Forget Honolulu! Southwest Launching New Flight To This Authentic Hawaiian Paradise

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There’s no query that Hawaii is one in every of America’s dreamiest locations. Otherwise, these in want of a sunny trip would not bear the lengthy flight throughout the Pacific.

But in relation to Honolulu, some may argue it would not dwell as much as the hype as you see within the films.

With a stunning quantity of headache-inducing site visitors from the get-go and a perceived lack of tradition disguised by an city sprawl of name-brand eyesores, some vacationers want that they had skipped Hawaii’s capital metropolis for a extra genuine sense of aloha.

Well, it seems Southwest heard the moans and groans of disappointment and simply introduced its most fun new route in years!

Those in search of much less pizzazz and extra substance, the actual Hawaii awaits within the lesser-known coastal paradise of Hilo.

Small Town Delights On The Big Island

Sitting on the windward facet of Hawaii’s Big Island, charming Hilo nearly feels misplaced in the very best of the way.

This local-first city is not precisely a bustling vacationer haven — not that it should not be — vacationers simply aren’t as aware of this facet of Hawaii’s enchantment.

Since Waikiki is all however a family title at this level, when venturing this far off from the mainland, vacationers are inclined to take fewer probabilities and go along with what is the most secure wager for a profitable trip.

Hilo is kind of the alternative of Honolulu, and that is no knock — this laid-back city gives an array of unforgettable websites and points of interest.

From untamed magnificence inside Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and gorgeous waterfalls to chase in shut attain, Hilo is a far cry from ugly resort crowds.

Without a crowd in sight, and nothing however lush greenery and open coastlines, we at Travel Off Path consider that is the Hawaii you have at all times dreamed of.

Plus, the city heart is really pleasant, providing sudden small-town allure not usually depicted in postcard-perfect ads.

Peruse the Hilo Farmers Market, pause for ocean views at Hilo Bayfront, and switch again the clock at Lyman Museum to hint the roots of Hawaii’s previous.

Is Hilo A Beach Destination?

Hilo shouldn’t be a traditional seaside vacation spot per se — and this can be a key motive why many go for the chaos of Waikiki over Big Island serenity.

With rugged, lava-formed shoreline, you could witness jaw-dropping magnificence, however not supreme seaside circumstances to lounge alongside sun-kissed shores.

Hilo is extra of a nature vacation spot, minus swimming and browsing. But being outside is a large draw and there are some apostrophe-laden accessible seashores well worth the journey if you happen to’re up for an journey.

I imply, you have come this far…

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is about 90 minutes from city, providing — you guessed it — dark-hued volcanic sand, plus frequent turtle sightings and just about no crowds to snorkel freely.

But Richardson Ocean Park is the closest swimming spot close to city. It’s a brief drive from the airport and a stone’s throw from At the Beach With Friends Bed and Breakfast, some of the charming, locally-owned lodging anyplace in Hawaii.

Southwest Is Set To Launch Groundbreaking New Flight From Vegas

Now the second you have been ready for!

Southwest is listening to vacationers’ calls for by making Hilo simpler to achieve than ever.

Currently, pint-sized Hilo International Airport solely serves one different home route from Honolulu.

That means vacationers have to simply accept a layover to get right here — however that is not the case any longer!

Once Southwest launches its new Las Vegas–Hilo route, vacationers can fly nonstop to Hilo on the solely trans-Pacific service immediately linking the mainland to this facet of the Big Island.

Set to launch within the midst of summer season, circle August 6, 2026 in your calendar (if anybody makes use of bodily calendars anymore).

Southwest will provide flights 3x/week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from Las Vegas (LAS) to Hilo (ITO).

According to Southwest’s press launch, the next is anticipated to be the flight schedule for each instructions:

• Hawaii-bound: departing 9:30 am and arriving 12:35 pm
• Vegas-bound: departing 8:45 pm and arriving 5:10 am (the next day)

But wait, there’s extra!

If you simply cannot wait till August, Southwest is providing a loophole with particular flights in honor of Merrie Monarch Festival 2026:

Thursday, April 9, 2026: depart Las Vegas at 9:25 am and arrive Hilo at 12:30 pm

Sunday, April 12, 2026: depart Hilo at 9:50 am and arrive Las Vegas at 6:25 pm