Kahului Airport Runway Rebuild Narrows to Two Options, Costing Up to $1B
Hawaii’s Department of Transportation has narrowed reconstruction plans for Kahului Airport’s aging main runway to two options — a $604 million temporary runway approach or a nearly $1 billion permanent parallel runway. Both options would begin around 2031 and take approximately four years to complete. Runway 2-20, built in 1942 and the only Maui runway […]
Federal Safety Probe Targets Rental Car Company Operating on Maui
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation in June 2026 into NU Car Rentals over whether vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls were rented to customers. NU Car Rentals operates on Maui, Kauai, and Oahu through an off-airport shuttle model. NHTSA opened investigation AQ26001 on June 9, 2026, examining whether NU Car Rentals rented […]
Rep. Case Opposes Federal DHS Budget Over TSA Cuts, Secures Hawaii Funds
Congressman Ed Case voted against a $99.5 billion Department of Homeland Security spending bill citing cuts to TSA and cybersecurity agencies. Despite his opposition, Case secured $1.6 million in Hawaii community project funding and $117 million for Coast Guard operations in the Indo-Pacific. Case opposed the DHS budget due to a $347 million cut to […]
Hawaiian Airlines Launches Moana-Themed Planes Amid Alaska Merger Changes
Hawaiian Airlines is introducing three new Moana-themed aircraft this summer as the airline continues integrating with Alaska Airlines following their merger. The Disney collaboration comes as Hawaiian’s traditional branding elements have been retired or changed. Three Moana-themed planes are rolling out across Hawaiian’s network including Airbus A321neo, A330, and Boeing 717 aircraft. The airline has […]
United Offers Free Mile Pooling for Hawaii Flights, Atmos Charges $395
United Airlines now allows free family mile pooling for Hawaii flights including interisland routes, while the new Alaska-Hawaiian Atmos program requires a $395 annual fee for similar benefits. United’s free MileagePlus pooling allows up to 5 family members to combine miles for Hawaii travel. Pooled United miles work for United mainland-to-Hawaii flights and Hawaiian interisland […]
Hawaii Leads Nation in Laser Strikes Against Aircraft Near Airports
Hawaii has one of the highest rates of people pointing lasers at aircraft in the U.S., creating serious flight safety risks during takeoffs and landings at island airports. Federal officials report Hawaii tops the nation in per-capita laser strikes against aircraft. Laser beams can blind or disorient pilots during critical takeoff and landing phases near […]
Hawaiian Airlines Ends Free Meals on Most Mainland Routes Starting July
Hawaiian Airlines will stop serving complimentary meals on most Hawaii-mainland flights starting July 1, replacing them with a paid pre-order program featuring Maui chef-designed dishes. Passengers can purchase meals ranging from $10.99-$16.99 through advance ordering. Free economy meals end July 1 on most Hawaii-continental US routes, replaced by paid pre-order system. Maui chef Sheldon Simeon […]
American Airlines Cuts Routes Due to High Fuel Costs From Iran Conflict
American Airlines is temporarily suspending select routes in August and September due to elevated jet fuel costs from the ongoing war with Iran. New unemployment claims also jumped to their highest level in four months. American Airlines suspended some summer routes citing fuel costs that remain elevated despite dropping from April peaks. Jet fuel averaged […]
DOT Reports Major Flight Delays and Baggage Issues in March 2026 Data
The Department of Transportation released March 2026 airline performance data showing significant flight cancellations, baggage problems, and operational issues across US carriers during a busy travel period. DOT’s March 2026 data reveals widespread flight cancellations and delays affecting domestic air travel. Airlines experienced high rates of mishandled baggage and mobility equipment issues. Performance problems occurred […]
Hawaiian Airlines Shows Best July 4th Performance While Other Carriers Face Delays
A new study analyzing three years of flight data shows Hawaiian Airlines had the lowest July 4th departure delays at 11.9%, while airports in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest generally experienced smoother holiday travel compared to mainland hubs. Hawaiian Airlines recorded just 11.9% departure delays during July 4th travel periods from 2023-2025, the best performance […]