Hawaiian Airlines to Upgrade Inter-Island Flights With Bigger Boeing 737-800 Aircraft

Hawaiian Airlines is preparing to modernize its inter-island fleet with Boeing 737-800 aircraft, bringing more seats, upgraded cabins, free Starlink Wi-Fi and increased cargo capacity for travelers flying between the Hawaiian Islands. The fleet transition will begin in 2028 as part of Alaska Air Group's long-term investment in Hawaii.

Travelers flying between Hawaii's islands can expect a more comfortable travel experience in the coming years as Hawaiian Airlines prepares to replace its aging Boeing 717 fleet with larger Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The plan, announced by Alaska Air Group, marks one of the biggest upgrades to Hawaiian's Neighbor Island service in decades and is designed to increase capacity while improving onboard comfort and reliability. Although the transition will not begin until 2028, the airline says the new aircraft will continue to operate under the Hawaiian Airlines brand, reinforcing its commitment to serving local communities while enhancing the experience for both Hawaii residents and visitors.​​​​​​​

The Boeing 737-800 will replace Hawaiian Airlines' fleet of Boeing 717 aircraft that have served inter-island routes for more than two decades. The newer aircraft will carry around 160 passengers, compared with approximately 128 seats on the Boeing 717, providing significantly more capacity during busy travel periods. American travelers visiting Hawaii often combine multiple islands into one vacation, and the additional seats are expected to help meet growing demand while offering more flexibility during peak travel seasons. Beyond the increased capacity, passengers can also expect upgraded cabins featuring nearly twice as many First Class seats, more than 30 Premium Class seats, reclining leather seats, in-seat power outlets, USB charging ports and convenient device holders for personal electronics.

While the announcement represents a major milestone for Hawaiian Airlines, the transition will happen gradually rather than immediately. Alaska Air Group confirmed that the Boeing 717 fleet will remain in service until the replacement process begins in 2028, ensuring that inter-island operations continue without disruption. The future Boeing 737-800 fleet will be based in Honolulu and, once airline integration is complete, will be operated by Honolulu-based pilots and flight attendants, preserving Hawaiian Airlines' local identity while introducing newer aircraft. The company has not announced when the full fleet replacement will be completed.

Before the long-term fleet transition begins, Alaska Air Group is also adding capacity to Hawaii's busiest inter-island market. Starting in October 2026, an Alaska Airlines-operated Boeing 737 will operate three daily round trips between Honolulu (HNL) and Kahului (OGG) to help accommodate increasing passenger demand while supporting Hawaiian Airlines' existing schedule. The temporary service is intended to strengthen connectivity as the airline prepares for its larger fleet modernization program in the years ahead.

For U.S. travelers planning a Hawaii vacation, the announcement signals a better inter-island travel experience in the future. Many visitors fly between islands such as Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Island of Hawaiʻi during a single trip, and the larger Boeing 737-800 aircraft will offer more available seats, upgraded premium cabins, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and additional space for luggage and sporting equipment. Although travelers will continue flying on the Boeing 717 for the next few years, the planned fleet upgrade highlights Alaska Air Group's continued investment in Hawaiian Airlines and its commitment to improving air travel across the islands.

From new aircraft and upgraded cabins to expanding airline networks, MundoTrip brings you verified aviation news and travel updates to help you make informed decisions before your next trip.​​​​​​​