Hawaii(HI)

Hawaii is uniquely positioned to benefit from AAM, viewing it as a solution for zero-emission inter-island connectivity and "regenerative tourism." As of January 2026, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is executing its 2025 Energy Security and Waste Reduction Plan, which identifies the electrification of aviation as a primary lever for the state’s 2045 net-negative carbon goal.

Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework

Hawaii’s strategy focuses on transforming its "island-hop" economy into a sustainable electric corridor. Key regulatory and infrastructure goals include:

• Inter-Island Electrification: HDOT is prioritizing the deployment of airfield electrification strategies to support "middle-mile" passenger and cargo flights between islands.
• SAF Tax Credits: To bridge the gap until full battery-electric fleets are certified, the state is implementing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) tax credits to incentivize lower-emission flights for current turbine aircraft.
• Airport Modernization: On January 5, 2026, Hawaiian Airlines (following its merger into Alaska Air Group) unveiled the $600 million Kahuʻewai Hawaiʻi Investment Plan, which includes modernizing technology and facilities to support the next generation of lower-emission aircraft.

Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support

The state is a primary candidate for "over-water" use cases defined in the December 2025 National AAM Strategy.

• Priority Multimodal Network: Launched in November 2025, this HDOT initiative aims to fill gaps in transit and pedestrian access, providing the ground-side "last-mile" infrastructure necessary for future urban vertiport nodes.
• Tourism and Conservation: Hawaii is exploring AAM for "low-impact" tourism, allowing visitors to reach remote areas without the noise footprint of traditional helicopters, while also assisting in native reforestation and coastal restoration via drone-seeding operations.

Strategic Initiatives and Resources

• HDOT Energy Security and Waste Reduction Plan: hidot.hawaii.gov/ESWRP-2025
• HDOT Multimodal Network: highways.hidot.hawaii.gov/Priority-Multimodal