Hawaii Travel Transformed: 2025 Brings Major Changes to Airlines and Visitor Costs

As 2025 begins, Hawaii travel is poised for a year of complete transformation. From sweeping airline changes that have barely begun to Maui’s continued attempts to achieve tourism recovery, the year ahead promises new challenges, exciting opportunities, and a redefinition of what it means to visit the Hawaiian Islands. Here’s a closer look at the key trends shaping Hawaii travel in 2025.

New airline dynamics in Hawaii.

Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines will continue to headline and redefine Hawaii air travel in 2025. Alaska is set to begin flying Hawaiian’s widebody aircraft from Seattle, offering new service on international routes. Aircraft deployment across their route network will continue to see changes and optimization. Loyalty programs for both airlines are set to merge, further integrating the two brands under Alaska’s umbrella. Later in 2025, the two airlines will finally operate under one joint airline certificate, with marketing and branding remaining their primary distinctions.

Southwest Airlines, meanwhile, is quickly evolving its Hawaii strategy. With reduced interisland flights planned for 2025, Southwest is pivoting hard toward premium and fully assigned seating while focusing on mainland-Hawaii routes. Travelers will see fewer budget options for island hopping, and while the future of mainland-to-Hawaii routes is still unfolding, more consolidation to key cities like Las Vegas and San Jose seems likely.

The cost of flying interisland will rise in 2025 as reduced competition allows airlines to fill gaps left by Southwest’s flight reductions. Fares have already lifted from early 2024 lows of $39 to $60, and that is just the beginning.

We recently wrote about how Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines Just Rewrote the Rules of Airline Benefits with changes to their loyalty programs. Meanwhile, Southwest Slashes Hawaii Flights in Major Shake-Up highlights Southwest’s evolving focus on Hawaii flights.

Some predict reduced airline seats – we think otherwise.

Our take from years of reporting Hawaii air travel is to expect seat numbers to be similar to 2024. While some Southwest flights will be reduced, especially interisland, and international will remain suppressed, domestic travel isn’t currently set to change with any significance.

Hawaii’s green fee plan takes shape.

The state’s proposed green fee plan could take center stage in 2025 as the state explores ways to offset the environmental impact of tourism. Aimed at generating revenue for conservation and sustainability efforts, the fee would add another layer to Hawaii’s already high visitor costs, raising concerns about its effect on tourism.

The New Visitor Fee Could Push Hawaii Hotel Taxes Past Breaking Point article highlights how this initiative might reshape travel dynamics in the islands. While the fee’s final structure is still being debated, it represents a growing focus on balancing tourism with environmental stewardship.

Maui’s tourism recovery continues.

Maui enters 2025 at a pivotal moment in its recovery from the tragic Lahaina fire. With rebuilding efforts gaining traction, the island must balance welcoming visitors with respecting resident needs. Tourism numbers are expected to rise gradually, but the full recovery of Lahaina and surrounding areas will continue for years.

Tightening Hawaii vacation rental regulations will remain a central issue in 2025.

State and county policies aim to address housing shortages for residents while reshaping the options available to visitors. Travelers planning a trip to Maui this year, in particular, should expect stricter rules and fewer rental options.

A new law effective January 1 solidifies counties’ authority to phase out non-residential land uses, including vacation rentals. This legislation strengthens the legal foundation for Maui’s planned phase-out of dedicated short-term vacation rentals in what are known as apartment-zoned districts, set to begin in July 2025 for West Maui and January 2026 for the rest of the county. However, measures face potential legal challenges that could delay implementation.

Maui Tourism at a Crossroads: A Year After Lahaina Fire examines the island’s challenges, while Maui’s Vacation Rental Crackdown Intensifies delves into how regulations affect tourism.

Hawaii’s skies welcome new planes and routes and perhaps airlines.

Aviation advances may play a leading role in Hawaii’s travel this year. Not only is it about the airlines serving the islands but also about the aircraft they utilize. Introducing the new Airbus A321XLR to select routes could open up possibilities for long-haul travel to Hawaii that never existed previously. These fuel-efficient planes make direct connections between Hawaii and previously un-served destinations more feasible. But what the comfort will be like for passengers remains a question.

Several airlines, including Breeze, are also speculated to announce new Hawaii routes during 2025, broadening access for travelers from the mainland and beyond. Stand by for those.

Hotel prices and alternative accommodations.

Hawaii hotel prices are expected to remain very high in 2025, continuing the trend set in recent years. While this may deter budget-conscious travelers, it also creates opportunities for alternative accommodations to thrive. Vacation rentals, boutique hotels, and even offbeat options like camping could see increased demand as visitors seek affordable ways to experience the islands.

The rising costs also prompt more travelers to consider alternative Pacific destinations, including Tahiti, which offers unique appeal amid challenges.

Hawaii Hotel Prices Increase Up to 70%, Helping Stifle Over-Tourism provides insights into pricing trends, while Tahiti vs. Hawaii Vacations: Big Differences Make Choosing Easy offers a compelling comparison for those weighing their options.

Technology transforms the travel experience.

Technology will play an ever-increasing role in Hawaii travel in 2025. Airlines are partnering with tech companies to improve services, from enhanced luggage tracking with AirTags to streamlined check-in systems. Loyalty programs are also becoming more sophisticated, offering travelers new ways to earn and redeem points without stepping onto a plane.

These advancements aim to make travel more seamless and highlight the growing intersection of tech and Hawaii tourism.

Lessons Learned After Losing Bags Four Times on Hawaii Flights explores the frustrations of mishandled luggage and how new solutions could change the game for island-bound travelers.

The return of international visitors.

International visitor numbers, particularly from Japan and Canada, are expected to improve somewhat in 2025. ANA announced it would move to twice-daily A380 flights from Tokyo to Honolulu, reflecting their optimism about the resurgence. These markets are critical for Hawaii’s economy, and their return will help diversify the visitor base. However, challenges remain, including competition from other destinations and fluctuating U.S. economic conditions.

Additionally, lesser-known islands like Molokai and Lanai are attracting growing interest, offering quieter alternatives to Hawaii’s more popular spots. Forbidden Hawaii Destination May Soon See Visitors highlights the allure of less-visited areas in Hawaii.

What’s ahead for Hawaii travel in 2025.

As 2025 unfolds, Hawaii will face a year of change and opportunity. Airlines are set to expand and innovate, Maui continues its path to recovery, and travelers will navigate rising costs and new technologies. These changes will reshape how visitors experience Hawaii and shape the islands’ tourism future for years to come.

What are your thoughts on Hawaii travel in 2025?