Hawaiian Airlines Unveils $600 Million Plan for A330s and Hawaii Airports

January 8, 2026 at 12:45 PM•3 min read

Hawaiian Airlines, now part of Alaska Airlines, announced the Kahuʻewai Hawaiʻi Investment Plan, a five-year, $600M program to modernize airports, retrofit Airbus A330s, and boost sustainability.

Key Points

1The $600 million Kahuʻewai Hawaiʻi Investment Plan is a five-year program announced by Hawaiian Airlines.
2The widebody Airbus A330 fleet will undergo a full interior retrofit, including new first-class suites and premium economy, starting in 2028.
3Airport renovations are planned through 2029 at Honolulu, Līhuʻe, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo, including a new 10,600-square-foot premium lounge in Honolulu (2027).
4The investment includes expanding community work and advancing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiatives across Hawaiʻi.

Hawaiian Airlines has unveiled a major five-year modernization program for its operations. The carrier announced an investment plan of more than $600 million over the next five years. This Hawaiian Airlines $600 million investment is named the Kahuʻewai Hawaiʻi Investment Plan. The program focuses on three main areas: airport facilities, aircraft interiors, and technology upgrades.

Airport and Guest Experience Upgrades

Starting this year, the airline will renovate lobbies and gates across five major airports. These include Honolulu, Līhuʻe, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo. The goal is to improve passenger flow and comfort through 2029. Planned improvements include brighter, more open spaces and increased power charging amenities.

New Premium Lounge at Honolulu

A significant part of the plan is a new premium lounge at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. This 10,600-square-foot facility will be located at the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1. It is currently in the design phase and is expected to open in 2027.

Aircraft and Technology Modernization

The Airbus A330 cabin retrofit is a key component of the investment. Beginning in 2028, Hawaiian's widebody Airbus A330 fleet will receive a full interior overhaul. The upgrades will introduce new seats, carpets, lighting, and first-class suites. A new premium economy cabin will also be added to the aircraft. The airline is also investing in technology. A new app and website will launch this spring to simplify travel planning and booking. This will include self-service features like flight changes and award redemption. Full functionality will be realized when Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines share a single passenger service system in April 2026.

Strategic Context and Sustainability

This investment comes as Hawaiian Airlines continues its integration with Alaska Airlines. Alaska Air Group completed its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in September 2024. The integration is progressing under the oversight of the FAA, with a single operating certificate already achieved. The integration will culminate in the retirement of Hawaiian's IATA code (HA) in April 2026. This date also coincides with Hawaiian Airlines officially joining the Oneworld Alliance.

The Kahuʻewai Hawaiʻi Investment Plan also includes a deep commitment to community and sustainability. The airline is expanding its work in regenerative tourism and conservation. Hawaiian Airlines is investing in locally produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It is also working to advance lower-emission options for short-haul air service. This includes an investment in hybrid-electric propulsion developer Ampaire. This dual focus on guest experience and environmental responsibility is a major theme in commercial aviation news today. The $600 million commitment signals a strong future for the carrier under the Alaska Air Group umbrella. The move to a single IATA code, overseen by the IATA, and the alliance membership will significantly expand the airline's global reach.