Sports Road Trips

Follow your team to the mainland — the game, the tailgate, and getting there.

Plenty of locals plan a whole mainland trip around the game — following the 49ers, Seahawks, or (now Vegas) Raiders, catching the Dodgers, Warriors, or Lakers, a college bowl game, March Madness, or a UH road matchup. The trip is built around the schedule.

Getting there

Once you know the date and city, lock in flights early — game weekends and playoff runs spike both airfare and hotels. There’s no nonstop from Hawaiʻi to most sports cities, so you’ll connect; compare flights, a hotel near the stadium or transit, and a rental car:

✈️ Compare Hawaiʻi hotels & rental cars in one search

💺 Prefer to book flights direct? Compare fares on OVAGO → (affiliate)

Timing it

Book the moment the schedule (or bracket) drops — prices only climb as the date nears.
Playoff dates move — keep some flexibility, and watch fares if your team’s still alive.
Weekday games can be far cheaper to travel to than marquee weekend matchups.

Local tips

Stay near the stadium or a transit line — parking and surge rides on game day add up fast.
Rent a car if you’re tailgating or hitting multiple games/cities.
Buy tickets from a reputable resale marketplace, and look for Hawaiʻi alumni or booster watch parties in the host city.

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Frequently asked

When should I book flights for a sports road trip?

As soon as the schedule or playoff bracket is set. Airfare and hotels near stadiums climb quickly for game weekends, so early booking (with some flexibility for playoff date changes) saves the most.

What’s the cheapest way to see my team on the mainland?

Target a weekday or early-season game rather than a marquee weekend, connect through a West Coast hub, and stay near transit. Compare flights, hotels, and cars together for the best total.

Where should I stay for a game?

Near the stadium or a transit line into it — game-day parking and rideshare surges are pricey. A rental car helps if you’re tailgating or visiting more than one city.

A local travel guide, not a kamaʻāina rate — off-island deals change constantly, so always confirm the current price. Some links are affiliate links; HiKamaʻāina may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.