Hawaiian Airlines launches Honolulu-New York City flights

HONOLULU — Hawaiian Airlines is about to be the only carrier offering year-round flights between Honolulu and New York City.

Daily service between Honolulu International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport began Monday.

Inaugural Flight 50 -- playing off the television show “Hawaii Five-0" -- was to depart Honolulu at 3:05 p.m. Monday and arrive in New York City at 6:55 a.m. Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Flight 51 will depart Kennedy Airport at 10 a.m. and arrive in Honolulu at 3 p.m.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority estimates the new flights will generate $156 million in direct visitor spending and $17 million in state tax revenue annual for Hawaii's tourism economy.

Pictured: Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki, Honolulu. Photo credit: AP