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.
Plane taking off (Shutterstock)
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), Las Vegas (LAS), and Austin (AUS)
- 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
San Francisco is the closest major gateway at just 5.5 hours, but Hawaii is pretty far out there. Nonstop flights from JFK to Honolulu are long — nearly 11 hours — but passengers often say the experience feels shorter because of the service and ambiance. From complimentary meals 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.”
The wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft is commonly used to provide more space, and the Hawaiian Airlines first-class cabin includes lie-flat seats, island-inspired meals, and priority service. The inflight entertainment also features Hawaiian music and documentaries, so you get a crash course in aloha spirit while cruising above the Pacific. Elite members of Hawaiian Airlines’ Pualani Club enjoy complimentary bags, adding to the overall convenience and luxury of the flight.
Top Advantages of Flying Hawaiian Airlines
Why do so many travelers choose Hawaiian Airlines flights?
- Authentic Island Vibe: Every detail, from the uniforms to the music, feels festive
- No Change Fees: Hawaiian Airlines no longer charges change fees for main cabin and first class fares.
- Free Meals in Economy: Unlike most domestic airlines, Hawaiian still serves complimentary meals — even in coach.
- Great Inter-island Options: If you’re island-hopping, Hawaiian has the widest network for connecting flights.
- Top-Rated Service: Hawaiian Airlines customer service consistently earns high marks in traveler reviews and industry rankings.
- Complimentary checked baggage when booking with the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard.
@TravelWithAloha posted, “Our Hawaiian Airlines crew was the sweetest ever. They even gave my daughter a mini lei after her nap. Mahalo!”
Hawaiian Airlines (Shutterstock)
Booking with Hawaiian Airlines: What to Expect
Booking is simple through hawaiianairlines.com. You’ll be prompted to:
- Select your cities and dates.
- Choose cabin class: Main Cabin, Extra Comfort, or First Class.
- Add extras like checked bags or preferred seating.
- Confirm and pay.
Hawaiian Airlines check-in is available online or via the app 24 hours before departure. If you’re checking bags, arrive early — especially at busy airports like JFK.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Merger: What It Means for You
You probably heard that Alaska Airlines recently acquired Hawaiian Airlines in a $1.9 billion deal. This merger aims to strengthen both carriers’ presence along the West Coast and throughout the Asia-Pacific region, ultimately creating a more robust network to and from Hawai‘i.
So, what does this mean for travelers? More flight options, simplified loyalty programs, and a blend of Hawaiian’s signature aloha spirit with Alaska’s wide-reaching network. The best part? For now, it’s business as usual. Hawaiian Airlines continues to operate independently, so you can still book your favorite island getaways just as you always have — complete with that warm Hawaiian welcome.
Rebooking and Excess Baggage Fees
Since the pandemic, Hawaiian Airlines eliminated most rebooking fees for flights within North America, including to Hawaiʻi. You can change dates or times without a fee, though fare differences still apply. If you’re using miles, HawaiianMiles rebooking has more specific rules — so check your booking confirmation or contact Hawaiian Airlines customer service.
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 card members of the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard.
Hawaiian Airlines baggage policy is straightforward:
- Carry-on size: One personal item and one carry-on up to 45 inches, with applicable bag fees during check-in.
- Baggage allowance: One checked bag is $30 in the main cabin for the first, $40 for the second (domestic routes); free in first-class. Checked bag 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 9 inches x 14 inches in size and must weigh no more than 40 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. 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. Notify the airline’s reservations department at least 48 hours before your flight and check in at the ticket counter at least one hour before the minimum check-in time. 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
As of now, Hawaiian Airlines does not offer WiFi on most flights — but the airline has announced plans to roll out free Starlink Wi-Fi on transpacific flights starting in 2025.
Food-wise, Hawaiian shines. Even economy passengers receive a hot meal, often featuring dishes like teriyaki chicken or pasta with local vegetables. Hawaiian Airlines food in 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; meals are only served on longer flights
- Download the app to manage bookings, check flight status, and earn HawaiianMiles
- Pick a window seat on the left side flying into Honolulu for iconic coastal 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.
