If you've been flying between the Hawaiian Islands recently, you know that the Boeing 717s are getting a bit old! Change is coming. An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 will start serving select routes from Honolulu (HNL) to Kahului, Maui (OGG) on Oct. 3, 2026, as part of a longer fleet overhaul.

The First Route to be used is a very Busy one for the 737

Alaska and Hawaiian are moving to a slow ramp-up of the newer, larger 737-800s with the first step being a gradual transformation of the older 717s. It will fly three daily round trips between Honolulu and Kahului, the airline's two biggest Hawai'i hubs. These flights complement the current flight schedule and not replace it, so that there will be more seats available and more cargo space on an always in-demand route.

At the time, the planes retained their Alaska paint scheme. The 717s also won't be gone anytime soon, and will keep flying roughly 140 daily flights over the remainder of the Neighbor Island network.

Things you'll see when you go on Board

The 737 is a significant improvement over the 717. The airline states that you can expect the following:

• Leather Recaro seats which can be reclined
• Sockets at each seat and USB ports
• Access to free Wi-Fi on aircraft with Starlink Wi-Fi
• Free food and drinks in first class
• Sip at the complimentary drinks in the main cabin.Drink free drinks in the main cabin

Good news for anyone Chasing an Upgrade

The cabin layout could be the most appealing aspect for points & miles travelers. The 737 offers more than 30 more Premium Class seats and twice the amount of first class seating in the 717. Upgrades are more likely to be available for those who like to ride a short distance for free, so it should be a welcome development for Atmos Rewards members who favor more premium seats along with the chance to snag a complimentary or paid upgrade.

Interisland flights tend to be short, making the upgrade unnecessary for the indulgence of lie-flat comfort. It's about having a bit more room and a complimentary beverage to get your day going on Maui. If you fly between the islands often, that difference adds up.

How to Identify the Appropriate Plane to take

If you are flying a 737 or 717, you're going to have to learn to make a choice between the two, and it would be helpful to know which one you'll be on. The type of aircraft is shown when booking on both the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines website and app. If you are looking for a modern cabin with in-seat power, make sure to check out a couple of departure times before you make your purchase. It's easy to mistake two flights for being alike on a paper, but it can feel quite different once you're on board.

Bigger changes are still to come

That is only the first act of Honolulu-Maui flights. Hawaiian will have 717s replaced with Hawaiian-branded 737s in 2028. The interiors are supposed to have been updated and the planes will feature quick and free Starlink internet. In between, there will be a blend of old and new planes in the rotation, as well as a few growing pains as the airline recovers from the transition.

For the sentimentalist, it's been years since the 717s were used for interisland service and if you're the type who like to enjoy things before they are gone, there's still some time left to enjoy this aircraft.

Two Practical Things to Keep in Mind

So, before you arrive at the airport, there are a couple of things that you should know.

• Beginning October 3 passengers on all flights to and from Hawaiian Neighbor Islands are required to check-in and drop off checked bags at least one hour before the flight, which is up from 30 minutes.
• Aircraft type: In your booking information, be sure to specify if you are flying a 737 or a 717 as it will impact your cabin, seat and onboard services.

The longer check-in will be easy to miss, and without showing up for check-in, you may end up with a rebooked flight. Those who are accustomed to arriving to the site late to take in the island hopping can expect to show up a little earlier from now on.

The Bottom line

The first interisland Boeing 737 service for Hawaiian flights has a solid October 3, 2026 start date, with three flights daily between Honolulu and Maui. On those flights, passengers will be able to expect to enjoy better seating, in-flight power sockets, drinks and possibly complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi. Be aware of a mix of planes in the fleet for the time being, as the 717s will continue to fly the remaining routes in the network till the larger fleet transition is completed by 2028. Remember the new 50 minute check-in cutoff!