Passengers travelling between the Hawaiian Islands will face an earlier check-in deadline from October 3, 2026, as Alaska Airlines introduces Boeing 737-800 flights between Honolulu and Kahului. Hawaiian Airlines will also move check-in for its international departures at Honolulu to Terminal 2.
The changes accompany additional passenger and cargo capacity on the Honolulu–Kahului route, where Alaska-branded aircraft will operate three daily round trips alongside Hawaiian’s existing Boeing 717 service.
Earlier Check-In for All Neighbor Island Flights
From October 3, all Neighbor Island passengers must check in and drop off any checked bags at least 50 minutes before departure, replacing the current 30-minute deadline.
Hawaiian says the earlier cutoff will support baggage handling and on-time departures. Passengers should check in online or through the Alaska Hawaiian app.
Travellers flying on the new 737 service will need to use the following airport facilities:
- Honolulu to Kahului: Bag drop remains at Terminal 1, Lobby 3, using the self-service bag-tag stations.
- Kahului to Honolulu: Passengers should use Alaska’s counters, next to Hawaiian’s, for check-in services and bag drop.
Hawaiian International Check-In Moves to Terminal 2
Also from October 3, Hawaiian will consolidate check-in and bag drop for all international departures from Honolulu at Terminal 2, Lobby 4, moving from Terminal 1, Lobby 3.
The airline says the relocation will help accommodate the new 737 operation and improve passenger flow. International travellers are advised to check their flight information before leaving for the airport and allow extra time to find the new check-in location.
What to Expect on the Honolulu–Kahului 737 Flights
The Alaska-branded Boeing 737-800 aircraft will offer reclining leather Recaro seats, in-seat power and USB charging, plus additional premium seating and upgrade opportunities for Atmos Rewards and Huakaʻi by Hawaiian members.
First Class passengers will receive complimentary beverages and snacks, while Main Cabin service will include beverages. Free Starlink Wi-Fi will be available on equipped aircraft, with installation timing varying across the fleet.
Aircraft types will be displayed when passengers search and book through the Alaska and Hawaiian websites and app.
Hawaiʻi residents enrolled in Huakaʻi by Hawaiian will continue to receive member benefits on both airlines’ Neighbor Island flights, including two free checked bags and quarterly discounts for up to six companions on the same reservation.
Hawaiian Plans to Replace Its 717 Fleet in 2028
Hawaiian’s Boeing 717 fleet will continue serving all Neighbor Island markets, operating around 140 daily flights while the supplemental 737 service begins.
The airline plans to retire the 717 fleet in 2028 and transition to Hawaiian-branded 737 aircraft with upgraded interiors and fast, free Starlink Wi-Fi.
