Hawaiian Airlines History: From Inter-Island Airways – Airline Employee Shop

Hawaiian Airlines History

Hawaiian Airlines started as Inter-Island Airways in 1929, linking the islands with small amphibians, and grew into Hawaii's hometown airline to the mainland and across the Pacific. Here's a short history of Hawaiian, plus the Hawaiian Airlines collection that celebrates it.

Inter-Island Airways (1929-1940)

Inter-Island Airways, a subsidiary of the Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company, was incorporated on January 30, 1929, with Stanley C. Kennedy leading the new airline. It began with sightseeing flights in a Bellanca CH-300 on October 6, 1929. Scheduled service followed on November 11, 1929, using Sikorsky S-38 amphibians.

Hawaiian Airlines takes the name (1941-1965)

On October 1, 1941, the company changed its name to Hawaiian Airlines as it phased out its flying boats. Its first Douglas DC-3s joined the fleet in August 1941.

Jets, Pualani and the mainland (1966-2005)

Hawaiian began jet service in 1966 with the DC-9, roughly halving travel times on most island routes. In 1973 the airline introduced its "Pualani" logo, meaning "flower of the sky." In early 1985 Hawaiian received its first two leased Lockheed L-1011s and began daily Honolulu to Los Angeles service, its first direct competition with the major US airlines. It went through Chapter 11 in 1993 and again in 2003, emerging in June 2005. After Aloha Airlines ended passenger flights in 2008, Hawaiian added flights and aircraft.

Part of Alaska Air Group (2024-today)

On September 18, 2024, Alaska Air Group completed its merger with Hawaiian. The two airlines moved to a single operating certificate, and Hawaiian flight numbers were renumbered in October 2025. By April 2026 all Hawaiian flights used Alaska's AS code, while Hawaiian continues as its own brand.

A few things collectors love

  • The Pualani profile on the tail was modeled on Leina'ala Drummond, Miss Hawaii 1964, shown against a red hibiscus.
  • Hawaiian's first scheduled flights were flown in Sikorsky S-38 amphibians that could land on water.
  • Hawaiian is often cited as the oldest American carrier that has never had a fatal accident or a hull loss.

Shop Hawaiian Airlines

Browse Hawaiian Airlines logo T-shirts, coffee mugs, coasters, tote bags and vintage designs in the Hawaiian Airlines collection. Add an airline bag tag or key tag for the island traveler in your life.

AirlineEmployeeShop.com is an independent retailer of airline memorabilia. This page is for historical interest and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hawaiian Airlines.