Hawaiian Airlines relaunches Auckland to Honolulu flights from November 2025

Hawaiian Airlines will restart its seasonal service between Honolulu and Auckland in November 2025, marking the return of a direct link between New Zealand and Hawaiʻi. The route will operate three times a week from 16 November 2025 through to late April 2026, covering New Zealand’s summer and early autumn period when travel demand is strongest.

The service connects Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu (HNL) with Auckland Airport (AKL), giving travellers a non-stop option between the Pacific Islands and New Zealand. The airline says the return of this route reflects steady demand for leisure travel on both sides of the Pacific.

Flight schedule and details

Flights from Honolulu to Auckland will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1.15 pm, arriving in Auckland the next day at 9.20 pm. The return service will depart Auckland on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11.30 pm, arriving in Honolulu at 9.20 am the same day.

Each flight will be operated by the airline’s Airbus A330-200 aircraft, which carries 278 passengers. The aircraft features 18 lie-flat Business Class seats in a 2-2-2 layout, along with 68 Extra Comfort seats that provide more legroom and early boarding. Starlink Wi-Fi will be available to all passengers across the cabin.

The A330 offers a two-class layout with a focus on space and comfort for longer sectors such as Honolulu to Auckland. The flight time is expected to be about nine hours southbound and a little under nine hours northbound.

Why the route matters

The Auckland–Honolulu connection has long been a popular option for travellers heading from New Zealand to the Hawaiian Islands and onwards to the mainland US. The service allows travellers to reach destinations such as Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco and Las Vegas through one connection in Honolulu.

For inbound passengers, it gives Americans a direct entry point to New Zealand without transiting through Australia. That helps diversify access and adds capacity into Auckland during the Southern Hemisphere summer when visitor numbers typically rise.

Tourism New Zealand has previously identified Hawaiʻi as a valuable link market for North American visitors who want to combine both destinations in one trip. Hawaiian Airlines’ presence supports that two-way flow, and Auckland Airport benefits from the added long-haul connectivity.

History of the Auckland route

Hawaiian Airlines first began flying to Auckland in 2013. It maintained a steady seasonal pattern for several years, adjusting capacity to suit the summer travel period. The service paused during the pandemic when international travel was limited, and the airline has taken a gradual approach to rebuilding its network since.

Before 2020, the route proved popular with both Kiwi holidaymakers and connecting US travellers. The return in 2025 restores a route that many in the travel industry had expected to see back on the schedule.

The decision also reflects the airline’s larger network strategy. Hawaiian Airlines has been strengthening its position as a Pacific connector and recently joined with Alaska Airlines through a merger. Together, they can now offer an extended range of one-stop options between New Zealand and many US cities.

Seasonal timing and market demand

Operating the Auckland service during the Southern Hemisphere summer is a practical decision. It aligns with New Zealand’s main outbound travel season, which peaks from November through February. During that time, thousands of New Zealanders take overseas holidays, and demand for Pacific destinations is high.

From a US perspective, the service also coincides with the winter months, when travellers are more likely to seek warmer climates. Hawaiʻi and New Zealand are appealing destinations for different reasons, but both markets benefit from strong seasonal appeal.

A three-times-weekly frequency provides a balance between availability and demand. It ensures regular service without the risk of overcapacity outside the core travel window.

Partnerships and loyalty programmes

Tickets for the Auckland–Honolulu flights are available through Hawaiian Airlines’ website and partner agents. The flights are included in Atmos Rewards, the shared loyalty programme of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Members can earn and redeem points across both carriers, and the network is expected to expand further once Hawaiian joins the oneworld alliance in 2026.

Travellers who are part of the Qantas Frequent Flyer programme will also be able to redeem points for seats on the Auckland service. That makes it easier for New Zealand passengers to integrate the flights into existing loyalty plans.

Aircraft experience

The Airbus A330-200 remains one of Hawaiian Airlines’ core long-haul aircraft. Its Business Class cabin offers full lie-flat seating with direct aisle access for most passengers. The Extra Comfort section provides a mid-tier experience between Business and Economy, appealing to leisure travellers who want extra space without the cost of a premium fare.

In-flight meals reflect the airline’s Pacific focus, with a mix of Hawaiian and international dishes. Complimentary beverages and entertainment are available throughout the cabin. The addition of high-speed Wi-Fi gives passengers the ability to stay connected throughout the journey, which has become a standard expectation on long-haul flights.

Impact on Auckland Airport

For Auckland Airport, the return of Hawaiian Airlines adds capacity at a time when the airport continues to rebuild its long-haul schedule. Several major carriers have resumed or expanded operations since 2023, including Air New Zealand, Qantas, Emirates and United. The Hawaiian service strengthens Auckland’s network into the central Pacific and increases competition on routes to North America.

The airport has been upgrading facilities in recent years to handle long-haul growth. The reintroduction of a nine-hour service from Honolulu fits into that plan and helps balance the mix of carriers using the international terminal.

Connections beyond Honolulu

Honolulu serves as Hawaiian Airlines’ main hub, offering onward flights to several Hawaiian Islands and to the US mainland. The airline operates to Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Portland, Austin and Boston, among others.

For New Zealand travellers, this means the Auckland–Honolulu flight can connect to multiple destinations without needing to pass through larger mainland gateways like Los Angeles or Dallas. It can shorten travel times and simplify itineraries for passengers heading to the western US.

Tourism outlook

Tourism industry observers expect the return of Hawaiian Airlines to strengthen visitor numbers in both directions. For New Zealanders, Hawaiʻi remains a popular holiday destination offering beaches, shopping and family-friendly resorts. For Americans, New Zealand’s summer landscape attracts outdoor travellers and cruise passengers looking for multi-country trips in the South Pacific.

Travel agents have reported growing interest in Pacific itineraries that combine Hawaiʻi with New Zealand or Australia. Hawaiian Airlines’ service provides a convenient way to make that combination possible within one ticket.

Travel trends and competition

Air New Zealand operates direct flights between Auckland and Honolulu year-round. The return of Hawaiian Airlines adds choice on that route and may encourage competitive pricing. The two airlines have historically maintained friendly competition, with Hawaiian focusing on connecting traffic and Air New Zealand capturing more of the local market.

Fiji Airways also offers connections to Hawaiʻi through Nadi, giving travellers an alternative route through the South Pacific. The addition of Hawaiian Airlines creates a three-way network of options for travellers between New Zealand and Hawaiʻi.

Economic and community benefits

The route contributes to economic links between New Zealand and Hawaiʻi through tourism and trade. Direct air services support visitor spending, accommodation bookings, and transport activity on both ends. For Auckland Airport, it adds another long-haul destination that supports jobs and operations across airlines, ground handling, and catering.

Hawaiian Airlines has also maintained partnerships with local suppliers and tourism organisations in both markets, promoting travel experiences across the Pacific. The return of the route is expected to continue that cooperation.

Recovery of long-haul travel

The reintroduction of Auckland–Honolulu flights fits into a broader recovery of long-haul travel since borders reopened. Airlines have been gradually restoring capacity on trans-Pacific routes as demand improves. Data from Auckland Airport shows that international passenger numbers are now close to pre-pandemic levels.

Hawaiian Airlines’ decision to return to Auckland suggests confidence in that recovery. By limiting the schedule to a seasonal window, the airline can match operations to peak travel periods while assessing long-term demand.

Customer experience and reliability

The airline has built a reputation for punctuality and hospitality on its long-haul flights. Passengers flying from Auckland will have the option of checking in online or at the airport, with connecting services available through most major travel booking platforms.

Honolulu Airport offers direct transfers between international arrivals and domestic gates, making it straightforward to continue to other islands or US cities. For many New Zealand travellers, this simplicity is one of the main reasons to choose the route.

Future plans

Hawaiian Airlines has indicated that it may consider extending the Auckland season or adding capacity in later years if performance meets expectations. The merger with Alaska Airlines provides the combined company with greater flexibility to adjust schedules and aircraft use.

Joining the oneworld alliance in 2026 will also expand Hawaiian’s global reach, giving passengers access to a larger list of partner airlines and reciprocal benefits. For New Zealanders, that means easier multi-city itineraries across the US, Canada, and Asia.

For travellers

Anyone planning a trip between New Zealand and Hawaiʻi from late 2025 will have two direct flight options and multiple connecting possibilities through other Pacific hubs. Bookings for Hawaiian Airlines’ seasonal flights are expected to open several months before the first departure.

Travellers are encouraged to review entry requirements for the United States, including visa or ESTA applications, and to allow sufficient connection time in Honolulu if continuing to another destination.

The broader picture

The return of Hawaiian Airlines to Auckland reflects renewed confidence in New Zealand’s role as a long-haul gateway. It reinforces Auckland Airport’s status as one of the key international hubs in the region and strengthens links across the Pacific.

For passengers, the route provides another choice at a time when direct long-haul options are increasingly valued. It helps reconnect families, supports tourism, and brings a piece of Hawaiʻi a little closer to home.

Practical travel planning

As with any international trip, planning ahead makes travel easier. Passengers heading to Honolulu can pre-arrange airport parking, check-in online, and use airline apps for real-time updates. Hawaiian Airlines allows standard baggage limits consistent with other major carriers, and the schedule aligns with evening connections out of Auckland.

For those continuing beyond Hawaiʻi, most domestic flights within the islands depart from the same terminal complex, keeping transfers simple. Accommodation in Honolulu fills quickly during the New Zealand summer, so early booking is recommended.

A smooth start from Auckland

Many travellers overlook the logistics of getting to and from the airport. For those flying from Auckland, booking parking ahead of time can make the experience easier.

FlyAway Airport Parking, located near Auckland Airport, provides secure, affordable parking with regular shuttle transfers to and from the terminals. Travellers can book short- or long-term parking online at flyaway.co.nz, ensuring a convenient start and finish to their trip.

Whether heading to Honolulu for a holiday, a family visit, or a connection to the mainland US, the return of Hawaiian Airlines gives New Zealanders more choice across the Pacific. With flights restarting in November 2025, travellers once again have a direct path to Hawaiʻi and beyond.