Hawaiian Airlines has announced that it will start service to Cook Islands in May 2023. This will mark the return of Hawaiian Airlines in the island nation after 30 years.
Starting 20th May 2023, Hawaiian Airlines will start a new weekly flight between Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Rarotonga International Airport.
Flight HA495 will depart Honolulu at 4 PM on Saturdays and arrive in Rarotonga at 10:25 PM the same day. The return flight, HA496, will depart Rarotonga at 11:35 PM. on Sundays with a 5:50 AM Monday arrival in Honolulu.
We are delighted to grow our South Pacific network by offering our guests access to the Cook Islands, an archipelago that shares Hawai‘i’s Polynesian roots and natural beauty. This service greatly expands travel opportunities between the Cook Islands and the United States, thanks to our well-timed connections and robust network, including service between Hawai‘i and eight California cities.
said Peter Ingram, President and CEO, Hawaiian Airlines.
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The flights will be operated by Hawaiian’s Airbus A321neo featuring 16 recliners in the Premium Cabin, 45 Extra Comfort Premium Economy seats, and 128 Economy seats. Textiles and other materials throughout the cabin pay homage to traditional Hawaiian crafts including bark cloth (kapa) and fishing nets. Other details range from sand-inspired wall panels to Hawaiian language signage and LED mood-lighting evoking Hawaii’s soothing sunrises and sunsets. Guests will enjoy access to wireless streaming entertainment, USB outlets, and large overhead stowage space.
As a 93-year-old destination airline committed to sustainability, Hawaiian Airlines is a perfect partner for the Cook Islands. We welcome this timely announcement from Hawaiian Airlines, as we look to rebuild our tourism industry and strengthen access to our northern hemisphere markets. Inbound tourism is a key economic driver for our nation, and to reach our potential we need access from the larger international markets. Hawaiian’s Honolulu-Rarotonga service connects us to Los Angeles, the Pacific Northwest, and many other large U.S. Mainland cities.
said Mark Brown, Prime Minister, Cook Islands.
Passengers will be able to connect from Hawaiian’s 15 U.S. destinations via Honolulu on their way to the Cook Islands.
Hawaiian Airlines last served the Cook Islands from 1987 through 1993. The launch of this new weekly service will mark the airline’s return to the island nation after 30 years.
Featured image by Hawaiian Airlines
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