We’re fond of saying Southwest Airlines is more than an airline. We’re your neighbor because we take pride in championing the causes that matter the most in each of the communities we serve, and Hawaii is no different. Long before our first aircraft arrived in Hawaii, we talked story with kupuna (elders) on each island to listen and learn about what makes Hawaii unique. And since our service began in 2019, we’ve donated more than $1.5 million to worthwhile organizations across the islands.
We’re proud of those contributions and are committed to investing in Hawaii communities where our Employees live and work by showing malama (care for) Hawaii through foundational partnerships.
Malama keiki (kids):
- We understand travel opens eyes to new experiences and perspectives. Southwest partnered with Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum to bring more than 200 Kauai fourth-grade students to Oahu for a day at the museum, where students learned both about the significance of Pearl Harbor and how they could consider careers in military and civil aviation. The Museum honors the stories of sacrifice, valor, and courage around what has become one of Hawaii’s most visited places.
Malama each other:
- Most visitors are surprised to learn that Waikiki is the birthplace of surfing and summer swells on the south shore bring out residents and visitors every day to catch a wave. For people with disabilities, accessing the water can be very challenging. Our friends at AccesSurf work to create a community of inclusion for all people through accessible water programs. In June, Southwest served as presenting sponsor of their surf competition which brought together 100 adaptive athletes from 18 countries.
Malama aina (land):
- Southwest remains committed to preserving our most precious resource--the planet, through our sustainability initiatives. Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 will take many forms, and one way we’re helping is by supporting local partnerships’ reforestation. When a group of senior leaders visited the islands, we worked with Skyline Conservation to plant trees on Haleakala. On your next trip to Maui, you can roll up your sleeves and plant a tree to conserve the land for generations to enjoy its beauty. PS, you can zipline there as well!
Malama patients:
- For 15 years, Southwest has provided complimentary travel to nonprofit hospitals and medical transportation organizations for patients and their families. Removing a financial barrier to travel gives patients peace of mind to focus on getting the care they need. Since first touching down in Hawaii, we’ve responded to a need for lower fares for neighbor island patients to receive treatment on Oahu. And in 2021, we welcomed The Queen’s Health System and Adventist Health Castle into the Medical Transportation Grant program.
Malama Hawaiian Culture:
- Supporting local businesses positively impacts the economy of Hawaii. Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association utilizes Hawaiian cultural values as the foundation for professional development. We provided travel for neighbor island businesses to attend a training on best practices to win contracts within the visitor industry and grow business. g. For those looking to bring home memories from the islands, check out this list of Native Hawaiian wahine (women) owned businesses.
Whether you’re kamaaina or a visitor to the islands, we hope you’ll consider joining us by supporting these incredible organizations. Interested in taking a trip that gives back? Find out more at gohawaii.com/malama.
