Southwest is preparing to launch a new route from the mainland U.S. to Hawaii next summer.
Starting Aug. 6, 2026, the carrier will connect Las Vegas and Hilo. Hilo is the largest population center on the Island of Hawaii, often referred to as the “Big Island.”
Flights will operate three times per week, on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Tickets are now on sale.
Southwest currently offers interisland flights from Hilo to Honolulu but does not link Hilo to the mainland.
Airline officials noted the large Hawaiian population in Las Vegas and said the new route will help families visit each other and stay connected, while also supporting leisure travel.
Hilo lost its last nonstop connection to the U.S. mainland in 2023, when United terminated its service from Los Angeles.
Southwest also plans to operate special one-off flights for Hawaii’s Merrie Monarch Festival in April 2026. The carrier will fly from Las Vegas to Hilo on April 9 and from Hilo back to Las Vegas on April 12.
