legitimate disruptions.
    3. Build generous connection times. If connecting on the mainland, allow extra time. Missing a connection means waiting for the next Hawaii flight, which may not be until the following day.
    4. Consider medical evacuation coverage. For international trips, medical evacuation to Hawaii’s excellent hospitals may be preferable to mainland facilities 2,400+ miles away.
    5. Monitor interisland connections carefully. If connecting through Honolulu from a neighbor island, weather affecting one island can cascade to your mainland departure.
    6. Understand Hawaiian Airlines’ policies. As the dominant carrier, Hawaiian’s delay and cancellation policies matter. They provide hotel accommodations for significant controllable delays of 3 hours or more.
    7. Take advantage of the new Skyline connection. The light rail to Honolulu Airport provides an alternative to driving when road conditions are poor.

    The Bottom Line

    Hawaii residents face travel realities that mainland Americans don’t. Every trip beyond the islands requires crossing thousands of miles of the Pacific Ocean with no backup options if flights fail. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport serves as the essential gateway, handling 21+ million passengers annually. It has recently undergone infrastructure improvements, including the Mauka Concourse, a consolidated rental car facility, and a Skyline light metro connection.

    But Hawaii’s isolation cuts both ways. When windstorms ground flights across the island chain, when tsunami warnings disrupt operations, or when volcanic activity affects visibility, there are no driving alternatives and limited rerouting options. The January 2025 windstorm, which delayed or canceled 400 flights, demonstrated how quickly disruptions can cascade across all the islands.

    Smart insurance coverage for Hawaii travelers means higher limits across the board: shorter delay triggers (6 hours), higher daily maximums ($250-300) to account for expensive Hawaii accommodations, and higher total maximums ($1,000-1,500) because recovery from Pacific disruptions takes longer than mainland events. Trip interruption coverage is essential. Hawaii residents’ full CFAR access provides valuable flexibility when you’re 2,400 miles from anywhere, and there’s no Plan B.

    How we rated travel insurance companies

    Here are our overall ratings for the best travel insurance options.

    CompanyFinancial StrengthAffordabilityCustomer ServiceExperienceReputationClaims ProcessRaw ScoreCurved Score
    MedJet Assist9.57.58.578.598.4759.8
    Faye Travel Insurance987.5976.57.7759
    Berkshire Hathaway Travel Insurance10876787.89
    Battleface Travel Insurance7.58.57.587.86.57.618.8
    Travelex Travel Insurance9878767.58.6
    HTH Travel Insurance96.577.57.577.4758.6
    Aegis Travel Insurance88.576.5767.2258.3
    Generali Travel Insurance986.566.567.18.2
    Travel Insured International96.575.5767.0258.1
    World Nomads Travel Insurance9.57.55.57.85.866.9658
    Nationwide Travel Insurance9766.56.55.56.8257.9
    John Hancock Travel Insurance8.576.56666.757.8
    IMG Travel Insurance8.56.565.56.566.6257.6
    TinLeg Travel Insurance9866.55.546.557.5
    WorldTrips Travel Insurance10757.55.546.57.5
    AXA Travel Insurance9667556.357.3
    USI Affinity Travel Insurance96546.556.157.1
    Seven Corners Travel Insurance90.756.566.55.55.93756.8
    Trawick Travel Insurance8.574.56.53.52.55.3756.2
    Travel Guard Travel Insurance8325113.33.8
    author avatar
    Michael Wagner Editor
    Driven by a lifelong mission to master his personal finances, Michael Wagner is a seasoned personal finance writer with 10 years of expertise covering retirement plans and insurance. Growing up in a lower-middle-class household, Michael became obsessed with finance upon graduating from college. His passion is rooted in sharing that hard-earned knowledge. As a former licensed insurance agent, he brings a practical, licensed perspective to his content, helping readers answer their most pressing questions and ultimately improve their financial standing.

    Important Information About Travel Insurance

    *Insurance needs vary significantly based on individual circumstances. This page provides general information and should not be considered personal insurance advice. Always read policy documents carefully and consider consulting with a licensed insurance professional for guidance on your specific situation.

    **Company information and offerings may have changed since the time of writing. Please always verify the current details before purchasing an individual policy.