
Flight attendant John Aiwohi helps a guest order her drink in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i. © Image Hawaiian Airline
We couldn’t think of a better way to close the year than to make history with ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, the mother tongue of the Hawaiian Islands. On Dec. 21, in conjunction with the second anniversary of our service between Haneda Airport (HND) and Kona International Airport (KOA), our flight and guest services crew hosted the first international Hawaiian language flight.
All guests on flight HA852 from HND to KOA became a part of Hawaiian Airlines’ history and experienced ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i from six flight attendants fluent in the Hawaiian language.
The special anniversary flight came as part of our airlines’ dedication to incorporating the once almost-extinct language into our workplace.

John Borden, manager for in-flight operations at Hawaiian Airlines, gives a guest a kukui nut lei. © Image Hawaian Airline
Prior to take-off, we welcomed guests with an oli (Hawaiian chant) at the gate, an essential part of celebrating a milestone in Hawaiian culture, while Japan Country Director Takaya Shishido offered special remarks on the anniversary flight.
“What an honor it is to celebrate the second year of service between HND and KOA by bringing ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i aboard our aircraft. As Hawaii’s hometown carrier, it is our responsibility to share the stories and culture of the Islands,” shared Shishido. “Today, we live up to that duty and welcome you, our guests, to learn ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i from fluent-speaking members within our own Hawaiian Airlines family.”

The full ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i kit that was distributed to all guests on HA852. © Image Hawaiian Airlne
Our crew conducted all boarding and in-flight announcements in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, followed by Japanese and English translations. Each guest was greeted with kukui nut lei before departing HND and fresh flower lei upon deplaning at KOA. They also received a travel-size language book, a “how-to” guide for ordering drinks in Hawaiian, and a commemorative certificate of participation.

Guests received a cheat sheet on how to order their drinks in Hawaiian language. © Image Hawaiian Airline

Guests who flew on our commemorative HND to KOA flight were welcomed on the Island of Hawaii with fresh lei, live entertainment and a warm aloha from our ‘ohana. © Image Hawaiian Airline

The crew leading the ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i flights between Hilo and Honolulu. © Image Hawaiian Airline
Source: newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com/blog/olelo-hawaii-goes-international