Hawaiian Airlines, part of Alaska Airlines, has announced a more than $600 million investment over five years under its new Kahu?ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan, aimed at modernising airport infrastructure, upgrading aircraft interiors, enhancing digital services, and deepening its commitment to local communities and sustainability across the islands.
The programme includes major airport renovations at Honolulu, L?hu‘e, Kahului, Kona and Hilo, featuring redesigned lobbies and gates, improved passenger flow, expanded seating and additional charging facilities. At Honolulu, the airline will also open a new 10,600-square-foot premium lounge at Terminal 1’s Mauka Concourse, setting a new benchmark for preflight comfort in its main hub.
On the digital front, Hawaiian Airlines will launch an updated app and website in spring 2026, offering enhanced self-service options, including flight changes and award redemptions. These upgrades will be fully enabled once Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines migrate to a shared passenger service system and Hawaiian joins the oneworld alliance, expected in late April.
The airline will also refresh its onboard product, with a full interior retrofit of its Airbus A330 fleet beginning in 2028. Enhancements will include new seats, first-class suites, a premium economy cabin, updated lighting and carpets, Bluetooth-enabled seatback entertainment, and fast, free Starlink Wi-Fi. Hawaiian is also acquiring three A330s off lease to support the long-term future of the fleet.
For loyalty members, Hawaiian will expand benefits for local residents through its Huaka‘i by Hawaiian programme, including a 50% bonus on reward and status points on inter-island flights, alongside existing kama‘?ina perks.
Beyond operations, the investment plan reinforces Hawaiian Airlines’ role in the community, with expanded workforce development initiatives, support for regenerative tourism, increased use of sustainable aviation fuel, and new grants for cultural and environmental programmes through the newly integrated Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines Foundation.
Describing the plan as one of the airline’s largest-ever commitments in the islands, CEO Diana Birkett Rakow said the investment reflects Hawaiian’s kuleana to its people, guests and communities, while ensuring the airline – and Hawai‘i – continue to thrive for decades to come.
This post was published on 6 January 2026 18:34
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