Hawaiian Launches Fukuoka Service

Hawaiian Airlines kicked off its service between Honolulu and Fukuoka, Japan (FUK/RJFF) this morning as HAL453. As with its previous Asia routes, the airline held pre-boarding festivities that included hula, a Japanese dance, a Hawaiian blessing, and an impromptu performance by local entertainer and kumu hula Robert Cazimero (who was on the flight).

N583HA "‘A" (c/n 25531, l/n 423) was the 767-3G5ER selected to make the inaugural flight to FUK, and is pictured above pushing out of Gate 34.

The maile lei and the "Aloha, Fukuoka!" banner at the entry to Gate 34.

Robert Cazimero (grey suit) sang two songs with the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders.

Two dancers from the Hanayagi Dance School, performing a Japanese cultural dance.

Kahu Richard Kamanu blesses the entryway to Gate 34 with a maile lei, Hawaiian rock salt and water, from a koa bowl.

HAL454 is the return flight that arrives tomorrow morning.

The Terazono family poses with the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders hula dancers and the "Welcome to Honolulu!" banner after clearing customs and immigration from the inaugural HAL454. Each passenger received a lei as well.

Mahalo to Hawaiian Airlines for the invitation to this event!