Hawaiian Airlines Welcomes 'Kapuahi', Its First Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Hawaiian Airlines celebrates the arrival of Kapuahi, its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with a special ceremony in Honolulu. The new fleet addition marks a significant milestone in Hawaiian's 94-year history, offering passengers a connection to Hawaiian culture and advanced comfort.

 

On February 23, 2024, Hawaiian Airlines proudly introduced its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, named 'Kapuahi', to its fleet in a ceremonial event held in Honolulu. Arriving from North Charleston, South Carolina, this momentous occasion was celebrated nearly six years after the airline initially announced the 787-9 as its new flagship.

Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines' President and CEO, expressed gratitude towards Boeing for their collaborative efforts in scheduling the delivery, and acknowledged the hard work of the Hawaiian team in welcoming the Dreamliner to its new home. The event saw participation from Hawaiian and Boeing executives, employees, local dignitaries, and students from Windward Oʻahu’s Mālama Honua Public Charter School, who performed a traditional 'oli (chant) to kickstart the celebrations.

Boeing's Vice President of Commercial Marketing, Darren Hulst, highlighted the Dreamliner's design, which intricately incorporates Hawaiian culture, connecting passengers to the islands' beauty. The day was filled with live music, guided tours of the aircraft, and enthusiastic participation from over 1,500 employees and guests.

Charlie Morris, an Airbus A330 first officer transitioning to the 787-9, praised the aircraft's thoughtful design elements that reflect Hawai'i's essence. The 787-9's interior and naming pay homage to Polynesian navigators and Hawai'i’s natural beauty, from native wood grain panels to volcanic sand-inspired lavatory flooring. The aircraft features the Leihōkū Suites, offering 34 premium suites with lie-flat seating and an 18-inch entertainment screen, designed for maximum comfort and privacy.

The unveiling of the Dreamliner's name, 'Kapuahi', draws from Polynesian navigational stars, specifically Aldebaran or the red giant star in the constellation Taurus, underscoring Hawaiian Airlines' deep-rooted connection to voyaging traditions. Names for the Boeing 787-9 fleet were chosen with insights from Polynesian Voyaging Society Hōkūleʻa captains, reflecting the airline's commitment to cultural heritage and navigation legacy.

As Hawaiian Airlines looks forward, Kapuahi will begin operating flights between Honolulu and San Francisco starting April 15, with additional routes to Los Angeles and Phoenix to follow, showcasing Hawaiian's dedication to enhancing passenger experience through cultural connection and modern aviation technology.