KAILUA-KONA — Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii’s flagship carrier, announced Thursday it will launch once daily non-stop service between Kauai and Kailua-Kona.
It will be the first time in the airline’s history that it will connect Lihue Airport (LIH) and Kona International Airport (KOA) with a direct flight.
“Demand from our kamaaina and visitors for travel between Hawaii Island and Kauai has been growing steadily over the past few years,” said Peter Ingram, chief commercial officer for Hawaiian Airlines in a press release. “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.”
The new leg starts Sunday, March 12. Kona departures leave at 9:38 a.m. daily and arrive at 10:36 a.m. on the Garden Isle. The Lihue-to-Kona leg leaves at 3:44 p.m. and arrives at 4:44 p.m.
”Kauai and Hawaii Island have always had a special relationship as islands at either end of our beautiful chain,” Kirstin Kahaloa, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce president, said. “Anything that makes it easier for our local families to travel without stopping in Honolulu, and makes it more convenient for visitors to see more of Hawaii, is a positive development.”
The 263-mile flight becomes Hawaiian’s longest Neighbor Island route, besting its flights between Hilo (ITO) and Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu by nearly 60 miles.
“Traveling between Lihue and Kona has always required a stop in Honolulu,” said Mark Perriello, Kauai Chamber of Commerce president. “A direct flight will cut down on travel time and cost for kamaaina and visitors alike.”
Now in its 88th year of service, Hawaiian is Hawaii’s biggest and longest-serving airline, as well as the largest provider of passenger air service from its primary visitor markets on the U.S.
“For visitors to our state, a direct flight from Lihue to Kona may increase the likelihood that Kauai and Big Island will become more popular options for travelers looking to visit multiple islands during their stay,” Perriello added.
Tickets between Lihue and Kona start at $89 one way, including taxes and fees.
Kahaloa added the increased route should further enhance the benefits the island receives from the recently added direct route to Tokyo, which reestablished Kona as an international airport. In addition to that, new flights to Kona from Island Air and Alaska should show state lawmakers how important it is Kona’s airport modernization projects be a top priority.
“We’re happy to see that Hawaiian Airlines shares our optimism for the continued growth of our Hawaii Island economy, particularly the visitor industry which employs over 14,000 people on our island,” Kahaloa said.