Hawaiian Airlines to Swap 717s for 737s With Starlink, More First Class

Alaska Airlines, which now owns Hawaiian Airlines, is pulling the aging Boeing 717s off Hawaii's interisland routes and replacing them with 737-800s. The swap brings free Starlink Wi-Fi, more premium seats, and power at every seat to the short hops between Honolulu, Kahului, and the other islands.

The Boeing 717 has flown Hawaii's interisland routes since 2001, and the planes are showing their age. Alaska is swapping them for the 737-800, a larger and more modern aircraft built for the punishing schedule of short segments, frequent daily cycles, and salt-air operations that define neighbor island flying.

The fleet will keep the Hawaiian Airlines brand, stay based in Honolulu, and be flown by Honolulu-based pilots and flight attendants once the integration wraps up, the carrier said.

The full transition won't happen until 2028, Alaska said. A near-term boost arrives in October: one Alaska-branded 737 will operate three daily round-trips between Honolulu (HNL) and Kahului (OGG), flying out of Terminal 1 at Honolulu.

Hawaiian CEO Diana Birkett Rakow framed the move as a long-term commitment to the islands, calling interisland service "part of the fabric of life in Hawai'i." The swap is part of Alaska Accelerate, the parent company's broader growth plan for both brands.

The cabin is where travelers will notice the biggest difference. The 737-800 offers twice as many first class seats as the 717, along with more than 30 additional Premium Class seats. For Huaka'i by Hawaiian and Atmos Rewards members chasing upgrades, the extra premium seat inventory matters. More premium seats also means more potential award availability for travelers booking with points.

Every flight gets fast, free Starlink Wi-Fi, a genuine upgrade on routes that have historically offered little connectivity. Every seat also picks up a 110V power outlet, USB charging, and a seatback device holder. Inside, travelers will find reclining leather Recaro seats. The larger aircraft also offers more cargo capacity, making it easier to accommodate oversized gear like surfboards.

This is a combination of improvements on the routes Hawaii residents fly for work, school, family, and medical care, not just the occasional vacation. The extra premium inventory is worth watching for points and miles travelers once these jets start flying.

Alaska plans to share more details on the full 2028 transition as planning continues. The October boost from a single Alaska-branded 737 gives travelers an early taste of what's coming, while the full fleet refresh points toward a more comfortable, more connected way to island hop starting later this decade.