Hawaiian Airlines Announces Services Between Hawai'i And Cook Islands

Hawaiian Airlines has announced its latest South Pacific connection, with its Airbus A321neo poised to operate flights between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu to Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) in the Cook Islands.

The new service will further complement Hawaiian Airlines’ network with its Pacific neighbors, already operating to Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti, French Polynesia, and its direct service to Pago Pago International Airport (PPG) in American Samoa. Not to forget its connection to Auckland (AKL), New Zealand, and Sydney (SYD), Australia.

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Hawaiian Airlines president and CEO Peter Ingram commented on its new service:

“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.”

A connection from the Cook Islands to the world.

Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Air New Zealand (NZ) operated a direct service from the Cook Islands’ Rarotonga International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) once a week. The route was vital to widen its reach into US, Canada, UK, and European markets. No doubt Hawaiian will be hoping to capitalize on its new connection too, with travelers able to transfer onto Hawaiian Airlines’ extensive North American route network to 15 US mainland gateway cities.

Tourism is a crucial source of income for many in the island nation. Businesses in Rarotonga will be excited to welcome more Americans back to enjoy its South Pacific hospitality. Tata Crocombe, the owner of The Rarotongan Beach Resort, Sanctuary Rarotonga, and Aitutaki Lagoon, commented on the need for a connection to North America:

”These markets were important for diversifying its range of source markets, providing off-season traffic during the New Zealand summer, and providing more traffic to outer island destinations, particularly Aitutaki. They were also generally higher spending visitors.”

A 25-hour layover in Rarotonga

Tickets will go on sale from December 7th, with the once-a-week connection departing Honolulu for its first flight on May 20th, 2023. Note that the schedule currently has a 25-hour layover in Rarotonga, no doubt allowing the crew to rest and operate the return service.

HA495 will depart Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu at 16:00 on Saturdays, arriving at Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) at 22:25 the same day.
HA496 will depart Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) at 23:35 on Sundays, arriving at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu at 05:50 arrival on Mondays.

Hawaiians Airbus A321neo

Travelers on the route will be shuttled on the Airbus A321neo, the most fuel-efficient aircraft available of its kind—featuring 16 seats in the Premium Cabin, 45 Extra Comfort or premium economy seats, and 128 in economy. The cabin interior pays tribute to the traditional Hawaiian culture and crafts, while the aircraft also has wireless streaming, USB outlets, and generous overhead storage.