For more than two decades, Hawaiian Airlines’ Boeing 717 has been a familiar sight on flights between the Hawaiian Islands. It is a small aircraft with a big job, making repeated short journeys that connect residents, families and visitors throughout the day.

Neighbour Island flying is demanding. Aircraft make frequent take-offs and landings on short routes, while operating in a salt-air environment. Hawaiian says the 737-800 can handle those conditions while providing more capacity and a more modern cabin.

The planned 737-800s will have twice as many First Class seats as the 717s, more than 30 Premium Class seats, free Starlink Wi-Fi, power and USB charging at every seat, and more cargo room for items such as surfboards. They will carry Hawaiian’s branding and be based in Honolulu, with Honolulu-based pilots and cabin crew operating the core Neighbour Island service.

Travellers may see a 737 on the Honolulu to Kahului route sooner. From October 2026, Alaska Airlines plans to operate an Alaska-branded 737 on three daily round trips between the two airports. That aircraft will supplement the 717 service ahead of the wider fleet change.

I recently flew Hawaiian’s 717 from Kahului, Maui (OGG), to Honolulu (HNL) to experience this distinctive little aircraft while it is still part of everyday island life.

On a flight this short, the journey is about more than the time in the air. The 717 itself, the pace of boarding and the views between the islands are all part of the experience.

The 737-800 promises useful improvements for passengers, particularly Wi-Fi, charging and more choice of premium seats. But the 717 has become closely associated with flying between the Hawaiian Islands, and its departure will mark the end of a recognisable chapter in Hawaiian aviation. There is still time to fly one, with the transition due to begin in 2028, but no confirmed final flight date yet.