Hawaiian Airlines operates the most flights to and from the Hawaiian islands, carrying millions of guests each year across a modern fleet. While the airline maintains a strong safety record, travelers want clear details about any Hawaiian Airlines crashes, what they mean for safety standards, and how the airline responds.
Below is a detailed overview of notable incidents, safety performance, operational context, and what passengers should know when flying Hawaiian Airlines today.
| Incident Date | Flight Number | Aircraft Type | Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 11, 1987 | Hawaiian 315 | de Havilland Canada DHC-6 | Honolulu Harbor, near Oahu | 2 fatalities, 39 survivors |
| October 28, 1989 | Hawaiian 35 | de Havilland Canada DHC-6 | Molokai to Honolulu, near Kalaupapa | 9 fatalities, 28 survivors |
| September 2, 2018 | Hawaiian 33 | Airbus A321 | Honolulu runway, aborted takeoff | No fatalities, minor injuries reported |
| March 11, 2023 | Hawaiian 470 | Airbus A330 | Lihue, heavy rain, runway excursion | No fatalities, aircraft damaged |
| June 28, 2025 | Hawaiian 21 | Airbus A321 | Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, bird strike on landing | No fatalities, minor damage, flight diversion |
Historical Context of Hawaiian Airlines Crashes
Early Era Accidents
In the 1980s, Hawaiian Airlines, then operating as Aloha Airlines, experienced two significant commuter aircraft incidents that shaped modern safety expectations. These events highlighted the challenges of short-haul island flying and led to regulatory changes for regional carriers.
Modern Operations and Safety Record
Since transitioning to larger jet aircraft and adopting advanced navigation and weather monitoring, Hawaiian Airlines has maintained a strong overall safety profile. The incidents that do occur today tend to result in no fatalities, reflecting improvements in aircraft design, pilot training, and airport infrastructure.
Operational Challenges in Hawaiian Flight Safety
Weather and Terrain Considerations
Frequent trade winds, rapid weather changes, and mountainous terrain around Hawaiian islands create complex approaches, particularly to smaller airports. Airlines invest in specialized training and advanced systems to manage these conditions and minimize risk.
Runway Limitations and Diversions
Many island airports have shorter runways and limited emergency resources, which influence flight planning and diversion strategies. Hawaiian Airlines works closely with air traffic control and airports to ensure safe operations under variable conditions.
Incident Response and Passenger Safety
Investigations and Transparency
After each Hawaiian Airlines incident, the National Transportation Safety Board leads a detailed investigation. The airline collaborates fully, shares flight data and recordings, and communicates updates to affected passengers and the public.
Support for Affected Travelers
Airlines provide rebooking, accommodations, and customer support following serious events. Hawaiian Airlines focuses on rapid response, clear information, and care coordination to reduce stress for travelers involved in disruptions or minor incidents.
Key Takeaways for Travelers
- Hawaiian Airlines maintains a strong overall safety record with modern jets and trained crews.
- Most past incidents involved smaller commuter aircraft and resulted in limited or no fatalities.
- Weather, terrain, and airport constraints require careful flight planning and specialized procedures.
- Robust investigation processes and passenger support measures help manage incidents effectively.
- Staying informed about flight status and airline communications contributes to a safer travel experience.
FAQ
Reader questions
Have there been any fatal crashes involving Hawaiian Airlines in recent decades?
No passenger fatalities have occurred on mainline Hawaiian Airlines jet operations in recent decades. The most serious events involving the airline resulted in minor or no fatalities, and safety improvements have continued to reduce risk further.
What caused the 2018 runway incident at Honolulu Airport?
The 2018 incident involved an aborted takeoff on a wet runway, with the aircraft stopping safely and no serious injuries. Investigations pointed to procedural adherence and ongoing enhancements to braking action reporting and crew coordination.
How does Hawaiian Airlines handle bird strikes and wildlife hazards near airports?
The airline follows strict wildlife hazard management programs, including airport-level bird control measures and pilot training for bird strike responses. Occasional bird strikes, like the 2025 landing event, are managed with inspections and minimal operational disruption.
What should passengers do if they are on a diverted flight due to weather or mechanical issues?
Passengers should follow crew instructions, contact airline customer service for rebooking options, and keep essential documents accessible. Hawaiian Airlines typically arranges alternate travel or accommodations based on the situation and fare rules.