History of Hawaiian Airlines in Timeline
Hawaiian Airlines is a U.S. commercial airline headquartered in Honolulu, now a subsidiary of the Alaska Air Group. It was previously an independent carrier from 1929 until 2025. Hawaiian Airlines is the largest operator of commercial flights to and from Hawai'i and was the tenth largest commercial airline in the U.S. based on passengers carried.
4 hours ago : Hawaiian Airlines to update Airbus A330 cabins, shed widebody planes amid Alaska growth.
Hawaiian Airlines is updating Airbus A330 cabins for enhanced passenger experience. Simultaneously, it plans to shed widebody planes as Alaska Airlines expands in Seattle, impacting Hawaiian's operations. These changes will improve experience, but cut routes.
January 30, 1929: Inter-Island Airways Incorporation
On January 30, 1929, Inter-Island Airways, the forerunner of Hawaiian Airlines, was incorporated as a subsidiary of Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company.
October 6, 1929: Inter-Island Airways Operations Begin
On October 6, 1929, Inter-Island Airways began operations using a Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker, offering short sightseeing flights over Oʻahu.
1929: Independent Carrier
In 1929, Hawaiian Airlines began operations as an independent carrier.
August 1941: Addition of Douglas DC-3s
In August 1941, Hawaiian Airlines added the first Douglas DC-3s to its fleet.
October 1, 1941: Name Change to Hawaiian Airlines
On October 1, 1941, the company changed its name to Hawaiian Airlines and began phasing out the Sikorsky S-38 and Sikorsky S-43 flying boats.
1952: Introduction of Convair 340
In 1952, Hawaiian Airlines introduced modern pressurized equipment in the form of the Convair 340.
1959: Addition of Convair 440s
From 1959 to 1960, Hawaiian Airlines added further Convair 440s to its fleet.
1960: Addition of Convair 440s
From 1959 to 1960, Hawaiian Airlines added further Convair 440s to its fleet.
1964: Leina'ala Drummond, Miss Hawaii
In 1964, Leina'ala Drummond was Miss Hawaii and later became the face of Hawaiian Airlines' logo from 1973 onwards.
1965: Conversion of Convairs
From 1965 to 1967, Hawaiian Airlines converted most of its Convairs to turbine propeller power.
1966: Introduction of Jet Service
In 1966, Hawaiian Airlines began offering jet service with the acquisition of Douglas DC-9-10 aircraft, which reduced travel times on most routes.
1967: Conversion of Convairs
From 1965 to 1967, Hawaiian Airlines converted most of its Convairs to turbine propeller power.
November 1968: Retirement of Douglas DC-3s
In November 1968, the remaining Douglas DC-3 aircraft were retired from Hawaiian Airlines' fleet.
1973: Logo Featuring Leina'ala Drummond
From 1973 onwards, Hawaiian Airlines' logo featured the face of Miss Hawaii 1964, Leina'ala Drummond, who had been a flight attendant with the airline.
1974: Sale of Last Convairs
In 1974, Hawaiian Airlines sold its last Convair aircraft.
1976: Hawaiian Air Cargo Division
From 1976 to 1977, Hawaiian Airlines had a mainland air cargo division called Hawaiian Air Cargo based in Macon, Georgia, focused on the United States Air Force Logair domestic cargo program.
1977: Loss of Air Force Contract
In 1977, Hawaiian Airlines lost the lease of its aircraft and was unable to bid for the Air Force contract for 1977–1978.
1978: Reinstatement of Hawaiian Air Cargo
In 1978, Hawaiian Airlines tried again with a new batch of aircraft and operated Hawaiian Air Cargo from 1978–1980.
1980: Sale of Hawaiian Air Cargo
In 1980, Hawaiian Airlines sold its Hawaiian Air Cargo operation to Zantop International Airlines.
1985: Charter Services to South Pacific
In 1985, Hawaiian Airlines began charter services to the South Pacific using Douglas DC-8 aircraft, marking its first expansion outside of inter-island routes.
1985: Introduction of L-1011 TriStars and Honolulu-Los Angeles Service
In early 1985, Hawaiian Airlines received the first two of its leased Lockheed L-1011 TriStars and launched its first scheduled operation out of Hawaiʻi with daily Honolulu-Los Angeles services.
1986: Expansion to Australia and New Zealand
In 1986, Hawaiian Airlines entered the international markets of Australia and New Zealand with one-stop services through Pago Pago International Airport.
1986: Expansion to West Coast Gateway Cities
Throughout 1985 and 1986, Hawaiian Airlines added additional L-1011s to its fleet and opened services to other West Coast cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas, and Anchorage.
1987: Opening of Kapalua Airport
In 1987, Hawaiian Airlines was the only inter-island carrier capable of serving Kapalua Airport with its de Havilland Canada DHC-7 Dash 7 turboprops.
September 1993: Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing
In September 1993, Hawaiian Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to financial difficulties and unprofitable operations.
1993: Sale of Kapalua Airport
In 1993, as part of its restructuring, Hawaiian Airlines sold Kapalua Airport to the State of Hawaii.
September 1994: Exit from Bankruptcy
In September 1994, Hawaiian Airlines exited bankruptcy and began operating a more streamlined all-jet fleet.
March 2001: Hawaiian Airlines begins operating Boeing 717 aircraft
In March 2001, Hawaiian Airlines started using 13 Boeing 717 aircraft for its inter-island network.
October 2002: Service to Phoenix Sky Harbor
In October 2002, Hawaiian Airlines began service to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport using its Boeing 767–300 aircraft.
2002: DC-10s Retirement
Hawaiian Airlines retired DC-10s between 2002 and 2003, replacing them with leased Boeing 767 aircraft.
March 2003: Second Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing
In March 2003, Hawaiian Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in its history, owing $4.5 million to the pilots' pension plan.
2003: DC-10s Retirement
Hawaiian Airlines retired DC-10s between 2002 and 2003, replacing them with leased Boeing 767 aircraft.
2004: Majority Share Acquired
In 2004, RC Aviation, a unit of Ranch Capital, bought a majority share in Hawaiian Holdings Inc, the parent company of Hawaiian Airlines.
May 2005: Court Approval for Reorganization Plan
As of May 2005, Hawaiian Airlines had received court approval for its reorganization plan.
June 2, 2005: Emergence from Bankruptcy Protection
On June 2, 2005, Hawaiian Airlines emerged from bankruptcy protection with reduced operating costs and investment from RC Aviation.
September 28, 2005: Nonstop Flights to San Jose
On September 28, 2005, Hawaiian Airlines began nonstop daily flights from Honolulu to San Jose, California.
March 2007: Hawaiian introduces tasting menu for first-class passengers
In March 2007, Hawaiian Airlines introduced a "tasting menu" or "tapas menu" for its first-class passengers on its U.S. mainland and international flights.
July 24, 2007: Maintenance Contract with Air New Zealand
On July 24, 2007, Hawaiian Airlines and Air New Zealand signed a $45 million contract for Air New Zealand to perform heavy maintenance on Hawaiian's Boeing 767 aircraft.
August 2007: Seattle Seahawks Partnership
In August 2007, the Seattle Seahawks began using Hawaiian Airlines to travel to games.
November 27, 2007: Hawaiian orders Airbus aircraft
On November 27, 2007, Hawaiian Airlines placed an order for 24 long-range Airbus aircraft valued at $4.4 billion. The order included six Airbus A330-200s with six options, and six A350-800s with six options.
March 2008: Flights to Manila Launched
In March 2008, Hawaiian Airlines launched nonstop flights to Manila, Philippines, marking its first major international expansion since emerging from bankruptcy protection.
May 1, 2008: Flights to Oakland Began
On May 1, 2008, Hawaiian Airlines began flights to Oakland in response to the closure of ATA Airlines and Aloha Airlines.
June 2, 2008: Listing on NASDAQ
Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, Inc., was listed on NASDAQ from June 2, 2008, to September 18, 2024.
June 30, 2008: Addition to Russell 3000 Index
On June 30, 2008, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. announced that it had been added to the Russell 3000 Index.
October 2008: Hawaiian to lease additional A330-200s
In October 2008, Hawaiian Airlines announced it would lease two additional A330-200s beginning in 2011, while extending the leases of two Boeing 767-300ERs to bridge the transition.
2009: Hawaiian introduces premium meals in main cabin
In 2009, Hawaiian Airlines introduced premium meals in its main cabin, offering passengers the option to upgrade from the complimentary meal.
February 16, 2010: Application for Flights to Tokyo-Haneda
On February 16, 2010, Hawaiian Airlines sought approval from the United States Department of Transportation to begin nonstop flights from Honolulu to Tokyo-Haneda.
November 18, 2010: Nonstop Service to Haneda Begins
On November 18, 2010, Hawaiian Airlines began nonstop service to Haneda, Japan, after receiving approval from USDOT.
December 2010: Hawaiian orders six A330-200s
In December 2010, Hawaiian Airlines ordered six A330-200s, bringing the total to 15.
January 12, 2011: Nonstop Service to Seoul-Incheon Begins
On January 12, 2011, Hawaiian Airlines began nonstop service to Seoul-Incheon, South Korea.
March 31, 2011: Renovation of Inter-Island Terminal
On March 31, 2011, Hawaiian Airlines announced the renovation of the check-in lobby at the inter-island terminal of Honolulu International Airport.
July 12, 2011: Osaka Added to Network
On July 12, 2011, Hawaiian Airlines added Osaka, Japan to its network.
November 17, 2011: Order for Additional Airbus A330-200 Aircraft
On November 17, 2011, Hawaiian Airlines ordered five additional Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
June 4, 2012: East Coast Expansion to New York
On June 4, 2012, Hawaiian Airlines expanded to the east coast with daily flights to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.
August 2012: Hawaiian announces economy class in-flight service upgrade
In August 2012, Hawaiian Airlines announced an upgrade to its economy class in-flight U.S. mainland service, including a new menu, complimentary wine, and a free tropical cocktail.
August 30, 2012: Application for Kona-Tokyo-Haneda Route
On August 30, 2012, Hawaiian Airlines filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for a nonstop route between Kona and Tokyo-Haneda, but it was rejected.
December 3, 2012: Plans for Flights to Taipei
On December 3, 2012, Hawaiian Airlines unveiled plans to begin flights to Taipei, Taiwan, beginning July 9, 2013.
January 2013: Hawaiian orders A321neo aircraft
In January 2013, Hawaiian Airlines placed an order for 16 Airbus A321neo aircraft and had options for nine more.
February 11, 2013: Announcement of "’Ohana by Hawaiian"
On February 11, 2013, Hawaiian Airlines announced a new turboprop inter-island venture named "’Ohana by Hawaiian", which would be operated by Empire Airlines using ATR 42–500 turboprop airplanes.
March 2013: Hawaiian finalizes A321neo order
In March 2013, after reaching labor agreements with pilot and flight attendant unions, Hawaiian finalized its order for 16 A321neo aircraft.
April 10, 2013: Announcement of First Destination in China
On April 10, 2013, Hawaiian Airlines announced its first destination in China, with service to Beijing expected to start on April 16, 2014, pending government approval. The airline also announced it would end service to Manila on July 31, 2013.
July 9, 2013: Flights to Taipei begin
On July 9, 2013, Hawaiian Airlines began flights to Taipei, Taiwan, as part of its aggressive expansion plans.
July 11, 2013: Codeshare Agreement with China Airlines
On July 11, 2013, Hawaiian Airlines signed a codeshare agreement with China Airlines.
July 31, 2013: End of Service to Manila
Hawaiian Airlines ended its service to Manila on July 31, 2013.
March 11, 2014: Start of "’Ohana by Hawaiian" Service
On March 11, 2014, Hawaiian Airlines began its "’Ohana by Hawaiian" service to Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.
March 12, 2014: Announcement of Daily Service Between Kahului and Los Angeles
On March 12, 2014, Hawaiian Airlines announced that it would begin daily service between Kahului and Los Angeles on May 2, and adding a second flight from June 30 to September 8 in response to passenger demand. It would also begin nonstop summer service between Los Angeles and both Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi, and Kona, Hawaiʻi.
April 16, 2014: Service to Beijing Expected to Start
Service to Beijing was expected to start on April 16, 2014, pending government approval.
August 14, 2014: Announcement of Direct Service Between Kahului and San Francisco
On August 14, 2014, Hawaiian Airlines announced direct service between Kahului and San Francisco beginning in November.
December 2014: DOT Review of Delta Air Lines' Seattle-Tokyo Route
In December 2014, the DOT decided to review the public interest in Delta Air Lines' Seattle-Tokyo route after Delta reduced the frequency of those flights from daily to seasonal, which prompted Hawaiian to refile its application for the Kona-Haneda route.
January 5, 2015: Refiling of Application for Kona-Haneda Route
On January 5, 2015, Hawaiian Airlines refiled its previously rejected application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Kona-Haneda route with service, if approved, to begin in June.
December 2016: Hawaiian to lease two additional A321neos
In December 2016, Hawaiian Airlines announced they would lease two additional A321neo aircraft, bringing the total to 18.
May 1, 2017: New Logo and Livery Revealed
On May 1, 2017, Hawaiian Airlines revealed a new logo and livery for its aircraft.
December 1, 2017: Pau Hāna Café meal service introduced
Starting December 1, 2017, Hawaiian Airlines introduced the Pau Hāna Café meal service for main cabin guests on flights between Hawaiʻi and western U.S. gateway cities, featuring continental breakfast and hot sandwich options.
December 20, 2017: Partnership with Mana Up announced
On December 20, 2017, Hawaiian Airlines announced a partnership with Mana Up, a Hawaiian-based accelerator for local consumer packaged goods, to increase the diversity and volume of locally made products served on board.
January 17, 2018: A321neo enters service
On January 17, 2018, Hawaiian Airlines' A321neo aircraft entered service with a flight from Kahului to Oakland, California.
February 2018: Reports indicate Hawaiian to cancel A330-800 order
In February 2018, reports surfaced that Hawaiian Airlines was considering canceling its A330-800 order in favor of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
March 6, 2018: Order for Boeing 787–9 Dreamliners
On March 6, 2018, Hawaiian Airlines announced an order for 10 Boeing 787–9 Dreamliners with options for an additional ten; selecting GE GEnx engines.
March 2018: Codeshare Agreement Ends
In March 2018, Hawaiian Airlines' codeshare agreement with All Nippon Airways ended.
July 2018: Hawaiian finalizes 787-9 order
In July 2018, Hawaiian Airlines finalized its order for ten Boeing 787-9s with options for ten more at the Farnborough Air Show.
August 2020: Reinstatement of Travel Quarantines
Fourteen-day travel quarantines, which were reinstated for August 2020, have contributed to Hawaiian Airlines' plans to downsize the company by 15–25% by summer 2021.
2020: Net Loss Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hawaiian Airlines reported a net loss of over $100 million for the Q2 of 2020.
May 27, 2021: Discontinuation of 'Ohana by Hawaiian Brand
On May 27, 2021, Hawaiian Airlines announced that it would discontinue the 'Ohana by Hawaiian brand and its cargo and passenger services after the pandemic and resulting quarantine significantly impacted inter-island travel. The carrier's ATR fleet would be moved to the mainland and be prepared for sale.
2021: Planned Downsizing Due to Travel Quarantines
By summer 2021, Hawaiian Airlines planned to downsize the company by 15–25% due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and reinstated travel quarantines.
April 25, 2022: Partnership with SpaceX Starlink
On April 25, 2022, Hawaiian Airlines announced they will become the first major air carrier to offer the SpaceX Starlink service on all transpacific flights. The service will be offered free to passengers beginning in 2023.
January 4, 2023: Order for Additional 787-9 Aircraft
On January 4, 2023, Hawaiian Airlines announced an order for an additional two 787-9 aircraft, converted from existing options.
May 15, 2023: Introduction of "Leihōkū Suites"
On May 15, 2023, Hawaiian Airlines introduced the new "Leihōkū Suites" on their Boeing 787–9 Dreamliner aircraft, offering fully lie-flat seating, an 18-inch in-flight entertainment screen, personal outlets, wireless charging, and direct aisle access, with design elements evoking Hawaiʻi's natural world.
December 3, 2023: Alaska Air Group Acquisition Announcement
On December 3, 2023, Alaska Air Group announced its plans to acquire Hawaiian Airlines.
December 2023: Alaska Airlines Announces Merger with Hawaiian Airlines
In December 2023, Alaska Airlines announced that it would merge with Hawaiian Airlines by purchasing it for $1.9 billion in cash along with an assumption of approximately $900 million in outstanding debt. The merger would create a combined carrier focused on the western United States.
2023: Starlink Service to be Offered
In 2023, Hawaiian Airlines was set to begin offering the SpaceX Starlink service free to passengers on all transpacific flights.
January 2024: Hawaiian Airlines receives first Boeing 787-9
In January 2024, Hawaiian Airlines received the first delivery of its Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which entered service on West Coast routes.
February 2024: Hawaiian Airlines to Offer Free Starlink Wi-Fi
In February 2024, Hawaiian Airlines announced that it would offer free in-flight Wi-Fi provided by SpaceX's Starlink, becoming the first major US airline to offer this satellite-based service. The service follows an agreement signed in April 2022.
February 2024: Mayors Support Merger
In February 2024, Richard Bissen (mayor of Maui County), Rick Blangiardi (mayor of the City and County of Honolulu), Derek Kawakami (mayor of Kauai County), and Mitch Roth (mayor of Hawaiʻi County) published an open letter in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser declaring their support for the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines as "good for Hawaiʻi" and enhance service to neighbor islands.
April 2024: Shareholders Approve Merger
In April 2024, the proposed merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines was approved by shareholders of Hawaiian Airlines, following earlier approval from both Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.
August 19, 2024: Justice Department Declines to Block Merger
On August 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice completed its regulatory antitrust review of the proposed acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines by Alaska Airlines and declined to attempt to block the merger in court.
September 2024: Starlink Installed on Airbus Fleet
In September 2024, Hawaiian Airlines announced it had installed Starlink on its Airbus fleet.
September 17, 2024: DOT Approves Merger with Conditions
On September 17, 2024, the regulator from the U.S. Department of Transportation approved the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, with conditions including the one-to-one exchange rate for airline points, maintenance of "robust levels" of inter-island passenger and cargo flights, continued service to rural Hawaiian communities, permission for children under the age of thirteen to sit next to accompanying adults regardless of their tickets, as well as lowered costs for military members and their families.
September 18, 2024: Merger Completion
On September 18, 2024, the merger between Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian Airlines was completed after receiving regulatory approval.
August 2025: Announcement of New Frequent-Flyer Program
In August 2025, Alaska Air Group announced that HawaiianMiles and Alaska's MilagePlan would be replaced by a new frequent-flyer program called Atmos Rewards. The last day to redeem HawaiianMiles was set for September 25, with all remaining miles rolled over to Atmos Rewards by October 1.
October 29, 2025: Final Flight as Independent Carrier
On October 29, 2025, Hawaiian Airlines operated its final flight as an independent carrier before its operations were integrated into Alaska Airlines.
2025: Independent Carrier
In 2025, Hawaiian Airlines was operating as an independent carrier.
2025: Joe Sprague Retirement and Diana Birkett Rakow Appointment
In 2025, chief executive officer Joe Sprague announced his retirement. Beginning in October of the same year, Diana Birkett Rakow succeeded Sprague as CEO of Hawaiian Airlines.
April 22, 2026: Integration to Single Passenger Service System
On April 22, 2026, the integration to a single passenger service system will be completed, enabling all Hawaiian-branded flights to transition from their original IATA designator 'HA' to Alaska's 'AS'.
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