Kahului Airport Earns Level 3 Carbon Accreditation, Eyes 2045 Net-Zero Goal
Hawaii’s Department of Transportation announced that Kahului Airport (OGG) and four other major state airports have achieved Level 3 status under a global carbon management program. The milestone reflects progress toward a 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and full net-zero operations by 2045. OGG is one of five Hawaii airports to reach Level 3 under […]
Southwest Flight Diverts to Honolulu After Turning Back Over Pacific
A Southwest Boeing 737 MAX 8 flying from Kahului to Las Vegas turned back roughly 90 minutes into the flight and diverted to Honolulu, landing safely with no injuries. The cause has not been confirmed, and the aircraft remained grounded in Honolulu the following day. Southwest Flight 139 departed Kahului (OGG) on July 5 around […]
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 […]
The Forgotten Kaanapali Airstrip That Once Landed Guests Steps from the Beach
Kaanapali Beach had its own working airstrip from 1962 until the 1980s, allowing visitors to fly directly into the resort area rather than driving from Kahului. The historical piece explores why Maui’s main airport ended up so far from its major resort corridors. Amfac opened the Kaanapali Airstrip in June 1962, just 30 feet from […]
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 […]
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 […]