Southwest Airlines launches nonstop flights between Las Vegas and Hilo

Southwest Airlines announced it will begin nonstop service between Las Vegas and Hilo next month, restoring a direct connection between Hawaiʻi Island and the city often referred to as the “Ninth Isle” because of its large Hawaiʻi community.

The new route launches Aug. 6 and will operate three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Westbound flights will depart Las Vegas at 9:30 a.m. and arrive in Hilo at 12:35 p.m. Eastbound flights will leave Hilo at 8:45 p.m. and arrive in Las Vegas at 5:10 a.m. the following day.

Southwest officials said the route responds to community demand while providing travelers with easier access to the airline’s expanding network through Las Vegas.

“We heard you, Hilo,” Adam Decaire, Southwest Airlines senior vice president of network planning and network operations control, said. “Las Vegas is important to you, and you’re important to us.”

Decaire said the service will provide faster access to family, leisure travel, and connections to more than 75 destinations. Southwest serves nonstop from Las Vegas, where the airline operates as many as 272 daily departures.

Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda welcomed the announcement, saying it fulfills a goal of strengthening ties with the large Hawaiʻi community living in Southern Nevada.

“When I took office, I pledged to strengthen ties with the ‘Ninth Island’ — Las Vegas, where many Hawaiʻi-born residents live,” Alameda said.

“Southwest’s renewed service shows its dedication.”

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Steve Hill said the new route reinforces longstanding cultural and family connections between the two communities.

“Las Vegas has long been known as the ‘Ninth Island,’ and this new route strengthens the deep connection we share with the people of Hawaii,” Hill said. “Each new nonstop flight makes it even easier to visit Las Vegas and experience everything our destination has to offer.”

The announcement was made during a gathering of Hawaiʻi Island community leaders, where Southwest Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson thanked residents for supporting the airline since it first entered the Hawaiʻi market.

“You have supported Southwest from well before our first flight to Hawaii,” Watterson said. “We’re grateful, and we’re bringing you more.”

Watterson also highlighted upcoming customer experience improvements, including assigned seating, in-seat power outlets, expanded overhead bin space, and additional extra-legroom seating on aircraft serving Hawaiʻi routes.