Multiple sources reported that Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines will introduce several operational changes effective October 3, 2026, affecting interisland travel to and from Maui. The updates include a stricter check-in deadline and new Boeing 737-800 service on the Honolulu–Kahului route, adding capacity on one of Hawaii’s busiest corridors.
- Starting October 3, all interisland travelers must check in online and drop checked bags at least 50 minutes before departure — up from the current 30-minute cutoff.
- Alaska Airlines will launch three daily round trips between Honolulu (HNL) and Kahului (OGG) using Alaska-branded Boeing 737-800 aircraft, adding passenger and cargo capacity.
- The 737-800 flights supplement — not replace — Hawaiian Airlines’ existing Boeing 717 interisland operations, which will continue serving all Neighbor Islands with approximately 140 daily flights.
- Hawaiian’s 717 fleet is scheduled for retirement in 2028 and will be replaced with Hawaiian-branded 737s featuring Starlink Wi-Fi, reclining Recaro seats, in-seat power, and premium cabin options.
- In Honolulu, all international departures will consolidate to Terminal 2, Lobby 4 starting October 3; travelers on the new 737 Kahului flights will use a different lobby — confirm your departure lobby before heading to the airport.
- Maui welcomed 247,857 visitors in July 2026, up 5.6% year-over-year, with visitor spending reaching $539.9 million, a 5.7% increase — and the island recorded 1.62 million visitors in the first seven months of 2026, up 7.7% from 2025. (Travel and Tour World)
Sources
- Hawaii News Now: Hawaiian, Alaska update check-in times, add 737s on Maui flights
- Deeparrival: Hawaiian Airlines Sets 50-Minute Check-In Deadline for Neighbor Island Flights From October 3
- Travel and Tour World: Hawaii Travel Gets a Boost as Alaska Airlines Adds Honolulu–Maui Flights From October
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