Hawaiian Airlines announced on Thursday it will launch a first-of-its-kind nonstop service between Kauai’s Lihue Airport and the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport on the island of Kona this year. This is great news for Hawaii timeshare owners on both islands. This new service announcement follows the announcement in November 2016 of the new service by Hawaiian Airlines to Kapalua in West Maui – another bonus for Hawaii timeshare owners!
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort
The once-daily service will begin on March 12, and will be Hawaiian’s longest Neighbor Island route, besting its flights between Hilo,Hawaii Island and Honolulu International Airport on Oahu by nearly 60 miles.
“Demand from our kamaaina and visitors for travel between Hawaii Island and Kauai has been growing steadily over the past few years,” Peter Ingram, chief commercial officer for Hawaiian Airlines, said in a statement. He went on to say, “We are proud to now offer our guests direct access between these islands, in addition to our connecting flights through Honolulu or Maui. This gives travelers greater flexibility and convenience when traveling through the Hawaiian Islands.”
Following is a copy of the proposed schedule which will be serviced by Hawaiian’s Boeing 717 fleet.
LĪHU’E (LIH)/KONA (KOA) SCHEDULE – beginning March 12, 2017
Flight Route Departs Arrives Frequency
HA 599 KOA – LIH 9:38 a.m. 10:36 a.m. Daily
HA 500 LIH – KOA 3:44 p.m. 4:44 p.m. Daily
Hawaiian first launched flights to Kona from Honolulu in 1949 and started service from Honolulu to Lihue in 1950. In December, Hawaiian began service between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Kona, bringing direct flights from Japan back to the Big Island for the first time since 2010.
Hawaiian first launched flights to Kona from Honolulu on July 10, 1949 and started service from Honolulu to Līhu‘e six months later on Jan. 8, 1950. Today, the state’s largest and longest serving carrier operates an average of 21 daily departures from each airport with its Boeing 717 fleet, including:
During the busy summer months, Hawaiian also offers direct flights from both Kona and Līhu‘e to Los Angeles and from Līhu‘e to Oakland, California. In December 2016, Hawaiian started its first-ever international service from Kona with thrice-weekly flights to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
NOTE: Tickets must be booked by 1/19/17 for travel between 3/12/17 and 5/24/17 and are only valid in the Economy (coach) cabin. Fares are subject to seat availability during the travel period shown. Other restrictions apply. Additional baggage charges may apply.
Syed Sarmad, Principal Broker for Advantage Vacation
