Hawaiian Airlines has unveiled a sweeping $600 million investment plan designed to significantly improve the passenger experience both on the ground and in the air. Spanning five years, the initiative will focus on airport infrastructure across the Hawaiian Islands, major cabin upgrades to the airline’s widebody fleet, and technology improvements that aim to simplify travel from booking to arrival.
A major portion of the investment will go toward airport renovations at key locations, including Honolulu, Līhu‘e, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo. Hawaiian plans to refresh lobbies and gate areas with brighter, more open designs, improved seating, and expanded access to power outlets for personal devices.
These projects are scheduled to begin in stages starting in 2026 and continue through 2029, reflecting a long-term commitment to modernizing facilities used by both residents and visitors.
Airport Upgrades, Aircraft Retrofits, and Digital Transformation
At the airline’s main hub in Honolulu, the plan includes the construction of a new 10,600-square-foot premium lounge set to open in 2027. Located at the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1, the new space will become Hawaiian’s largest lounge at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, complementing its existing facilities and catering to growing demand for premium ground experiences.
In the air, Hawaiian will begin a comprehensive retrofit of its 24 Airbus A330-200 aircraft starting in 2028. These widebody jets will receive entirely refreshed interiors, including new seating, updated lighting, modern carpeting, and enhanced inflight entertainment systems. Notably, the retrofit will introduce premium economy cabins and new first-class suites, marking a significant evolution in the airline’s long-haul product and aligning it more closely with global full-service standards.
Technology upgrades are expected to arrive sooner. Hawaiian plans to roll out updated versions of its mobile app and website in the near term, adding self-service features that allow travelers to manage bookings more easily, change flights, and redeem award travel on partner airlines. These digital improvements are intended to reduce friction during the travel process and give customers greater control over their journeys.
The full impact of these technology enhancements will be realized once Hawaiian completes its integration with Alaska Air Group, following Alaska’s acquisition of the carrier in 2024. Hawaiian is also expected to join the Oneworld alliance, further expanding connectivity and benefits for frequent travelers.
Taken together, the $600 million plan represents one of the largest investments in Hawaiian Airlines’ history, signaling a strategic push to modernize infrastructure, elevate onboard comfort, and strengthen Hawaii’s position as a competitive global travel destination.