Hawaiian Airlines Crew Leis Banned on Some International Flights

The current Hawaiian Airlines uniform, celebrated for its cultural elements, was meticulously designed by renowned Hilo-based artist Sig Zane, in collaboration with his studio Sig Zane Kaiao, and a committee of 40 front-line Hawaiian employees. Unveiled in November 2016 and launched in 2017, the uniform's distinctive print, named Kū Mākou, which translates to "Together We Stand," draws inspiration from an ancient chant about seafaring. It integrates symbolic lehua blossoms and 'ohe kapala, or bamboo stamps. Sig Zane himself described the lehua as "the symbol of the Hawaiian people," emphasizing the deep cultural roots embedded in the design. Avi Mannis, who served as senior vice president of marketing at Hawaiian Airlines at the time, underscored the importance of creating a uniform that would authentically represent Hawai'i wherever the airline flew. Affinity Apparel also partnered with Hawaiian Airlines on this extensive uniform program, which outfits over 7,000 team members.

This uniform policy adjustment is another step in the broader integration process following Hawaiian Airlines' merger into Alaska Air Group. The two airlines have already transitioned onto a shared reservation system. A significant milestone was reached in October 2025 when the combined carrier received a single operating certificate, indicating a deeper infrastructural merger behind the distinct customer-facing brands.

This isn't the first time the integration has touched upon Hawaiian Airlines' cultural practices. In April 2026, Alaska Airlines ended a tradition spanning decades by prohibiting Hawaiian pilots from wearing beards, enforcing a strict no-beard policy across all pilots. Alaska Airlines cited safety concerns, referring to FAA guidance and historical protocols for oxygen mask effectiveness, despite Hawaiian Airlines pilots having operated safely with beards for over 40 years. This decision, too, aimed at aligning uniform and appearance standards. Earlier, in January 2026, a memo originating from Alaska Airlines but distributed by Hawaiian caused a stir. It suggested that Hawaiian words had been removed to make language "inclusive for our entire employee population across the entire U.S." This prompted a quick backlash from employees and Hawaii residents, leading Hawaiian Airlines to clarify that the memo was poorly worded and that the Hawaiian language remains integral to the airline's brand promise.

Alisa Onishi, who serves as managing director of Hawaii marketing for both Hawaiian and Alaska, has publicly acknowledged the challenging nature of these decisions. She was quoted stating, "We had to make difficult decisions that will be hard for our employees to adjust to, but ultimately as we explain why we are making these decisions the employees will understand." Onishi had previously been involved in uniform discussions in April 2025, when, as director of brand & marketing at Hawaiian Airlines, she expressed enthusiasm for a new uniform journey that would reflect Hawaiian roots.

The ongoing integration presents a delicate balancing act for Alaska Air Group. While operational efficiencies and a unified brand presentation on specific routes are clear objectives, the cultural identity of Hawaiian Airlines is a powerful asset, deeply valued by its employees and customers. Decisions like the uniform policy and the prior pilot beard ban highlight the complexities of merging two distinct corporate cultures, especially when one is so profoundly tied to a specific geographic and cultural heritage. The frustration expressed by some crew members underscores the emotional connection many have to their uniform and the cultural symbolism it embodies.

As the integration continues, the challenge for leadership will be to navigate these cultural sensitivities while achieving strategic business goals. The decisions made regarding appearance standards and cultural practices will continue to shape how both employees and the public perceive the future identity of Hawaiian Airlines within the larger Alaska Air Group.