Without taking anything away from Hawaiian Airlines, you have to compare them with Southwest. They operate 33 aircraft whereas SWA operates over 500 aircraft. Hawaiian Airlines operates 190 flights a day and Southwest operates over 3200 flights a day. Also take into consideration where Hawaiian Airlines operates and where Southwest operates. It doesn't seem like a fair comparison. I would think that it is easier to operate an airline with only 33 aircraft and 190 flights a day than an airline with over 500 aircraft and 3200 flights a day.
I work for Hawaiian and no offense taken. You're right. The simple fact is, staying on time inter-island is a lot easier than dealing with flying between mainland cities. As far as our trans-pac and Intl flying go, mostly one flight a day with the A/C overnighting with the crew. So it makes it easier also. Although the matrix is not just about on time, we beat everyone including lost bags (again easier with our operation) and fewest complaints (we do have a much better inflight product than anyone else does to Hawaii)
To be honest, I really don't care that much about comparing ourselves to other airlinesl. Hawaiian is very good at what they do and it pays off. I think you guys are very good at what you do also. I think the not charging for bags is brilliant. It came home for me when I bought some tickets for myself and family on another airline and than got socked with bag charges. I don't buy many tickets for mainland travel. but if the price is the same and I can go on SWA, that is who I would use knowing I won't get charged a bag fee.