• Infrastructure and Fleet Modernization: The plan includes renovating five major airport terminals and refurbishing Airbus A330 interiors with new amenities like premium economy and Starlink Wi-Fi.
• Digital and Alliance Integration: New digital tools will launch in 2026 as the carrier joins the oneworld alliance and integrates service systems with Alaska Airlines.
• Resident Loyalty Benefits: The Huaka’i program will be enhanced for Hawaiʻi residents, offering bonus points, free checked bags, and travel discounts.
• Sustainability and Community: The strategy includes investments in sustainable aviation fuel, local business grants, and cultural preservation through a newly integrated foundation.

Hawaiian Airlines has announced the Kahuʻewai Hawaiʻi Investment Plan, a comprehensive five-year strategy aimed at revitalizing its operations and infrastructure with a financial commitment exceeding $600 million. This initiative focuses on modernizing the guest experience from the point of booking through to the flight itself, while simultaneously reinforcing the carrier’s dedication to sustainability and community support within Hawaiʻi. CEO Diana Birkett Rakow describes this as one of the most significant investments in the airline’s history, designed to benefit both local residents and the broader tourism economy.

A major component of the plan involves extensive physical upgrades to airport facilities. Between 2025 and 2029, the airline will renovate lobbies and gate areas at Honolulu, Līhu’e, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo airports to improve passenger flow and comfort. These renovations will include a new 10,600-square-foot premium lounge in Honolulu’s Terminal 1. Concurrently, the airline is upgrading its digital presence with a new mobile app and website scheduled for spring 2026, coinciding with its entry into the oneworld alliance and system integration with Alaska Airlines.

The fleet will also undergo significant modernization, specifically targeting the Airbus A330 widebody aircraft. Starting in 2028, these planes will receive complete interior refurbishments featuring new seating, the addition of a premium economy cabin, and the installation of fast, free Starlink Wi-Fi. To support long-term capacity, the airline is purchasing three off-lease A330 aircraft. Beyond hardware, the plan emphasizes social responsibility through investments in sustainable aviation fuel, electric ground vehicles, and the expansion of the Huaka’i loyalty program, which offers enhanced benefits for Hawaiʻi residents.