Key Points

• Alaska Airlines will fly daily from Burbank to Honolulu starting May 13, 2026, marking the first direct service in over two decades.
• Southern California travelers gain a convenient alternative to congested LAX with easier parking and shorter security lines.
• Award flights start at 15,000 Alaska Mileage Plan miles each way, and tickets are available now at alaskaair.com.

Hollywood Burbank Airport is getting its first direct flight to Hawaii in more than 20 years. Alaska Airlines announced it will launch daily seasonal service between Burbank (BUR) and Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) starting May 13, 2026. For Los Angeles-area travelers tired of battling LAX traffic and crowds, this new route offers a refreshing alternative to reach the islands.

The timing couldn't be better. This announcement comes as Burbank Airport prepares to unveil its long-awaited replacement passenger terminal in October 2026, part of the Elevate BUR modernization project. The new route represents Alaska's continued commitment to expanding its West Coast footprint, especially following its merger with Hawaiian Airlines.

Why This Route Matters for Points Travelers

Direct flights to Hawaii from smaller airports are rare, making this launch significant for travelers in the San Fernando Valley, Ventura County, and surrounding areas. Instead of driving to LAX and dealing with notoriously congested freeways and parking nightmares, you can now reach Burbank in a fraction of the time.

The convenience factor is huge. Burbank Airport consistently ranks among the easiest airports to navigate in Southern California. Security lines move faster, parking is more accessible (book ahead through Airport Reservations to lock in rates), and the entire airport experience feels less chaotic than its larger neighbor to the south. When you're hauling beach gear and excited kids for a Hawaii vacation, that simplicity matters.

For points and miles enthusiasts, this route opens up new redemption opportunities. Alaska Airlines operates the Burbank to Honolulu route, which means you can book award tickets using Alaska Mileage Plan miles. The airline's distance-based award chart typically prices mainland-to-Hawaii flights at 15,000 miles each way in economy class, making it one of the better values for reaching the islands.

Booking Your Burbank to Honolulu Flight

Tickets are on sale now through Alaska Airlines for travel starting May 13, 2026. The daily service will operate seasonally, though Alaska hasn't yet specified the exact end date for the initial season. Based on the carrier's typical Hawaii service patterns, expect flights to run through at least late August or early September.

The route will be operated on Boeing 737 aircraft, which means you'll get Alaska's standard domestic configuration. First class features lie-flat-adjacent seats with generous recline, complimentary meals and drinks, and priority boarding. The main cabin offers comfortable seating with personal device entertainment and the option to purchase Alaska's Fresh Market menu items.

If you hold one of the best Alaska Airlines credit cards, this is an excellent opportunity to put those miles to work. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card earns 3 miles per dollar on eligible Alaska purchases, so booking this flight directly through Alaska can add up quickly. Plus, cardholders receive a companion fare certificate after spending $6,000 per anniversary year, which you can now use on select Hawaiian Airlines flights as part of the merged operation.

Strategic Considerations for Your Hawaii Trip

The May launch date positions this route perfectly for summer travel. Hawaii sees strong demand from June through August, and having a direct option from Burbank helps avoid the premium fares that LAX routes often command during peak season. Timing matters when booking Hawaii flights, and having more departure airport options gives you flexibility to compare prices.

One thing to watch: because this is seasonal service, Alaska may adjust the schedule based on demand. If these flights perform well, the airline could extend the season or even make it year-round. That's what happened with several of Alaska's other Hawaii routes from West Coast airports after they proved popular with travelers.

The Burbank announcement is part of Alaska's broader expansion strategy. The carrier is adding 13 new routes in 2026, including connections from San Diego, Portland, and Seattle. The airline is clearly betting big on West Coast connectivity, and the Hawaiian Airlines merger gives it even more aircraft to deploy on popular leisure routes like Burbank to Honolulu.

Maximizing Points and Miles Value

Smart travelers should consider a few strategies to get the most value from this new route. First, compare cash prices versus award prices. Hawaii flights can swing dramatically based on travel dates, and sometimes paying cash while earning miles makes more sense than burning miles for a redemption.

Second, don't overlook flexible points strategies if you don't have Alaska miles. While Alaska Mileage Plan isn't a direct transfer partner with major credit card programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, the best overall travel credit cards let you earn valuable points on airfare purchases. You can then decide whether to use those points for other redemptions or save your Alaska miles for international premium cabin flights where they deliver outsized value.

Third, consider the new Atmos Rewards program that resulted from the Alaska-Hawaiian merger. Members can now earn and redeem miles across both carriers' networks, which significantly expands your options for reaching and traveling within Hawaii. The unified program launched in October 2025 and maintains Alaska's distance-based award chart, which tends to offer better value than many competitor programs.

If you're planning to maximize your Hawaii vacation beyond just flights, consider booking activities and tours through Get Your Guide to round out your itinerary. From snorkeling at Hanauma Bay to helicopter tours over the Na Pali Coast, having your experiences booked in advance ensures you make the most of your island time.

Competition and Alternative Options

Alaska won't have this route to itself forever. Southwest Airlines currently operates multiple daily flights from Burbank to Hawaii with connections, primarily routing through Oakland or San Jose. The new nonstop service will save roughly 90 minutes compared to those connecting itineraries, making it attractive for travelers who value time. If you're a Southwest loyalist, check out the best Southwest credit cards to maximize Rapid Rewards points on your Hawaii bookings.

Hawaiian Airlines also serves the Los Angeles area extensively from LAX, operating widebody aircraft with lie-flat business class seats on its longer routes. However, the convenience of Burbank's location and easier airport experience might outweigh the premium cabin offerings for many Southern California travelers, especially those traveling in economy.

For travelers who value lounge access and premium amenities, Alaska's partnership with Oneworld following the Hawaiian merger means you can access partner lounges at LAX and HNL when flying this route, provided you hold the right credit card or elite status.

The competitive landscape could shift if demand proves strong enough. Other carriers might see opportunity in serving Burbank to Hawaii, though the airport's shorter runway limits which aircraft types can operate there. Alaska's choice of the 737 Max 8 for this route fits perfectly within those operational constraints while still offering sufficient capacity for the market.

What Happens Next

Hollywood Burbank Airport Executive Director John Hatanaka expressed gratitude to Alaska Airlines for selecting Burbank as a Southern California gateway to Hawaii. The airport has been working to attract more service to popular destinations, and landing a Hawaii route represents a significant win for the facility.

Watch for promotional fares as the May departure date approaches. Alaska frequently runs sales on its Hawaii routes, and a new route launch typically comes with introductory pricing to build awareness and fill seats. Sign up for fare alerts through services like Going.com to catch these deals when they drop.

The broader context matters too. Alaska's network expansion, combined with the Hawaiian merger, positions the airline as an increasingly dominant player in West Coast to Hawaii travel. More routes and frequencies mean better award availability and more opportunities to use miles for the trips you actually want to take. For a comprehensive strategy on maximizing your Hawaii trips with points, explore our guide to the best credit cards for Hawaiian vacations.

Bottom Line

Alaska Airlines' return to Burbank after more than 20 years fills a genuine need for Southern California travelers. The combination of convenient airport access, daily service, and solid mileage redemption value makes this route worth considering for your next Hawaii trip. With tickets on sale now, you can lock in travel plans for summer 2026 and beyond.

Whether you pay cash, redeem miles, or use Alaska's companion fare certificate, having this nonstop option from Burbank expands your choices for reaching the islands. As the route establishes itself, we'll likely see competitive pricing and good award availability, especially if you book early for your preferred travel dates.

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