Hawaiian Airlines temporarily suspending its 'Ohana by Hawaiian flights
Hawaiian Airlines will temporarily suspend its 'Ohana by Hawaiian passenger flights and cargo services between Honolulu (HNL) and Moloka'i (MKK) and Lāna'i (LNY), beginning Nov. 1. The move leaves travelers with mobility limitations with one less way to travel between the Hawaiian islands.
Sign up for TPG's daily newsletter
Service between Honolulu and Kapalua (JHM) in West Maui has been suspended since March.
The airline announcement referenced multiple economic challenges stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, including furloughing 2,500 employees in the wake of the recently expired Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Payroll Support Program. Hawaiian Airlines also placed the blame for low travel demand on the state's quarantine restrictions, which impacted the carrier's ability to fully staff pilots for 'Ohana by Hawaiian service — a provision stated in the pilots' union contract.
Related: Is Hawaii open for travelers? A reopening guide
'Ohana by Hawaiian, launched in 2014, provides the only wheelchair-accessible commercial air transportation between the Hawaiian islands, as well as cargo-only services.
Hawaii State Representative Lynn Decoite called the suspension "a health issue" for both Molokai and Lanai. "We cannot leave this on the side burner," Decoite said. "This has to be addressed so that we could give them accessibility."
Related: Deal alert: Hawaii flights from the mainland from $256 round trip nonstop
Hawaiian Airlines CEO Peter Ingram said that the airline hopes to restore 'Ohana service as soon as inter-island travel demand recovers significantly. "While we are disappointed at being unable to avoid the service suspension, this is a difficult situation for both Hawaiian... as we navigate an incredibly challenging period, and we all remain committed to returning flights to communities that rely on 'Ohana by Hawaiian." However, the airline acknowledged that pre-pandemic travel demands are "unlikely to occur anytime soon."
The union which represents Hawaiian Airlines pilots has agreed to lift the contractual provision if additional PSP funding is approved by the federal government and Hawaiian utilizes the stimulus stipend to bring furloughed employees back to its payroll.
Related: You are entitled to a refund for your canceled flight — even if the airline says you aren't
The airline said it has reached out to guests impacted by the suspension to offer refunds where needed.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app