History of Hawaiian Airlines in Timeline

Hawaiian Airlines is a U.S. commercial airline headquartered in Honolulu and a subsidiary of the Alaska Air Group. From 1929 to 2025, it operated independently and was the largest carrier to and from Hawai'i. The airline was the tenth largest in the U.S. based on passengers carried.

January 30, 1929: Incorporation of Inter-Island Airways

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: Start of Operations

On October 6, 1929, Inter-Island Airways began operations with a Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker, offering short sightseeing flights over Oʻahu.

1929: Early Years as an Independent Carrier

In 1929, Hawaiian Airlines began operating as an independent carrier, becoming the largest operator of commercial flights to and from Hawaiʻi.

August 1941: Addition of Douglas DC-3s

In August 1941, the first Douglas DC-3s were added to the Hawaiian Airlines fleet.

October 1, 1941: Name Change to Hawaiian Airlines

On October 1, 1941, the company changed its name to Hawaiian Airlines as it phased out older 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 aircraft.

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.

1965: Convair Conversion to Turbine Power

From 1965 to 1967, Hawaiian Airlines converted most of its Convair aircraft 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, reducing travel times on most routes.

1967: Convair Conversion to Turbine Power

From 1965 to 1967, Hawaiian Airlines converted most of its Convair aircraft to turbine propeller power.

November 1968: Retirement of Douglas DC-3s

In November 1968, the last Douglas DC-3s were retired from Hawaiian Airlines' fleet.

1973: Airline Logo Featuring Miss Hawaii

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: Launch of Hawaiian Air Cargo

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 using Lockheed L-188 Electra freighter aircraft. The airline won an Air Force contract for 1976–1977.

1977: Loss of Aircraft Lease

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 using Lockheed L-188 Electra freighter aircraft. Hawaiian lost the lease of the aircraft it was using and was unable to bid for 1977–1978.

1978: Reestablishment of Hawaiian Air Cargo

From 1978 to 1980, Hawaiian Airlines tried to reestablish Hawaiian Air Cargo with a new batch of aircraft to operate again 1978–1980.

1980: Sale of Hawaiian Air Cargo

From 1978 to 1980, Hawaiian Airlines had a mainland air cargo division. In 1980, Hawaiian sold the Hawaiian Air Cargo operation to Zantop International Airlines.

1985: Expansion into South Pacific

In 1985, Hawaiian Airlines expanded outside the inter-island market with charter services to the South Pacific, later extending throughout the Pacific using Douglas DC-8 aircraft. However, the Federal Government banned DC-8 and B707 aircraft without hush kits.

1985: Introduction of Lockheed L-1011 TriStars

In early 1985, Hawaiian Airlines received the first two of its leased Lockheed L-1011 TriStars and launched daily Honolulu-Los Angeles services, competing with major US air carriers for the first time.

1986: Entry into International Markets

In 1986, Hawaiian Airlines entered the new international markets of Australia and New Zealand with one-stop services through Pago Pago International Airport, grew its international charter business, and pursued military transport contracts.

1986: Expansion to West Coast Cities

Throughout 1985 and 1986, Hawaiian Airlines added additional Lockheed L-1011s to its fleet and expanded 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 opened Kapalua Airport on Maui. The company was the only inter-island carrier with aircraft capable of serving the airport with its de Havilland Canada DHC-7 Dash 7 turboprops.

September 1993: Filing for Bankruptcy Protection

In September 1993, Hawaiian Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to financial difficulties and mounting losses.

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 as it retired its Dash 7 fleet, resulting in a more streamlined all-jet fleet.

March 2001: Boeing 717 Aircraft Operational Launch

In March 2001, Hawaiian Airlines began operating 13 Boeing 717 aircraft on its inter-island network.

October 2002: Service to Phoenix Sky Harbor

In October 2002, Hawaiian Airlines began service to Phoenix Sky Harbor airport with its Boeing 767–300 aircraft.

2002: DC-10s Retired

Between 2002 and 2003, Hawaiian Airlines retired its leased DC-10s.

March 2003: Second Bankruptcy Filing

In March 2003, Hawaiian Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in its history.

2003: DC-10s Retired

Between 2002 and 2003, Hawaiian Airlines retired its leased DC-10s.

2004: Investment from RC Aviation

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

On June 2, 2005, Hawaiian Airlines emerged from bankruptcy protection with reduced operating costs and investment from RC Aviation.

June 2005: Emergence from Bankruptcy

In June 2005, Hawaiian Airlines emerged from bankruptcy protection.

September 28, 2005: Flights to San Jose, California

On September 28, 2005, Hawaiian Airlines began nonstop daily flights from Honolulu to San Jose, California, making San Jose the fifth gateway city in California to be serviced by Hawaiian.

May 4, 2006: Service Expansion

On May 4, 2006, Hawaiian Airlines expanded service between the US mainland and Hawaii in anticipation of the induction of four additional Boeing 767–300 aircraft.

March 2007: Introduction of 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, consisting of twenty entrees set on a rotation, with five available on any given flight.

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 for five years.

August 2007: Seattle Seahawks Travel Partnership

In August 2007, the Seattle Seahawks began using Hawaiian Airlines for travel to games. The Las Vegas Raiders have been flying Hawaiian Airlines since the 1990s. The teams travel on Hawaiian's Airbus A330s.

November 27, 2007: Order of Airbus Aircraft

On November 27, 2007, Hawaiian Airlines ordered 24 long-range aircraft from Airbus 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

In March 2008, Hawaiian Airlines launched nonstop flights to Manila, capital of the Philippines, in the airline's first major international expansion since it emerged from bankruptcy protection in June 2005.

May 1, 2008: Flights to Oakland

On May 1, 2008, Hawaiian Airlines began flights to Oakland in response to the closure of ATA Airlines and Aloha Airlines.

June 4, 2008: Leasing Additional 717s

On June 4, 2008, Hawaiian Airlines announced plans to lease four additional Boeing 717s to meet increased demand following the shutdown of Aloha Airlines' passenger operations and the closure of ATA Airlines, with deliveries scheduled between September and the end of 2008.

October 2008: Leasing Additional A330-200s and Extending 767-300ER Leases

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: Introduction of Premium Meals

In 2009, Hawaiian Airlines introduced premium meals in its main cabin, giving passengers the option of having the complimentary meal or paying to upgrade to a premium meal. The premium meals consisted of a variety of high-end Asian cuisines but were later discontinued.

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 sometime in 2010.

November 18, 2010: Start of Flights to Tokyo-Haneda

On November 18, 2010, Hawaiian Airlines began nonstop service from Honolulu to Tokyo-Haneda, Japan.

December 2010: Orders and Leases Followed

In December 2010, Hawaiian Airlines placed additional orders and leases, including six A330-200s (bringing the total to 15).

2010: A330 Deliveries Begin

A330 deliveries to Hawaiian Airlines began in 2010.

January 12, 2011: Start of Service to Seoul-Incheon

On January 12, 2011, Hawaiian Airlines began nonstop service to Seoul-Incheon, South Korea.

March 31, 2011: Honolulu Airport Inter-island Terminal Renovation

On March 31, 2011, Hawaiian Airlines announced the renovation of the check-in lobby of the inter-island terminal at the Honolulu International Airport, Hawaiian's main hub.

July 12, 2011: Addition of Osaka to Network

On July 12, 2011, Hawaiian Airlines added Osaka, Japan, to its network.

November 17, 2011: Order of Additional Airbus A330-200 Aircraft

On November 17, 2011, Hawaiian Airlines ordered five additional Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

2011: Leasing of Additional A330-200s Begins

Beginning in 2011, Hawaiian Airlines started leasing two additional A330-200s.

June 4, 2012: Expansion to East Coast

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: Upgrade to Economy Class In-Flight Service

In August 2012, Hawaiian Airlines announced an upgrade to its economy class in-flight U.S. mainland service, including a new menu, a complimentary glass of wine on lunch or dinner flights, and a free tropical cocktail before landing on breakfast flights.

August 30, 2012: Application for Kona-Tokyo 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. However, the application 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: Order of A321neo Aircraft

In January 2013, Hawaiian Airlines ordered 16 A321neo aircraft, with options for up to nine more.

March 2013: Finalization of A321neo Aircraft Order

After reaching labor agreements with its pilot and flight attendant unions, Hawaiian Airlines finalized the order of A321neo aircraft in March 2013.

July 9, 2013: Begin Flights to Taipei

On July 9, 2013, Hawaiian Airlines started begin flights to Taipei, Taiwan, as part of its aggressive expansion plans.

2015: A330-200 Fleet Growth

By 2015, the A330-200 fleet of Hawaiian Airlines had grown to 22 aircraft.

December 2016: Leasing Additional A321neos

In December 2016, Hawaiian Airlines announced it would lease two additional A321neos, bringing the total to 18.

2016: Additional Purchases and Leases Announced

Throughout 2016, Hawaiian Airlines announced additional purchases and leases of aircraft.

December 1, 2017: Introduction of Pau Hāna Café Brand

Starting December 1, 2017, Hawaiian Airlines introduced complimentary meal service in the main cabin on flights between Hawaiʻi and western U.S. gateway cities, exclusively created for the airline's new Pau Hāna Café brand, offering a branded continental breakfast box for brunch and a hot sandwich and side for lunch.

December 20, 2017: Partnership with Mana Up

On December 20, 2017, Hawaiian Airlines announced a partnership with Mana Up, the Hawaiian-based accelerator for local consumer packaged goods, to increase the diversity and volume of locally made products served on board.

2017: First A350 Scheduled for Delivery

The first A350 was scheduled for delivery to Hawaiian Airlines in 2017.

January 17, 2018: A321neo Aircraft Enters Service

On January 17, 2018, the A321neo aircraft entered service with Hawaiian Airlines, with a flight from Kahului to Oakland, California.

March 2018: End of Codeshare Agreement with All Nippon Airways

In March 2018, Hawaiian Airlines' codeshare agreement with All Nippon Airways, established in 2010, came to an end.

April 2022: Agreement Signed to Use Starlink Network

In April 2022, an agreement was signed to use the Starlink network that allowed Hawaiian Airlines to offer inflight wi-fi for the first time.

December 3, 2023: Alaska Air Group Acquisition Announcement

On December 3, 2023, Alaska Air Group announced its plans to acquire Hawaiian Airlines.

February 2024: Free In-Flight Wi-Fi Announcement

In February 2024, Hawaiian Airlines announced it would offer free in-flight Wi-Fi provided by SpaceX's Starlink, making it the first major US airline to offer the satellite-based service.

September 18, 2024: Merger Completion

On September 18, 2024, the merger between Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian Airlines was completed, following regulatory approval.

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.