Hawaiian Airlines is cutting its seasonal service to New Zealand – no longer saying aloha three times a week to the land of the long white cloud.
The airline, which was acquired by Alaskan Airlines in 2024, said the three-times weekly Auckland service, which has operated in New Zealand's summer since the pandemic, would not resume in November this year.
It cited high fuel costs, soft demand recovery in international Pacific markets, "unfavourable" exchange rates and global travel trends.
In a statement released today, Alaskan Airlines regional managing director, South Pacific Andrew Stanbury said New Zealand is "deeply important to us as part of our Pacific island 'ohana (family)".
"However, we must carefully allocate our limited capacity to markets where demand is strongest, and these changes ensure we are well-positioned for the future – delivering the exceptional travel experience Hawaiian Airlines is known for, while adapting to conditions across our combined network."
Last year, the Honolulu to Auckland service ran from November 16 through to the end of April 2026.
When service was beginning its season last year, the airline pitched it as an offer to guests for "nonstop flights between New Zealand and Hawaii, plus convenient one-stop connections to and from the US continent".
Hawaiian Airlines also said at the time the airline had "proudly served Auckland with aloha and hospitality since March 2013", and the flights had "acted as a bridge" between the two nations.
Last year's service was provided by a 278-seat Airbus A330 equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi.
Air New Zealand continues to operate its direct flights to Hawaii. Layover routes are also available via Qantas, Fiji Airways and United Airlines.
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