What It’s Like to Fly Hawaiian Airlines — and Everything to Know Before You Book

This article was originally published April 8, 2025 and updated on December 9, 2025.

When you think of paradise in the sky, flying Hawaiian Airlines often comes to mind. From the moment you board, the airline’s warm aloha spirit and island-inspired details give you a taste of Hawaiʻi before you even touch down. Whether you’re flying out of a major hub like JFK or booking inter-island connections, Hawaiian Airlines offers a unique blend of comfort, service, and cultural pride. But is it really the best option for your Hawaiʻi trip? Let’s break it all down — from first-hand flying experiences to baggage rules, deals, and how the merger with Alaska Airlines may affect your travel.

Hawaiian Airlines Flights to the Mainland

Hawaiian airlines offers direct flights from several mainland U.S. cities. All flights from the mainland are long, but the journey doesn’t feel so bad when you’re flying Hawaiian Airlines, where island vibes start the moment you step on board. Route options include:

• West Coast Hubs: Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), San Diego (SAN), Oakland (OAK), San Jose (SJC), and Sacramento (SMF)

• Pacific Northwest: Seattle (SEA) and Portland (PDX)

• Southwest & Mountain States: Phoenix (PHX) and Las Vegas (LAS)

• East Coast: Boston (BOS) and New York City (JFK)

These routes connect to destinations across the Hawaiian Islands, including Honolulu (Oʻahu), Kahului (Maui), Kona and Hilo (Hawai‘i Island), and Līhuʻe (Kauaʻi).

Flying Hawaiian Airlines: A Slice of Aloha at 30,000 Feet

Flights from the West Coast run about 5–6 hours, while the nonstop route from New York City (JFK) to Honolulu is one of the longest domestic flights in the U.S. at roughly 10.5–11 hours. Still, many passengers say it feels like vacation begins the moment you board. From food with local flavor to a calm, friendly atmosphere, the airline goes the extra mile to embody the culture of Hawaiʻi in the sky.

@OceanJetSetter tweeted, “Best flight I’ve had in years. Flying #HawaiianAirlines from JFK to Honolulu felt like vacation started the second I sat down.”

Aircraft Note:
The Airbus A330 continues to operate many mainland routes, however Hawaiian is actively replacing this fleet with new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which began entering service in 2024. This means you may see upgraded lighting, quieter cabins, and refreshed entertainment on select routes.

Cabin Experience

• Main Cabin: Complimentary hot meals on long-haul flights (not offered on inter-island or very short West Coast segments)

• Extra Comfort: Extra legroom, priority boarding, and early overhead bin access

• First Class / Business on 787: Lie-flat pods, signature cocktails, Hawaiʻi-sourced cuisine, and premium amenity kits

Pualani Elite Perks
Members of Hawaiian’s frequent flyer program often receive:

• Priority check-in and boarding

• Complimentary checked bags

• Lounge access on select routes

Travelers frequently share details like lei greetings for children or aloha-themed snack service — small touches that set the tone long before landing.

Top Advantages of Flying Hawaiian Airlines

Why do so many travelers choose Hawaiian Airlines flights?

Authentic Island Vibe
Hawaiian brings a sense of Hawaiʻi on board through music, language, and locally inspired service.

Flexible Change Policy
Most Main Cabin and First Class fares no longer carry change fees, though fare differences may apply.

Complimentary Meals on Long-Haul Flights
Hot meals are still included on mainland–Hawaiʻi routes, a rare perk among U.S. airlines.

Largest Inter-Island Network
Hawaiian remains the primary carrier connecting Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island.

Elite & Cardmember Bag Perks
Pualani members and eligible Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard® holders receive checked bag benefits when flying Hawaiian.

@TravelWithAloha posted, “Our Hawaiian Airlines crew was the sweetest ever. They even gave my daughter a mini lei after her nap. Mahalo!”

Booking with Hawaiian Airlines: What to Expect

Booking is straightforward through hawaiianairlines.com or the Hawaiian Airlines app. You’ll select your travel dates, choose between Main Cabin, Extra Comfort, or First Class, and add optional services such as seat upgrades or checked bags.

Online and app check-in opens 24 hours before departure, and mobile boarding passes are accepted at most airports. If you have checked luggage, arrive early at major hubs like LAX, JFK, SEA, and HNL, where lines can build quickly around peak flight times.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Merger: What It Means for You

Alaska Airlines has completed its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, with integration planned to roll out gradually over the coming months and years. For now, Hawaiian continues to operate under its own brand, aircraft, and service standards while both airlines determine how their networks and loyalty programs will align.

Travelers may eventually see benefits such as coordinated flight schedules, aligned reward options, and expanded West Coast and Pacific connections. However, most day-to-day travel elements—booking, check-in, meal service, and aircraft experience—currently remain unchanged.

In short: nothing major has shifted for passengers yet, but updates are expected as the two carriers begin harmonizing their systems.

Rebooking and Excess Baggage Fees

Hawaiian Airlines no longer charges change fees for most Main Cabin and First Class fares on North America routes, though fare differences may apply when switching to a higher-priced date or destination. If booked with miles, HawaiianMiles award tickets follow separate change and redeposit rules, which can vary by fare type.

Excess and overweight fees apply to any bag exceeding standard size or weight limits, regardless of elite status. Surfboards and specialty items are accepted but may incur additional charges depending on route and dimensions.

Checked Baggage Rules and Fees

Luggage fees are determined based on fare type, travel destinations, and various exemptions. Want to avoid fees? Join the HawaiianMiles loyalty program or apply for the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard. Membership baggage allowance benefits are available for Pualani Platinum and Gold members, as well as primary cardmembers of the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard when the ticket is purchased with the card.

Hawaiian Airlines baggage policy is straightforward:

• Carry-on size: One personal item and one carry-on up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (no more than 25 pounds).

• Baggage allowance: One checked bag is $30 for the first and $40 for the second (mainland U.S. routes). First Class receives complimentary checked bags.

• Baggage fees vary based on flight routes, with discounts available for first-class passengers and loyalty program members.

Baggage rules: No checked bag over 70 lbs; oversized/overweight fees apply. Excess baggage fees apply for any bags exceeding the provided allowance, even for elite members. Hawaiian Airlines baggage fees are competitive and reflect the airline’s commitment to providing value for your journey.

Carry-On Bag Policy

When flying with Hawaiian Airlines, you’re allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag, free of charge. Your carry-on bag should not exceed 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches in size and must weigh no more than 25 pounds. It’s important to note that if you’re seated in a bulkhead seat, there’s no under-seat storage available. This means all carry-on baggage must be stowed in the overhead bin during take-off and landing. This policy ensures a smooth and comfortable experience for all passengers on board.

Check-In Process: What You Need to Know

Checking in for your Hawaiian Airlines flight is a breeze, with multiple options available. You can check in online, at the airport, or through the airline’s mobile app. Online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight’s departure, allowing you to secure your seat and avoid long lines at the airport. If you prefer to check in at the airport, you can use the designated check-in counters or the convenient self-service kiosks. For those with checked baggage, remember to proceed to the designated baggage drop-off area after checking in to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Traveling with Special Items

Hawaiian Airlines makes it easy to travel with special items, whether it’s sports equipment, musical instruments, or child restraint seats. Sports equipment like surfboards, golf bags, and fishing gear are accepted within the airline’s size and weight limits and count as one checked bag. Surfboard bags must not exceed 10 feet 5 inches in length and 50 pounds total weight. Musical instruments can be carried on board or checked, depending on their size and weight. If you’re traveling with a child, FAA-approved child restraint seats can be used on board for added safety.

For passengers with CPAP devices, Hawaiian Airlines offers special services. Arrangements must be made in advance, and equipment must meet FAA requirements. Military personnel and those traveling on official government travel orders may also be eligible for special baggage allowances, making your journey even more convenient.

WiFi and Food on Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines now offers free in-flight Wi-Fi on many of its long-haul aircraft, with continued rollout expanding across the fleet. Availability may vary depending on the aircraft type and route.

Food-wise, Hawaiian shines. Economy passengers on most mainland–Hawai‘i flights receive a complimentary hot meal, often featuring dishes like teriyaki chicken or pasta with local vegetables. First class includes full meal service with wine or tropical cocktails. Vegetarian and vegan options can be requested ahead of time.

@FlyingFoodie wrote, “I had a macadamia nut pancake and mango chutney for breakfast — on a plane! Hawaiian Airlines food wins again.”

Pro Tips Before You Fly

Here are a few ways to make your Hawaiian Airlines journey smoother:

• Check in early online to snag better seat options.

• Bring snacks if you’re flying inter-island; meal service is not provided on inter-island flights.

• Download the app to manage bookings, check flight status, and earn HawaiianMiles.

• Views vary by route, but a left-side window seat when flying into Honolulu often provides coastal and Waikīkī skyline views.

Flying Hawaiian Airlines is more than just getting from point A to point B — it’s the start of your island journey. From the moment the ukulele music plays to the final “mahalo” as you step off the plane, Hawaiian makes sure your aloha adventure starts in the sky.