It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting KapuÄiwa Building in Honolulu, HI gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Honolulu, HI is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Ernel was very; helpful, knowledgeable, empathetic and professional yet affable. Her understanding and compassion, along”
“I love how office workers are reachable, friendly & helpful. I would love to get”
“After years of refusing In-home Care due to cost, My dad finally agreed to try”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot. I have good”
“I am a current client of this provider With my dad's everyday needs, especially bathing they”
“Tyler and his team are great! Love working with them.”
“After hiring the services of Always Best Care for approximately 70 consecutive days, I wanted”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have helped me in caring for my uncle while I”
“The new care we have is the best one I could ever ask for!! ”
“The worker was professional,,caring and punctual.”
“The new care we have is the best one I could ever ask for!! ”
“My aunt has been living in a nursing home for the last five years. In”
“Highly skilled, reliable and loving caregivers. They are the only agency to provide consistent care”
“We feel very blessed to have found Always Best Care! Tyler and his staff are”
“We feel very blessed to have found Always Best Care! Tyler and his staff are”
“Thank you Always Best Care for being a trusted parter with our transportation company. Looking”
“Thank you Always Best Care for being a trusted parter with our transportation company. Looking”
“I am a current client of this provider She will clean and she cooks. I like that”
“I am a current client of this provider She will clean and she cooks. I like that”
“Best home care agency so far! My dad is a was veteran who has been”
“Always Best Care has been caring for my husband for almost a year now. The”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When we needed their service, Marcus was able to”
“Staff was very professional and considerate of my needs. Response time and answering my questions”
“Ernel was very; helpful, knowledgeable, empathetic and professional yet affable. Her understanding and compassion, along with the friendly professionalism she displayed, really is helping to assuage my angst during this difficult time. I am looking forward to working with her concerning the care of my aging mom in the future. Onward & upward….!????????”
“I love how office workers are reachable, friendly & helpful. I would love to get a service for them in the future. I worked here as a NA for almost 6 months already and this is the best agency out of 4 agencies I been to. They have a very efficient schedule, good team work, and appreciates or value their workers. I’m proud to say I’m part of this team.”
“After years of refusing In-home Care due to cost, My dad finally agreed to try Always Best Care to take him to see his doctors. At 95, my dad is not an easy person to get along with let alone for a stranger to be with him for a few hours and transporting him, with his walker, to and from the hospital. My dad just called and he is thrilled with his caretaker Madeleine for her kind attitude and helpfulness. I'm relieved that he has found a trusted person that can take him to see his doctors. I began talking to Ernel, the manager, about two months ago regarding this type of service for my dad and we stayed in touch. Ernel was always friendly and professional and was able to get Madeleine for my dad in very short notice. Tita, the administrator, followed up with all the contracts and statements and I'm now enrolled into their online system. Overall, the 5 star rating is well deserved. Aging is not fun. Watching my dad struggle with his daily routine is difficult. Having good people around like Always Best makes it a bit easier for the both of us. Thank you.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot. I have good service from them that improves my health.”
“I am a current client of this provider With my dad's everyday needs, especially bathing they have helped. They are easy to work with, get ahold of, and communicate with us well. The people they sent have been good.”
“Tyler and his team are great! Love working with them.”
“After hiring the services of Always Best Care for approximately 70 consecutive days, I wanted to give the company a detailed review. I can honestly say I unequivocally and without hesitation, would recommend Always Best Care as a home health care agency. A vast majority of the caregivers are very conscientious and punctual. The company keeps our family very well informed via their "Family Room" function on their website. The administration and office staff are very thorough and meticulous. Special recognition to office staff (Marina, Abby, and Tita). A+++ company!!!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have helped me in caring for my uncle while I get more time to do my other affairs. I know he is in the best care and really appreciate their services.”
“The new care we have is the best one I could ever ask for!! She cares so much for my husband and is always there when he needs her to be. She is truly a angel that was sent to me by your company and I thank you so much for hiring her!! Aloha Jeff & Freda Pohaku”
“The worker was professional,,caring and punctual.”
“The new care we have is the best one I could ever ask for!! She cares so much for my husband and is always there when he needs her to be. She is truly a angel that was sent to me by your company and I thank you so much for hiring her!! Aloha Jeff & Freda Pohaku”
“My aunt has been living in a nursing home for the last five years. In the last year however, we have seen her health and cognitive abilities slowly decline. A social worker asked us to seek extra help from a home care agency to provide additional caregivers due to her growing needs. They provided our family with some options, but in the end, highly recommended Always Best Care. We asked other residents in the facility who were also using ABC, and they too recommended the agency . My aunt has been so pleased with her caregivers and we appreciate the entire staff at ABC. Their communication is outstanding, caregivers are compassionate and reliable and they always go out of their way to accommodate our changing needs. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Highly skilled, reliable and loving caregivers. They are the only agency to provide consistent care for my dad who is receiving VA benefits.”
“We feel very blessed to have found Always Best Care! Tyler and his staff are very helpful, caring and pleasant to work with. I love that they can be reached 24/7 and are quick to find a caregiver for my sweet 90 year old mother, even at the last minute! True to their name, they always give their best care! I highly recommend you check them out! ????”
“We feel very blessed to have found Always Best Care! Tyler and his staff are very helpful, caring and pleasant to work with. I love that they can be reached 24/7 and are quick to find a caregiver for my sweet 90 year old mother, even at the last minute! True to their name, they always give their best care! I highly recommend you check them out! ????”
“Thank you Always Best Care for being a trusted parter with our transportation company. Looking forward to working with you and the wonderful team at ABC in the many years to come.”
“Thank you Always Best Care for being a trusted parter with our transportation company. Looking forward to working with you and the wonderful team at ABC in the many years to come.”
“I am a current client of this provider She will clean and she cooks. I like that the caregiver is on time and she completes her job.”
“I am a current client of this provider She will clean and she cooks. I like that the caregiver is on time and she completes her job.”
“Best home care agency so far! My dad is a was veteran who has been receiving in home care for awhile now. Our past experiences with other agencies have always been inconsistent. It's been difficult finding an agency who can provide experienced and reliable caregivers. However, the VA introduced us to Always Best Care about 6 months ago. Since then, we have been so pleased with the services they've provided. The office staff are so accessible and easy to talk to and the caregivers are second to none. They really enjoy their work and love working for the company. This really says a lot about ABC as a company, who treats their employees well. We feel safe and in good hands.”
“Always Best Care has been caring for my husband for almost a year now. The caregivers are so companionate, respectful and extremely reliable. The office staff are wonderful to work with. They stay in constant communication with my family and are always willing to go above and beyond what they are required to do. I recommended ABC to many of my friends and family members. Thank you!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When we needed their service, Marcus was able to get us set up right away. Their caregivers provide my mom with excellent care. They help her with task around the house, meal prep, exercise, etc. Their staff is very friendly and accommodating. My mom looks forward to seeing them every day. I know my mom is good hands with Always Best Care.”
“Staff was very professional and considerate of my needs. Response time and answering my questions was timely. The services are very affordable. I recommend you contact them at the earliest opportunity to get a medical professional assigned to you & confirmed. I had no issues with them here.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Kapi'olani Regional Park in Honolulu, HI with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local La Mer or visit Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Honolulu, HI, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Honolulu, HI understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Honolulu, HI 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Hawaiian Airlines announced Thursday it will start by cancelling four Neighbor Island flights on Friday as FAA-mandated air-traffic reductions take effect. This marks the first real disruption reported in Hawaii’s skies since the government shutdown began. It comes just under three weeks before Thanksgiving as Hawaii enters its peak travel season. The FAA’s directive to cut capacity at 40 major U.S. airports has now reached Honolulu, one of the most geographically isolated airline hubs in the country.Hawaii flight cancell...
Hawaiian Airlines announced Thursday it will start by cancelling four Neighbor Island flights on Friday as FAA-mandated air-traffic reductions take effect. This marks the first real disruption reported in Hawaii’s skies since the government shutdown began. It comes just under three weeks before Thanksgiving as Hawaii enters its peak travel season. The FAA’s directive to cut capacity at 40 major U.S. airports has now reached Honolulu, one of the most geographically isolated airline hubs in the country.
We’re monitoring Hawaii flight cancellations through Friday. Latest updates appear below, with the most recent at top. Check back for new information as it develops.
LIVE UPDATES: 4:45 p.m. HST
No additional Hawaii flight cancellations have been reported for Friday since our 2:15 pm update. Please be diligent about checking your Hawaii flights with your airline before heading out.
LIVE UPDATES : 2:15 p.m. HSTHawaiian and Southwest have already begun canceling interisland Hawaii flights for Friday 11/7. Beat of Hawaii is monitoring throughout the day.
4 Hawaiian interisland flights canceled at Honolulu. 2 Hawaiian interisland flights canceled at Maui.2 Hawaiian interisland flights canceled at Kona. 2 Southwest flights reported canceled at Honolulu. 2 Southwest flights canceled at Kona.
Flight numbers impacted:
HA1078 HNL-KOAHA1067 KOA-HNLHA1066 HNL-OGGHA1155 OGG-HNL
Hawaii DOT Director Ed Sniffen has formally requested that the FAA exempt Honolulu and other state airports from the planned 10% reduction in flights. In a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Sniffen wrote Hawaii is “uniquely vulnerable as the nation’s most isolated population center” and offered to immediately fund the full salaries and benefits of all FAA air-traffic controllers and TSA screeners assigned to Hawaii facilities until the shutdown ends. He said DOT is prepared to implement this emergency measure within 24 hours to “maintain full flight schedules, protect public safety, and prevent unnecessary damage to a state that contributes disproportionately to America’s strategic interests.”
Hawaiian Airlines said it will first cancel two roundtrips between Honolulu and Maui and two between Honolulu and Kona on Friday. Twenty other daily roundtrips to Maui and fifteen to Kona remain scheduled, but the move signals the start of real flight reductions after weeks of FAA warnings. The four flights may represent only the beginning of far broader cuts ahead.
The airline said affected travelers will be rebooked or refunded. Flights to Kauai and Hilo are currently set to operate as normal, and longer-haul service to the mainland and Pacific destinations are currently unaffected.
Unlike on the mainland, there are no alternate modes of rapid travel between islands. When a flight cancels, plans don’t just shift, they stop. For residents and visitors alike, these first cuts are more than an inconvenience. They’re a reminder that Hawaii’s inter-island system and its entire air network are fragile lifelines.
Alaska Air Group, parent company of both Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines, issued a joint statement Thursday confirming both carriers will cancel “a limited number of flights” starting Friday. While Hawaiian specified its four inter-island cancellations, Alaska has not detailed which Hawaii routes will be cut. The company said most cancellations will occur on routes with multiple daily frequencies, allowing passengers to rebook with minimal disruption. International flights remain unaffected.
Southwest Airlines, meanwhile, has yet to weigh in fully. The carrier operates multiple daily flights between California and Hawaii, plus a large network of inter-island service connecting Honolulu to Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. Because its planes rotate between mainland and Hawaii routes throughout the day, any capacity limits at West Coast airports could quickly ripple into its island schedule. For now, we await more details about how the restrictions will affect Southwest Hawaii flights.
Honolulu is the heartbeat of Hawaii’s air network. The majority of flights and inter-island connection flows through HNL. When Honolulu slows, the rest of Hawaii feels it almost without delay.
Friday’s cancellations may seem small, but they expose just how quickly a mainland policy decision can ripple across the islands. A slowdown at HNL will not stay contained, it is likely to touch every neighbor island within hours.
For now, Hawaiian and Alaska say most affected travelers can be rebooked the same day. If you’re flying Friday between Honolulu, Maui, or Kona, check notifications you should have received before leaving for the airport.
Flights to the mainland and international destinations remain stable for now. But if the FAA extends the order, more cuts could follow at any time.
Trip-insurance holders should double-check their coverage. Most plans don’t cover government-related disruptions unless Cancel For Any Reason coverage was purchased. We covered this in detail when the cuts were first announced in Hawaii Travelers Face Flight Chaos As FAA Cuts Loom.
Hawaii’s air system has always been one of the most interdependent in the nation. When one part slows, the entire network feels it. Friday’s four canceled flights may seem small, but they’re a reminder of how fragile this lifeline is and how quickly implications can grow.
For Hawaiian Airlines, the timing adds to an already challenging year of fleet transitions, operational hurdles and technical meltdowns. For travelers, it’s another reality check: Hawaii’s beauty and isolation come with a cost. Everything depends on air travel.
The FAA says only that the reductions are “temporary and safety-driven.” With no end to the shutdown clearly in sight, more adjustments could follow as airlines reassess weekend and holiday schedules.
For Hawaii travelers, the shift from “looming” to “in effect” has officially begun. Once flight cancellations begin here, it’s no longer hypothetical, it’s real.
Have you received a cancellation notice for this weekend? What did the airline tell you about rebooking? Share your experience in the comments below.
BOH file photo: Honolulu Airport flight information board.
The Honolulu airport is one of 40 major U.S. airports that will see flights reduced by 10% starting Friday in response to air traffic controller staffing issues caused by the federal government shutdown, according to a list released Thursday evening by the U.S. Department of Transportation.In response, the Hawaii Department of Transportation sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation that said the state was “ready to immediately advance full salaries and benefits for all FAA air traffic controllers and the Transporta...
The Honolulu airport is one of 40 major U.S. airports that will see flights reduced by 10% starting Friday in response to air traffic controller staffing issues caused by the federal government shutdown, according to a list released Thursday evening by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In response, the Hawaii Department of Transportation sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation that said the state was “ready to immediately advance full salaries and benefits for all FAA air traffic controllers and the Transportation Security Administration security screeners assigned to Hawaii facilities” and requested a full waiver for Hawaii airports from the Federal Aviation Administration's planned 10% reduction in scheduled air traffic.
The HDOT’s letter cited Hawaii’s unique vulnerability “as the nation’s most isolated population center, with no viable alternative to air travel” and said the reduction in flights would impact medical services, cargo, national defense, and tourism. HDOT declined to respond to Spectrum News Hawaii’s specific questions, saying they were awaiting official guidance from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Airlines react
In response to the FAA’s required reduction effective Friday, Hawaiian Airlines said they are canceling four neighbor island flights: roundtrip flights between Honolulu-Maui and Honolulu-Kona.
“We know how much our residents and visitors rely on our Neighbor Island service, and we will continue to operate a robust schedule with 20 Honolulu-Maui roundtrips, and 15 Honolulu-Kona roundtrips, in addition to our regularly scheduled flights to and from Lihue and Hilo,” spokesperson Alex Da Silva said in an email to Spectrum News Hawaii.
Hawaiian and Alaska airlines, which recently merged but are still operating seperate brands, said flights between Hawaii and the continental U.S., as well as international routes, are not impacted.
Alaska Airlines said in a statement they have “begun canceling a limited number of flights effective Friday,” but did not respond to Spectrum News Hawaii’s inquiries for details. However, the statement said they “worked to ensure smaller and remote communities that are reliant upon air travel are protected. Most of our cancellations are on routes with a higher frequency of flights, allowing most guests to be reaccommodated with as little disruption as possible.”
The two airlines said guests whose flights are canceled will be reaccommodated on other flights when they are available or offered a refund.
“The FAA’s directive is expected to remain in place until further guidance is issued and the shutdown concludes,” Alaska’s statement said.
Southwest Airlines, which is a major airline in Hawaii, said in a news release that it was responding by canceling about 120 flights for Friday across 34 of the 117 airports it serves. Spectrum News Hawaii reached out to the airline about cancellations that may impact Hawaii airports and will update this story if we receive a response.
Tips for travelers
The Hawaii Tourism Authority warned in a news release that along with travelers flying through the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport that travelers flying from airports not directly impacted could experience delays because of the connections between national air travel.
In response to these cuts, the Hawaii Tourism Authority recommended travelers make sure their airline has their correct contact information, especially if the flight was booked through a third party. This can be done by logging into the airline’s website or app and verifying they have the best phone number.
Additionally, HTA said travelers should check their flight status before heading to the airport. They also encouraged people to download their airline’s mobile app and enable alerts and SMS text notifications to stay updated.
Travelers should also leave early for the airport to allow for any delays, according to HTA. If a flight is delayed or canceled, travelers should check with their hotel or accommodations about an extension or revised check-out time before departing for the airport.
Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at [email protected].
Some Hawaii travelers will face disruptions starting Friday as the Federal Aviation Administration implements a reduction in air traffic across 40 major U.S. airports in response to the ongoing federal government shutdown.The U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to release an official list of affected airports today. The Associated Press and ABC News reported that Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is on the list of 40 airports that will see cuts.The New York Times, citing a person familiar with the discussion who ...
Some Hawaii travelers will face disruptions starting Friday as the Federal Aviation Administration implements a reduction in air traffic across 40 major U.S. airports in response to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to release an official list of affected airports today. The Associated Press and ABC News reported that Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is on the list of 40 airports that will see cuts.
The New York Times, citing a person familiar with the discussion who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, reported today that the FAA told airline industry officials Wednesday that the cuts would begin with a 4% reduction in affected markets on Friday and ramp up through the weekend, reaching the 10% decrease by next week.
Nationwide more than 500 flights scheduled for today were cancelled, with more than 600 cancellations planned for Friday, according to FlightAware.com, which tracks flight delays and cancellations. FlightAware reported 24 delays at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport are expected today and no cancellations. FlightAware data so far is showing that two delays are expected on Friday and six cancellations, including four Hawaiian Airlines neighbor island flights and two from Southwest.
FlightAware did not provide more details on the Southwest cancellations, but reported that the cancelled flights Hawaiian Airlines flights, include:
>> Flight 1078, which was slated to fly from Honolulu to Kona at 11:19 a.m.
>> Flight 1067, which was slated to fly from Kona to Honolulu at 12:38 p.m.
>> Flight 1066, which was slated to fly from Honolulu to Kahului at 1:52 p.m.
>> Flight 1155, which was slated to fly from Kahului to Honolulu at 3:32 p.m.
The full weight of the travel disruptions has not hit yet. But Hawaii’s visitor industry officials warn that even airports not directly impacted could experience delays due to the interconnected nature of the national air travel system. A change in flight operations in cities like Boston could ripple across the country, potentially altering itineraries in Honolulu.
Alex Da Silva, Hawaiian Air spokesperson, said “We know how much our residents and visitors rely on our Neighbor Island service, and we will continue to operate a robust schedule with 20 Honolulu -Maui roundtrips and 15 Honolulu-Kona roundtrips, in addition to our regularly scheduled flights to and from Lihue and Hilo. We are notifying impacted guests with the option to be accommodated on the next available flights or receive a full refund. ” He added that Hawaiian and Alaska airlines flights between Hawaii and the continental U.S., as well as international routes, have not been affected.
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) is urging travelers to stay informed and take proactive steps to minimize disruptions, and is offering the following travel tips:
>> Update Contact Info: Ensure your airline has your correct mobile number, especially if you booked through a third-party site.
>> Monitor Flight Status: Use airline apps and enable alerts to stay informed about delays or cancellations.
>> Arrive Early: Whether flying interisland, domestic, or international, allow extra time for potential delays.
>> Plan for Contingencies: If your flight is delayed or canceled, contact your hotel or accommodations to adjust check-out times or extend your stay.
>> Visitors currently in Hawaii or planning a trip can find the latest updates at GoHawaii.com, and additional information will be posted on hawaiitourismauthority.org .
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - With a cane in hand guiding her every step, former Miss Hawaii Cheryl Bartlett slowly walks along the garden of palms and hinahina she and her husband, Rogerio Araujo, grew together outside of their Makiki apartment.“This is Roger’s pride and joy,” Bartlett said while pointing to the line of potted plants, which has given her some comfort after Araujo was taken by ICE agents last Tuesday.“That morning is the last morning I saw him,” a whimpering Bartlett added. “Som...
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - With a cane in hand guiding her every step, former Miss Hawaii Cheryl Bartlett slowly walks along the garden of palms and hinahina she and her husband, Rogerio Araujo, grew together outside of their Makiki apartment.
“This is Roger’s pride and joy,” Bartlett said while pointing to the line of potted plants, which has given her some comfort after Araujo was taken by ICE agents last Tuesday.
“That morning is the last morning I saw him,” a whimpering Bartlett added. “Someone is trying to rip the bond, it’s very painful, and that someone is my own country.”
A native of Brazil, 57-year-old Araujo has been living on Oahu for several decades.
Bartlett said they have been trying to secure citizenship for Araujo for about 17 years, but clerical errors delayed them.
The Miss Hawaii 1986 relies on her husband because she is legally blind and has several health complications.
“He escorts me everywhere. I didn’t realize ‘til he was gone, you know, I am so limited,” Bartlett said. “I have to plan everything, like, four hours ahead of time now just to make sure I can get somewhere and I’m taking considerable risk using a cane.”
Despite her frustration over her husband’s detainment, Bartlett said the agents who took him to Honolulu’s Federal Detention Center were professional.
As she and her attorney fight to stop Araujo from being deported, Bartlett is also turning her sorrow into action by advocating for immigration reform.
“I want to show love for my husband, for our community, for our family, even for the ICE agents and the Homeland Security agents who have treated us with professional courtesy,” Bartlett said while fighting back tears.
To raise awareness on deportations, Bartlett plans to hold a peaceful rally on Wednesday at the Prince Kuhio Federal Building.
We reached out to Homeland Security for comment and we have not heard back.
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (HawaiiNewsNow/WAVE/AP) - A UPS cargo plane bound for Hawaii crashed and exploded in a massive fireball Tuesday while taking off from the company’s global aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky, killing at least nine people and injuring 11, authorities said.The plane crashed at about 5:15 p.m. local time as it departed for Honolulu from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said.Video showed flames on the plane’s left wing and a trail of smoke. The p...
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (HawaiiNewsNow/WAVE/AP) - A UPS cargo plane bound for Hawaii crashed and exploded in a massive fireball Tuesday while taking off from the company’s global aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky, killing at least nine people and injuring 11, authorities said.
The plane crashed at about 5:15 p.m. local time as it departed for Honolulu from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
Video showed flames on the plane’s left wing and a trail of smoke. The plane then lifted slightly off the ground before crashing and exploding in a huge fireball.
Video also revealed portions of a building’s shredded roof next to the end of the runway.
The FAA said in a statement:
“UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates.”
Officials said several factors likely contributed to the massive blaze, including the fact that the plane was loaded with enough fuel to make the 4,300-mile journey to Hawaii.
“We’re talking about over 250,000 gallons of jet fuel that was on that plane, so we’re talking about a very, very dangerous situation,” said Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill.
“There were several explosions initially from the site itself, just by some of the hazards that were created by the facilities that it impacted,” added Jody Meiman, Louisville Metro Emergency Management executive director.
O’Neill said nearby facilities included a fuel recycling storage and bulk fuel storage.
Kentucky’s governor said a business, Kentucky Petroleum Recycling, appeared to be “hit pretty directly,” and a nearby auto parts operation was also affected.
“Right now, we believe that the main area hit consisted of two businesses, but we know there were more businesses impacted,” said Gov. Andy Beshear.
Beshear said Grade A Auto Parts has “accounted for all of their employees but two, but they do not know how many other individuals, customers or others could have been on site at the time.
“Because of the nature of these facilities, it may be some time before we can account for everyone or know that no one else was on the grounds,” Beshear said.
UPS’s largest package handling facility is in Louisville. The hub employs thousands of workers, has 300 daily flights and sorts more than 400,000 packages an hour.
UPS released a brief statement following the crash:
“At approximately 5:20 PM ET tonight, UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville, KY, to Honolulu, an MD-11 with three crewmembers onboard, was involved in an accident in Louisville. At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries/casualties.”
A shelter-in-place was issued for locations near the airport.
“You’re not only dealing with the aircraft itself, but you’re dealing with several businesses that were affected,” said Meiman.
“We’re still going door to door in the area to make sure that every business, every facility, and there’s a couple private residences everybody’s accounted for and everybody has evacuated that immediate area,” Meiman said.
The airport itself was shut down and not expected to resume operations until Wednesday morning.
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