Hawaiian Airlines plans Oneworld debut, spending $600 million to upgrade airports, aircraft
Hawaiian Airlines announced on Monday that it will become a member of the Oneworld alliance by the end of April.
The move has been in the works since Alaska Airlines parent acquired the Honolulu-based airline in 2024.
The move would make Hawaiian, like Alaska Airlines, a formal alliance partner with American Airlines and a dozen other global airlines, from British Airways to Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific, Australia’s Qantas and Japan Airlines.
That wasn’t the only news Hawaiian Airlines announced Monday.
The airline also unveiled a five-year, $600 million investment spree that includes renovations to five Hawaii airports and much-needed cabin upgrades to its long-haul aircraft. It also launched some new Atmos Rewards benefits for travelers living in the state of Hawaii.
All in all, this could be the biggest move Alaska Airlines Group has announced specifically for the Hawaiian Airlines brand since it acquired Hawaiian Airlines nearly a year and a half ago, and it could be good news for loyal Hawaiian passengers after a period of significant turmoil.
Here’s an overview of what you need to know.
Full speed ahead to create a premier Honolulu lounge
Last year, TPG reported on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines’ plans to open a new premium airport lounge at Honolulu’s Daniel Inouye International Airport (HNL).
Hawaiian Airlines revealed on Monday that the outpost will occupy approximately 10,600 square feet and will be located in the Mauka Concourse of HNL Terminal 1.
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For comparison, that’s about the size of Delta Air Lines’ Delta One lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines have not yet established rules for entry into this new facility, but I expect the entry requirements will not be like a standard club membership, but more geared toward business class travelers and elites.
Notably, Alaska Airlines Group is increasingly viewing Honolulu not only as a destination for vacationers, but also as a connecting hub for travelers flying to destinations in Asia, Australia and the South Pacific.
Alaska Airlines Group’s lounge chief told me last summer that the airline wanted to rely on local suppliers and amenities as well as design elements at the facility.
Hawaiian Airlines told TPG the lounge is expected to open by the end of 2027.
We should note that Alaska Airlines Group is planning a second premium outpost for its Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) headquarters.
Aircraft upgrades to begin in 2028
Hawaiian Airlines on Monday also shared a much-needed upgrade schedule for its Airbus A330 aircraft — if you fly the airline to Hawaii, you’re likely flying on the workhorse long-haul aircraft.
Hawaiian Airlines said the A330 retrofit will begin in 2028. As TPG reported last year, these cabin renovations will include new lie-flat suites that are reminiscent of the beautiful offerings on Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner (soon to be the Alaska Airlines-branded 787).
This would be a welcome advancement from the older business class product currently offered by Hawaiian Airlines on its A330s, which is in a 2-2-2 configuration and does not support universal direct aisle access (now the industry standard).
The A330 will also feature premium economy cabins and seatback screens with Bluetooth headset connectivity.
This comes on top of a series of cosmetic upgrades to the interior.
Five airports in Hawaii are about to undergo renovations
It’s not just the planes that need upgrading.
On Monday, Hawaiian Airlines announced multimillion-dollar improvements to five Aloha State airports:
- HNL Oahu
- Kauai Lihue Airport (LIH)
- Maui Kahului Airport (OGG)
- Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the Big Island
- Ellison Onizuka-Kona International Airport in Keahole (KOA), Big Island
Renovations at these Hawaii airports will begin this year and last through 2029, covering concourse entrances and gates. Hawaiian promises “open space, better seats” and improved amenities, including more charging ports.
Neighboring island flight loyalty increased
Hawaiian Airlines also announced offers for passengers who frequently fly to and from the state’s islands.
Last year, Hawaiian Airlines officially canceled its traditional HawaiianMiles loyalty program in favor of the new Atmos rewards program it now shares with Alaska Airlines.
As part of Atmos Rewards, Hawaii customers can still join the long-standing Huakai by Hawaiian program, which includes a number of perks (such as free checked bags and quarterly discounts) for customers who frequently fly to neighboring islands.
New for 2026: Huakai by Hawaiian members will be eligible to earn 50% of Atmos Rewards earnings — including points and tier credits — when traveling on Neighbor Island flights.
This bonus will apply regardless of how members choose to earn points and tier points. (Later in 2026, Atmos Rewards will allow members to earn points based on distance flown, amount paid, or a flat rate of 500 points per segment.)
Other changes for Hawaiian Airlines
As part of a series of announcements made by Hawaiian Airlines on Monday, the airline promised to upgrade its website and mobile apps, including better self-service features for changing flights.
The airline also said this will make it easier for Atmos Rewards members to book partner rewards.
Of course, Hawaiian Airlines plans to join the Oneworld alliance in late April, which should also improve the partner experience for Hawaiian passengers and Oneworld members.
The shift should expand benefits for Oneworld members and provide new redemption opportunities for passengers who earn rewards from other alliance airlines such as British Airways and Cathay Pacific, both of which have partnerships with major credit card rewards programs.
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