Hawaiian launches service to 2nd Australian city

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaiian Airlines is launching a new route to Australia.

Starting Tuesday, Hawaiian will fly nonstop between Honolulu and Brisbane three times a week.

Brisbane is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, a marine park of shallow reefs supporting sharks, coral, fish and many other species. It's also the gateway to rainforests, Outback territory and the Gold Coast.

Brisbane is Hawaiian's second destination in Australia. The airline also offers daily flights between Honolulu and Sydney.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority estimates the route will generate $79 million in visitor spending and $8.6 million in tax revenue for the islands each year.