Air Canada is doubling down on a number of destinations popular with Canadians, including Hawaii, Palm Springs and Las Vegas.

Airline officials on Wednesday announced it will be launching new service to beautiful Kauai, the Garden Isle, with its new mainline Boeing 737 MAX-8 fleet this winter.

The airline will also be doubling the frequency of its flights from Western Canada to Hawaii, and all flights from Western Canada to Honolulu, Maui and Kona, and other popular sun destinations will feature Air Canada's new 737 MAX aircraft. All 737 MAX flights are now available for purchase via the Air Canada app, at aircanada.com and through travel agents.

"The introduction of the fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to our fleet has given us tremendous flexibility to strategically enhance our already extensive North American network and offer more flights to popular destinations with more connection options from our YVR and Calgary hub airports,” said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada.

“With 41 weekly flights next winter to Hawaii, we're very pleased to launch new flights to Kauai, as well as double the number of flights from Western Canada and offer day-time return flight options from Honolulu and Maui to Vancouver"

"The new 737 MAX is the mainstay of our refreshed North American fleet, and customers are already enjoying the next generation of our onboard entertainment system, ample storage space in its generous overhead bins and the ability to stay connected during flight with wi-fi."

"More flights, more seats, and new aircraft with top-of-the-line comforts and amenities will enhance the enjoyment of relaxing on beautiful Maui and the majestic island of Hawaii,” said George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

“Plus, the new seasonal service to serene Kauai will give travelers another enticing option to enjoy Hawaii's warmth during winter. We thank Air Canada for their continued investment of confidence in the Hawaiian Islands."

I recently returned from a visit to Hawaii, a place I've been 20 to 25 times now. Kauai still has a good deal of that “old Hawaii” feel to me, with cool towns like Hanalei on the stunning north shore and the funky village of Hanapepe on the drier west side, near famous Poipu Beach.

I highly recommend a stop at Anahola Beach Park on the road between Lihue and Hanalei.

Flights from Vancouver to Kauai will run Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Dec. 15, 2018 to April 27, 2019. Calgary to Maui flights will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from Oct. 28, 2018 to April 29, 2019.

Air Canada is also introducing the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, and with additional frequencies to Cancun and Ixtapa.

Air Canada also has announced daily, season flights between Calgary and Palm Springs, and between Edmonton and Las Vegas, beginning Oct. 28 of this year.

Air Canada is also increasing the frequency of its flights from Calgary to Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Phoenix, and from Vancouver to Phoenix and Palm Springs, where you'll find cool architecture, stunning hotels, great food and beautiful desert scenery. And did we mention golf?

The new Calgary to Palm Springs and Edmonton to Las Vegas flights will be onboard Air Canada A320 and Air Canada Rouge A319 aircraft respectively, both offering premium and economy cabins.

Calgary to Palm Springs flights will be daily from Oct. 28, 2018 to April 30, 2019. Edmonton to Las Vegas flights will be daily for the same time period.

Vancouver to Phoenix will jump from four times a week to daily beginning Oct. 28 of this year, giving Western Canadians great options for Phoenix and Scottsdale or even Tucson. Vancouver to Palm Springs will go from three times a week to daily on the same day.