Alaska Airlines is preparing to transfer a number of Boeing 737‑800s to Hawaii, where they will receive a new paint job and be repurposed for inter‑island service.
The transition is slated to begin in 2028, replacing Hawaiian Airlines’ aging fleet of Boeing 717s that have long operated the state’s short‑haul routes.
Hawaiian’s 717s currently handle up to 160 daily flights among Honolulu, Maui, Lihue, Kona and Hilo, and average 25 years in service.
Following the 2024 merger, Alaska identified the 737‑800s as the aircraft of choice for these neighbor‑island routes, offering larger capacity and modern amenities.
Each new jet will sport the Hawaiian livery, feature expanded cargo space for surfboards, and provide Starlink Wi‑Fi, while the cabin layout will increase the number of premium seats.
Alaska plans to base a 737‑800 at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in October, with three daily round‑trips to Maui’s Kahului Airport.
In time, all 737s operating between the mainland United States and Hawaii will carry the Hawaiian brand, ensuring a consistent look for passengers traveling to, from, or within the islands.
Other fleet adjustments include retrofitting Hawaiian’s Airbus A330s with updated business‑class and premium economy cabins, and redeploying the Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliners to long‑haul routes.
The exact number of 737s earmarked for inter‑island service has not been disclosed, though Hawaiian currently operates about twenty 717s on those routes.
Alaska’s broader expansion plan includes an order for 105 Boeing 737 MAX 10s and a projected 33% fleet growth by 2035.
These changes aim to enhance capacity and service quality for Hawaii’s island‑hopping network while supporting the long‑term growth of the merged airline.
