United States Travel Update: Southwest Airlines Restores Mainland Connectivity with New Las Vegas–Hilo Flights

Published on December 22, 2025

After more than three years without a direct mainland connection, a significant milestone in United States travel and tourism has been reached as Southwest Airlines introduces a new nonstop service between Las Vegas and Hilo. This development marks an important shift for air connectivity to eastern Hawaii, where travelers and residents have long relied on indirect routings through other islands or mainland hubs. With the announcement of this route, Hilo International Airport is once again linked directly to the continental United States, restoring convenience and accessibility that had been absent since early 2023.

The new service reflects a broader evolution in Hawaii tourism, as airlines respond to changing demand patterns and seek to balance growth with sustainability. By positioning Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport as a gateway, expanded access is being provided not only to leisure travelers but also to residents traveling for family, education, and essential needs. This route also reinforces Southwest Airlines’ growing transpacific footprint while supporting regional tourism development on the Big Island. Overall, the restoration of nonstop service to Hilo represents a meaningful step forward for air travel in the United States, strengthening ties between mainland cities and island communities in a travel-focused yet community-conscious manner.

Southwest Airlines Announces New Mainland–Hawaii Link

A new chapter in United States aviation and tourism has been opened with the announcement that Southwest Airlines will operate nonstop flights between Las Vegas and Hilo. The route is scheduled to begin on August 6 and will operate three times per week. Through this addition, Hilo becomes directly connected to the mainland for the first time in more than three years, a development that has been widely viewed as transformative for eastern Hawaii.

The service is being introduced at a time when airlines are reassessing route strategies across the United States, particularly in long-haul leisure markets. By selecting Las Vegas as the mainland endpoint, access is being provided through one of the most connected airports in the western United States, allowing travelers from multiple regions to reach Hilo with fewer complications.

Flight Schedule Designed for Convenience

Careful attention has been given to the timing of the new flights to accommodate both inbound and outbound travelers. Departures from Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport are scheduled for 9:30 a.m., with arrivals into Hilo International Airport planned for 12:35 p.m. local time. These daylight arrivals are expected to enhance the overall travel experience, particularly for first-time visitors to the Big Island.

Return flights will depart Hilo at 8:45 p.m., arriving back in Las Vegas at 5:10 a.m. the following day. The overnight eastbound schedule allows travelers to maximize time on the island while also enabling onward connections within the United States. Operations will take place on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, a frequency that balances demand while maintaining operational efficiency.

Restoring Hilo’s Direct Mainland Access

Hilo had remained without a nonstop mainland route since United Airlines discontinued its Los Angeles service in early 2023. Since that time, passengers traveling to or from Hilo were required to connect through Honolulu or Kona, often adding both time and cost to their journeys. This absence of direct connectivity was seen as a challenge for tourism growth and for residents requiring efficient travel options.

With the introduction of the Las Vegas–Hilo route, those limitations are being eased. Travel times are being reduced, and dependence on inter-island flights is being lowered. For many travelers within the United States, Las Vegas now serves as a practical and familiar gateway to the eastern side of the Big Island.

Economic and Tourism Benefits for Hawaii

The return of nonstop mainland flights is expected to generate positive impacts across multiple sectors in Hawaii tourism. Improved access is anticipated to support visitor growth while also benefiting local businesses, accommodations, and cultural attractions in and around Hilo. Unlike resort-heavy destinations, Hilo has traditionally offered a more community-centered and nature-focused travel experience.

By enhancing air access without introducing excessive capacity, tourism growth is likely to remain measured and sustainable. Local officials have welcomed the route as an opportunity to strengthen family connections, encourage repeat visitation, and promote longer stays on the Big Island. From a broader United States travel perspective, the route reflects growing interest in diversified Hawaiian destinations beyond traditional resort centers.

Las Vegas as a Strategic Mainland Gateway

The selection of Las Vegas as the mainland endpoint has been widely viewed as strategic. As one of the busiest and most connected airports in the western United States, Las Vegas provides access to a wide range of domestic markets. Travelers from across the country can reach Las Vegas easily, making the connection to Hilo more accessible for both leisure and personal travel.

Las Vegas has also maintained longstanding cultural and economic links with Hawaii, including strong demand from residents with family ties on the mainland. By restoring this link, Southwest Airlines has reinforced Las Vegas’ role as a key bridge between the continental United States and the Hawaiian Islands.

Southwest Airlines’ Expanding Presence in Hawaii

The new Las Vegas–Hilo service becomes Southwest’s fifth nonstop route connecting Las Vegas with Hawaii. It also complements the airline’s existing inter-island operations from Hilo, where multiple daily flights to Honolulu are already in place. Through these services, Southwest continues to strengthen its position as a major carrier within the Hawaiian market.

Beyond Hilo, broader expansion plans have been outlined by the airline. New mainland routes to Honolulu from Southern California markets have been announced, with service expected to begin next summer. These additions reflect ongoing confidence in Hawaii as a key leisure destination within the United States travel landscape.

Hilo’s Role in Balanced Tourism Growth

With a population of approximately 45,000, Hilo has long been recognized as a quieter alternative to Kona. The city is characterized by fewer large resort developments, a strong local culture, and close proximity to natural attractions such as rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.

Improved air access is expected to gradually reshape travel demand while preserving Hilo’s smaller-town character. By attracting visitors interested in authentic experiences rather than mass tourism, the city is well positioned to benefit from the new route without compromising its identity. This approach aligns with evolving trends in United States tourism, where travelers increasingly seek meaningful and less crowded destinations.

Bottom Line

With the launch of nonstop flights between Las Vegas and Hilo, Southwest Airlines has restored direct mainland connectivity to eastern Hawaii after a three-year absence. The route enhances travel convenience, strengthens cultural and economic ties between the mainland United States and Hawaii, and supports sustainable tourism growth on the Big Island.

As Southwest continues to expand its presence across the islands, this new service stands out as a meaningful development for travelers, residents, and the broader tourism industry alike.