Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines to Launch 737 Interisland Flights This Fall

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will bring Boeing 737 aircraft to interisland routes across Hawaii starting this fall, marking a shift in how the combined carriers serve travelers hopping between the islands.

The move follows Alaska Air Group's acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and reflects the ongoing integration of both carriers' fleets and operations. Until now, Hawaiian Airlines has operated its interisland network primarily using Boeing 717 aircraft, a smaller twin-engine jet that has served the short hops between Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island for more than two decades.

What's Changing for Interisland Travelers

The introduction of the Boeing 737 to interisland service represents a meaningful shift in aircraft capacity on some of Hawaii's busiest short-haul routes. The 737 typically seats more passengers than the 717 and offers a different cabin layout, including options that Hawaiian's current interisland fleet does not provide.

For you as a traveler, the change could mean more seat availability during peak travel periods, particularly on routes connecting Honolulu with Kahului, Kona, Hilo, and Lihue. The 737 also gives the combined airline more flexibility to reposition aircraft between mainland and interisland flying as demand shifts throughout the day.

The two airlines have been working toward a single operating certificate since the merger closed, and adding the 737 to interisland routes fits into the broader plan of aligning fleets, crews, and scheduling systems across both brands.

Interisland Flight Operations

Below is a snapshot of representative interisland flights operating between Hawaiian hubs. Schedules are subject to change as Alaska and Hawaiian roll out the 737 on these routes this fall.

Why the 737 Matters for Hawaii Routes

The Boeing 737 has been the workhorse of Alaska Airlines' mainline fleet for years. Bringing that aircraft into Hawaii's short-haul market gives the combined carrier a common platform to train pilots on, maintain, and schedule. That commonality tends to reduce operational complexity, which in turn can improve reliability for passengers.

Interisland flights in Hawaii are notoriously short, with some legs lasting less than 30 minutes in the air. Operating a 737 on such routes requires careful planning around turnaround times, fuel loads, and gate handling. Both airlines have experience running quick-turn operations, but the transition to a larger aircraft type on these routes will require adjustments at airports across the islands.

What This Means for the Boeing 717 Fleet

Hawaiian Airlines' Boeing 717 fleet has been a fixture on interisland routes since 2001. The aircraft was purpose-built for short-haul, high-frequency flying, and it has served Hawaii's unique geography well. As the 737 enters interisland service, questions remain about the long-term role of the 717 in the combined fleet.

For now, both aircraft types are expected to operate side by side, with the 737 supplementing rather than immediately replacing the 717 on interisland routes. Travelers may notice a mix of aircraft on the same route depending on the time of day and demand.

Booking and Loyalty Considerations

If you're planning interisland travel this fall or beyond, keep an eye on which aircraft is scheduled for your flight. The 737 offerings may include different seating classes and amenities compared with the 717, which could affect your booking choices.

Alaska's Mileage Plan and Hawaiian's HawaiianMiles programs are also in the process of aligning benefits and earning structures. If you fly interisland frequently, check the latest updates from both loyalty programs before booking to make sure you're earning and redeeming miles in the way that works best for you.

Looking Ahead

The fall launch of 737 interisland service represents one of the more visible operational changes since Alaska and Hawaiian joined forces. For travelers, the practical impact will depend on which routes see the new aircraft first and how the schedules evolve alongside the 717 operations that continue in parallel.

Expect further announcements from both airlines in the coming weeks as they finalize schedules, aircraft assignments, and passenger-facing details. If you rely on interisland flights for business or leisure, monitoring updates directly from Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will give you the clearest picture of what to expect at your local airport.

The introduction of the 737 to Hawaii's interisland network signals that the integration of Alaska and Hawaiian is moving from the boardroom to the boarding gate. How it plays out on the ground will shape the travel experience for residents and visitors alike in the months ahead.