Hawaiian Airlines has launched non-stop service to Auckland, New Zealand, the latest addition to its expanding International network.

The departure of HA445 followed gate side festivities that included Hawaiian music and hula, a performance honoring the Maori culture and a traditional Hawaiian blessing.

Hawaiian’s market research indicates that non-stop service will release pent-up demand in New Zealand for a Hawaii vacation. There are currently 30 percent fewer arrivals from New Zealand than in 1999 when the two destinations were served by more non-stop flights.

In addition, Hawaiian’s transpacific and inter-island route networks allow convenient connections throughout Hawaii and into 11 U.S. gateway destinations.

“Hawaii is a perfect midpoint destination for the kind of extended vacation that New Zealanders prefer, and we are ideally situated to offer dual-destination holidays and easy connections from Auckland to places like San Francisco, Las Vegas or New York City,” commented Dunkerley. “And that works in reverse as well, making it easier than ever for U.S. residents to enjoy the wonders of New Zealand.”

Hawaiian will operate three flights a week between Honolulu and Auckland using a 294-seat A330-200 aircraft. Hawaiian’s flight HA 445 will depart Honolulu International Airport at 1:45 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, cross the international dateline, and land at Auckland Airport at 9:55 p.m. the following day. Hawaiian’s flight HA 446 will depart Auckland at 11:55 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, cross the international dateline, and arrive in Honolulu at 9:45 a.m. the same day.

Hawaiian Airlines, www.hawaiianairlines.com