Multiple sources report that as of this weekend, Alaska Airlines began operating Boeing 737 aircraft on daily Honolulu–Kahului routes as part of its ongoing integration with Hawaiian Airlines. Alongside the new service, Hawaiian Airlines has extended its Neighbor Island check-in and bag-drop deadline from 30 to 50 minutes before departure. The changes affect both visitors and residents traveling to and from Maui.
- Alaska Airlines launched three daily Boeing 737-800 flights between Honolulu (Daniel K. Inouye International) and Kahului Airport (OGG) starting October 3, 2026.
- Hawaiian Airlines’ Neighbor Island check-in and bag-drop deadline increased from 30 to 50 minutes before departure — passengers arriving after the new cutoff risk missing their flight or being unable to check baggage.
- At Kahului Airport, Maui passengers on Alaska 737 flights should use Alaska’s check-in counters, located next to Hawaiian’s counters. (Maui Now)
- In Honolulu, Kahului-bound Alaska passengers should check in online or via app and use self-service bag-tag stations in Terminal 1, Lobby 3. (Maui Now)
- Hawaiian Airlines international departures from Honolulu are moving from Terminal 1, Lobby 3 to Terminal 2, Lobby 4, to improve passenger flow across both terminals.
- The new 737 Honolulu–Kahului routes will serve as a test case for jet bridge settings, gate requirements, baggage handling, and aircraft servicing before a broader 737 rollout.
- The Hawaii Department of Transportation said the additional Alaska flights were added to support Neighbor Island capacity during the airline integration transition. (Maui Now)
- Alaska and Hawaiian plan to eventually retire Hawaiian’s Boeing 717 interisland fleet as the merger integration continues.
Sources
- Maui Now: Alaska Airlines 737s begin Honolulu-Kahului flights Saturday; Neighbor Island check-in time moves to 50 minutes
- Rustourismnews: Hawaiian Passengers Face New 50-Minute Check-In Rule From Today
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