Hawaiian Airlines has resumed its connection to the Cook Islands, seeing its Airbus A321neo now operate once weekly between Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Rarotonga Avarua International Airport (RAR).

As reported by Radio Cook Islands, the first flight arrived with 120 passengers onboard, with the return service departing on Sunday with 90 confirmed passengers. The Hawaiian A321neo is capable of carrying up to 189 guests onboard.

Travelers on the route will be shuttled on the A321neo, the most fuel-efficient aircraft available of its kind—featuring 16 seats in the Premium Cabin, 45 Extra Comfort or premium economy seats, and 128 in the economy. The cabin interior pays tribute to the traditional Hawaiian culture and crafts, while the aircraft also has wireless streaming, USB outlets, and generous overhead storage.

A perfect gateway to the mainland

Hawaiian hopes to capitalize on its extensive network to the mainland US, enabling connections to 15 destinations across the continental US and its destinations across the Hawaiian Islands and parts of Asia. Before the first flight departed, inaugural passengers were treated to a lei, as a 'mahalo' for the special occasion.

RAR sign-1
Photo: Rarotonga Airport

Touching down in Rarotonga just before midnight, HA will operate the below schedule:

  • HA495 will depart Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu at 16:00 on Saturdays, arriving at Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) at 22:25, optimizing arrivals from the mainland US (6 hours and 25 minutes)
  • HA496 will depart Rarotonga at 23:35 on Sundays, arriving in Honolulu at 05:50 arrival on Mondays, enabling easy onward connections within the HA network (6 hours and 15 minutes)

As reported by Mauinow, Vice president of airport operations at Hawaiian Airlines, Lokesh Amaranayaka, released this statement:

“Our Honolulu-Rarotonga flight bridges Hawaiʻi with another South Pacific neighbor and connects two archipelagos that share Polynesian roots, rich culture, and endless tropical beauty. We’re thrilled to begin this service, which greatly expands travel opportunities between the Cook Islands and the United States with convenient one-stop connections to the Cook Islands from our 15 US gateways.”​​​

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Deputy Prime Minister was there.

The Cook Islands Deputy Prime Minister, Robert Tapaitau, alongside a small delegation from Cook Islands Tourism, traveled to Honolulu to farewell the first flight, where music, traditional dancing, and flower leis filled the departure hall.

Reconnected to the USA

The Honolulu-based carrier once served the route between 1987 and 1993. However, the Cooks have been without the connection since. Air New Zealand once connected Rarotonga to the mainland USA at LAX. However, this was axed during the pandemic, and the airline has noted it doesn't intend to resume the service anytime soon.

International services at Rarotonga are limited; Air New Zealand operates the most frequent service to Auckland International Airport (AKL) and maintains its own Air New Zealand lounge at the airport, with other services by Jetstar to AKL and Sydney, with Air Rarotonga heading to Papeete (PPT), in French Polynesia, alongside its domestic network.

Sources: Maui Now, Cook Islands Travel, Radio Cook Islands

  • Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330-243 N389HA
    Hawaiian Airlines
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    HA/HAL
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Honolulu International Airport, Kahului Airport
    Year Founded:
    1929
    CEO:
    Peter Ingram
    Country:
    United States