What It’s Really Like to Fly Hawaiian Airlines Business Class (2026)

454

I just flew Hawaiian Airlines business class, and honestly, it’s one of the best ways to cross the Pacific. The moment they handed me that POG juice in an actual glass (not plastic!), I was sold. The genuine island vibe isn’t something most airlines can fake, and it makes those long flights feel less like work.

2026 is a big year for Hawaiian. They’re joining oneworld in April, free Starlink WiFi is rolling out across the fleet, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliners are showing up on more routes. If you’re planning a Hawaii trip or flying transpacific regularly, there’s never been a better time to give Hawaiian’s business class a serious look. Let me break down what’s new and whether it’s worth your money.

My #1 tip to find cheap Hawaiian Airlines Business Class tickets

Looking for a steal on Hawaiian Airlines business class tickets? For 5 years, I’ve been using Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), which sends you alerts on airline deals, discounts, and mistake fares. It’s a total game-changer, saving me $10,000+ on flights each year.

Their $49/year premium version is well worth it- just one discounted flight pays for the whole thing. I recommend trying the free trial and using my special discount code JON25 to save 25%! And if you’re into business/first class, you’ll want to sign up for their Elite version. Last year, this service saved me $2,750 on a first class flight and $1,500 on a business class flight. At just $199 year year, trust me, it’s a small price for huuuuge savings.

Overview of Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines has been flying since 1929. It’s one of the oldest carriers in the United States. Based in Honolulu and Maui, they connect Hawaii with the mainland, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. The fleet is a mix of Airbus A321neos, A330-200s, Boeing 717s for inter-island flights, and the newer Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners that are gradually taking over long-haul routes.

Hawaiian is one of the safest airlines in the US. No fatal accidents, ever. They also lead on punctuality, which is huge when you’re connecting through Honolulu or maximizing vacation time. The business class experience brings genuine Hawaiian hospitality from check-in to landing. The food reflects local flavors, the service feels warm and personal, and it’s noticeably more relaxed than your typical mainland carrier.

Alaska Airlines bought Hawaiian for $1.9 billion in September 2024. Both airlines still operate under their own brands, but big changes are rolling out. Hawaiian joins oneworld on April 22, 2026, which suddenly gives you access to over 1,200 destinations through partner airlines. The loyalty programs merged into Atmos Rewards, so your miles and status now work across both Alaska and Hawaiian flights. I’ll break down what all this means for you below.

What’s new with Hawaiian Airlines Business Class in 2026?

Hawaiian Airlines is in the middle of a major transformation following its merger with Alaska Airlines. If you last flew them a couple of years ago, 2026 looks pretty different: oneworld alliance perks, free high-speed WiFi across the fleet, and some significant route changes. Here’s what’s changing in ways that matter if you fly business class to or from Hawaii regularly.

Joining oneworld on April 22, 2026

Hawaiian officially joins the oneworld alliance on April 22, 2026, which means your miles and elite status suddenly work across way more airlines. If you’re already loyal to Hawaiian through the new Atmos Rewards program (which replaced HawaiianMiles), you’ve technically had some oneworld benefits since the Alaska merger. But April 22 is when it becomes official and when passengers loyal to other oneworld airlines like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and Japan Airlines can finally earn and redeem miles on Hawaiian flights.

For travelers based in Hawaii or those who fly the Pacific regularly, this is massive. You’ll be able to book Hawaiian business class award flights using British Airways Avios or other partner miles, access oneworld lounges globally, and get reciprocal elite benefits. Hawaiian becomes part of a network with over 1,200 destinations worldwide. If you’re sitting on Alaska or Hawaiian miles and have been waiting to book international travel, April 22 unlocks a ton of new redemption options across Asia, Europe, and beyond through oneworld partners.

Free Starlink WiFi across the entire fleet

Hawaiian became the first major U.S. airline to roll out SpaceX’s Starlink internet, and it’s genuinely game changing. Unlike the slow, clunky WiFi you’re used to on most airlines, Starlink delivers speeds fast enough to stream Netflix, work on cloud documents, or video call your team from 35,000 feet over the Pacific.

The service is completely free. No login hassles, no credit card required. You just connect to “Starlink WiFi on HawaiianAir” the moment you board. All of Hawaiian’s Airbus A321neo and A330 aircraft already have it installed. The Boeing 787 Dreamliners are getting it starting Fall 2026, with full fleet installation expected by 2027. Hawaiian is easily one of the best airlines for Wi-Fi, hands down.

Route changes you need to know about

Hawaiian made some tough calls in 2025, cutting three underperforming routes in November: Seoul, Fukuoka, and Boston. Soft post-pandemic travel demand from Asia and market challenges forced the airline to redeploy aircraft to stronger performing routes. That capacity is being used to boost service where demand is highest.

Honolulu to Sydney increased to daily flights during peak season (December 18, 2025 through January 31, 2026), and there’s a second weekly Honolulu to Papeete flight starting March 2026. Domestic routes like Honolulu to Los Angeles and Honolulu to Seattle also saw frequency increases during high demand periods.

Hawaiian also upgraded the Seattle to Tokyo Narita route with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner starting January 2026, replacing the older A330s on that service. This gives passengers the new Leihoku business class suites with privacy doors and direct aisle access. It’s a significant step up from the A330 product.

A330 business class refresh coming

Hawaiian is planning a full retrofit of all 24 Airbus A330-200 aircraft over the next few years. The current 2-2-2 business class layout is dated, and Alaska Air Group confirmed the seats will be replaced with a more modern configuration. Alaska hasn’t provided a detailed timeline yet, but industry reports suggest the first retrofitted aircraft could appear around summer 2026.

The full program will take several years to complete. If you’re booking 2026 business class travel on an A330, you might get the older cabin or you might luck into the refreshed version. There’s no way to know in advance right now. For the best business class experience on Hawaiian in 2026, aim for the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner routes. The Leihoku suites are far superior to the aging A330 product.

Better loyalty integration with Alaska

The merger with Alaska brought the new Atmos Rewards program, which combines the old Alaska Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles into one unified system. Your miles transferred 1:1, elite status tiers were matched, and now you can earn and redeem across both Alaska and Hawaiian flights. Starting April 22, 2026, when Hawaiian officially joins oneworld, Atmos Rewards members get full access to oneworld elite perks.

If you’re Atmos Gold, Platinum, or Titanium, you’ll get oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status, which opens up premium lounges in cities like London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Sydney. For travelers who split time between the mainland and Hawaii, this integration makes life easier. You can book mixed itineraries on Alaska and Hawaiian metal, pool your miles, and use your status consistently across the combined network.

Best and worst Hawaiian Airlines planes for business class

Not all Hawaiian business class seats are created equal. I’ve flown two of the three aircraft types they use for premium cabins, and the difference between the 787 Dreamliner and the aging A330s is night and day. If you’re spending your miles or cash on business class, the plane matters just as much as the route.

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: The best by far

If you have any choice in the matter, fly the 787-9. This is Hawaiian’s newest and best business class product by a mile. The Leihoku Suites are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, which means every seat has direct aisle access and a sliding door for privacy. The seats are 21 inches wide, expand to 26 inches with the armrest down, and convert to a 77-inch lie-flat bed.

The cabin feels modern and spacious. You get an 18-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth audio, USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging, and proper storage space. It’s genuinely competitive with what you’d find on top international carriers.

The catch is availability. Hawaiian only has a handful of 787s in service, and Alaska is gradually moving them to Seattle-based routes for Alaska-operated flights. As of January 2026, the Seattle to Tokyo Narita route uses the 787, which is great if you’re connecting through Seattle. But most Hawaii routes still use the older A330s.

Airbus A330-200: Solid but dated

This is the workhorse of Hawaiian’s fleet and what you’ll most likely get on routes between Hawaii and the mainland, Asia, Australia, or New Zealand. The business class cabin has 18 seats in a 2-2-2 configuration across three rows. The seats are lie-flat and 76 inches long when fully reclined, which is fine for sleeping.

The 2-2-2 layout is the problem. If you’re in a window seat, you don’t have direct aisle access. You have to climb over your seatmate or wait for them to move. For solo travelers or anyone who values privacy, it’s annoying.

The entertainment system uses an iPad that pops up from the console. It works, but it feels dated compared to modern seatback screens. The over-ear headphones connect via a standard headphone jack, nothing fancy.

Hawaiian is planning a full retrofit of all 24 A330s with new business class seats, but Alaska hasn’t provided a timeline. Industry reports suggest the first refreshed aircraft might appear around summer 2026, but that’s speculation. If you’re booking A330 flights in 2026, assume you’re getting the current cabin unless you hear otherwise.

The good news is all A330s now have free Starlink WiFi, which transforms the experience. The connectivity is fast enough for streaming, video calls, and real work. That alone makes the A330 more appealing than it was a year ago.

Airbus A321neo: Not really business class

The A321neo is Hawaiian’s narrowbody aircraft for shorter mainland routes. What they call first class on this plane is really just domestic first class. You get 16 recliner seats in a 2-2 configuration. No lie-flat beds, no personal screens, nothing you’d expect from international business class.

If you’re flying a shorter route like Los Angeles to Honolulu, the recliners are comfortable enough. But this isn’t a business class product in any meaningful sense. It’s closer to what United or Delta offers in domestic first on similar routes. The A321neos do have free Starlink WiFi, which helps. But if you’re specifically looking for a premium long-haul experience, avoid these aircraft.

Baggage allowance with Hawaiian Airlines business class

When you fly Hawaiian Airlines business class on international routes, you get two free checked bags. Each bag can weigh up to 70 lbs (32 kg) and measure up to 62 linear inches (length plus width plus height). That’s generous compared to most carriers and gives you plenty of room for a longer trip or bringing back souvenirs.

Your carry-on allowance is standard. You get one bag up to 25 lbs plus one personal item like a laptop bag or backpack. The carry-on can measure up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches and needs to fit in the overhead bin.

Priority baggage handling is included with your business class ticket. This means your bags come off the carousel first. If you’re connecting through Honolulu and have a tight turnaround, this is a great perk.

Ground experience: Check-in and lounges

I’ve checked in at Honolulu a handful of times now, and while you get the priority perks you’d expect, this isn’t Singapore Airlines or Emirates level luxury. It’s efficient, friendly, and gets you where you need to go without the fuss. One thing I always appreciate about Honolulu is the mostly open-air check-in area, which makes the whole process feel more relaxed.

Check-in and security

Business class passengers have dedicated check-in counters at most airports Hawaiian serves. The lines are typically short, and the staff moves things along quickly. Priority security lanes are available at select airports including Honolulu Terminal 1, Las Vegas, New York JFK, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose. If you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you’re already covered. If not, the priority lane saves you time during peak travel hours.

The Plumeria Lounge in Honolulu

If you’re flying business class out of Honolulu to an international destination, you get access to the Plumeria Lounge in Terminal 1. It’s located on the third floor near the Wiki Wiki shuttle area. The lounge is open from 6:30am to 10pm daily.

The space is about 3,000 square feet, which isn’t huge but feels comfortable when it’s not crowded. The design leans into Hawaiian aesthetics with wooden ceiling fans, island colors, and a relaxed vibe. There are dining tables near the buffet, a work bench along the window with power outlets, and various armchairs scattered throughout.

The food is basic but fresh. Expect sandwiches, soup, vegetables with dip, potato chips, packaged snacks, muffins, and pastries. It’s not gourmet, but it’s better than airport terminal food. The drink selection includes a soda fountain, coffee machine, self-serve wine, craft beer from Maui Brewing Company, and POG juice.

One important note: Priority Pass access to the Plumeria Lounge ended on April 1, 2025. Now it’s only for business class passengers, Atmos Rewards elite members flying internationally, and Alaska Lounge members. This means the lounge is noticeably less crowded than it used to be.

A much larger Hawaiian Alaska lounge is planned for the Mauka Concourse, expected to open in 2027. It’s supposed to be five times larger than the current Plumeria Lounge with showers and upgraded amenities. Until then, the Plumeria gets the job done.

International partner lounges

If you’re flying business class from an international airport to Hawaii, Hawaiian partners with other airlines to provide lounge access. You can access partner lounges in Sydney, Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Narita, Seoul, and Auckland. The quality varies by location, but it’s a nice perk when you’re starting a long journey to the islands.

At New York JFK, some passengers may have access to The Greenwich Lounge under the Alaska American partnership, though eligibility depends on your flight type and fare class.

Onboard experience: Comfort and amenities

When you settle into your seat, there’s an amenity kit from Hawaii lifestyle brand Noho Home waiting in a recycled canvas bag. Inside you’ll find a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs, lip balm, hydrating mist, sleep mask, and reef-safe sunscreen. It’s thoughtfully put together with local touches, though nothing you haven’t seen on other premium carriers.

The bedding setup is one reason I love flying Hawaiian. You get a full-size pillow, a lumbar pillow, a plush quilt, and a proper mattress pad that goes over your seat. That mattress pad makes a real difference. It’s thick enough to transform the lie-flat bed into something that feels closer to an actual bed rather than a padded board.

The free Starlink WiFi on A330s and A321neos is impressive. I was able to stream Netflix and take video calls without buffering, which is rare at 35,000 feet. The 787 Dreamliners won’t get Starlink until Fall 2026, so those flights are stuck with older, slower connectivity for now.

Entertainment varies depending on which plane you’re on. The A330s use iPads that pop up from the console with basic over-ear headphones connecting via headphone jack. It works fine but feels dated compared to modern aircraft. The 787s have proper 18-inch 4K seatback screens with Bluetooth audio.

What really impresses me with Hawaiian is the service style. The flight attendants learn your name during boarding and use it throughout the flight. They’re warm and attentive without being intrusive or overly formal. It feels less corporate than what you’d get on United or American, more like you’re genuinely welcomed rather than processed. That Aloha spirit everyone talks comes through in how the crew interacts with you.

Food & drink in Hawaiian Airlines business class

Hawaiian’s business class dining is created by executive chefs Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka of MW Restaurant in Honolulu. The food reflects actual Hawaii regional cuisine rather than generic airline meals with a pineapple garnish. You get a Mai Tai in real glassware before takeoff, then macadamia nuts with your first drink.

Starters are typically something like tomato and cucumber salad with basil macadamia nut pesto. Mains rotate seasonally but expect red wine braised short ribs with roasted vegetables, or grilled miso chicken with stir-fried vegetables and rice. Desserts come from La Tour Bake Shop in Honolulu, usually banana chocolate crunch cake or lilikoi cheesecake.

Long-haul flights get a lighter second meal before landing. On my last Boston to Honolulu flight, I had grilled mahi mahi with coconut rice and purple sweet potatoes for the main service. The pre-landing meal was simpler but still solid. Other routes typically offer bulgogi chicken with vegetables and rice, braised pork with mashed potatoes, or sandwiches.

The bar focuses on Hawaiian producers. You’ll find Ocean Vodka, Koloa Kauai White Hawaiian Rum, and beer from Maui Brewing Company alongside standard spirits. Master Sommelier Chuck Furuya selects the wines, though don’t expect a huge selection. Coffee is Lion Coffee roasted in Honolulu. POG juice (passion orange guava) is the unofficial drink of choice and available throughout.

How Hawaiian business class compares to rivals

I’ve spent enough time in business class cabins crossing the Pacific to know that not all premium products are equal, especially on Hawaii routes. Hawaiian has its strengths, but so do United, Delta, and American when they’re bringing their best metal. Here’s how they compare when you’re deciding where to spend your money or miles.

Hawaiian vs United Polaris

United’s Polaris business class has better hard product consistency. Every seat gets direct aisle access in a proper 1-2-1 layout, while Hawaiian’s A330s still use that dated 2-2-2 configuration. United’s Polaris lounges are significantly better than Hawaiian’s Plumeria Lounge, especially at hubs like Newark and San Francisco.

But Hawaiian wins on service and food. The crew feels warmer and less corporate. The meals from MW Restaurant taste fresher and more interesting than United’s standard catering. If you’re flying to Hawaii specifically, Hawaiian’s vibe makes you feel like you’re already on vacation. United feels more like a business trip.

My take: Choose United if you’re connecting through a hub with a Polaris lounge and want consistent hard product. Choose Hawaiian if the service experience and local flavors matter more to you than the seat configuration.

Hawaiian vs Delta One

Delta One on their A330s and A350s offers better seats than Hawaiian’s A330s. The suites have more privacy, better entertainment screens, and that polished Delta feel. Delta’s Sky Clubs are also more comfortable than Hawaiian’s lounges.

Hawaiian’s 787 Leihoku Suites match Delta’s product pretty closely. Both have doors, 1-2-1 layouts, and modern amenities. The difference is the service style. Delta feels premium but corporate. Hawaiian feels more personal and relaxed. The food is surprisingly close in quality. Delta’s elevated their catering significantly in recent years, though Hawaiian’s local chef-driven menus have more personality.

My take: If you value lounges and consistency across routes, go Delta. If you want that genuine Aloha hospitality and don’t mind potentially getting an older A330, Hawaiian delivers a warmer experience.

Hawaiian vs American Airlines

American’s business class to Hawaii is a mixed bag. Some routes get proper flagship service with lie-flat seats, others get glorified domestic first on 737s. When American brings their A321T or 787, the hard product is competitive with Hawaiian’s 787.

Where Hawaiian clearly wins is service consistency and the dining experience. American’s crews can be hit or miss. Hawaiian’s staff consistently brings warmth and personality. The food on Hawaiian is noticeably better than American’s standard business class meals. American has better lounge access through Admirals Clubs and Flagship lounges, plus stronger oneworld partnership benefits since they’ve been in the alliance longer.

My take: If you’re connecting through a major American hub and have lounge access sorted, American can work well. But for a direct Hawaii flight, Hawaiian offers a more enjoyable overall experience even if the seat might be older.

Hawaiian business class vs first class: What’s the difference?

Here’s where Hawaiian gets confusing. On international flights, they call it business class. On domestic flights, they call it first class. But it’s the exact same product on the A330s and 787s. Same seats, same service, same food. Just different terminology.

The only real distinction is on the A321neo narrowbody aircraft. Hawaiian calls those seats first class, but they’re just domestic recliners in a 2-2 layout. No lie-flat, no international-level service. Fine for a short hop but not comparable to actual business class.

I’ve flown the A330 on both international and domestic routes. The cabin crew confirmed the only difference is which lounge you access and the label on your ticket. Honolulu to Sydney is business class. Honolulu to New York is first class. Same seat, same meal, same experience. The 787 Leihoku Suites get marketed as first class domestically and business class internationally. Again, identical product regardless of what they call it.

Tips for booking Hawaiian Airlines business class flights

Searching for cheap business class tickets on Hawaiian Airlines? Here are some insider tips that I’ve found helpful:

Tips for booking Hawaiian Airlines business class

I’ve booked Hawaiian business class enough times to know the difference between paying full fare and getting a good deal. The right strategy can save you thousands of dollars or tens of thousands of miles, but you need to know when to book and which tools work. Here’s what I’ve learned after years of flying this route.

• Use Going for business class deals: For the past five years, I’ve relied on Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to find discounted business class fares. Their Elite membership costs $199 per year and sends alerts when Hawaiian business class drops significantly. Last year this saved me over $4,000 on flights. Use my code JON25 to save 25% on any membership.
• Book early for the 787 Dreamliners: Hawaiian only has a handful of 787s, and the Leihoku Suites sell out quickly. Book 6-8 months out for peak travel dates. On Google Flights, look for “individual suite” to confirm you’re getting the 787 rather than the older A330.
• Use Atmos Rewards miles strategically: Business class awards typically cost 50,000-90,000 miles one way depending on distance. Award availability is decent if you book early. Your miles work on oneworld partners starting April 22, 2026.
• Try the Bid Up program: Hawaiian lets you bid cash to upgrade from economy. You’ll get an email 7-28 hours before departure. Minimum bids start around $400-500 for shorter flights. Success is hit or miss, but worth trying if you’re flexible.
• Watch for shoulder season sales: Hawaiian runs business class sales during slower periods (September to early November, late January to March). Roundtrip mainland to Hawaii can drop to $1,800-2,200. Sign up for their email list to catch these early.

Navigating the booking and upgrade process with Hawaiian Airlines can definitely work in your favor with a little strategy and know-how. These tips have served me well, turning routine flights into experiences I look forward to.

FAQs about Hawaiian Airlines business class

Here are some popular questions I get that will help decide whether Hawaiian Airlines business class is a good fit.

Are drinks free on Hawaiian Airlines?

Yes, on Hawaiian Airlines, you’re treated to complimentary drinks. Whether it’s a refreshing glass of water, a tropical Mai Tai, or a passion orange guava juice, they’ve got you covered. It’s a nice touch that adds to the overall experience of warmth and hospitality.

What is the best airline to fly to Hawaii?

If you ask me, the best airline to fly to Hawaii is Hawaiian Airlines. The service, the ambiance, and the in-flight offerings all reflect the islands’ spirit. It’s hard to beat if you’re looking for an airline that offers a taste of Hawaii before you even land.

• Looking to find Hawaiian Airline business class deals for under $2,500 roundtrip? You’ll want to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for economy deals, the Elite version is what you’ll need to find cheap business and first class deals.