Hawaiian Airlines is giving Aussie travellers something to cheer about this southern summer, ramping up its Sydney–Honolulu route to daily service just in time for the high season. From 18 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, the airline will connect Australia and the Aloha State daily, a timely gift for sunseekers, surfers, and sentimentalists alike.
It’s part of a broader seasonal shake-up that sees Hawaiian Airlines flexing its wings across the Pacific with a robust winter 2025–26 schedule, including extra flights to Los Angeles and Seattle, plus a swish Dreamliner upgrade on its Seattle–Tokyo route.
And let’s be honest—who doesn’t prefer their pina coladas served with a side of direct aisle access and lie-flat seats?
Summer Surge Sparks Daily Sydney Flights
Hawaiian’s decision to lift Sydney–Honolulu services from five times a week to daily underscores the growing demand for transpacific escapes during Australia’s peak travel season. According to the airline, the move directly responds to substantial passenger numbers and the perennial appeal of Hawai‘i’s warm beaches, vibrant culture, and laid-back charm.
“We’re excited to offer our guests more options to connect with loved ones or enjoy a warm winter getaway,” said Kirsten Amrine, Vice President of Revenue Management and Network Planning at Hawaiian Airlines. “These schedule enhancements reflect our commitment to providing convenient, comfortable travel during the busiest travel period of the year.”
It’s not just about seats in the sky—it’s about reviving the kind of hospitality that made Hawaiian Airlines a favourite among Aussie travellers for decades.
Extra U.S. Mainland Services for the Holidays
Meanwhile, on the U.S. mainland front, Hawaiian Airlines is injecting a hefty dose of capacity into two of its most popular corridors. Between 21 November and 1 December 2025, and from 19 December through 6 January 2026, the airline will operate a fifth daily flight between Honolulu and Los Angeles using its fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo.
Up in the Pacific Northwest, a fourth widebody flight will be added between Honolulu and Seattle, swapping out an existing narrowbody for more spacious accommodations. The new schedule includes a morning departure from Honolulu and an early evening return from Seattle—perfectly timed for those who prefer their layovers short and their jetlag manageable.
With six daily flights (two of them operated by Alaska Airlines under their codeshare agreement), this Seattle–Honolulu link is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and convenient transpacific options in 2026.
Dreamliner Debuts on Seattle–Tokyo Route
From early January to mid-April, Hawaiian Airlines will introduce its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Seattle–Tokyo Narita route, replacing the older Airbus A330.
This is no ordinary equipment upgrade. The Dreamliner comes outfitted with the airline’s new Leihōkū Suites, featuring lie-flat seating, privacy partitions, and direct aisle access in every business class seat—an experience not just designed to get you there, but to ensure you arrive refreshed, well-fed, and considerably smug.
With larger windows, reduced cabin noise, and advanced in-flight entertainment, the aircraft promises a quieter, smoother, and more civilised journey across the Pacific.
Booking Now Open—But Don’t Dilly-Dally
Seats on these seasonal services are already open for booking via www.HawaiianAirlines.com or through preferred travel advisors. With demand expected to surge—especially around school holidays and festive periods—early bookings are not just advised, they’re practically mandatory.
For Australian travellers keen to escape the swelter or embrace the magic of island life, this expansion offers a much-welcome mix of frequency, flexibility and flair.
And if you’ve been yearning for a proper mai tai on Waikīkī Beach, now’s your chance. Just don’t forget the sunscreen—and perhaps a seat with a view.
By Alison Jenkins
