Hawaiian Airlines will launch their Honolulu-Boston route today. As the longest domestic flight in the US, it’s a fair old journey, but offers Boston residents an easier way to connect with the islands as the first nonstop flight from the area.

Boston residents have a reason to be happy today, as they’re about to welcome the first ever direct flight from Honolulu, Hawaii. The Hawaiian Airlines flight, although departing Honolulu today, will arrive early Friday morning, ready to take off again just in time for a weekend in the sun.

Hawaiian Airlines CEO, Peter Ingram, said of the new route:

"There is nowhere on Earth like Hawai'i, and we are bringing our islands closer than ever to Boston with nonstop service,"

“Hawaiian is a unique airline because we have represented Hawai'i for nearly a century while flying people to, from and between the Hawaiian Islands. Each one of our routes starts or ends in the Aloha State. We look forward to sharing our warm hospitality with our New England guests whose vacation starts the minute they check in and step onto our plane."

The longest domestic flight

The departure of flight HA90 is scheduled to leave from Honolulu (HNL) at 13:55 local time. It will arrive in Boston’s Logan airport (BOS) at 5:50am tomorrow, completing the first leg of its mega transnational flight. The return flight, HA89, will take off at 8:10am from Boston, arriving back in Honolulu at 13:35.

HNL-BOS
It will be the longest domestic flight in the US in history. Image: GCMap

The flight clocks in at almost 5,100 miles in each direction, making it the longest domestic flight in the US. This supersedes the current record holder, also Hawaiian Airlines, with their HNL-JFK service. Operating five times a week, it will provide a much needed direct connection between the East Coast and Hawaii, making it easier than ever for New England residents to enjoy a tropical vacation.

In terms of flight times, the outward flight from Honolulu is blocked at around 10 hours and 15 minutes, with the return from Boston clocking in at 11 hours and 40 minutes. With the launch of this route, it’s clear that Hawaiian are keen to take matters into their own hands to stay a step ahead of the competition.

What can we expect from Hawaiian Airlines new Honolulu – Boston service?

The flight will be exclusively operated by Hawaiian Airlines’ Airbus A330. This aircraft seats a total of 278 passengers in a two class configuration.

Hawaiian Airlines A330 seat map
The seat map. Image: Hawaiian Airlines

In the economy cabin, laid out in a 2-4-2 arrangement, the 192 standard seats offer a generous 31 inches of pitch and between 16.5 and 18 inches of width. In addition to these, there are 68 ‘extra comfort’ seats, which offer additional leg room to the tune of 36 inches.

A330 extra comfort seats
Both the A330 and the A321 offer 'extra comfort' seats. Photo: Hawaiian Airlines

Up at the pointy end, there are 18 lie flat first class seats. The pitch on these is 45 to 46 inches, and the arrangement is a comfortable 2-2-2 configuration.

A330 lie flat business class
Hawaiian's A330 has lie flat seating in the premium cabin. Photo: Hawaiian Airlines

Everyone gets a personal LCD touch screen, and snacks, meals and drinks are included as standard. Of course, you get that inimitable Hawaiian service and attention throughout the flight, to help those 10 hours pass by in a flash.

Hawaiian Airlines cabin crew
Hawaiian pride themselves on offering a taste of Hawaii from the moment you step on board. Photo: Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian is a partner with JetBlue, so travelers can use their TrueBlue points to get an upgrade or pay for their flights. They are also transfer partners of American Express Membership Rewards, so that’s another option if you’re looking to drive down the price.

What do you think about the new Hawaiian Airlines service? Let us know if you’re planning to fly!