Hawaiian Airlines announced a new, free program for Hawaii residents that offers a free checked bag, 10- or 20% off one neighbor island booking per quarter, and other deals.
The program, known as Huakaʻi by Hawaiian, was launched following the official merger of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines in September. While the brands will remain separate, other changes are expected, including the ability to transfer miles between the airlines without charge.
“Huaka‘i by Hawaiian is our special way to mahalo Hawaii residents for their support of our airline, and to further acknowledge our vital role in bringing our island communities together for now 95 years,” said Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague in a statement. “Kama‘āina who already enjoy our superior service and convenient schedule of some 150 daily Neighbor Island flights will find it even easier to travel between the islands to visit family and friends, do business, or take a staycation.”
In order to become a Huaka‘i member online, Hawaii residents need to have a HawaiianMiles account with a Hawaii mailing address.
Hawaiian will email Huaka‘i members their first quarterly neighbor island discount code (10% for all members and 20% for Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard members) on Dec. 18 for travel starting Jan. 8. On March 1, 2025, Hawaiian will email discount codes for one-way or roundtrip tickets in coach and first class on the first day of the month prior to the start of a new quarter.
Starting on Jan. 8, the free checked bag (including surfboards, a golf bag and other sports equipment) will be available on neighbor island flights. Guests using a Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard to book travel will still be given two free checked bags.
Hawaiian will share more information about fare discounts when deals become available in January.