Hawaiian Launches KIX Service

Omedetoo Gozaimasu! (Congratulations!)

Hawaiian Airlines launched service to KIX, its second Japanese destination today as HAL449. N590HA "Koa‘e ‘ula" (c/n 33476, l/n 894) was the 767-3CBER selected for the inaugural flight, seen above being pushed out of Gate 34. To celebrate the new service, the airline held pre-boarding festivities at HNL's Gate 34, that included remarks by Hawaiian Air CFO Peter Ingram and Hawai‘i Tourism Authority CEO Mike McCartney; and each passenger received a lei prior to boarding.

Hawaiian music and hula performances by the Hawaiian Air Serenaders.

Two members from the Hanayagi Dancing School performed a Japanese dance called "Yappari Osaka".

Kahu Richard Kamanu offered a Hawaiian blessing before any passenger or crew boarded "Koa‘e ‘ula"

The flight and cabin crew of HAL449 pose with CFO Peter Ingram under the commemorative banner.

"Doko Ga TV" host and executive producer Pali Ka‘aihue receives a lei before boarding the flight.

Hawaiian Air's press release.