Hawaiian Airlines to replace free onboard meals with preorder program

Hawaiian Airlines will soon stop offering free meals to its main cabin passengers on most flights between Hawaiʻi and the continental U.S., and will instead have menu items available for purchase.

Hawaiian's preorder meal program begins July 1 and features menu items developed by the airline and Maui-based chef and James Beard Award finalist Sheldon Simeon, according to a news release.

Hawaiian, acquired by Alaska Air Group for $1.9 billion in 2024, said it shifted to a preorder model to allow passengers to choose from a broader set of food options rather than one standard meal, according to Alisa Onishi, managing director of Hawaiʻi marketing for the airline, in a news release.

The meals will range between $10.99 and $16.99. The program will expand its menu this fall, with Hawaiian and Simeon, who said he took inspiration from his upbringing in Hawai‘i, introducing new dishes and rotating items, according to the release.

Travelers can order their meals up to two weeks in advance and as close to 20 hours before departure on the Alaska Hawaiian mobile app or website, according to the release.

Main cabin guests can still receive free snacks, a beverage and sweet treat during their flight. Hawai‘i residents who are Huakaʻi by Hawaiian members, or who become members by June 24, can get their first two meals for free when making a selection for an upcoming trip starting July 1.

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 4:53 PM.