HONOLULU (HI Now) - Hilo is getting a fresh dose of connection and possibility as Southwest Airlines adds Hilo to Las Vegas flights three times a week, reopening a key neighbor island link for residents, families, and visitors planning ahead for late summer travel. For the community, the new route signals more than a departure board update, it supports local jobs, creates easier access to loved ones, and helps Hilo stay on the map for future opportunities.
To mark the moment, Grand Naniloa Hotel is teaming up with Southwest for a free community celebration that leans into what Hilo does best, gathering people together with music, keiki fun, and neighborly energy. Niklas Dahm, General Manager of Grand Naniloa Hotel, and Regiane Santos, Regional Manager for the Hawaiian Islands, are sharing how long term partnerships can show up in real ways, from creating spaces for community events to supporting local culture.
The Southwest Airlines Summer Fun Festival takes over Grand Naniloa on Saturday, August 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring headliner KĀPENA, plus Hālau Nā Mamo O Ka Liko Maile O Kohala and CPS Band. Families can expect free popcorn, popsicles, and pizza for the kids, jumping castles, photo booth moments, Vegas-style game tables, and prize giveaways that keep the afternoon moving.
To learn more about Grand Naniloa Hotel, visit grandnaniloahilo.com/ and follow @grandnaniloa on Instagram for updates.
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