Honolulu–Maui gets Alaska 737s, a 50-minute check-in cutoff and a new international check-in lobby

Three things changed for travelers in Hawaiʻi on Oct. 3. Alaska Airlines 737s started flying some Honolulu–Maui flights. Check-in for all flights between the islands now closes earlier. And Hawaiian Airlines moved its international check-in in Honolulu to a different lobby.

The changes were set out in Alaska and Hawaiian's Sept. 18 announcement. Here is what each one means, and what to do.

Check in 50 minutes before you fly

This is the change most people will notice. On every Neighbor Island flight, you must now check in and drop your bags at least 50 minutes before departure. Until Oct. 3, the cutoff was 30 minutes.

The rule applies whether you check in online or in the Alaska Hawaiian app. The airline says nearly all of its Neighbor Island travelers already check in that early. It says the earlier cutoff will help with bag handling and on-time departures.

The release does not say what happens if you miss the new cutoff. If you are used to arriving late for a short hop, build in more time.

737s on three Honolulu–Kahului round trips

Alaska-branded Boeing 737-800s now fly three daily round trips between Honolulu (HNL) and Kahului (OGG) on Maui. They add seats and cargo space on top of Hawaiian's own schedule. Hawaiian's Boeing 717s still fly every Neighbor Island route, with about 140 daily flights in all.

The aircraft type shows up when you search and book on alaskaair.com, hawaiianairlines.com and the app. On the 737, the airline lists:

• Reclining leather seats and in-seat power and USB charging
• More premium seats, and so more chances to upgrade for Atmos Rewards and Huakaʻi by Hawaiian members
• Free drinks and snacks in First Class, and free drinks in the Main Cabin
• Free Starlink Wi-Fi on equipped aircraft, with installs still in progress

Check-in works a little differently on these flights:

• In Honolulu: 737 travelers to Kahului still check bags in Terminal 1, Lobby 3, using the self-service bag-tag stations.
• In Kahului: 737 travelers to Honolulu should go to Alaska's counters, next to Hawaiian's.

This is a step toward a bigger change. Hawaiian plans to retire its 717s in 2028 and move Neighbor Island flying to Hawaiian-branded 737s with premium cabins and free Starlink Wi-Fi.

Huakaʻi by Hawaiian members keep their benefits on both 717 and 737 flights. These include two free checked bags for Hawaiʻi residents.

International check-in moves to Terminal 2, Lobby 4

In Honolulu, Hawaiian has moved check-in and bag drop for all international flights. They used to be in Terminal 1, Lobby 3. They are now in Terminal 2, Lobby 4, next door. The airline says this frees up room for the new 737 flights and improves flow in the lobby. Neighbor Island check-in, on both 717 and 737 flights, stays in Lobby 3.

The airline suggests you check your flight details before you leave and allow extra time to find the new spot.

Where to wait in Honolulu and Kahului

The release says nothing about lounges. Still, the 737 flights and the new cutoff make lounge time a little tighter. Here is what Lounge Frog lists.

Honolulu, Terminal 1. Hawaiian runs two lounges here.

• Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club is the one for interisland travel. It is airside near gate A18. Our listing shows entry for Hawaiian First Class on North America and Neighbor Island flights, Atmos Rewards elites enrolled in Huakaʻi by Hawaiian, and Priority Pass members. It serves light snacks and soft drinks, with no bar. Readers rate it 2.2 out of 5.
• The Plumeria Lounge is for international travel. It is on level 3 near the Wiki Wiki shuttle. Our listing shows Hawaiian international premium passengers and Atmos Gold, Platinum and Titanium members flying international, plus Alaska Lounge members. It rates 3.0. Hawaiian plans a larger lounge in Terminal 1 for early 2028; see our story on Aurora and Leihōkū.

Moving international check-in to Terminal 2 does not move these lounges. Both are still listed in Terminal 1.

Kahului. Hawaiian has two Premier Clubs on the second floor, past security. Both take the same groups as the Honolulu club, including Priority Pass when space allows.

• Premier Club (North), across from Gate 17, is open 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. It rates 2.2 and is often full at peak times.
• Premier Club (South), across from Gate 15, keeps short hours, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It rates 2.1.

Neither Maui club has a bar or a restroom inside. Food is mostly chips, with coffee, tea and soft drinks.

One open question: our listings name Hawaiian First Class as an entry route. The airline has not said whether a First Class seat on an Alaska-branded 737 counts the same way. Ask at the door before you rely on it.

See all options on our Honolulu and Kahului airport pages.