Maria Lenhart, Skift
A proliferation of Hawaii short-term rentals, which are exacerbating an already expensive and tight housing market, is sparking heavy debate in a state where tourism is the main economic driver. While such accommodations are needed to handle rising visitor numbers, some say it's time to get them under control and look at the consequences of unchecked tourism growth.
2 weeks ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
As Southwest Airlines ramps up its highly anticipated Hawaii service, fares from the mainland and between the islands are expected to become more competitive and encourage more tourism. The question is whether Hawaii’s infrastructure, which is already impacted by high room rates and occupancies, can handle it.
2 months ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
Southwest Airlines’ entry into the Hawaii market is likely to bring more competitive airfares from the U.S. mainland and also on inter-island routes. The good news may be tempered, however, by rising hotel rates and limited availability in Hawaii’s most popular destinations.
2 months ago
Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg
The discount carrier will hit the ground running this month, adding new routes through the end of May. Is Hawaiian Airlines ready for the new competition?
3 months ago
Associated Press
We know why consumers have been so interested in Southwest's plans to fly to Hawaii. Southwest tends to stimulate the market at first, so prices drop. We're more curious at why people were so interested in the government approval process. Southwest has been around for nearly 50 years, with an almost perfect safety record. It was always going to win approval. The only question was when.
3 months ago
Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg
Southwest must be thrilled for all the free media attention. But let's be clear. The airline has been around for five decades. It has talented maintenance and executive teams. It knows what's required to fly long distances over water. The airline will be approved to fly to Hawaii. The only question is exactly when.
4 months ago
Dennis Schaal, Skift
Southwest has known for years that there is money to be made in differentiation and protecting your brand identity regardless of what Wall Street thinks. That's a factor in its decision not to launch basic economy or bag fees.
4 months ago
Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg
Southwest hasn't given a new start date, which likely means its plans are somewhat up in the air. The length of the delay will depend on how long the standoff in Washington continues.
4 months ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Hawaii has been a profitable niche for Alaska Airlines for a long time. But now the market is under siege. Competitors want their slice of the profits.
7 months ago
Dennis Schaal, Skift
There's no way around it: Southwest's new emphasis on cost-containment, productivity gains, and other efficiencies doesn't provide an optimistic outlook for passenger experience. It should make Southwest a more profitable airline — if passengers go along for the ride.
7 months ago
Audrey McAvoy and Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Associated Press
The Hawaii Tourism Authority said more than 270,000 tourists are currently visiting the Hawaiian islands – roughly the population of Cincinnati. The tourism industry hasn't faced a hurricane threat like this in many years, but feels prepared ahead of the storm.
9 months ago
Audrey McAvoy, Associated Press
Hopefully this will put pressure on all kinds of travel brands, from small businesses to the largest companies, to be more welcoming of all travelers.
11 months ago