HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaiian Airlines, now part of Alaska Airlines, announced a more than $600 million investment plan aimed at modernizing airport infrastructure and improving the guest experience across Hawaii over the next five years.

The airline says its Kahuʻewai Hawaiʻi Investment Plan will impact nearly every stage of travel, from airport lounges and gate areas to aircraft interiors and digital tools, with projects rolling out statewide through 2029.

The name Kahuʻewai refers to fresh water emerging from its source, a concept the airline says reflects resources flowing outward to support communities over time.

Renovations are planned at major airports on all four main islands, including upgrades to lobbies, gate areas and passenger amenities.

At the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, the plan includes a new 10,600-square-foot premium lounge at the entrance to Terminal 1’s mauka concourse.

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow said the new lounge will operate alongside the existing Plumeria Lounge and the airline’s six Premier Clubs across the state, as well as Alaska Airlines lounges on the continent. She said the space is expected to open by the end of next year.

Rakow said travelers on neighbor islands will also see significant changes.

“This year and through 2029, we will do a full renovation of lobbies and gate areas across every island and airport we serve in Hawaii, while also improving employee spaces,” Rakow said. She added the upgrades will feature brighter, more open spaces, improved seating and additional amenities like in-seat power charging.

State transportation officials say they are working closely with the airline as projects move forward.

“We’re going to help them, make sure we influence what this terminal’s going to look like,” said Hawaii Department of Transportation director Ed Sniffen. “The whole intent is to ensure that we move things forward as quickly as possible.”

Although Alaska Airlines officially acquired Hawaiian more than a year ago, the two airlines are still operating on separate ticketing systems. That is expected to change in April.

This spring, Hawaiian also plans to launch a redesigned app and website, which the airline says will give travelers more flexibility and control when managing their trips.

Starting in 2028, passengers will also see new interiors on Hawaiian’s wide-body aircraft, including new first-class suites and a premium economy cabin.

The investment is also expected to bring new jobs. Hawaiian Airlines says it has added about 650 positions statewide over the past year. Both the airline and state officials say additional hiring could follow to support airport operations.

Members of Hawaiian’s Huakaʻi loyalty program will also receive enhanced rewards and exclusive benefits.

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