This California city is launching the first flights to Honolulu in 20 years
Jane Smith ; 2025-11-28 08:44:38
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ContentsWhich California City Just Scored Flights to Hawaii?Why this is a big win for LA travelersBurbank Airport is quietly risingHawaii is already popular – this just makes it easierWho is this new route perfect for?Off-the-path travel tips before booking this flightWhether you have aSouthern Californialocal or a visitor looking for a stress-free gateway to the islands, we have some very welcome news atTravel off the path: avoiding the chaos ofLAKSis going to become much easier. Hollywood Burbank finally gets its own non-stop connection to the islands for the first time in more than 20 years.
Alaska Airlineslaunches a new oneBurbank-Honoluluroute next year, giving travelers a seamless alternative to reach paradise without having to battle the infamous freeways and mega-terminal crowds of Los Angeles’ main hub.
Which California City Just Scored Flights to Hawaii?
The capital isBurbankhome to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) – the small, super convenient airport near the studios and theSan Fernando Valley.
Here’s what was announced:
- Route:Hollywood Burbank (BUR) – Honolulu (HNL)
- Airline:Alaska Airlines
- Launch date:May 13, 2026
- Frequency:Dailysummer seasonal service
- Aircraft:Boeing 737
- Booking:Tickets are already on salevia Alaska’s website
According to bothAlaska Airlinesand the airport’s own announcement, this is the first timeBURAndHonoluluhave been connected non-stop for over twenty years, making it a pretty big milestone for a ‘secondary’ airport in LA.
Why this is a big win for LA travelers
We’ve talked before about how using alternate airports around LA can be donesaves you money and stresscompared to flying awayLAKS. For many Angelenos it isHollywood Burbank Airportis the dream combination:
- Smaller terminalshorter walks to the gate
- Usualfaster safety lines
- Easier to ride alongpick up and drop off
- Super handy if you live nearbyValley,Glendale,PasadenaorBurbankyourself
Instead of driving an hour (or more) thereLAKSor go all the way thereOrange Provincefor a flight to Hawaii you can hop onHonolulufrom a low-stress airport that is much closer to home.
And this doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We have been following a huge wave of new routes from the USDallas-BrisbaneAndNew York-St. VincentiusUnpleasantNewark-Marrakesh. Airlines clearly see that travelers want moredirect, point-to-point options– not just the same old big hub connections.
Burbank Airport is quietly rising
These Hawaii flights are part of a broader blaze forBUR:
- A brand new terminal with 14 gates is under construction and expected to be put into useOctober 2026.
- The project is estimated at approx$1.3 billionand is designed to maintain the ‘easy airport feel’ while upgrading facilities.
- Airlines loveAllegiant,WindAndJetBluewill all increase or restart services at Burbank in the coming years.
At the same time otherSouthern Californiaairports are also seeing more Hawaii connectivity. Alaska’s own expansion includes more flights to Hawaii from major hubs on the West CoastSouthwestadds a new non-stop betweenOntario and Honoluluexpanding options across the region.
For travelers, this means more ways to create an itinerary that suits your schedule and your sanity – whether that means leaving fromBUR,ONT,LAKSor anywhere else along the coast.
Hawaii is already popular – this just makes it easier
When it feels like everyone you know willHawaiilately you’re not imagining it.Alaska Airlineshas already named Hawaii the most popular destination in the US right now, thanks to strong year-over-year demand for the islands.
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- More airport choices
- More ways toavoid long connections
- Better chances to find a rate and schedule that really suits your life
Who is this new route perfect for?
ThisBurbank-Honolulunon-stop is especially tempting when:
- You live inBurbank,Glendale,Pasadenaor theValleyand I hate sloggingLAKS
- You want to pair for a few daysLA(thinkHollywoodtheme parks, studio tours) with a week insideHawaiiwithout changing airports
- You are a frequent Hawaii traveler who valueseaseAndsmaller airportsupstairs lounges with large hubs
- You trytraveling with childrenand want the simplest, most direct route possible
Off-the-path travel tips before booking this flight
A few quick strategies we would use if we had aBurbank-Honolulutravel:
- Be flexiblewith a day or two. Daily seasonal routes can experience large price fluctuations depending on demand.
- Travel outside rush hourif you can. At the end of May, beginning of June and end of August, prices are often better than the holiday weeks at primary school.
- Check out the seat maps early. It’s a single aisle737so good window or aisle seats can go quickly once word gets out.
- Combine it with a points strategy. If you already flyAlaskaor its partners, this is a great way to earn or burn miles on a leisurely hopping trip from the West Coast to Hawaii.
And as always, before you commit anything, you can use itTravel off the pathown tools such as the1 minute trip checkto ensure you are aware of any last-minute rule changes or safety updates for your trip.
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For a lotSoCal travelersthis is the most convenient way to reach the islands in decades – and so are weTravel off the pathwill definitely keep an eye on rates once they start to heat up.
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