Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines Update Interisland Check-In Times, Add 737s on Maui Flights

Sep 19, 2026

Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines are tightening interisland check-in deadlines while adding bigger planes between Honolulu and Maui — a mixed bag for local travelers, who get more seats and free Wi-Fi but less wiggle room at the airport.

  • Starting next month, interisland travelers must check in and drop bags at least 50 minutes before departure, up from 30.
  • The airlines are adding three daily round trips between Honolulu and Kahului using Alaska's Boeing 737s.
  • The larger planes add passenger and cargo space and offer free Starlink Wi-Fi.
  • International departures from Honolulu are also being relocated within the airport.

Outlook: Expect more capacity and longer airport lead times on the Honolulu–Maui route as the two carriers keep merging their operations.

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