Hawaiian Airlines Announces $600M Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan
Photos and renderings by Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines has officially announced a $600+ million, five-year investment called the Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan, focused on improving the end-to-end travel experience for people flying to, from, and within Hawai‘i.
This plan covers airports, technology, cabins, loyalty programs, and community investment, and it aligns with the airline’s deeper integration with Alaska Airlines.
Below is a breakdown of what was announced, when changes are coming, and what matters most for Hawaii travelers.
Video by Diana Birkett Rakow, CEO of Hawaiian Airlines
What Is the Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan?
Kahu‘ewai means fresh water bursting forth — a metaphor Hawaiian Airlines is using to describe long-term, life-giving investment in Hawai‘i.
The commitment:
More than $600 million
Over five years
Focused on:
Airport experience
Technology & booking systems
Aircraft cabins
Loyalty benefits for residents
Local community & cultural support
This is not a single upgrade, it’s a multi-phase transformation.
Timeline: When Each Change Is Happening
Spring 2026
This spring, Hawaiian Airlines will roll out a new app and website designed to simplify trip planning, booking, and trip management, including expanded self-service options such as flight changes and award redemptions with global partners. Additional technology investments are also being made to better support frontline employees.
Full functionality and a noticeably smoother guest experience is expected once Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines move onto a shared passenger service system and Hawaiian officially joins the oneworld alliance in late April.
April 22, 2026
Hawaiian Airlines:
Unifies booking system with Alaska Airlines
Officially joins the oneworld alliance
Why this matters:
Stronger global connectivity
Better alignment with Alaska’s international partners
Foundation for expanded global loyalty benefits
Important: Hawaiian has been clear that this is a systems and alliance milestone, not an instant flip of every benefit on Day One.
2026–2027
Airport renovations across the Islands
Brighter lobbies
Improved seating
More charging stations
New premium lounge opening in Honolulu (HNL)
2028 and Beyond
Hawaiian Airlines will begin a full interior refresh of its Honolulu-based Airbus A330 widebody fleet starting in 2028. The upgrades will include new seating, refreshed carpets and lighting, redesigned First Class suites, and the addition of a Premium Economy cabin.
The updated cabins will feature a Bluetooth-enabled in-flight entertainment system, high-definition seatback screens, and an expanded library of movies and music. Guests can also expect fast, free Starlink Wi-Fi across the fleet.
To support the long-term future of the A330 in its transpacific network, Hawaiian Airlines is also acquiring three A330 aircraft currently off lease, ensuring continued widebody service across the Pacific for years to come.
Big Win for Kamaʻāina: Huaka‘i by Hawaiian Updates
Hawaiian confirmed upcoming improvements to Huaka‘i by Hawaiian, its kamaʻāina program:
Coming Soon:
50% bonus points
50% bonus status points
Applies to Neighbor Island flights
This is especially meaningful for:
Residents flying interisland frequently
Travelers earning Atmos™ Rewards status organically
Business owners and families hopping islands year-round
What Is Not Changing Right Now
To avoid confusion, here’s what Hawaiian did not announce:
No immediate aircraft changes before 2028
No instant expansion of all oneworld elite perks on Hawaiian-operated flights
No fare structure changes mentioned
No route announcements in this release
This plan is about infrastructure and experience, not short-term promos.
“We Fly for Hawai‘i”: Community & Culture Commitment
A key part of the plan is continued investment in:
Local communities
Cultural preservation
Workforce development
Responsible tourism
Sustainability initiatives across Hawai‘i
This reinforces Hawaiian’s position as Hawai‘i’s home airline, not just another carrier serving the Islands.
Why This Matters for Hawaii Travelers
For locals, this announcement signals:
Fewer tech frustrations when booking
Better alignment with Alaska Airlines long-term
Real improvements at Hawai‘i airports (not just mainland hubs)
Stronger interisland loyalty value
A long runway for global connectivity without abandoning local priorities
Scottie’s Take
This is one of the most concrete, long-term commitments Hawaiian Airlines has made in years, and importantly, it’s phased and realistic, not overpromised.
The biggest wins for locals won’t be flashy headlines, they’ll show up in:
Smoother interisland travel
Better airport experiences
Loyalty programs that actually reward how Hawaii residents fly
The key date to watch is April 22, 2026. That’s when the real structural changes begin.
At Hawaii Reward Travel, we’ll keep breaking this down as each phase rolls out, clearly, accurately, and always with kamaʻāina in mind.
