Hawaii (Photo: Thinkstock/iStockphoto)Hawaii hasn't gotten any closer to the East Coast, but it might seem that way with the start of two new nonstop routes to the islands. Throw in some new service from the West Coast with hotel and vacation-package sales, and you've got a spring destination worth its weight in sunscreen.
Nonstop options from the East Coast to Hawaii have long been in short supply, so new service from New York City and Washington, D.C., is good news for the Aloha-starved. Hawaiian begins service between New York/JFK and Honolulu on June 4. The airline has also announced a partnership with JetBlue that will seriously boost route and booking options for passengers. Then, on June 7, United will debut what is, for now, the only nonstop service between Washington/Dulles and Honolulu.
Service from the West Coast to Hawaii has been gradually rebuilding since the 2008 demise of both Aloha and ATA. The recovery continues on April 10, when Alaska Airlines adds flights from Oakland and San Jose to Honolulu.
A trend of Hawaii sales for spring travel seems likely to continue as we approach the season. Expedia's Winter Warm-Up sale offers 30 percent off hotel stays and vacation packages booked by February 29 for travel through March 31. And Pleasant Holidays is advertising three-night air-and-hotel packages to Oahu for $505 from San Diego or $555 from San Francisco.
