Southwest Airlines connects Hilo and Las Vegas with first regularly scheduled service

Southwest Airlines celebrated the launch of new nonstop service between Las Vegas and Hilo on Thursday, creating the first regularly-scheduled nonstop link between East Hawaiʻi and the “Ninth Island” with fast connections to nearly 80 places served nonstop by Southwest from Las Vegas on nearly 280 departures a day.

Nearly 160 Southwest Customers and a Crew of six who arrived at Hilo International Airport at 12:35 p.m. were greeted by Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda along with live entertainment, refreshments and treats. The new service initially operates three times weekly on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The service expands Southwest Airlines’ commitment to Hawaiʻi and provides residents and visitors with a faster, more convenient connection between East Hawaiʻi and the “Ninth Island.”

Las Vegas (LAS) to Hilo (ITO)
Depart 9:30 a.m.; Arrive 12:35 p.m.

Hilo (ITO) to Las Vegas (LAS)
Depart 8:45 p.m.; Arrive 5:10 a.m. (+1 day)

*Initial flight schedule timing; flights operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays 

“We know how popular Las Vegas is as a destination for Hawaiʻi residents,” said Kelly Knox, senior corporate responsibility advisor for Hawai‘i Southwest Airlines. “We’re incredibly excited to have the only service connecting Hilo and Las Vegas. This new nonstop service gets Customers to family, friends, entertainment, and business opportunities faster while also providing easy access to Southwest’s extensive network from Las Vegas.”

The new route was announced and celebrated as part of a series of community events on Hawaiʻi Island, including a celebration at the Grand Naniloa Hotel on Aug. 1. More than 1,500 visitors and residents enjoyed a free performance by Kapena, refreshments and treats in advance of the flight’s arrive on Aug. 6.

Prior to the flight’s arrival, Mayor Alameda also recognized the inaugural nonstop service with a proclamation recognizing Southwest Airlines and the new route and its importance to Hawaiʻi Island residents, families, and businesses.

“When I took office, I pledged to strengthen ties with the ‘Ninth Island’—Las Vegas, where many Hawaiʻi-born residents live,” said Mayor Alameda. “Southwest’s new nonstop service reinforces those connections, making travel more convenient for local families while supporting economic and cultural ties between our communities.”

The new Las Vegas nonstop option complements existing Hilo interisland service by Southwest, which connects eastern Hawaiʻi Island with Honolulu several times daily with onward connections across Hawaiʻi and to North America.