Southwest’s Maui-Kauai Route Shows Low Passenger Demand at 41.5% Capacity
Southwest Airlines’ route between Maui and Kauai ranked among the carrier’s worst-performing routes with only 41.5% of seats filled between March 2025 and February 2026. The airline’s overall Hawaii operations continue to struggle with low load factors despite serving the islands since 2019. Southwest’s Maui (OGG) to Kauai route filled only 41.5% of seats, ranking […]
Federal Plan Could End International Flights at Major US Airport Hubs
The Trump administration is considering suspending customs processing at airports in sanctuary cities, which could shut down international operations at major US aviation hubs. The proposal could affect 68 million passengers and $70 billion in economic activity annually. Plan would halt customs and immigration processing at airports in cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration […]
Hawaiian Airlines Ends Free Meals, Launches Chef Sheldon Simeon Menu July 1
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 Ends Free Meals, Introduces Paid Maui Chef Menu July 1
Hawaiian Airlines will eliminate free economy class meals on most mainland flights starting July 1, replacing them with a paid pre-order menu created by Maui chef Sheldon Simeon. Multiple sources reported this marks the end of an era, as Hawaiian was the last major U.S. airline offering complimentary meals on all mainland routes. Free meals […]
United Airlines Disruptions at East Coast Hub Affect Hawaii-Bound Travelers
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. […]
Hawaiian Airlines Replaces Free Coach Meals with Paid Chef-Curated Menu
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 […]
Southwest Operates Short Inter-Island Route Between Kona and Maui Airports
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
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
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
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 […]