Hawaiian Airlines Ends Free Meals, Launches Chef Sheldon Simeon Menu July 1

Tourist beach scene — Hawaiian Airlines Ends Free Meals, Launches Chef Sheldon Simeon Menu July 1 | Maui Tom's News

Hawaiian Airlines will stop serving complimentary meals on domestic long-haul flights starting July 1, replacing them with a pre-order menu featuring dishes by Maui chef Sheldon Simeon priced at $10.99-$16.99. Free meals in main cabin on domestic long-haul flights will end July 1, 2024. New pre-order menu features dishes by James Beard-recognized Maui chef Sheldon […]

Hawaiian Airlines Replaces Free Coach Meals with Paid Chef-Curated Menu

Man relaxing in an airport terminal with feet on a rolling suitcase, watching a plane take off outside through the window.

Hawaiian Airlines announced it will end complimentary main cabin meals on most mainland flights starting July 1, replacing them with pre-order meals created by Maui chef Sheldon Simeon. Multiple sources report this marks a shift from the airline’s longtime practice of including meals with tickets, though officials say the change addresses passenger requests for more […]

United Airlines Disruptions at East Coast Hub Affect Hawaii-Bound Travelers

Plane landing approach — United Airlines Disruptions at East Coast Hub Affect Hawaii-Bound Travelers | Maui Tom's News

Washington Dulles airport experienced 102 flight delays and cancellations on May 27, primarily affecting United Airlines and regional carriers. The disruptions impacted connections to domestic and international destinations including routes that serve Hawaii travelers. United Airlines and regional partners Mesa Airlines and CommuteAir had 98 delays and 4 cancellations at Washington Dulles on May 27. […]

Southwest Operates Short Inter-Island Route Between Kona and Maui Airports

OGG - kahului airport, maui — Southwest Operates Short Inter-Island Route Between Kona and Maui Airports | Maui Tom's News

Southwest Airlines runs one of its shortest US routes between Kona and Kahului airports, an 84-mile inter-island flight connecting the Big Island to Maui. Southwest’s Kona-Kahului route covers 84 miles and ranks as the airline’s third-shortest US domestic flight. The inter-island service connects Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport to Kahului Airport on Maui. Southwest operates […]

New Airport Retailer Opens at Maui’s Kahului with Local Product Focus

OGG - kahului airport, maui — New Airport Retailer Opens at Maui's Kahului with Local Product Focus | Maui Tom's News

International Shoppes opened duty-free shops at Kahului Airport in April, featuring 60% local Hawaiian merchandise. The company plans renovations at OGG over the next two years under a 10-year state concession. International Shoppes launched operations at Kahului Airport (OGG) and Honolulu Airport in April 2024. Local vendors account for approximately 60% of merchandise at both […]

United Airlines Deploys AI System to Hold Flights for Connecting Passengers

Courthouse exterior — United Airlines Deploys AI System to Hold Flights for Connecting Passengers | Maui Tom's News

United Airlines launched an AI system called ConnectionSaver that delays departing flights by a few minutes to help late connecting passengers make their flights. The system has already helped over 54,000 travelers avoid missed connections at major hub airports. The AI system analyzes real-time data to determine when it’s safe to hold departing flights for […]

Power Plant Closures on Maui and Big Island Delayed Due to EPA Ruling

Garden of the Gods Lanai Hawaii — Power Plant Closures on Maui and Big Island Delayed Due to EPA Ruling | Maui Tom's News

The EPA rejected Hawaii’s plan to shut down aging power plants on Maui and Hawaii Island, forcing Hawaiian Electric to keep the Kahului generating station and others running longer than planned. The Kahului generating station will continue operating beyond its planned retirement date due to grid reliability concerns. Hawaiian Electric says delays in renewable energy […]

Maui Ocean Center Highlighted as Major Educational Tourist Attraction

Feeding time! — Maui Ocean Center Highlighted as Major Educational Tourist Attraction | Maui Tom's News

Multiple news sources have featured the Maui Ocean Center, Hawaii’s largest aquarium, as a significant tourist destination that educates visitors about local marine life and Hawaiian history. The coverage emphasizes the facility’s role in ocean conservation education and its unique attractions for travelers visiting Maui. Maui Ocean Center is Hawaii’s largest aquarium, operating since 1998 […]

New EV Fast Charging Station Opens at Kapalua Airport on West Maui

Airport check-in area — New EV Fast Charging Station Opens at Kapalua Airport on West Maui | Maui Tom's News

A new 24/7 electric vehicle charging station with four fast chargers is now operational at Kapalua Airport, funded through a federal program. The station serves both residents and visitors in West Maui with 150 kW DC fast charging capabilities. Four 150 kW DC fast chargers are now available 24/7 at Kapalua Airport with both NACS […]

New Travel Assistance Service Launches for Visitors with Disabilities

a beach with palm trees and a mountain in the background — New Travel Assistance Service Launches for Visitors with Disabilities | Maui Tom's News

TravelingWiki has launched free phone and text customer service in Spanish and English to help travelers with non-visible disabilities navigate airports and sports venues. The service provides disability resource information for all major US airports through multilingual phone support. Coverage includes the top 50 US sports venues with capacity above 65,000 fans. Free assistance is […]