hawaiian airline will begin services between Honolulu and the Cook Islands on May 20, providing another option for travelers looking to visit the South Pacific nation’s secluded beaches. The airline previously flew to the Cook Islands from 1987 to 1993.
Customers will be able to book tickets to Rarotonga on Hawaiian’s website starting December 7. The airline will offer one weekly non-stop flight from its hub at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). Honolulu to Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) and flights will operate during the summer travel season.
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The Cook Islands, a nation of 15 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, are known for their serene beaches and volcanic peaks. Their travel website describes the Cook Islands as an “unspoiled paradise” with “no building taller than a coconut tree”.
Those flying from Hawaii’s 15 gateway cities in the continental United States can take a connecting flight to Rarotonga, the largest of the 15 islands, from Honolulu. While Hawaiian has a wide activity Hawaii, it also operates from several continental US cities. That includes eight cities in californiaas well as others like Seattle, Boston, New York City and Portland, Oregon.
“This service dramatically expands travel opportunities between the Cook Islands and the United States, thanks to just-in-time connections and our strong network, which includes our strong network of connections,” said Peter Ingram, CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. service between Hawai’i and eight California cities.
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The flight will leave Honolulu at 4pm GMT on Saturday and arrive in Rarotonga at 10:25pm UTC on the same day. Return flights will leave Rarotonga at 11:25pm UTC on Sunday and arrive in Honolulu at 5:50am GMT on Monday.
Hawaiian plans to operate both flights using the Airbus A321neo, which has 16 recliner seats in first class, 45 premium economy class seats with extra legroom and 128 standard economy class seats.
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Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown praised the announcement, saying in a statement that the route would help boost tourism to the islands.
“We welcome this timely announcement from Hawaiian Airlines as we look to rebuild our travel industry and increase our access to markets in the northern hemisphere,” Brown said. “Domestic tourism is the main economic driver of our nation and to reach our potential we need access from larger international markets.”
