Hawaiian Airlines recently scheduled a notable update to its Honolulu-Boston (HNL-BOS) route. Alaska’s newly acquired airline, still operating separately, announced its fifth weekly flight on the run for summer 2025. However, questions persist about the long-term viability of the airline’s and the country’s longest domestic flight. While this addition aims to meet growing seasonal demand, the route’s future faces competitive pressures and financial concerns.
Why HNL-BOS is facing turbulence.
The Boston to Honolulu route, launched in 2019 and longer even than the distance from Honolulu to Sydney, has remained a strategic challenge for Hawaiian Airlines. Unlike its West Coast services, which also now benefit from Alaska’s strong connecting network, the HNL-BOS route continues to rely heavily on point-to-point traffic. Compounding the difficulty is Delta Air Lines’ entry into the market, with its seasonal service, differing options, and highly competitive airfares further escalating the battle.
Commenter Lynn articulated the stakes: “The nonstop flights to Hawaii have always been such a game-changer for me since I live in the Boston area but am from Hawaii. If this fare war leads to one airline dropping out, I fear it will make East Coast travel to Hawaii harder.” Her sentiment highlights the route’s significance for East Coast residents with ties to Hawaii and visitors from New England.
Hawaiian Airlines’ commitment to summer travelers.
The airline’s decision to significantly expand the HNL-BOS route during the peak summer months signals a commitment to maintaining this direct connection, at least for now. Regular fares for the route have dropped to as low as $239 one-way this spring, and passengers like Ted B have praised Hawaiian’s onboard experience: “Loss of the A330 route to/from Boston would be a real bummer for me. I am a Hawaii resident with family/friends in Boston. The wide body and Hawaiian hospitality made the Boston route a relative breeze. Fingers crossed.”
Hawaiian Airlines’ commitment to summer travelers.
The airline’s decision to significantly expand the HNL-BOS route during the peak summer months signals a commitment to maintaining this direct connection, at least for now. Regular fares for the route have dropped to as low as $239 one-way this spring, and passengers like Ted B. have praised Hawaiian’s onboard experience: “Loss of the A330 route to/from Boston would be a real bummer for me. I am a Hawaii resident with family/friends in Boston. The wide body and Hawaiian hospitality made the Boston route a relative breeze. Fingers crossed.”
Passenger loyalty versus Hawaiian Starlink and Delta Shake Shack Burgers.
Despite the financial challenges, airline loyalty to the HNL-BOS route seems strong. Delta features a Premium Economy cabin, which Hawaiian doesn’t yet, and newer first-class suites with Shake Shack Burgers. Hawaiian features extra legroom seats, island-style service, Starlink Wi-Fi, and older lie-flat seats in First Class.
As reader Lisa said, “This is great news for competition that usually means better prices and services. Hawaiian hospitality is hard to beat, but Delta’s modern touches make for another choice.
What lies ahead for HNL-BOS?
As Hawaiian and Alaska navigate the complexities of this route, they must balance passenger loyalty with operational realities. Adding a fifth weekly flight for summer 2025 offers short-term optimism. However, the long-term future of the HNL-BOS connection will depend on how the route is adapted under Alaska Airlines’ ownership and amidst fierce competition from Delta.
This unique opportunity allows travelers to take advantage of competitive fares on this remarkable 5,000-mile route. Mark, a Beat of Hawaii reader, observed that “Delta’s pricing strategy feels like a short-term play. They’re making it tough for Hawaiian, but I doubt they’re in this for the long haul.”
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I fly Bos to Hnl direct often as I have Ohana in Oahu. I am currently booked for Aug 30. To September 12. On Hawaiian it looks like my flight is sold out. It is really nice to have a non stop flight when Hawaii and home our your are the only places you are going.
She also said that while Alaska “is committed to maintaining a versatile and modern fleet that meets various route demands efficiently,” it would consider passenger preferences as they do so. Of note, she also said that my “willingness to consider other airlines if we were to use single-aisle aircraft for the routes to Hawaii is taken very seriously.”
So, there you have it. No commitments, but expanded service for the next 8-9 months and acknowledgment that use of narrow-bodies on this route, or its legs, will put them at a competitive disadvantage with people like me. That’s about all I could ask for in the present moment.
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This is great news, at least for now. After publication of a previous BOarticle on this route that raised questions about its viability, I wrote Alaska to express my concerns. Specifically, I told them that while I’d be OK with the route being served thru Seattle (friends there), I would look elsewhere if they serve either leg with narrow-body aircraft. After all, if I’m going to suffer like a sardine, I’m going to pay the lowest possible fare for the privilege of doing so.
To their credit, Alaska responded fairly quickly, albeit via a front-line CS rep. She told me that “[w]hile I cannot provide a definitive answer about the future of this specific route at this moment, please know that your feedback is important to us and has been forwarded to our route planning team for consideration.”
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Record-low fares are great for my family traveling to see grandparents in Hawaii, but I can’t help wondering how long this will last. The route’s future feels like it’s uncertain at both airlines.
This is a fascinating chess match between Delta and Alaska-Hawaiian. I wonder if Delta’s strategy is to simply outlast them until they pull the plug, then raise fares and have it all to themselves.
Best kept secret. I had no idea Hawaiian even offered a direct flight from Boston and I live here. Better marketing could really help keep the route alive.
I’ve taken this flight twice, and it was worth every penny for the nonstop convenience. That said, the pricing war makes me nervous—how will either airline sustain this?
This route has been my go-to for visiting family in Hawaii. I just hope Alaska doesn’t cut it post-merger—it’s hard enough finding nonstop flights from the East Coast. And right now the pricing is great!
Adding a fifth flight is great for summer demand, but I’m curious how Hawaiian plans to keep the route profitable year-round. Delta’s pricing seems like it has really shaken things up. Will Delta continue to pursue this or be fickle and just leave?
I’ve flown this route multiple times, and while I appreciate the convenience, I wonder how sustainable it is with fares in the 400s. It would be a huge loss if this connection disappeared.
Seems to me the timing has JetBlue codeshare opportunities written all over it! Hope they both manage to capitalize up this!