Maori dancers perform at Honolulu International Airport before the inaugural flight of Hawaiian Airlines' new service to Auckland, New Zealand.
Hawaiian Airlines launched its nonstop flights from Honolulu to Auckland, New Zealand, on Wednesday with Hawaiian music and a performance by Maori dancers.
Hawaiian, a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: HA), announced the new thrice-weekly flights last summer, and plans to increase service to four flights per week for several weeks this fall.
“We have been delighted by the interest in our new service, both here at home and in New Zealand,” Hawaiian President and CEO Mark Dunkerley said in a statement. “The deep cultural connections between our islands and the islands of Aotearoa make New Zealand a natural destination for Hawaiian and for our singular brand of authentic Hawaiian hospitality.”
Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie was on hand at Honolulu International Airport for the flight’s departure. Seven crewmembers of the traditional Hawaiian sailing canoe Hokulea were aboard the flight, including Nainoa Thompson, captain of the Hokulea and the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
