Hawaiian Airlines Eyeing DEN → HNL. Is this Hawaii’s Next Big Route?
Hawaiian Airlines Eyeing DEN → HNL. Is this Hawaii’s Next Big Route?
If you have friends or Ohana in the Mountain West, or are a Broncos fan…, you might be excited about this one. Hawaiian Airlines is rumored to be eyeing a new nonstop route between Denver (DEN) and Honolulu (HNL). And if it happens, this could be one of the airline’s smartest expansions yet.
Let’s break down what’s going on, and why this could be a big win for travelers heading to or from Hawai‘i. cheee!
🚨 What’s the Rumor?
Denver International Airport just opened brand-new widebody gates, and Hawaiian’s name is floating around as a possible new tenant. Right now, United pretty much dominates the Hawaii-to-Denver market, with limited seat availability and pricey fares. Locals on both ends have been asking for more options.
This new route could be Hawaiian’s way of saying: “We got you.”
✈️ Why It Makes Sense
A330-200 Ready: Hawaiian has a solid fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft—the same planes they use on long-haul routes like New York and Boston. These widebodies are a big step up from your typical cramped mainland flight.
Denver Infrastructure Is Ready: With Alaska Airlines (Hawaiian’s parent company) already securing space at DEN, it’s a perfect fit to roll out new service without needing major setup.
Passenger Demand: There's a surprising number of Hawaii-bound travelers coming from Colorado, Utah, and the surrounding states. It’s not just Californians who love Hawai‘i!
💡 What This Means for Reward Travelers
If you collect points or miles (which, let’s be honest, if you're reading this, you probably do), this route opens up a lot of potential:
More Award Availability: Another nonstop route means more chances to use points, especially during peak travel seasons like spring break or summer.
Better Connections: Connecting in Denver could be more convenient for travelers coming from the Mountain West, Midwest, or even the East Coast.
A Better Flight Experience: Hawaiian’s A330 offers a much more spacious layout than United’s 777. That means fewer middle seats and better overall comfort, even in economy.
🔁 Ties to the Alaska Merger
This move also fits the bigger picture of the Hawaiian–Alaska Airlines merger. Alaska doesn’t currently fly widebody planes, but Hawaiian does. By using Hawaiian’s A330s to connect more cities like Denver, they can grow Hawaii-bound service without having to wait for new aircraft.
Think of this as a sneak peek of how the two airlines might work together post-merger.
The Hawaiian & Alaska Airlines combined network.
📍 Why Hawaii Residents Should Care
This isn’t just about helping people get to Hawai‘i. It could also:
Make it easier for local residents to fly out to Colorado or the Mountain West without stopping on the West Coast.
Increase competition, which could drive prices down for both cash and points bookings.
Strengthen Hawaiian Airlines’ presence as a premium option, especially if you’re looking for comfort and aloha service on longer routes.
🤙 My Take (for Hawaii Travelers)
This route isn’t confirmed yet, but all signs point to something brewing. If you’ve got friends in Denver, are a Broncos fan, or want more options to fly between Hawai‘i and the mainland, keep an eye on this one.
As soon as this route is announced (if it is), we’ll break down the best ways to book it with points, whether that’s Alaska Miles, Chase points, or Amex Points.
Mahalo,
Scott Kobayashi | Hawaii Reward Travel
