Hawaiian Airlines Announces New Cook Islands Service

Hawaiian Airlines is bringing more Pacific islands within reach.

From May 2023, Hawaiian airlines will operate a nonstop service from Honolulu (HNL) to Raratonga (RAR) in the Cook Islands.

“We are delighted to grow our South Pacific network by offering our guests access to the Cook Islands, an archipelago that shares Hawai’i’s Polynesian roots and natural beauty,” said Peter Ingram, President and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines.

Here are the details of Hawaiian Airlines’ exciting new route.

Hawaiian Airlines Connects U.S. With the Cook Islands

Taking off for the first time since the route was discontinued in 1993, Hawaiian Airlines’ new nonstop service to Raratonga will operate once per week on Saturdays starting on May 20, 2023.

The seasonal service is set to operate with the following schedule:

• Depart Honolulu (HNL) 4 p.m. — Arrive Raratonga (RAR) 10:25 p.m
• Depart Raratonga (RAR) 11:35 p.m. — Arrive Honolulu (HNL) 5:50 a.m. (+1)

The launch of the route opens a whole new world for travelers across the U.S. who will be able to board a Hawaiian Airlines flight from 15 cities across the mainland before connecting seamlessly in Honolulu (HNL) onto a nonstop service to the Cook Islands.

“This service greatly expands travel opportunities between the Cook Islands and the United States, thanks to our well-timed connections and robust network, including service between Hawai’i and eight California cities,” said Ingram.

The launch of the new route is perhaps even more exciting for those living in the Cook Islands as Hawaiian’s Honolulu service joins Air New Zealand’s service to Auckland (AKL) as only the second international destination available to Cook Islanders.

The almost 3,000-mile journey will be operated by Hawaiian’s fleet of state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo aircraft. The jets feature 16 reclining seats up front in first class, along with 45 Extra Comfort premium economy seats, and 128 regular seats in economy.

You’ll be able to buy tickets for this new route as of December 7, 2022.

Hot Tip: We’ll guess that cash fares from the U.S. mainland to the Cook Islands won’t be cheap! Thankfully, there are many ways you can earn Hawaiian Airlines Miles that you can then use instead of cash. 

Final Thoughts

From May 20, 2023, you’ll be able to fly nonstop from Hawaii to the Cook Islands in the heart of the South Pacific.

A double-destination vacation to Hawaii and the Cook Islands has never been more appealing!