This past weekend, Hawaiian Airlines inaugurated weekly nonstop service between Hawai‘i and the Cook Islands. The carrier first operated service between Honolulu and Rarotonga from 1987-1993 with a McDonnell Douglas DC-8 and DC-10.
On Monday (May 22, 2023), Hawaiian Airlines announced the inauguration of new service between Hawai‘i and the Cook Islands, with the first flight departing Honolulu (HNL) for Rarotonga ((RAR) this past weekend. Hawaiian originally operated service on the route from 1987 to 1993 with a McDonnell Douglas DC-8 and DC-10. Now, thirty years later, the carrier’s colorful livery has returned to the Cook Islands with a fuel-efficient 189-passenger Airbus A321neo. Flight HA495 will depart Honolulu at 16:00 and arrive in Rarotonga at 22:25. While the return flight, HA496 departs Rarotonga at 23:35 on Sundays, and arrives back in Honolulu at 05:50 Monday morning.
Left to Right: Hawaiian Airlines' McDonnell Douglas DC-8 Departing Rarotonga, Hawaiian Airlines' DC-10 in Rarotonga - Photo Credit: Cook Island Airports
In Monday’s announcement, Hawaiian Airlines’ Vice President of Airport Operations, Lokesh Amaranayaka, said,
“We’re so thrilled to begin this service, which greatly expands travel opportunities between the Cook Islands and the 15 continental U.S. cities we serve with convenient one-stop connections in Honolulu. This is the beginning of a prosperous partnership between Hawaiian Airlines and the Cook Islands that we hope will continue to strengthen for many years to come.”
The Cook Islands’ Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Robert Tapaitau, added,
“The Cook Islands and Hawaiʻi have a long-standing connection deeply rooted in shared Polynesian heritage, and this route serves as a gateway to world travelers seeking pristine beaches, rich cultural experiences and a touch of paradise. To Hawaiian Airlines, I express my heartfelt gratitude for their commitment to connecting our nations. Through this partnership, we embark on a journey of shared growth, mutual prosperity and strengthening ties.”
Photo Gallery of Hawaiian Airlines' Inaugural Festivities Celebrating the Launch of Service Between Honolulu and Rarotonga - Courtesy Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian® Airlines, Hawai’i’s hometown airline, has been the number one U.S. carrier for on-time performance for the past 18 years (2004-2021). The carrier has been in business for 94 years and is Hawaiʻi’s largest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian Airlines offers approximately 150 daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands and daily nonstop service to 15 U.S. mainland gateways. Additionally, the carrier connects Honolulu with American Samoa, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Tahiti and the Cook Islands. Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA).
Source: Hawaiian Airlines
Comments