Hawaiian Airlines announces 'Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan' of more than $600M over five years to modernize infrastructure and guest experience
| Company | Daniel K. Inouye International Airport |
|---|---|
| Date | 06.01.2026 |
- Major airport renovations include improved lobbies, gates and amenities at Honolulu, Līhu‘e, Kahului, Kona and Hilo, plus a new premium lounge in Honolulu.
- The airline will update its app and website, offering better travel planning and self-service features, and invest in new technology for employees.
- The carrier is investing in a refreshed onboard experience with upgraded widebody Airbus A330 interiors, while offering enhanced rewards and exclusive benefits to loyal Hawai‘i residents.
Hawaiian Airlines, a part of Alaska Airlines, has unveiled an investment plan of more than $600 million over five years to comprehensively enhance the experience for guests traveling to, from and within the islands by modernizing airport spaces, upgrading technology and retrofitting aircraft interiors, while expanding community and sustainability work across Hawai‘i.
Hawaiian Airlines’ Kahuʻewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan will improve the guest experience from booking to the day of travel and provide airport and in-flight teams with modern tools and spaces to welcome travelers with their award-winning Hawaiian hospitality. Investments will also help Hawaiian advance lower emission technologies and programs promoting regenerative tourism, culture and conservation.
“Hawaiian Airlines is proud to call Hawai‘i home, to reflect the spirit of the islands, to take care of our local guests and welcome visitors, and support our communities. Our Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan represents one of Hawaiian Airlines’ largest single investments in our infrastructure, products and services in Hawai‘i. It reflects our kuleana to our people and guests in the islands and reinforces our commitment to deliver safe and remarkable service that enables Hawai‘i and Hawaiian Airlines to thrive.”
Chief executive officer Hawaiian Airlines
Kahuʻewai signifies fresh water bursting forth as a metaphor for vital resources. Much like water that flows and nurtures, the investments will deliver benefits across Hawaiian Airlines and communities in Hawai‘i today and for a long time to come.
They include:
Airports
Starting this year through 2029, Hawaiian Airlines will renovate lobbies and gates in Honolulu, Līhu‘e, Kahului, Kona and Hilo to improve passenger flow and comfort, with bright, elegant open spaces and better seating and amenities like increased power charging. In Honolulu, Hawaiian’s busiest hub, the airline will build a spacious 10,600-square-foot premium lounge at the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1 – setting a new standard of preflight comfort.
Technology
This spring, Hawaiian Airlines will launch an updated, modern app and website with improved functionality to simplify travel planning, booking and trip management with self-service features like changing flights and redeeming award travel on global partners. The airline is also investing in new technology to support employees in their critical roles across the operation. Full functionality of these tools – and a significantly smoother guest experience – will be possible once Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines share the same passenger service system and Hawaiian Airlines joins the oneworld alliance, both scheduled for late April.
Aircraft
Hawaiian Airlines’ fleet of widebody Airbus A330s, based in Honolulu, will undergo a full interior upgrade, starting in 2028, with new seats, carpets, lighting, first class suites, and a premium economy cabin. Guests will also enjoy a Bluetooth-enabled in-flight entertainment system with high-definition seatback screens and an extensive movie and music library, along with fast and free Starlink Wi-Fi. The airline is also acquiring three of its A330 aircraft off lease to support the future of this fleet in its service across the Pacific.
Loyalty
Later this year, Hawaiian Airlines will reward Hawai‘i residents who are members of its popular Huaka‘i by Hawaiian loyalty program with a 50% bonus on Atmos Rewards points and status points earned on Neighbor Island flights, adding to exclusive kama‘āina benefits that include a free checked bag, 10% or 20% quarterly discounts when flying within the state, and monthly systemwide deals.
Community impact
Hawaiian Airlines remains deeply engaged in the community, with expanded partnerships in education and workforce development initiatives, new grant-making opportunities, promoting regenerative tourism efforts through its Travel Pono program and new investments to preserve Hawai‘i’s natural resources and to advance new technologies for a more sustainable future.
Contact
Oahu
Honalulu
Hawaaii
