Yesterday, Southwest Airlines began nonstop service to Kona, Island of Hawaii via Ellison Onizuka Kona International at Keahole Airport (KOA) and Lihue, Kauai via Lihue Airport (LIH) from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Flights to Kona operate Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays until September 27 when they increase to one flight daily. Flights to Lihue operate Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays until September 27 when they increase to one flight daily. Southwest Airlines is also increasing their service to Kahului, Maui from one flight daily to two flights daily.
“Southwest Airlines has been on a roll, adding new cities and additional flights to the beautiful islands of Hawaii,” said Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority President and CEO. “Whether you are heading to Hawaii or coming to San Diego, we welcome you and hope your stay is enjoyable. We appreciate Southwest Airlines as they continue to grow their nonstop routes from San Diego.”
Known as the “Big Island,” the Island of Hawaii is the largest Hawaiian island and provides a unique opportunity to travel through all but four of the world’s different climate zones due to the shielding effect and elevations of the Maunakea and Maunaloa volcanoes. Often called the “Garden Island,” Kauai is home to tropical rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls found within the valleys and mountains of this oldest and northernmost Hawaiian island.
Passengers traveling to Hawaii are encouraged to review the state’s Safe Travels Hawaii program which includes a pre-travel testing program, the Mandatory State of Hawaii Travel and Health Form, and temperature screening upon arrival. Passengers are also encouraged to review Southwest’s COVID-19 travel recommendations and procedures.
SAN has achieved Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Health Accreditation for its “Let’s Go Safely” program which prioritizes the health and safety of passengers, employees, and the community through several modifications and improvements at the airport. Health and safety modifications that have been implemented throughout the terminals, Rental Car Center, Parking Plaza, and Airport Authority administration building includes increased cleaning of high touchpoints, electrostatic spraying, signage on preventive health measures, floor decals, and seat separation signage to queue six-foot social distance, hand sanitizer stations, Plexiglas sneeze guards in certain public spaces, and face masks are required on all airport property. To learn more about what SAN is doing to ensure the health and safety of its customers, please visit san.org/gosafely.
To view the latest schedules, fares, and flight times, please visit southwest.com.
ABOUT SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the busiest single-runway commercial service airport in the U.S. and the third busiest airport in California. In 2019, SAN welcomed 25-million passengers and offered nonstop flights to destinations worldwide. The airport is an economic driver for the region, contributing nearly $12 billion in economic activity in 2019 and supports nearly 116,600 jobs. With anticipated passenger growth in the future, the Airport Authority is continuing progress with the New T1 program that will replace Terminal 1 with a larger, more efficient facility and other improvements that enhance the airport experience. The airport is managed and operated by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. For more information, please visit san.org.
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