Fiji Beats Hawaiian To Oneworld With Perks For Hawaii Travelers

With Fiji Airways officially joining the oneworld alliance and Hawaiian Airlines set to follow directly behind, later this year, Hawaii is poised to become more than just a destination—it’s becoming a key connector to the South Pacific and beyond.

While the once-weekly nonstop flight between Honolulu and Fiji remains unchanged, the shift to alliance membership unlocks new perks and possibilities for more travelers.

This new alignment not only improves the travel experience for those headed to Fiji but also sets the stage for possibilities for broader transformations in regional connectivity, loyalty programs, and mileage opportunities for Hawaii travelers.

A limited but unique connection.

Fiji Airways continues to operate its long-standing once-weekly direct round-trip between Honolulu (HNL) and Nadi (NAN). The outbound flight departs late Saturday night from Honolulu at 11:55 p.m. and arrives in Fiji early Monday morning after crossing the international date line. The return flight leaves Nadi Sunday afternoon at 1:35 p.m., landing back in Honolulu the same morning at 10:10 a.m. local time.

This route has long been a niche but important connection for travelers seeking to explore the South Pacific from Hawaii.

Flights are operated on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 and include a carry-on and one checked bag. Travel time is just under seven hours in both directions. Other itineraries between Hawaii and Fiji typically require a connection in Sydney, Auckland, or elsewhere in the Pacific.

New perks for Hawaii travelers.

The big shift isn’t about flight frequency—it’s in the benefits now available on the Honolulu–Fiji and other routes through Fiji Airways’ oneworld membership. As of April 1, travelers on these flights can take advantage of a wide range of perks, thanks to Fiji Airways’ adoption of American Airlines’ AAdvantage program.

For all AAdvantage members, this includes earning and redeeming miles on Fiji Airways flights, including the once-weekly HNL–NAN route. These miles count toward elite status in the AAdvantage program, and award tickets are now available through American’s booking platforms.

Additional benefits for AAdvantage elite members (Platinum and above) and oneworld Sapphire or Emerald travelers include priority check-in and boarding, extra baggage allowance, preferred seating, and priority baggage handling. Access at the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge in Nadi is available even when flying economy, provided travelers hold the appropriate oneworld status.

These benefits are delivered through American Airlines’ AAdvantage program, which Fiji Airways has adopted as its official loyalty partner. This means travelers must use AAdvantage, not Alaska’s Mileage Plan, to unlock most rewards. While oneworld status recognition applies across the alliance, Alaska’s program does not currently extend its benefits to Fiji Airways beyond that shared tier recognition.

For travelers based in Hawaii or heading to the South Pacific, this is the first time such alliance benefits have been accessible on this route, making it a notable upgrade, even if the schedule hasn’t changed.

Hawaiian Airlines joins the alliance later this year.

Once that integration is complete, three major Pacific carriers—Fiji Airways, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines—will be aligned under the same global alliance.

When Hawaiian Airlines joins oneworld, travelers will access even more seamless connections, expanded lounge access, and the ability to earn and redeem miles across a unified network. This integration will make planning multi-stop trips across the Pacific easier than ever.

It also signals a significant change in Hawaii’s strategic role in the region—not just as a destination, but as a connector between the mainland U.S., Asia, and Oceania.

A new era for Pacific triangle travel.

For travelers with a sense of adventure, now is the time to start planning multi-stop itineraries that take full advantage of oneworld’s growing Pacific network. Imagine flying from Los Angeles to Honolulu, then onward to Fiji, and continuing to Sydney or Auckland—all on oneworld carriers.

With a single loyalty program, shared elite recognition, and alliance-wide booking, island-hopping is now easier and more rewarding.

Fiji Airways currently serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, and Honolulu. Destinations like Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu—served by Fiji Link, an affiliate carrier—become more accessible to travelers starting in Hawaii.

What’s missing for now?

While the changes are exciting, Fiji Airways’ Hawaii service remains limited to one weekly flight on a 737 MAX 8, which offers fewer premium amenities than its widebody aircraft. There’s no word yet on expanded service or upgraded equipment, so flexibility and advance planning are key for travelers looking to take advantage of these new benefits.

For now, the most prominent benefits are unlocked by those who understand the alliance’s perks and know how to work the schedule.

Hawaii’s evolving role in Pacific travel.

As the Pacific travel network evolves, Hawaii is becoming more than just a destination—it’s a gateway to the South Pacific and beyond. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your first trip, now is the perfect time to explore the new opportunities oneworld brings to Hawaii travelers. Start planning your next adventure today.

Are you planning to fly Fiji? It’s on our list at Beat of Hawaii.