Hawaiian Airlines Review

Hawaiian Airlines was initially named Inter-Island Airways Ltd in 1929, but its branding has changed to reflect and embrace its roots and how it started. Initially, services ran between the islands, but now Hawaiian Airlines operates in North America, Asia, and the South Pacific, with over 20 direct flight destinations. Hawaiian Airlines is your airline if you want excellent service in North America. Hawaiian Airlines’ commitment to embrace Hawaiian culture, even to the smallest detail, is unique. Each plane is named after a bird, plant or star constellation when added to the fleet.

When to Use Hawaiian Airlines

Routes and Destinations

Hawaiian operates primarily in North America, focusing on U.S. domestic routes and international flights between the Hawaiian islands and the mainland U.S. In addition to flying within North America, Hawaiian Airlines flies directly to several destinations in Asia and the South Pacific, such as Sydney, Auckland, Tokyo, Osaka, and Seoul, to name a few. Hawaiian is known for its flights connecting small tropical islands, so if you are looking for a remote getaway, then you should consider Hawaiian, as they will take you to places such as American Samoa, the Cook Islands and Tahiti.

Best For

Hawaiian is best for a comfortable flight experience. Often, cabin luggage is included, unlike budget airlines, as well as light snacks. It’s especially great for short-haul flights and leisure travellers heading to the U.S., Asia, and the South Pacific destinations. It is especially popular with those looking to visit smaller, remote tropical islands. Hawaiian is an excellent choice for those looking for a more premium option with the chance to pay for optional extras. 

When NOT to Use Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines may not be the best choice for travellers seeking ultra-low-cost fares. The airline offers a more premium experience, and with that comes slightly higher fares compared to budget carriers. If you’re simply looking to get from point A to point B with the least amount of comfort, you may want to consider another airline. 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Hawaiian Airlines offers a comfortable experience with spacious seats and friendly Hawaiian-inspired hospitality.
• Offers non-stop flights to and from Hawaii from major U.S. cities, along with international flights to Asia and the South Pacific Islands.
• The airline has a good reputation for on-time performance and quality service.
• The Hawaiian Miles loyalty program provides benefits and rewards for frequent flyers, including opportunities to earn miles for flights, upgrades, and other perks.
• In-flight food options reflect Hawaiian culture, offering a unique culinary experience for passengers.
• Passengers can enjoy personal entertainment options on long-haul flights, including movies, TV shows, and music.

Cons:

• Hawaiian Airlines can be more expensive for base fairs than other domestic airlines.
• Checked luggage and seat selection may be an extra cost, although they are more reasonable than some other carriers.
• While Hawaiian Airlines provides good service, it doesn’t always offer the same extensive amenities as other full-service carriers on international flights (e.g., premium cabin options are limited).
• The airline has a smaller network compared to larger international carriers, limiting options for connecting flights.

Booking Experience

Website and App Usability

Booking with Hawaiian Airlines is a straightforward process through its well-designed website and mobile app. The website and app are user-friendly, allowing you to quickly search for flights, choose your seats, and add extras like baggage or meals. The Hawaiian Airlines app makes it easy to keep track of your booking, make changes, and be updated on the ground when at the airport.

Payment and Ticketing

Hawaiian Airlines accepts most major forms of payment made with credit and debit cards. While base fares are competitive, passengers should be aware of additional charges for baggage, seat selection, and meals, especially on long-haul flights. Purchasing your flight through Hawaiian is a smooth process, but be aware of additional extras.

Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Policy

Hawaiian Airlines allows one free personal item per passenger, such as a backpack or purse that can fit under the seat in front of you. However, fees apply for additional bags. Hawaiian’s baggage policy is fairly straightforward compared to other major carriers, but it’s still important to check the airline’s rules to avoid surprise charges at the airport.

• Personal item: Free, but it must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Carry-on bag: Fees vary, typically between $25 to $35, depending on the route and time of purchase. Maximum size not to exceed 9L x 14W x 22H or 45 linear inches (114 cm) (length + width + height) limited to 25 pounds (11 kg)
• Checked bags: Fees range from $30 for the first checked bag on domestic flights, with varying charges for additional bags. Your checked bag must not exceed an Outside Linear Dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) or a maximum weight of 50 pounds (22.5 kg)
• Overweight/oversized bags: Additional charges apply for bags exceeding weight or size limits.

In-Flight Experience

Food

Hawaiian Airlines offers complimentary meals on longer flights, such as those from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii, with a variety of snacks and beverages available. Hawaiian Airlines often includes island-inspired meals to reflect the airline’s cultural identity. On shorter flights, you may have the option to purchase light snacks or beverages. The airline proudly uses Hawaiian products such as the popular Lion coffee. 

Entertainment

Hawaiian Airlines offers in-flight entertainment on select long-haul flights, including movies, TV shows, and music. Passengers can also enjoy access to Hawaiian Airlines’ entertainment app, where they can stream content on their own devices. Wi-Fi is available on many flights, though it may not be free and can be used for light browsing or email checking.

Does Hawaiian Airlines Have Wi-Fi on Board?

Wi-Fi is available on most Hawaiian Airlines flights, although it is not always free. Through its in-flight portal, passengers can connect and find options for browsing the internet or checking emails. However, streaming and more data-heavy activities may not be optimal due to limited bandwidth. It is recommended that you download offline entertainment before your flight if you wish to stay entertained. 

Recently, Hawaiian proudly announced that it was the first airline to trial using Starlink on all of its A330 and A321 neo aircraft flights. Not only is Hawaiian using Starlink, which offers a more reliable Wi-Fi service, but it is free for customers.

Hawaiian Airlines Customer Service

Customer Service

Hawaiian Airlines is known for its friendly and helpful customer service, focusing on Hawaiian hospitality. Staff are typically courteous, and the airline offers various customer service channels, including phone support, email, and social media. If you experience issues, you can expect the airline to work with you to resolve them, though response times may vary during peak travel times.

Reliability

Hawaiian Airlines has a strong reputation for reliability, with a good track record for on-time departures and minimal cancellations. However, you may find delays due to weather conditions in the Pacific. Hawaiian Airlines is generally proactive in offering assistance and rebooking options in case of delays, although you may not receive the same level of compensation as offered by larger international airlines.

Alternative Airlines

Comparisons

Several airlines fly similar routes to Hawaiian Airlines, so if you are looking for a more budget option or alternative airline with competitive prices, then you should look at Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue. 

• Alaska Airlines: A major competitor in the West Coast and Hawaii routes, offering a similar service with more variety of domestic and international connections.
• American Airlines or Delta: These airlines provide a more extensive network with international routes, premium services, and more seating options.
• JetBlue: A budget-friendly alternative that provides a similar level of service with the added benefit of complimentary Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Airlines offers a great travel experience, combining comfort, cultural authenticity, and excellent service. It’s an ideal choice for those travelling to or from Hawaii, especially if you’re looking for an airline that offers an authentic Hawaiian experience. While it may not be the cheapest option compared to low-cost carriers, the level of service, comfort, and reliability makes it an excellent choice for most travellers. Always check the breakdown of costs, as additional services like baggage and seat selection can add up.

Have you flown with Hawaiian Airlines? We’d love to hear about your experience! Comment below and share your thoughts on the airline’s service, comfort, and overall value.