In a move poised to invigorate Hawaii's tourism landscape, Southwest Airlines has announced the addition of a new, nonstop route between Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the Big Island and Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Scheduled to begin on August 6, 2026, this service marks Hilo's first direct connection to the U.S. mainland in over three years, since United Airlines discontinued its service from Los Angeles in early 2023. This is not the only route set to boost Hawaii's tourism. Southwest has announced plans to serve Honolulu from Ontario and Burbank, California, starting next summer, signaling a broader commitment to the Hawaiian Islands, as reported by The Points Guy.
The new flights will operate three times a week, on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. This strategic expansion is expected to benefit local families by offering quicker travel times, while also providing another avenue for supporting the local economy. The decision to connect Hilo directly to Las Vegas, often dubbed the "Ninth Island" due to its significant Hawaiian population, underscores the importance of this route for both leisure and business travelers. According to The Dallas News, Southwest is expanding its routes, and this Hilo addition signals a broader commitment to the region.
For Hawaii's entrepreneurs and businesses, the new route presents opportunities, especially for those in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The increased accessibility to Hilo could lead to a rise in visitor numbers, thereby creating prospects for hotels, restaurants, activity providers, and retail businesses. Furthermore, this direct link could also make it easier for Big Island residents to travel for business and leisure, potentially spurring economic activity both locally and in Nevada. Southwest's existing inter-island service from ITO already supports essential travel within the state. The expansion of these flights offers passengers more options when traveling.
