Challenges Abound at Hawaiian Airlines. What's Next?

Hawaiian Airlines Safety Record Amid Near Collision

As you may have heard, Hawaiian Airlines was involved in a near miss (called a “loss of separation”) at Maui’s Kahului airport last week. The incident resulted from another pilot who mistakenly thought his flight had been approved for takeoff.

What happened is as follows. Hawaiian Airlines flight 155 (Boeing 717) had been cleared by air traffic control for departure from Maui. ATC warned Hawaiian about another plane preparing for departure. The pilot of the other plane, Makani Kai flight 825 (Cessna Grand Caravan), thought in error that it was his flight that had been cleared for takeoff on a another runway.

The air traffic controller saw that the two planes were attempting to take off on intersecting runways and advised the Makani Kai flight to turn to avoid a collision with the Hawaiian Airlines plane.

Controllers alerted the Hawaiian jet, but the plane’s pilot had already independently initiated a right turn to avoid a collision.

Maui airport does not have ground radar monitoring as most major airports do (including HNL).

The FAA is continuing to investigate the incident.

Hawaiian Airlines Safety Record.

Hawaiian has an incredible safety record. They have never had a fatal accident or the loss of a plane hull since their founding in 1929.

They have had some incidents, however, that include the following:

2003 aileron trim-caused rapid 35 degree roll (no injuries)
1998 engine fire (no injuries)
1991 door failure on take-off (no injuries)
1988 engine failure (no injuries)
1982 smoke in cabin incident (2 injuries)
1980 engine fire (3 injuries)

In addition to safety, Hawaiian also often ranks at the top when it comes to on-time performance, the fewest cancellations, and best baggage handling. We have actually never had a bag lost, have had only one flight cancellation and very few delays when flying Hawaiian in hundreds of flights.

7 thoughts on “Hawaiian Airlines Safety Record Amid Near Collision”

  1. Hawaiian Airlines Bait & Switch I experienced the same thing. Advertised rates then they go up, we spent like 4 – 5 hours trying to book flight hotel & car and it would not accept the Order. Had to call live person and the rate went up like 15% Additionally the live person tried to book for us then the car did not take, then they could book the room & car without a flight. What upset no way to think about starting a vacation like this.

  2. Aloha!
    I am so hoping you could please share your thoughts with us on this. I was buying a round trip ticket (for Maui to Los Angeles) and after putting my payment info in and hitting submit, I was alerted the price went up. It said I could cancel or accept the new price. So I kept looking and not only did all the fares go up on all the different websites… it knows I wanted those specific flights. Meaning, the return flight I choose was for 9am and now its super priced up compared to times right before and after. Now, I’ve heard that if you “clear your cookies” this can help, but in my case it didn’t. The return flight was specific because I was trying to get a ticket on the same flight as my sister (she already has a ticket). Unfortunately calling the airline was of no help. I get that airlines say that fares change by the minute, but its so feels like bait and switch! Thank-you for hearing me out and any insight you might have. I appreciate you!

    1. Hi Louise.

      We have seen the same thing happen. And it appears to go beyond cookies to just the searching changing prices, at least temporarily. And calling the airlines is virtually never a good idea.

      Aloha.

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    2. Yes I experienced the same thing. Advertised rates then they go up, we spent like 4 – 5 hours trying to book flight hotel & car and it would not accept the Order. Had to call live person and the rate went up like 15% Additionally the live person tried to book for us then the car did not take, then they could book the room & car without a flight. What upset no way to think about starting a vacation like this.

  3. I love Hawaiian. Add to that the fact that they still give you complimentary meals and beverages (which is a huge time/stress saver when traveling), and the flight, ground and even telephone service crew seem happy to have you as a customer and don’t act like you’re bothering them, I am loathe to try any other airline when going to the islands.

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