“Hawaiian Airlines\u2019 investment is exactly the kind of long-term commitment Hawai\u02bbi needs,\u201d said Hawaii Governor Josh Green. \u201cModern, welcoming airports improve the experience for residents and visitors alike, strengthen our economy and keep Hawai\u02bbi competitive as a global destination. We appreciate Hawaiian Airlines\u2019 partnership in advancing workforce development, regenerative tourism, clean energy, and community programs that reflect the values of our islands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kahu\u02bbewai 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\u2018i today and for a long time to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They include:<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAirports<\/strong>: Starting this year through 2029, Hawaiian Airlines will renovate lobbies and gates in Honolulu, L\u012bhu\u2018e, 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\u2019s busiest hub, the airline will build a spacious 10,600-square-foot premium lounge at the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1 \u2013 setting a new standard of preflight comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Technology:<\/strong> 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 \u2013 and a significantly smoother guest experience \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aircraft:<\/strong> Hawaiian Airlines\u2019 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 o\u01af lease to support the future of this fleet in its service across the Pacific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Loyalty:<\/strong> Later this year, Hawaiian Airlines will reward Hawai\u2018i residents who are members of its popular Huaka\u2018i by Hawaiian loyalty program with a 50% bonus on Atmos Rewards points and status points earned on Neighbor Island flights, adding to exclusive kama\u2018\u0101ina benefits that include a free checked bag, 10% or 20% quarterly discounts when flying within the state, and monthly systemwide deals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Community Impact:<\/strong> Hawaiian Airlines remains deeply engaged in the community, with expanded partnerships in education and workforce development initiatives, new grant-making opportunities, regenerative tourism e\u01aforts through its Travel Pono program, and new investments to preserve Hawai\u2018i\u2019s natural resources and to advance new technologies for a more sustainable future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As part of its community and sustainability initiatives, Hawaiian is expanding a partnership with business accelerator Mana Up through an investment in its Mana Up Capital II fund to help more local companies scale for the global market. Hawaiian has featured more than a dozen local retailers in the food, fashion, beauty and home and art sectors in its onboard service since becoming Mana Up\u2019s official airline sponsor in 2017. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Hawaiian Airlines is proud to call Hawai\u2018i home, to reflect the spirit of the islands, to take care of our local guests and welcome visitors, and support our communities,\u201d said Diana Birkett Rakow – Chief executive officer – Hawaiian Airlines. \u201cOur Kahu\u2018ewai Hawai\u2018i Investment Plan represents one of Hawaiian Airlines\u2019 largest single investments in our infrastructure, products and services in Hawai\u2018i. 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\u2018i and Hawaiian Airlines to thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hawaiian last month announced it is investing<\/a> in locally produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce flight emissions and support agriculture in partnership with Pono Pacific and Par Hawaii, and that it would be the first airline to take deliveries of Hawai\u2018i-made SAF later this year. The airline is also working to advance innovative lower-emission options for short-haul air service with an investment in hybrid-electric propulsion developer Ampaire and increasing use of electric ground service vehicles at Honolulu airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, the airline will be providing grants to nonprofit organizations promoting cultural programs, environmental preservation and perpetuation of native Hawaiian art and language through the Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines Foundation<\/a>, a newly integrated 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to these efforts in their two namesake states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n