Southwest Cuts Honolulu–Maui Flights 50%, Adds Kauai and Kona Nonstops
Southwest Airlines has updated its Hawaii schedule through April 2027, halving interisland flights between Honolulu and Maui while adding weekend nonstop service from San Diego to Kauai and Kona. The Honolulu-to-Maui reduction is the most significant change affecting Maui visitor access. Southwest is cutting Honolulu-to-Maui daily flights from 8 to 4 in each direction, reducing […]
Travel + Leisure Expands Maui Timeshare Footprint in $343M Acquisition
Travel + Leisure is acquiring two vacation ownership companies for $343 million, adding 23 resorts including properties on Maui and securing inventory in what the company calls a hard-to-build market. The deals add over 100,000 existing timeshare owners to its portfolio. Travel + Leisure is paying $343 million upfront (roughly $263 million net) to acquire […]
Lānaʻi Air Plans Molokai Service, Promising Competition and Lower Fares
Lānaʻi Air is preparing to launch four daily roundtrip flights between Molokai and Honolulu, bringing a second commercial carrier to an underserved island. Residents hope increased competition will reduce high interisland airfares. Lānaʻi Air plans to operate four daily roundtrip Molokai–Honolulu flights using 19-seat Cessna SkyCourier aircraft. Molokai currently has limited commercial air service, leaving […]
Why Hawaii’s Long Flights Amplify Common Airline Conflicts
A pattern of airline disputes — seat complaints, downgrades, mid-flight confrontations — disproportionately escalates on Hawaii routes due to the length and remoteness of the flights. A recent federal ruling against United over misleading window-seat listings brought the issue back into focus. A federal judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit against United Airlines over seats […]
Three Airlines Vie for Federal Subsidy to Keep Lānaʻi Air Service Running
Hawaii Public Radio reported that three airlines — Mokulele Airlines, Pacific Air Charters, and Cape Air — are competing for a U.S. Department of Transportation Essential Air Service subsidy to maintain scheduled flights between Lānaʻi and Maui/Honolulu. The competition follows the expiration of Mokulele’s current two-year EAS contract, which was triggered when the airline said […]
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 […]
Wailea and Hāna Tourism Destinations Highlighted in Travel Feature
A travel article showcases Maui’s diverse appeal, featuring luxury amenities at Wailea’s Andaz resort and the remote natural beauty of Hāna, highlighting both destinations’ unique attractions for visitors. Andaz Maui at Wailea offers 320 guestrooms and luxury amenities including infinity pools, spa services, and farm-to-table dining on 15 beachfront acres. The resort features Hawaiian cultural […]
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 […]
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 […]