Review: Hawaiian Airlines Business Class Boeing 787 (HNL-LAX)

Ben, so glad to see HA getting some love! But, sad to what the 787s will be based in SEA later (which makes sense, but as a Hawaii resident, not happy to hear).

Also, can you clarify you purchased your ticket on Alaska’s website? (which I assume since you used AS travel credits). Some may not know you can purchase HA flights directly on AS’s website.

i am but a humble commenter, but all the same, so weird to me that you wouldn't want to take a day or three in a literal island paradise Ben...

That's a great fare for a lie-flat first class, despite the short flight duration. I wish Hawaiian was a more convenient option for my trip to Hawaii next year, but it looks like I'll be using Delta BOGO coupon for premium select on Delta's A330 instead.

Hey Ben! Great review, but just one note: the 330’s have always had TVs. I flew one back in 2015, and distinctly remember that every time before washing any TV show, movie, or promo video, an ad for the airline with Hawaiian music would play with a man screaming “aloha!” From what I understand, the 321 neos don’t have TVs (which is a major bummer considering the missions they fly). And, of course, the 717s don’t have TVs either, though unsure they’re needed for the 17 minute flights they operate (with a drink service, might I add!)

More of a general question - how do you feel about the 787? I always feel like I want to like them, but the truth is I prefer an A350 or even an older 777 to the 787. Curious what your current preferences are.

That said, as UA and AA have 787s on order, and this is the seat that everyone has selected, and it’s a pretty good seat (each airline’s customization aside), that’s pretty good news for all of us US based flyers.

Yeah the A330s have seatback TVs in economy, it's only in business they don't.

Just flew Hawaiian roundtrip HNL-SFO, and SFO-OGG and both flights had Starlink wifi so watched Netflix on our tablets all the way ground to ground in both directions. Supprised they haven't put it on the new giant plane yet.

Plumeria Platinum here. Having flown both their A330 and 787, I think I prefer the A330 overall. Yes, the 787 has doors, but the A330's have blazing fast and consistent Starlink internet. I will take the great (and free) internet over the door. Shaka.

Thanks for your usual thorough and well written review. You do a great job!

As one who's logged at least 30 flights out to the islands back in the Seventies and Eighties, back in the days of plush, wide recliner seats (albeit 2x2 configuration) and elaborate trolley presentations of four course meals with generous portions of each course, I have to say I find these modern day hard and soft products a bit underwhelming.

The biggest thing I miss is the sense of personal space. The walls of these business class suites are right up on you, and the seats, because they're designed to provide a firm sleeping surface, are more comfortable to sleep upon than to sit in. The old eighties First Class seats on the various widebodies that served the islands back then were wider, with more padding than these narrow, comparatively stiff Business Class seats. They were soooo much more comfortable. As for the meals, the offerings on this flight look on par with what we were served in Economy back in the day.

Today's flyers seem quite content with the privacy of sliding door suites and lie-flat seats, and certainly I could live with them as well, I'd like to see more generous portions on salads, mains and desserts. I mean, given the price differential between Economy and "First", I don't think it would be asking too much for the airline to invest and provide another $1 or 2 toward a nicer salad, another $4 or 5 toward a more reasonable portion of the main, and another $1 toward a decent dessert portion. That's less than $10 per meal. If you went to a sit down restaurant - even one on par with a Denny's - would you be satisfied with the portion size of that chintzy salad and dessert?

Based up what I see here, I'd save my money to spend in Hawaii, take an Economy seat and buy a Subway footlong for onboard sustenance. As for entertainment, a good book and a magazine always worked for me.

But what do I know? If I was flying around in the 70s and 80s, that means I'm at least 60 now and so my perspective is largely irrelevant.

Pualani Platinum?

Just an observation here that Ben's trip reports really are the gold standard of what a trip report should include. An excellent job, as usual.

Agreed. OMAAT is the gold standard.

I wrote Pualani and AI or autocorrect must've changed it to Plumeria after hitting a post button.

I agree with the others who feel Ben's reports are "spot on".

The lengths you go to for us - two short redeyes in a row. <3

I have enjoyed 4 roundtrips on this plane from HNL to PHX.
I agree with most of your review, it is a pleasant experience - and the crew always make it so as you say.
I do have some niggles with the suite.
There is almost no storage at the seat, so any bag you would put under the seat in front has to go overhead for taxi, takeoff and landing. That tiny cupboard holds nothing.
The footrest cannot be reached in normal sit up position - elevating feet on long flights is more comfortable and for some more healthy.
I am happy that this route is now back to the A330, which has a footstool you can reach and better storage.
The bathrooms too are less plentiful in the 787 than the A330.
THat second bathroom between FC and Main cabin on the 787 is supposed to be FC only, but when cabin crew are busy is not enforced. This means just one bathroom for 34 passengers, plus sharing one other, whereas the A330 only 18 FC people share the forward bathroom - plus 2 behind FC to share with the rest of the plane.
I find the cube door to be mostly a gimmic. No-one seated can see into your cube with the door open and anyone walking the isle sees right over it.