Alaska Airlines Announces New Hawaiian Service

Image: PHOTO: Alaska Airlines jets will soon be in contact with the control tower at Kailua-Kona International Airport in Hawaii after flying from San Francisco. (photo via Flickr/Elliott Plack)
Image: PHOTO: Alaska Airlines jets will soon be in contact with the control tower at Kailua-Kona International Airport in Hawaii after flying from San Francisco. (photo via Flickr/Elliott Plack)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 1:20 PM ET, Thu December 14, 2017

Alaska Airlines is making it easier for you to get to Hawaii: The airlines announced daily non-stop service between San Francisco and Hawaii Thursday.

The flights to and from San Francisco International Airport and Kailua-Kona International Airport mark Alaska's 31st new route launched from California this year.

To operate the route, Alaska will utilize Virgin America's A320 family of aircraft, which feature three classes of service, power outlets throughout the cabin, custom leather seats with adjustable headrests, plus a selection of food and beverages inspired by local chefs.

"Bay Area guests now have the option to fly from any of the region's major airports to the Island of Hawaii," Alaska Airlines vice president of the Bay Area Annabel Chang said in a statement. "Kona-bound guests traveling from San Francisco today will be treated to a Hawaiian-themed breakfast and prizes at the departure gate, and upon arrival, will be greeted with flower leis, hula entertainment and goodie bags with Island of Hawaii products.

"This surprise-and-delight is part of our dedicated approach to bring low fares and award-winning service across our Alaska Airlines and Virgin America network."

"We are honored and thankful to be a part of Virgin America's expanded service to the Hawaiian Islands," Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau executive director Ross Birch said in a statement.

"The Kona route provides yet another option for vacationers traveling to Hawaii, making it easier for Bay Area guests to experience all that makes our island special; from diverse landscapes, rich culture and history, outdoor adventures, and Hawaii's unique attractions, such as the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park."

Alaska Airlines, Virgin America and the company's regional partners fly around 40 million passengers a year to more than 115 destinations. The carrier boasts an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica.

Alaska provided a summary of the new service to and from Hawaii:

Start DateCity PairDepartsArrivesAircraftFrequency
December 14San Francisco-Kona11:30 a.m.3:15 p.m.A320 familyDaily
December 14Kona-San Francisco4:15 p.m.11:17 p.m.A320 familyDaily

*Flight times based on local time zones.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...