Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are expanding seasonal service between the Pacific Northwest and Hawai’i this winter, launching nonstop flights from both Boise and Spokane to Honolulu beginning mid-December. The move marks the first time either market will have direct access to the Hawaiian Islands without a connection, strengthening air travel options for Treasure Valley and Eastern Washington residents seeking tropical destinations during the peak winter travel season.
Alaska Airlines will operate the new Boise-Honolulu route daily from December 17 through March 21, using Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Flights departing Boise at 10:20 a.m. arrive in Honolulu at 2:20 p.m., while the return journey leaves Honolulu at 12:42 p.m. and touches down in Boise at 9:45 p.m. The carrier becomes the sole operator offering nonstop service on this route, giving Ada County travelers a competitive advantage in accessing Hawaiian destinations during winter months.
Expanded Pacific Northwest Access to Hawai’i
Spokane will receive Saturday-only service between December 19 and April 17, with westbound flights departing at 9:00 a.m. and arriving at 2:03 p.m., and eastbound service departing Honolulu at 2:33 p.m. and landing in Spokane at 10:42 p.m. Like the Boise route, Alaska Airlines will be the exclusive carrier on this segment, positioning itself as the primary gateway for Eastern Washington travelers seeking direct flights to the islands.
The seasonal expansion reflects broader investment by both carriers in Hawaiian travel. Kirsten Amrine, Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management for Alaska Airlines, stated that the carrier is “excited to expand access to and from Hawai’i with new nonstop Boise and Spokane service, giving guests in two growing markets an easier way to reach the Hawaiian Islands.”
Alaska Airlines previously launched daily nonstop service between Boise and Honolulu, underscoring the carrier’s commitment to strengthening Pacific Northwest-Hawaii connectivity. The new seasonal routes complement year-round and existing winter operations, giving Pacific Northwest passengers multiple scheduling options.
Hawaiian Airlines Increases Las Vegas Capacity
Hawaiian Airlines is bolstering its presence in other key markets as well. The carrier will increase Las Vegas service from three daily flights to four daily flights during winter and spring peak periods, deploying larger Airbus A330 aircraft on the route to accommodate increased demand.
To support these expansions, Hawaiian Airlines is discontinuing three-times-weekly seasonal service between Honolulu and Auckland, New Zealand, effective immediately. The airline will not resume that route in November, instead repositioning the aircraft previously allocated to that service toward expanded Hawai’i operations. While the company noted that New Zealand remains important to its Pacific island operations, the capacity reallocation reflects strategic decisions about where demand and profitability are strongest.
Strong Growth in Hawaiian Seasonal Capacity
The airline expansions reflect significant growth in Hawai’i travel demand. Seasonal capacity across both carriers’ Hawaiian operations will grow 3 percent year-over-year, with growth reaching as high as 6 percent during peak holiday periods when winter travelers flee colder climates for tropical warmth.
Combined, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines operate more than 250 daily flights to, from, and within the Hawaiian Islands, providing nonstop access to more than 20 domestic and international destinations. Through Alaska’s broader network, passengers gain connections to more than 125 cities across North and Central America. The carriers’ membership in the oneworld alliance extends global reach to nearly 1,000 destinations worldwide.
What This Means for Boise and Ada County Travelers
The new nonstop service addresses a longstanding gap for Boise and Treasure Valley residents seeking convenient Hawaiian getaways. Previously, travelers from the Boise area needed to book connecting flights through Seattle or other West Coast hubs, adding hours to travel times and increasing overall trip costs. Direct flights simplify travel logistics for families, retirees, and leisure travelers planning winter vacations.
The seasonal nature of the routes—running through the heart of winter and into spring—aligns with peak travel demand, when Idaho residents typically seek warmer destinations. The daily Boise service and Saturday-only Spokane flights provide flexibility for different travel preferences and budgets across the Pacific Northwest.
What Comes Next
Reservations for the new Boise and Spokane routes are now available through Alaska Airlines and major travel booking platforms. Travelers interested in booking should monitor Alaska Airlines’ website for current pricing and seat availability, as seasonal routes often fill quickly during peak travel windows. The daily Boise service begins December 17, while Spokane Saturday flights launch December 19. Both routes operate through mid-April, spanning the primary winter and early-spring travel season for Pacific Northwest families seeking Hawaiian destinations.