Hawaiian Airlines Announces more than US$600m Investment to Upgrade Airports Across Hawaii
Alaska Air Group subsidiary Hawaiian Airlines has announced a comprehensive five-year investment program worth more than US$600 million, focused on modernizing airport infrastructure across Hawai‘i while also upgrading aircraft interiors, enhancing digital systems, and advancing sustainability initiatives. Branded as the Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan, the program will fund renovations at key airports including Honolulu, Līhu‘e, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo, with work beginning this year and continuing through 2029.
At Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Hawaiian Airlines will construct a new 985m² premium lounge at the entrance to Terminal 1’s Mauka Concourse, designed to significantly improve pre-flight comfort at the airline’s busiest hub. Across its broader network, lobby and gate refurbishments will prioritize smoother passenger flow, expanded seating, additional power outlets, and upgraded passenger amenities.
Diana Birkett Rakow, chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines, said the initiative represents one of the airline’s largest single investments in the state. She noted that the Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan underscores the airline’s kuleana to its people and guests across the islands and reaffirms its commitment to delivering safe and exceptional service.
Alongside airport upgrades, Hawaiian Airlines will invest heavily in digital platforms, launching a refreshed app and website this spring with expanded self-service options for bookings, flight changes, and reward redemptions. Additional technology investments will support frontline employees, with full functionality expected once Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines migrate to a shared passenger service system and Hawaiian joins the Oneworld Alliance later this year.
Fleet upgrades also form a central pillar of the program. From 2028, Hawaiian’s Airbus A330 widebody fleet will undergo a full interior retrofit featuring new seating and lighting, redesigned first class suites, and the introduction of a premium economy cabin. Aircraft will also be equipped with Bluetooth-enabled inflight entertainment, high-definition seatback screens, and Starlink Wi-Fi. The airline is also acquiring three A330 aircraft previously operated under lease to support long-term fleet deployment across its Pacific network.
Sustainability and community initiatives will include continued investment in locally produced sustainable aviation fuel, the rollout of electric ground service vehicles at Honolulu, and the development of hybrid-electric propulsion for short-haul operations. Hawaiian Airlines will also expand partnerships that support workforce development, regenerative tourism, and local businesses throughout Hawaii.
Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green welcomed the investment, saying it would strengthen the state’s aviation infrastructure. He added that modern, welcoming airports enhance the experience for residents and visitors alike, strengthen the economy, and help keep Hawai‘i competitive as a global destination. The investment program forms part of Alaska Air Group’s broader Alaska Accelerate strategy following the integration of the two airlines.
Image Credits- Hawaiian Airlines
