Find cheap Hawaiian Airlines flights

If you’re planning a tropical vacation from the U.S. mainland, there’s a good chance that Honolulu-based Hawaiian Airlines is one of your flight options. Hawaiian flies nonstop between the Islands and 16 destinations in North America plus Neighbor Island service to every major Hawaiian Island, service to Asia and the South Pacific. Here’s what you need to know about flying Hawaiian.

Cabin classes, seats & legroom

Hawaiian Airlines operates separate business and economy cabins across its transpacific and interisland fleet. On North America routes, business class is sold as “first class,” although the difference is purely in name only. However, not all seats within the same cabin are the same, and differences in comfort are vast depending on the type of aircraft selected.

Business class (or “first class”)

On Boeing 717s (Neighbor Island routes) and Airbus A321neos (ideal for West Coast–Hawaii markets), you’ll find comfortable recliner seats up front in a 2–2 configuration with extra recline, better legroom, and wider seats than economy.

However, I recommend flying on the Airbus A330 or Boeing 787 Dreamliner. These aircraft feature lie-flat first-class seats, typically on longer routes like Hawaii to the East Coast (such as New York-JFK and Boston). Meanwhile, the Dreamliner offers the very best seats, with a privacy door (my favorite feature) and direct aisle access for every passenger.

Premium economy

Hawaiian calls its extra-legroom section of the main cabin “premium economy.” While these aren’t larger seats than the rest of the cabin, it’s still a more comfortable experience, especially for those who are taller. These seats are located at the front of economy, with about five inches of additional legroom compared to the rest of economy.

Economy

Those who are seated in Hawaiian economy are treated to 29 inches to 31 inches of pitch (the space between one seat and the next seat in front). This is pretty standard for the industry, and it’s a bit of a tight squeeze, especially on longer flights. Mainland to Hawaii routes include a complimentary meal, while short-haul and medium-haul routes have buy-on-board food options .

Onboard experience

Here’s what you should know about the Hawaiian onboard experience.

Wi-Fi & entertainment

The entire Airbus fleet has Wi-Fi, with free and very fast Starlink now available on both the A321neo and A330 aircraft. Hawaiian has committed to installing Starlink on Boeing 787s in the future.

For entertainment, Hawaiian offers a modest selection of movies and TV shows. Only the Airbus A330s and Boeing 787s have in-seat screens (A330 and A321neo first-class passengers get complimentary tablets preloaded with content). On the A321neo, you’ll stream entertainment to your personal device through the Hawaiian app.

Amenities

For those in first or business class on long-haul flights (between Hawaii and New York, Boston, and Austin, or on international routes), expect a full array of amenities from Noho Home including a plush quilt, mattress pad, sleeping pillow, and amenity kit featuring signature designs like Kilo Hōkū and ʻŌlali.

However, these aren’t offered on shorter routes, even on six-hour first-class itineraries between the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii (which is a bit disappointing). There are AC power outlets and/or USB charging ports at every seat whether you’re in first or economy on the Airbus A330, A321neo, and Boeing 787-9, except for those on the Boeing 717.

For those up front on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, expect top-tier in-seat amenities. This includes enclosed Leihōkū suites with a large adjustable tray table and side cocktail area, a large in-flight entertainment screen, and multiple personal charging outlets. In fact, these are some of the best business-class seats in the entire industry.

Food and drink

In economy, expect complimentary beverages on Neighbor Island flights. Mainland and international routes include a full meal with beverage service .

Business and first-class service starts with the signature Mai Tai as the featured pre-departure beverage (prosecco and POG juice are also available from the in-flight menu). Meals come from executive chefs Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka of MW Restaurant in Honolulu. From Maui Brewing Company beer including Bikini Blonde Lager to Kōloa Kauaʻi White Hawaiian Rum, the touches transport you to the islands at 35,000 feet.

Other “Hawaiian” touches

I’ve flown on the Boeing 787 on Hawaiian twice, and one of my favorite parts of the onboard experience is how strongly you feel the sense of place when you step onboard. Design details showcase the natural beauty of Hawaii with gorgeous koa wood paneling, frond-engraved art and an ocean-colored aqua-green carpet. Then, in business class, there’s a fiber optic ceiling, a nod to constellations that guided early Polynesian voyagers.

Pre-flight experience

Here’s what you should know about the Hawaiian Airlines ground and pre-flight experience.

Baggage policy and fees

Hawaiian charges for checked bags on domestic flights, with fees varying between Neighbor Island flights and North America routes. The first checked bag costs $30 for Neighbor Island flights and $40 for North America flights, with the second bag at $40 and $45 respectively. International destinations like Australia or New Zealand include one free checked bag.

First-class passengers get two free checked bags on domestic flights. Select elites and Hawaiian credit cardholders get their first checked bag free on domestic flights. All bags must weigh 50 pounds (23 kg) or less to avoid overweight fees.

For carry-ons, you’re allowed one personal item (such as a purse, briefcase or laptop bag) and one full-size carry-on bag (limited to 22” x 14” x 9” and 25 pounds).

Check-in

Hawaiian offers both priority check in and standard check in, as well as self-service kiosks. The biggest difference to note are the check-in time cutoffs, and they’re based on where you’re flying. For travel between the Hawaiian Islands, you must check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Between Hawaii and North America destinations, it’s 45 minutes, and for international destinations, it’s 60 minutes.

Lounges

Hawaiian offers several lounge options, all located in Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai). International business class passengers flying to Hawaii can use partner lounges at select airports like Auckland (Strata Lounge) and Tokyo (JAL Sakura Lounges).

The Premier Club is Hawaiian’s most basic lounge. I’ve visited the Honolulu location, and while it’s nice to get away from the hubbub of the main terminal, I’ll admit that it’s a pretty bare-bones lounge experience with light snacks and basic drinks. (Don’t have too high of expectations here.) First-class guests and certain Hawaiian elites can access the Premier Club.

The Plumeria Lounge in Honolulu offers a more elevated experience with better food, drink and ambiance. It’s available to international business class passengers, first-class passengers on segments of 2,000 miles or more (which covers East Coast routes) and Pualani Platinum members on international flights. Day passes may be purchased at the lounge by Hawaiian Airlines ticketed guests only, subject to availability. The lounge isn’t accessible via Priority Pass.

Hawaiian Airlines has discontinued it's exclusive lounge option to focus on a new lounge strategy.

Loyalty program and credit card

Hawaiian’s loyalty program has transitioned to Atmos Rewards, which works differently than most mainland carriers. The points (formerly HawaiianMiles) don’t expire, which remains a nice benefit. Hawaiian isn’t currently part of a global alliance but is scheduled to join oneworld, which should significantly expand partner options.

The fastest way to earn points is through the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard, available to all U.S. residents. The airline now offers four elite tiers under Atmos Rewards (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium) with perks like free checked bags, preferred seats, and lounge access.