Southwest Airlines Brings New Nonstop Route Between Las Vegas and Hilo to Hawaii in 2026

Published on December 23, 2025

Southwest Airlines is expanding its service to Hilo, Hawaii, with a new nonstop flight from Las Vegas starting on August 6, 2026. The new route marks the first-ever nonstop connection between the mainland U.S. and Hilo, a city located on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii. The airline will operate the service three times per week, providing travellers with direct access to one of Hawaii’s most unique destinations.

Connecting Las Vegas with Hilo: New Opportunities for Travellers

Southwest’s new Las Vegas to Hilo flights are expected to open up significant travel opportunities for both leisure and business visitors. Hilo, known for its lush landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and proximity to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, is one of the Big Island’s most picturesque and culturally rich locations. Until now, there have been limited direct flights between the mainland and Hilo, which required connections through other Hawaiian airports, most commonly Honolulu. With Southwest’s new service, this once-complex journey becomes much easier for travellers looking to explore the less-travelled side of Hawaii.

This new route will be the only direct flight from Las Vegas to Hilo, a move that will not only make travel more convenient for visitors but will also support the increasing tourism demand to the Big Island. With direct flights available three times a week, passengers can now enjoy seamless connectivity to this increasingly popular destination without the need for layovers or additional flight connections. The service is expected to cater to both Hawaii-bound vacationers and those travelling for business, bolstering the region’s connectivity.

Flight Details: Departure Times and Aircraft Information

The Las Vegas to Hilo flight will be operated aboard a Boeing 737 aircraft, a reliable workhorse in Southwest’s fleet. The flight departs from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport at 8:00 AM and arrives at Hilo International Airport by 11:10 AM local time, allowing passengers to maximise their time exploring the island. The return flight from Hilo to Las Vegas will depart at 12:30 PM, arriving in Las Vegas at 7:15 PM local time.

This scheduled service will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, providing greater flexibility for travellers who want to plan trips to this tropical destination.

Supporting the Big Island’s Tourism and Economy

The introduction of nonstop flights from Las Vegas to Hilo offers several key benefits for the tourism and economy of Hawaii’s Big Island. Hilo is known for being a gateway to the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Rainbow Falls, along with its unique cultural and ecological landscape. Historically, the city has not had as much direct access from the U.S. mainland as other Hawaiian destinations, but Southwest’s new service will make the area more accessible to a broader audience.

In addition, Hilo’s local economy will benefit from increased tourism and the associated revenue from hotel stays, car rentals, dining, and other travel services. This new route is expected to bring an influx of visitors eager to experience the unique attractions that Hilo and its surrounding areas offer.

Southwest Airlines Expands Hawaii Presence

Southwest Airlines already operates a strong network to Honolulu, Kona, and Lihue across the Hawaiian Islands. With the addition of the Las Vegas to Hilo service, the airline expands its Hawaii offerings even further, making it easier for U.S. travellers to explore the diverse landscapes of Hawaii. Southwest’s commitment to increasing its Hawaii capacity aligns with the airline’s long-term strategy to provide more direct connections and to capture a larger share of the growing tourism market to the islands.

A New Era of Accessibility for Hilo

Southwest Airlines’ decision to launch nonstop flights from Las Vegas to Hilo in August 2026 marks an exciting development for both the airline and Hawaii tourism. By providing direct access to one of Hawaii’s most stunning, yet lesser-known destinations, Southwest makes Hilo more accessible to U.S. mainland travellers than ever before. This new route promises to boost tourism in the region, while offering travellers a more convenient and efficient way to experience the Big Island’s diverse beauty. For those seeking an adventure off the beaten path in Hawaii, this new nonstop service will undoubtedly become an attractive option for planning future trips.