Last May, in tandem with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Hawaiian Airlines launched its first-ever nonstop service route between Salt Lake City International Airport and Honolulu International Airport. Salt Lake becomes Hawaiian Airlines’ 16th gateway city in the continental US—the most of any carrier serving the islands.

“We know this new route will excite travelers in both Utah and Hawaii given our tourism and education ties, and shared Pacific Island communities,” says Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram. Utah has one of the highest concentrations of Pacific Islanders in the country with about 60,000 residing in the state. Oahu is home to BYU-Hawaii, an offshoot of Utah’s Brigham Young University, located about 35 miles north of Honolulu. 

The daily nonstop service allows travelers to depart from SLC at 7 a.m. and arrive in Honolulu shortly before 10 a.m.—putting their toes in the sand on Waikiki Beach and sipping a mai tai before noon. 

At the family-friendly, oceanfront Sheraton Waikiki, kids can splash around at the Helumoa Playground Pool, featuring water slides and an interactive splash pad area, and parents can soak up some rays and alone time at the adults-only Edge Infinity Pool. For a romantic stay or a friends’ getaway, consider the neighboring Royal Hawaiian Resort, a.k.a. the Pink Palace. Built in 1927, the charming hotel offers a variety of guest rooms and suites in the historic wing and a newer tower, plus beachfront cabanas and an array of on-site dining options (don’t miss the pink pancakes at Surf Lanai restaurant). 

If you venture out for dinner, reserve a table at MW Restaurant. Here, Hawaii native husband-and-wife duo Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka cook up exquisite local cuisine with modern, elegant twists. Order the five-course tasting menu for a delectable adventure or start with the pork hash dumplings in a truffle bacon dashi, and then dive into the mochi-crusted Kona kampachi or the miso honey-glazed butterfish. 

When planning your trip, consider Hawaiian Airlines new premium airport service, which includes transportation from/to the Honolulu airport, priority baggage handling, expedited TSA queues, and access to an exclusive airport oasis, Apt. 1929, where guests can enjoy pre-ordered custom entrees, craft cocktails, private showers, a lounge, and more.