Alaska Airlines is preparing to replace Hawaiian Airlines’ aging Boeing 717 fleet with its own 737‑800 aircraft, which will receive a new Hawaiian livery for inter‑island service.
Hawaiian has flown the Boeing 717 on inter‑island routes for decades, operating up to 160 daily flights among Honolulu, Maui, Lihue, Kona, and Hilo. The aircraft average about 25 years in service, prompting the need for a modern replacement.
Following the 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian, Alaska identified the need to upgrade its neighbor‑island fleet. The plan now calls for larger 737s to serve the state’s island routes within the next few years.
The new 737s will offer increased seating capacity, roughly doubling the number of premium seats available, and provide additional cargo space for surfboards. Each aircraft will also feature Starlink Wi‑Fi for passengers.
While the full transition is slated to begin in 2028, a 737‑800 will be based in Honolulu from October, operating three daily round‑trips between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Kahului Airport.
Alaska intends for all 737s flying between the mainland United States and Hawaii to sport the Hawaiian livery, ensuring a consistent brand experience for travelers.
The merger also prompted Alaska to redeploy Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliners previously ordered by Hawaiian to other routes, and to plan upgrades for Hawaiian’s Airbus A330s, adding modern business‑class and premium‑economy seats.
Hawaiian currently operates around 20 Boeing 717s on its inter‑island network. Alaska has not specified how many 737s will be dedicated to this service, but its mainland fleet remains strong with recent orders of additional 737 MAX 10s.
These changes reflect Alaska’s long‑term investment in Hawaii and its commitment to strengthening the airline’s presence on the islands.
