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Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaii's airline, flying from Honolulu

  • United StatesCountry
  • HAIATA Code
  • HALICAO Code
  • oneworldAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii’s largest airline and part of Alaska Air Group, flying between the islands and to the US mainland, Asia and the South Pacific. Since April 2026 the first checked bag costs $45 to the mainland and $30 within Hawaii, and flights are sold under Alaska’s AS code. This guide covers bag fees, fares, power bank rules, agricultural inspection, Atmos Rewards and how Hawaiian compares with Alaska and Southwest.

Hawaiian was founded in 1929 as Inter-Island Airways and is based in Honolulu. Alaska Airlines bought it in 2024, and the two now fly under one operating certificate while keeping both brands.

Hawaiian Airlines flights to Honolulu
Photo: AussieActive / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules

Hawaiian follows Alaska Airlines’ battery rules:

  • Power banks and spare lithium batteries go in carry-on bags only, never in checked bags.
  • Batteries up to 100 Wh are allowed for personal devices.
  • Up to two batteries of 101–160 Wh are allowed with the airline’s approval.

Check-In and Agricultural Inspection

Online check-in is available on the website and app. Honolulu’s airport can be busy, so arrive at least 90 minutes before inter-island flights.

Flights from Hawaii to the mainland require an agricultural inspection of bags before check-in, so allow extra time.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two can travel on an adult’s lap. Hawaii has strict animal quarantine rules, so pets travelling to the islands need careful planning.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Hawaii

Cheap Hawaiian Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Travel in spring or autumn for lower fares.
  • Compare West Coast departure cities.
  • Book inter-island flights separately when cheaper; bags cost less within Hawaii.
  • Avoid Christmas and summer peaks.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Hawaiian next to Alaska, Southwest and others.

Hawaiian vs Alaska Airlines vs Southwest

All three fly between the US mainland and Hawaii.

HawaiianAlaska AirlinesSouthwest
HubHonoluluSeattleNationwide
AllianceoneworldoneworldNone
First checked bag$45 ($30 within Hawaii)$45Paid (launched at $35 in 2025)
Best forInter-island and Hawaii–AsiaWest Coast to HawaiiLow fares from the mainland

See our Alaska Airlines guide and Southwest Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Honolulu

Honolulu Airport is about 15 km from Waikiki. Taxis, rideshares, shuttle buses and TheBus serve the airport.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Hawaiian Airlines a Good Airline?

Yes. Hawaiian is the leading airline for travel to and around Hawaii, with frequent inter-island flights, free Wi-Fi and a warm island atmosphere, plus a bigger network and oneworld benefits through Alaska.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Alaska Airlines’ bag fee update, FlyMag on the Atmos changes and a July 2026 round-up of US power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official Hawaiian Airlines website before you travel.

oneworld & Airline Partnerships

Hawaiian Airlines joined oneworld in April 2026, alongside its sister airline Alaska. You can connect onto partners such as American, Japan Airlines, Qantas and British Airways and earn Atmos Rewards points across the alliance.

Learn more about oneworld

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Hawaiian Airlines is part of the same company as Alaska Airlines, and since 2026 its flights are sold under the Alaska (AS) code. It also partners with Japan Airlines and other airlines across the Pacific.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu is Hawaiian's hub, with frequent inter-island flights to Maui, Kona and Kauai.

Popular Hawaiian Airlines Routes

Hawaiian's busiest routes link Honolulu with Maui, Kona and Kauai, and fly to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Tokyo and Seoul. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Hawaiian Airlines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Hawaiian sells Main Cabin Basic (basic economy), Main Cabin, Extra Comfort and First or Business Class. Main Cabin Basic is the cheapest: seats are assigned at check-in and changes are very limited. Main Cabin and higher fares have no change fees on most trips; you pay only any difference in fare.

If you cancel a non-refundable Main Cabin ticket, its value is usually returned as a credit for future travel.

  • Main Cabin Basic Very limited changes; seat assigned at check-in.
  • Main Cabin No change fees on most trips; fare difference applies.
  • Extra Comfort Extra legroom and priority services.
  • First and Business Class The most comfort and flexibility.
  • 24-hour rule Tickets booked at least 7 days before departure can be cancelled for a full refund within 24 hours of booking.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage trips on hawaiianairlines.com or alaskaair.com.

Hawaiian Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

On Main Cabin Basic, seats are assigned at check-in. Main Cabin includes free standard seat selection, and Extra Comfort seats offer more legroom. On long flights, Hawaiian's Business Class has lie-flat Leading Edge seats on the A330 and the new Boeing 787.

Hawaiian offers free Starlink Wi-Fi on most of its jet flights.

  • Main Cabin Basic Seat assigned at check-in.
  • Main Cabin Free standard seat selection.
  • Extra Comfort Extra legroom and priority boarding.
  • Business Class Lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft.
  • Wi-Fi Free Starlink Wi-Fi on most jet flights.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Allowance

Every Hawaiian fare allows one carry-on bag and one personal item. First and Business Class include free checked bags, and long-haul international flights usually include them.

For tickets bought from 10 April 2026, Hawaiian charges the same fees as Alaska: $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second between Hawaii and the mainland, $30 and $40 on inter-island flights, and $200 each for a third bag or more. The $5 online discount has been removed. Atmos Rewards elites and eligible Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard or Atmos Rewards Visa holders keep their free bags, and Huakaʻi by Hawaiian members keep one free Neighbor Island bag.

  • Carry-on (all fares) 1 carry-on bag plus 1 personal item.
  • Hawaii–mainland $45 for the 1st bag, $55 for the 2nd.
  • Inter-island $30 for the 1st bag, $40 for the 2nd.
  • 3rd bag and more $200 each.
  • First and Business Class Free checked bags.
  • International long-haul Checked bags usually included.
  • Free bags Atmos Rewards elites and eligible cardholders.

Atmos Rewards: Hawaiian Airlines Loyalty Programme

Atmos Rewards is the free loyalty programme of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, which replaced HawaiianMiles in 2025. You earn points on Hawaiian, Alaska and oneworld flights and with partners, and redeem them for award flights worldwide. Saver (Main Cabin Basic) fares booked from 11 June 2026 for travel from 1 August no longer earn points.

Frequent flyers can reach Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium status, recognised as oneworld Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald.

  • Member Free entry level for all members.
  • Silver Free bags and oneworld Ruby status.
  • Gold More upgrades and oneworld Sapphire status.
  • Platinum and Titanium The highest priority and oneworld Emerald status.
  • HawaiianMiles Converted to Atmos points in 2025.
  • oneworld Earn and redeem across oneworld airlines.
Join or log in on the Hawaiian Airlines website

Hawaiian Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Hawaiian Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is HA. It appears in flight numbers (for example HA 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is HAL, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Hawaiian Airlines part of?

It is a member of oneworld. Alliance membership usually means easier connections, shared lounge access for eligible passengers and the option to earn and redeem miles across partner airlines.

03Where is Hawaiian Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Honolulu, United States.

04When was Hawaiian Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 1929.

05What are Hawaiian Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Honolulu (HNL) – Main Hub.

06What is Hawaiian Airlines’ frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called Atmos Rewards. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

07Is Hawaiian Airlines part of Alaska Airlines?

Yes. Alaska bought Hawaiian in 2024. The two fly under one operating certificate but keep both brands, and Hawaiian flights are now sold under the AS code.

08How much is a checked bag on Hawaiian Airlines?

For tickets bought from 10 April 2026, $45 for the first bag between Hawaii and the mainland and $30 on inter-island flights. The second bag costs $55 or $40.

09Is Hawaiian Airlines in oneworld?

Yes. Hawaiian Airlines joined oneworld in April 2026.

10Does Hawaiian Airlines have free Wi-Fi?

Yes. Hawaiian offers free Starlink Wi-Fi on most of its jet flights.

Hawaiian Airlines, its logo and trademarks are the property of Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hawaiian Airlines unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.