Hawaiian Airlines to Invest $600M in Guest Experience

Hawaiian Airlines, part of Alaska Airlines, has unveiled plans to invest more than $600 million over the next five years to significantly enhance the travel experience to, from, and within Hawai‘i.

 

The initiative, known as the Kahuʻewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan, will focus on modernising airport facilities, upgrading digital platforms, refurbishing aircraft interiors, and expanding community and sustainability programmes across the islands. The airline says the investment is one of the largest single commitments it has made to its infrastructure and services in Hawai‘i.

Airport improvements will be rolled out from this year through 2029, with renovated lobbies and gates planned at Honolulu, Līhu‘e, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo airports. The upgrades are designed to improve passenger flow and comfort, featuring brighter open spaces, enhanced seating, and additional amenities such as expanded power charging. At Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Hawaiian will also build a new 10,600-square-foot premium lounge in Terminal 1’s Mauka Concourse.

On the digital side, Hawaiian Airlines is set to launch an updated app and website this spring, introducing improved self-service features for booking, flight changes, and award travel. The airline is also investing in new technology tools for employees. Full functionality is expected once Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines migrate to a shared passenger service system and Hawaiian joins the oneworld alliance, both scheduled for late April.

Fleet upgrades form another major pillar of the plan. Starting in 2028, Hawaiian’s Airbus A330 widebody aircraft will receive fully refreshed interiors, including new seating, lighting, first class suites, and a premium economy cabin. The aircraft will also feature Bluetooth-enabled in-flight entertainment with high-definition screens, an expanded media library, and free Starlink Wi-Fi. Hawaiian is also acquiring three A330 aircraft off lease to support the long-term future of the fleet.

The investment includes enhancements to the airline’s loyalty offering. Later this year, Hawai‘i residents enrolled in the Huaka‘i by Hawaiian programme will earn a 50% bonus on Atmos Rewards and status points on inter-island flights, adding to existing local benefits such as free checked bags and discounted fares.

Beyond customer-facing improvements, Hawaiian Airlines plans to expand its community engagement and sustainability initiatives. These include partnerships in education and workforce development, support for regenerative tourism through its Travel Pono programme, investments in locally produced sustainable aviation fuel, and grants for cultural and environmental organisations through the newly integrated Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines Foundation.

The Kahuʻewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan aligns with Alaska Air Group’s broader Alaska Accelerate strategy, aimed at delivering a seamless and elevated travel experience while supporting long-term economic, environmental, and community goals in Hawai‘i.