SEATTLE , Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alaska Airlines today will inaugurate daily, year-round service between Seattle and Kona on Hawaii's Big Island. The new flights will provide convenient connections to travelers in other cities served by Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air throughout the Pacific Northwest and state of Alaska .

Flights from Seattle will depart daily at 8:40 a.m. Pacific time and arrive at 1 p.m. Hawaii time at Kona International Airport. Return flights will depart at 2 p.m. Hawaii time and arrive at 9:40 p.m. Pacific time .

"Kona is now the fourth destination that Alaska Airlines serves in Hawaii ," said Gregg Saretsky , Alaska Airlines' executive vice president of flight and marketing. "We're looking forward to welcoming our customers onboard Alaska Airlines to discover another of the unique and beautiful Hawaiian Islands."

George Applegate , executive director for Big Island Visitors Bureau, said travelers are attracted to the Big Island because of its diverse beauty. "The fiery lava of Kilauea volcano, stargazing atop the high-altitude slopes of Mauna Kea and the warm ocean that surrounds the Big Island are some of the reasons travelers choose to explore this special Hawaiian destination. We are looking forward to welcoming the passengers of Alaska Airlines to our beautiful home," Applegate said.

To celebrate the new service, Alaska Airlines Vacations is offering a package price of $675 for round-trip airfare between Seattle and Kona and four nights' accommodations. This price is per person, based on double occupancy.

The new flights are operated with Boeing 737-800 aircraft, accommodating 16 passengers in first class and 141 in the main cabin. All flights to Hawaii offer Hawaiian-themed beverage and meal service. Customers in the main cabin are offered complimentary Mauna Loa macadamia nuts and a complimentary Mai Tai or POG juice, as well as a Hawaiian-themed meal-for-purchase option for $5. Customers in first class enjoy exotic meals, such as macadamia nut-encrusted mahi mahi.

Inflight service also includes Alaska Airlines' digEplayer, a personal entertainment system offering a variety of movies, television shows, music, a channel devoted to Hawaii programming and other features.