Dreaming of the islands? If a Hawaiian vacation is on your mind, chances are Hawaiian Airlines is a name you've seen pop up. They're a big player, connecting the mainland U.S. to the Aloha State with a good number of destinations, plus they hop between all the major Hawaiian Islands. They even stretch their wings to Asia and the South Pacific.
When you're hunting for those sweet deals, you might notice some attractive prices, like the $107 round trip from LAX to SFO in late February, or a similar $108 fare in late March. These often involve shorter hops, but it's a great way to get a feel for the airline. You'll also see options that include stops, like those to Las Vegas or Boston, which can offer different price points and travel times. It's always worth digging into the details to see what fits your schedule and budget best.
Now, let's talk about the actual flying experience. Hawaiian Airlines offers different cabin classes, and the comfort level can really vary depending on the aircraft. For those Neighbor Island hops or West Coast runs, you might find yourself on an Airbus A321neo. Up front, the 'first class' seats are comfortable recliners with a bit more space. But if you're aiming for the ultimate in comfort on longer routes, like to the East Coast, you'll want to look for the Airbus A330 or, even better, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. These are the ones with lie-flat seats, and the Dreamliner takes it up a notch with those private suites that have a door – a real game-changer for sleeping on a plane.
Even if you're in economy, there's a 'premium economy' option. It's not a different seat size, but these seats are at the front of the main cabin and give you about five extra inches of legroom. Standard economy pitch is around 29 to 31 inches, which is pretty typical industry-wide and can feel a bit snug on longer journeys. For mainland to Hawaii flights, a meal is usually included, but for shorter routes, it's buy-on-board.
What about staying connected and entertained? The entire Airbus fleet is equipped with Wi-Fi, and the A321neo and A330s boast free, fast Starlink. They're planning to add it to the Boeing 787s too. Entertainment-wise, it's a decent selection of movies and shows. Only the A330s and 787s have seatback screens, though first-class passengers on A330s and A321neos get tablets. On the A321neo, you'll stream to your own device via the Hawaiian app.
For those splurging on first or business class for long-haul international or East Coast routes, expect a full amenity kit from Noho Home, including a quilt, mattress pad, and pillow. It's a bit of a bummer these aren't standard on shorter first-class flights, even if they're several hours long. Good news on the charging front: most Airbus and Boeing 787 seats have AC power and/or USB ports, with the exception of the Boeing 717. And those Dreamliner suites? They're pretty impressive, with everything you need for a comfortable flight, including a big screen and plenty of charging options.
