Southwest Airlines Announces Exciting New Nonstop Flights from Las Vegas to Hilo, Reconnecting Hawaii to the U.S. Mainland

Published on December 22, 2025

HILO, Hawaii – After more than three years of disrupted service, Hilo has regained a direct air link to the U.S. mainland, marking an important shift in Hawaii’s aviation landscape. Southwest Airlines (WN) has announced the launch of a new nonstop route connecting Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) with Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the Big Island, restoring mainland access for the region.

A Long-Awaited Service

The new Southwest Airlines service will begin on August 6, bringing direct flights from Las Vegas to Hilo three times a week. The route will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, providing essential service for both residents and travelers. Southwest’s decision to add this route is a significant milestone for the eastern part of Hawaii, which lost its nonstop service to the mainland when United Airlines discontinued its Los Angeles flights in early 2023.

For over a year, travelers in Hilo were forced to take longer journeys via inter-island flights or reroute through larger hubs like Kona or Honolulu to access mainland destinations. The return of direct flights to Las Vegas eliminates the need for lengthy connections and significantly shortens travel times for both business and leisure travelers.

Details of the New Nonstop Service

The nonstop flights will depart from Las Vegas at 9:30 a.m. and land in Hilo at 12:35 p.m. local time. The return flights will leave Hilo at 8:45 p.m., arriving in Las Vegas at 5:10 a.m. the following day. The schedule is designed to cater to both tourists looking to explore Hawaii and residents seeking faster and more convenient access to the mainland.

This new connection is expected to support the growing demand for travel to the Big Island, which has long been overshadowed by its more tourist-heavy counterpart, Kona. With Hilo offering a quieter alternative and fewer large resort developments, the new air link provides a vital lifeline for residents, tourists, and business travelers alike.

A Strategic Move for Southwest Airlines

For Southwest Airlines, this new route is part of a broader strategy to expand its presence in Hawaii and strengthen its transpacific network. This will be the fifth nonstop connection between Las Vegas and Hawaii for Southwest, further enhancing its footprint in the Hawaiian Islands. Additionally, Southwest operates multiple daily inter-island flights from Hilo to Honolulu, allowing travelers to connect to a variety of destinations across the state.

The expansion aligns with Southwest’s ongoing growth plans in the Pacific, including new mainland routes to Honolulu from Southern California markets, scheduled for next summer. These efforts demonstrate the airline’s commitment to serving both the residents of Hawaii and the influx of travelers seeking to experience the beauty and culture of the islands.

Strengthening Ties Between Hilo and Las Vegas

The new Las Vegas–Hilo route is more than just a flight connection; it is a vital bridge between two cities with strong cultural and economic ties. Las Vegas has long been a popular destination for residents of Hawaii, especially for those seeking entertainment, business opportunities, and family visits. The route provides a direct, hassle-free connection between the two, enhancing tourism and making it easier for families to visit one another.

Local officials have expressed their enthusiasm for the new service, calling it a boon for the region’s economy and tourism sector. The direct link to Las Vegas is expected to drive further economic activity, with tourism benefiting from a steady stream of visitors and business travelers. For residents of Hilo, the direct flight provides faster access to mainland opportunities, whether for work or leisure.

The Impact on Hilo’s Tourism and Economy

Hilo, home to approximately 45,000 residents, offers a more relaxed and serene alternative to Kona, with fewer large-scale resort developments. However, the region has seen a steady increase in demand for tourism and air access, and the new nonstop service is poised to further boost the area’s appeal. While maintaining its smaller-town charm, Hilo is becoming a more accessible destination for travelers, with the new air link expected to reshape travel demand in the coming years.

Increased air access could also spark the development of additional tourism infrastructure, supporting the local economy and providing residents with more convenient travel options. The region has always been popular for its natural beauty, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, lush rainforests, and vibrant cultural sites. As more travelers flock to the Big Island, it is likely that Hilo will see a rise in tourism numbers, benefiting local businesses and attractions.

A Bright Future for Hilo’s Connectivity

The restoration of direct flights from Las Vegas to Hilo marks a new chapter for the Big Island’s travel connectivity. This development enhances convenience, strengthens regional ties, and underscores Southwest’s commitment to expanding its Hawaiian network. With the new nonstop service now in place, Hilo is better positioned to compete in the global tourism market and attract both domestic and international visitors.

As the airline industry continues to recover and adapt to the evolving needs of travelers, Hilo’s regained access to the mainland is a positive sign for the future of travel to Hawaii’s lesser-known destinations.