Delta Announces Largest Hawaii Schedule: New Routes and Expanded Service for Winter 2026
Delta Air Lines is launching its most expansive Hawaii schedule ever, with new routes from Minneapolis and Boston, plus enhanced service across its island network starting December 2026. Delta Press Release
New Routes Starting December 19, 2026
Minneapolis-St. Paul to Maui (MSP-OGG)
Daily flights during peak holidays and spring break
Five weekly flights during core winter season
Airbus A330-300 aircraft
Boston to Honolulu Returns (BOS-HNL)
Daily service during peak late-December travel
Four weekly flights through winter season
Airbus A330-300 aircraft
Enhanced Existing Routes
Atlanta to Honolulu (ATL-HNL)
Second frequency added three times weekly from January 4, 2027
Airbus A330-300
Detroit to Honolulu (DTW-HNL)
Expands to daily service from November 9, 2026 (previously three times weekly)
Airbus A330-300
New York-JFK to Honolulu (JFK-HNL)
Expands to daily service from April 1, 2026 (previously up to five weekly)
Boeing 767-300
Salt Lake City to Kona (SLC-KOA)
Daily service begins November 9, 2026 (earlier than last year)
Boeing 767-300
Los Angeles to Kona (LAX-KOA)
Upgraded to Boeing 767-300 from November 9, 2026
Premium Experience
Both Minneapolis-St. Paul and Boston feature Delta One Lounges, multiple Sky Clubs, and TSA PreCheck Touchless ID. All Hawaii flights offer four cabin classes, including Delta One with lie-flat seats, plus complimentary fast Wi-Fi presented by T-Mobile.
"This expansion strengthens connectivity from key U.S. hubs while giving customers more choice in how they reach the islands," said Amy Martin, Vice President of Network Planning at Delta Air Lines.
Bookings for the new routes are expected to open soon on delta.com and through Delta Vacations packages.
Don’t forget that if you are flying Delta, you can access the Delta Sky Club 10 times per year with an Amex Platinum card.
Scottie’s Take
Delta's aggressive Hawaii expansion is great news for Midwest and Northeast travelers who've had limited nonstop options. The Minneapolis-Maui route is particularly significant, it's the first nonstop service between the Upper Midwest and Maui, opening up award availability from a hub that's often overlooked. Boston-Honolulu's return also creates new redemption opportunities, especially during shoulder season with those four weekly flights.
The earlier Salt Lake City-Kona launch (November 9 vs. later last year) means SkyMiles members can start booking Big Island trips sooner. With widebody aircraft on most routes, premium cabin award space should be more abundant than on narrowbody service. Keep an eye out for when bookings open, new routes often have better award availability in the first few weeks.
