Flights to and from the Hawaiian Islands are about to get a lot spiffier: Hawaiian Airlines has announced a sweeping investment of hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade airport spaces across the islands and refresh aircraft cabins for the majority of its fleet.
Travelers can expect to see premium enhancements ranging from new first class suites and a new premium economy class on board Hawaiian’s planes to revamped airport areas, a spacious new lounge, and more.
The investment plan will see the airline, which is part of Alaska Airlines, spend a total of $600 million to completely enhance the passenger experience from the initial booking process to arrival in the islands. The plan represents one of the largest-ever investments in the carrier’s Hawaii-based infrastructure, products, and services, according to Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow.
Enhancements will begin as soon as this year. Starting in 2026, the airline will start renovation projects on lobby areas and gates across several airports in the islands, including Honolulu (HNL), Līhu‘e (LIH), Kahului (OGG), Kona (KOA), and Hilo (ITO). The refreshed spaces will “improve passenger flow and comfort, with bright, elegant open spaces and better seating and amenities like increased power charging,” the airline says.
At its hub in Honolulu, the carrier will also build a brand new premium lounge that will measure 10,600 square feet and be located at the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1. The airport construction projects are estimated to be completed by 2029.
Hawaiian Airlines also plans to make significant upgrades to its in-flight experience. The carrier says that starting in 2028, it will begin retrofitting the interiors of all of its Airbus A330 planes, which make up the majority of its fleet. On the revamped jets, passengers will see new seats, carpets, and lighting across all cabins, as well as the addition of first class suites and a premium economy cabin. Other perks will include Bluetooth-enabled entertainment screens and free Starlink Wi-Fi.
Another aspect of the investment plan includes launching an updated and modernized mobile app and website to streamline booking and trip management. When the new site and app launch this spring, passengers can expect to find new, self-service features like the ability to change flights and redeem award travel across Hawaiian’s airline partners.
The carrier also plans to launch new technology behind the scenes for its operations team to make for a much smoother guest experience. Those improvements are scheduled to roll out in late April as Hawaiian onboards to Alaska Airlines’ passenger service system and joins the Oneworld alliance.
“Hawaiian Airlines’ investment is exactly the kind of long-term commitment Hawaiʻi needs,” said Hawaii Governor Josh Green. “Modern, welcoming airports improve the experience for residents and visitors alike, strengthen our economy and keep Hawaiʻi competitive as a global destination.”
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