Southwest begins nonstop service between Hilo and Las Vegas, the ‘Ninth Island’
The new route is scheduled to operate three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
8 hours ago
Southwest Airlines on Thursday launched the first regularly scheduled nonstop passenger service between Hilo and Las Vegas, creating a direct link between East Hawaiʻi and what many residents call the “Ninth Island.”
The inaugural flight arrived at Hilo International Airport at 12:35 p.m. carrying nearly 160 passengers and a crew of six.
Travelers were welcomed by Hawaiʻi Mayor Kimo Alameda, along with live entertainment, refreshments and local treats.
The route is scheduled to operate three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Flights depart Las Vegas at 9:30 a.m. and arrive in Hilo at 12:35 p.m.
Return flights leave Hilo at 8:45 p.m. and arrive in Las Vegas at 5:10 a.m. the following day.
From Las Vegas, travelers can connect to nearly 80 destinations served nonstop by the airline through almost 280 daily departures.
“We know how popular Las Vegas is as a destination for Hawaiʻi residents,” Kelly Knox, Southwest Airlines’ senior corporate responsibility advisor for Hawaiʻi, said in a statement.
“We’re incredibly excited to have the only service connecting Hilo and Las Vegas.”
On Aug. 1, Southwest and community partners hosted a celebration at the Grand Naniloa Hotel, where more than 1,500 residents and visitors attended a free performance by Kapena and enjoyed refreshments ahead of the inaugural flight.
Before Thursday’s arrival, Alameda presented a proclamation recognizing Southwest Airlines and the significance of the new route for the Big Island.
“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 new nonstop service reinforces those connections, making travel more convenient for local families while supporting economic and cultural ties between our communities.”
