We recently covered how Southwest Airlines announced their Hawaii destinations as part of their latest Hawaii flight plan update. The four cities in Hawaii which the airline will serve are Honolulu, HI (Oahu); Kahului, HI (Maui); Kona, HI (Island of Hawaii); and Lihue, HI (Kauai). The four initial cities from the mainland will be Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC); Oakland Metropolitan Airport (OAK); Sacramento International Airport (SMF); and San Diego International Airport (SAN).

A recent meeting was hosted in Honolulu this week, where we learn even more about Southwest Airlines plans for Hawaii. Southwest Airlines has confirmed that we can expect to see service begin to Hawaii before the end of 2018.

As the airline plans to offer flights both from the mainland to Hawaii, as well within the Hawaiian Islands, one might wonder if Southwest will be opening a flight attendant or pilot base to operate their interisland flights. As of now, the airline has no plans to open a base there, as these trips for the crew will include a flight over to Hawaii, a day of flying within Hawaii, then a flight back to the mainland.

Here’s some other things we learn from Beat of Hawaii,

Which Hawaii destinations will come first? When asked if Maui and Honolulu would be the start of their Hawaii destinations, Andy confirmed that is likely. He did not contest the notion that Kona and Lihue Hawaii flights would start soon thereafter (all probably before year-end).

Food on Southwest Hawaii flights? Yes, you heard it here first, and that is what we were told. The carrier plans to offer food on flights to Hawaii. We’ll be learning more about that soon, we’re sure.

Entertainment on Southwest Hawaii flights. There will be live television to Hawaii, in addition to movies and chat messaging. The carrier will have satellite WiFi on Southwest Hawaii flights. Passengers will be able to bring their own devices to take advantage of these services.

It’s only a matter of time before Southwest Airlines starts to begin selling seats on their new Hawaii flights, which will commence the later part of 2018. Southwest has long been looking to begin service to Hawaii, however the interisland flights is something that comes as a surprise to many, though Southwest feels they will have much success on these flights.

What are your thoughts on the latest announcement from Southwest Airlines announcing which California airports will be the first to offer Hawaii service later this year? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.   

Hat Tip: Travel with Grant