Hawaiian Airlines add nonstop flights to Honolulu and Fukuoka

Hawaiian Airlines expects to offer daily nonstop flights between Honolulu and Fukuoka starting next year.It will be the airlines' third destination in Japan and fourth destination in Asia.The airline announced Tuesday it is adding the new flights beginning April 16, in response to demand from the travel community in Fukuoka.Delta Air Lines is to launch nonstop seasonal flights from Fukuoka and Honolulu beginning Dec. 28.

Hawaiian's announcement comes as Hawaii's tourism industry focuses on the Asia market. Hawaii Tourism Authority President and CEO Mike McCartney says the Hawaiian flight will be the only year-round daily scheduled service to Hawaii from Fukuoka. The HTA estimates the flight will provide $154 million in visitor spending.Hawaiian's Fukuoka flights are still subject to approval from the Japanese government.