Hawaiian Airlines has announced a more than $600 million, five-year investment program aimed at modernizing airport infrastructure across Hawaiʻi, improving digital and operational technology, and refreshing key elements of its onboard experience, while expanding community and sustainability initiatives in the islands.
The initiative, branded the Kahuʻewai Hawaiʻi Investment Plan, is designed to improve the guest journey from booking through day-of-travel and equip airport and in-flight employees with updated tools and workspaces. Hawaiian said the plan will also support efforts to advance lower-emission technologies and expand programs tied to regenerative tourism, culture, and conservation.
A central pillar of the investment is a multi-airport renovation program scheduled to run from 2025 through 2029. Hawaiian said it will renovate lobbies and gates at Honolulu, Līhuʻe, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo to improve passenger flow and comfort, with updated seating, expanded amenities, and additional power charging. In Honolulu, the carrier’s largest hub, Hawaiian plans to build a 10,600-square-foot premium lounge at the entrance to the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1.
On the technology front, Hawaiian said it will launch a redesigned app and website in spring 2026, with updated functionality intended to simplify travel planning, booking, and trip management, including self-service capabilities such as changing flights and redeeming award travel on global partners. The airline is also investing in new technology to support employees across operations, and said the full impact of these improvements will be realized once Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines share the same passenger service system and Hawaiian joins the oneworld alliance, both targeted for late April 2026.
Hawaiian also outlined a longer-term cabin retrofit program for its widebody Airbus A330 fleet, based in Honolulu. Starting in 2028, the A330s are slated for a full interior upgrade that includes new seats, carpets, and lighting, as well as first-class suites and the introduction of a premium economy cabin. The carrier said the updated experience will include a Bluetooth-enabled in-flight entertainment system with high-definition seatback screens and an expanded content library, plus fast, free Starlink Wi Fi. Hawaiian also said it is acquiring three of its A330 aircraft off lease to support the long-term future of the fleet in its Pacific network.
The airline’s plan also includes new loyalty incentives targeted at residents. Hawaiian said it will provide Huakaʻi by Hawaiian loyalty members who live in Hawaiʻi with a 50% bonus on Atmos Rewards points and status points earned on Neighbor Island flights, adding to kamaʻāina benefits that it said already include a free checked bag, quarterly discounts when flying within the state, and monthly systemwide deals.
Beyond customer and operational upgrades, Hawaiian said it will expand partnerships in education and workforce development, pursue new grant-making opportunities, and extend sustainability investments focused on regenerative tourism and natural resource preservation. The carrier said it is expanding its partnership with business accelerator Mana Up by investing in the Mana Up Capital II fund to help more local companies scale globally. It noted it has featured more than a dozen local retailers on board since becoming Mana Up’s official airline sponsor in 2017.
Hawaiian also pointed to recent sustainable aviation fuel and emissions-related initiatives, including an investment tied to locally produced sustainable aviation fuel in partnership with Pono Pacific and Par Hawaii, with deliveries of Hawaiʻi-made sustainable aviation fuel expected later in 2026. The airline said it is also investing in hybrid electric propulsion developer Ampaire to support lower emission options for short haul flying and increasing the use of electric ground service vehicles at Honolulu airport.
As part of its community giving strategy, Hawaiian said it will provide grants to nonprofit organizations supporting cultural programs, environmental preservation, and the perpetuation of Native Hawaiian art and language through the Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines Foundation, a newly integrated 501(c)(3) foundation focused on these efforts in Alaska and Hawaiʻi. Hawaiian framed the investment plan as part of Alaska Air Group’s Alaska Accelerate strategy for the combined airline group.
KEY QUOTES:
“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.”
Diana Birkett Rakow, Chief Executive Officer, Hawaiian Airlines
“Hawaiian Airlines’ investment is exactly the kind of long-term commitment Hawaiʻi needs. Modern, welcoming airports improve the experience for residents and visitors alike, strengthen our economy and keep Hawaiʻi competitive as a global destination. We appreciate Hawaiian Airlines’ partnership in advancing workforce development, regenerative tourism, clean energy, and community programs that reflect the values of our islands.”
Josh Green, Governor, Hawaiʻi
