New Hawaii Routes Are Cause for Celebration!

It’s easer than ever to fly to Hawaii, especially if you’re a west-coaster!

That’s because Virgin America just started new daily non-stop flights from San Francisco to Honolulu. And, starting Dec. 3rd, the airline will begin daily non-stop flights from San Francisco to Kahului.

To celebrate its new Hawaii routes, the low-fare, but upscale airline partnered up with hospitality company Airbnb Monday for a day’s worth of events, reminding travelers to “Work Hard, Hawaii Hard.”

It all started in San Francisco, when airline executives surprised selected a group of “workoholics” in San Francisco by offering them seats on the inaugural flight. After flying in a plane decked-out like a colorful tropical oasis, the lucky passengers received a red carpet reception on the Honolulu tarmac, with a traditional Hawaiian welcome and blessing with Hawaii Governor David Ige.

Once inside the Honolulu Airport, passengers were greeted with a luau, Hawaiian hula, Polynesian drummers, even mai tais.

Sir Richard Branson, the British billionaire who helped launch the airline tagged along for the ride, too. That night, he and Airnb’s Jonathan Mildenhall joined the passengers for an oceanfront sunset event at the phenomenal Paul Mitchell Estate.

“Our loyal Bay Area travelers, and especially our Elevate frequent flyers, have been asking for an island escape for some time, and as of today they have a fresh option for their Hawaii travels,” said Virgin America President and Chief Executive Officer David Cush. “We are thrilled to be bringing our unique service to Honolulu and next month Maui, and we look forward to building lasting community ties with the state and people of Hawaii.”

As you may have guessed, oh-so-quirky Virgin America is making its Hawaii-bound flights one-of-a-kind.

The fleet of planes features are mood-lit with touch-screen personal entertainment and an on-demand food and cocktail menu on every flight, so travelers  can kick-off their Hawaii holiday as soon as they step onboard.  If you’re fortunate enough to fly First-Class, you’ll sit in plush, white leather seats, complete with lumbar massagers. And, the food? First Class guests can choose from island-sourced fresh dishes including a grilled pineapple appetizer, Crispy Thai Chicken with a macadamia nut crust and Lilikoi Ice Cream. And, each flight features Island libations, including a POG Mimosa in First Class and a Makena rum cocktail.

“We are thrilled to welcome Virgin America to the Hawaiian Islands,” said Hawaii Governor David Ige. “We are pleased to see Virgin America giving our guests the broadest service options possible between the West Coast and Hawaii, boosting airline competition, adding seats, increasing accessibility to the islands and adding new jobs to our tourism industry. The Hawaii Tourism Authority estimates Virgin America’s new flights will generate $138.6 million in visitor spending and $14.8 million in tax revenue for the Aloha State each year.”

The airline and Airbnb have committed to using their new Hawaii platform to help others, too. Virgin America and Airbnb announced that the companies will pledge $100,000 (in cash, flights and Airbnb accommodation credits) to Make-A-Wish Hawaii. And, as part of its efforts to plant new roots in the Hawaii community, Virgin America announced partnership with Panana Leo, a nonprofit that provides for and nurtures various Hawaiian language environments. The airline is providing $25,000 to support the organization’s education programs.

Virgin America is also marking the launch of these new flights by offering San Francisco-Honolulu and San Francisco-Maui fares from $199 (taxes and fees included, restrictions apply) or 8558 Elevate frequent flyer points (plus fees).

The additional routes also expand the options for visitors who book a Hawaii Vacation Package through Hawaii Aloha Travel. Hawaii Aloha Travel is committed to finding the cheapest, lowest fares for you from all major U.S. cities to any Hawaiian island.

So, if you’ve been waiting to book your Hawaii vacation, now may be the time to get on it! After all, more flights means more options. And more options usually mean better deals!

Posted by: Bruce Fisher on Nov 16, 2015