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. The carrier also offers inter-island flights and service to Asia and the South Pacific. Here’s an overview of the airline – and why you might want to consider Hawaiian for your next trip to paradise.

Cabin classes, seats & legroom

Hawaiian Airlines has separate business class and economy class cabins across its entire transpacific and interisland fleet. One area of distinction: on routes within the U.S., business class is actually 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. Let’s take a closer look.

Business class (or “first class”)

If you’re flying on a Boeing 717 (these are planes used to fly between the Hawaiian Islands) or on an Airbus A321neo (these are flown between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii), then seats up front are comfortable recliners. These are arranged 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 if you can. That’s because first-class seats lie completely flat, meaning you can relax (and sleep) more comfortably. These flights are typically found on longer routes, like between Hawaii and the U.S. East Coast. 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” and 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 four-to-five inches 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. Short-haul and medium-haul routes have buy-on-board food options while a complimentary meal is served for those on longer journeys, like between the U.S. East Coast and Hawaii.

Pre-flight experience

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

Baggage policy and fees

Similar to other U.S. airlines, Hawaiian charges for checked bags on domestic flights. The fee differs depending if you’re flying only between the Hawaiian Islands versus between the Islands and the U.S. mainland. However, the first checked bag is complimentary for international destinations like to Australia or New Zealand.

First-class passengers, select elite guests, and Hawaiian credit cardholders are exempt from charges for the first checked bag. All travelers must have their suitcase weigh 50 pounds or less, or be subject to overweight fees. In terms of carry ons, you’re permitted one personal item and one full-size bag per person in the cabin.

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; they are based on where you’re flying to. For travel between the Hawaiian Islands, you must check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure time; between Hawaii and North America destinations, it’s 45 minutes; and between Hawaii and international destinations, it’s 60 minutes.

Lounges

There are several distinct lounge experiences for Hawaiian passengers, and they vary in quality. However, it’s important to note that the airline’s lounges are located only on the Hawaiian side: Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai. For international travelers in business class flying to Hawaii, guests can use partner lounges at select airports, such as in Auckland, Tokyo, and more.

First, 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.

Next, the Plumeria Lounge, located in Honolulu, is a more elevated lounge experience with better food, drink, and ambiance. This space is available to international business class passengers, first-class passengers flying to the U.S. East Coast, and select elites. However, anyone, even those flying in economy, can buy their way in at a fairly reasonable cos. This lounge is also accessible via Priority Pass.

Finally, there’s one more exclusive lounge option called the “Apt. 1929” experience. This is a private arrival, connecting, or departure service that provides lounge access and an escort through the Honolulu Airport. The cost is pretty steep, but for those looking to make the most of their Hawaiian vacation, it’s a pretty luxurious way to navigate the airport.

Onboard experience

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

Wi-Fi & entertainment

First, the only planes that have Wi-Fi currently are Hawaiian’s fleet of Airbus A321neos. While I wish this was on more planes, at least it’s free and very fast Starlink Wi-Fi. Hawaiian says that it’s in the process of installing Wi-Fi on Boeing 787s and Airbus A330s, and they hope to have this complete by sometime in 2025.

In terms of entertainment, Hawaiian offers a modest selection of movies and TV shows with several dozen options. However, only the Airbus A330s and Boeing 787s have in-seat entertainment. (Notably, first-class passengers on the A330 are given an iPad preloaded with content.) Meanwhile, those flying on the Airbus A321neo can access entertainment on personal devices through the aforementioned free Wi-Fi.

Amenities

For those in first or business class on long-haul flights (between the U.S. East Coast and Hawaii or on international routes), expect a full array of amenities including a comforter, blanket, pillows, slippers, amenity kit, and a mattress pad. 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 power outlets at every seat whether you’re in first or economy, except for those on the Boeing 717.

For those up front on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, expect the best in terms of in-seat amenities. This includes suites equipped with doors, a large adjustable tray table and side cocktail area, an 18-inch in-flight entertainment screen, personal power outlets, and wireless phone charging. In fact, these are some of the best business-class seats in the entire industry.

Food and drink

Travelers in economy can expect a non-alcoholic drink and snack service for shorter flights, while international routes and those between the U.S. East Coast and Hawaii will receive a full meal and multiple rounds of complimentary drinks, including beer and wine.

In business or first, flight attendants offer passengers a pre-departure beverage choice of prosecco, POG juice (passion fruit, orange, and guava), or mai tais. The meals include creations from executive chefs Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka of MW Restaurant in Honolulu. From the Maui Brewing Company beer to the white Hawaiian rum, there are numerous touches to make it feel like you’re already on the islands while 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 it feels like there’s a sense of place when you step onboard. Design details showcase Hawaii’s natural beauty 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.

Loyalty program and credit card

Unlike most of the mainland U.S. airlines, Hawaiian doles out miles based on how far you fly, not how much you spend on tickets. The program, called “HawaiianMiles,” do not expire, so you don’t have to worry about keeping your account active. However, Hawaiian isn’t part of a global airline alliance and its partners are more limited.

The easiest way to rack up miles quickly is through the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard, the carrier’s consumer credit card open to all U.S. residents. Hawaiian also has two tiers of elite status if you fly the carrier often: Pualani Gold and Pualani Platinum. These offer perks like free checked bags and preferred seats, lounge access, and more.