Let’s be real here. Is a detailed review of Hawaiian Airlines 787-9 first class even worth reading?
Who cares if it’s the most comfortable (and private) first class seat that Hawaiian Airlines has ever offered? Does anyone really give a crap that there are video screens at every seat now?
If you’re anything like me, you’d be just as happy flying out to the islands in a hang glider as you would in an ultra high-tech Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
What’s that? You’re not like me? That’s weird. In that case, boy have I got a review for you…
HA003 Los Angeles, Ca (LAX) – Honolulu, HI (HNL) Tuesday, June 11, 2024 Aircraft: 787-9 Registration: N781HA Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes Seat: 5J (First Class)
Hawaiian Airlines 787-9 (N781HA) side view illustration by NorebboStock.com.Our route from Los Angeles to Honolulu this morning as HA003.
My full review of Hawaiian Airlines 787-9 first class from Los Angeles to Honolulu
What you’re about to read is a review of what was by far my best Hawaiian Airlines experience ever. The 787 is a game changer. Nearly all of those changes are good. Some are just so-so. Here’s my full video of the experience I’m about to show you:
Arrival at LAX
I flew up from San Diego the usual way (shoehorned into United Express Embraer 175 first class). At least I was able to get the blood flowing to my legs again during the long walk from Terminal 8 to Terminal B.
FACT: Any LAX based Hawaiian Airlines review that doesn’t begin with the author hoofing it allllll the way to the West Gates of the Tom Bradley International Terminal isn’t telling you the whole story. Flying Hawaiian Airlines out of Los Angeles is fun. Getting there is not.Finally getting my first glimpse of the beautiful 787-9 that will be taking me to Honolulu today. For the record, it’s the same look as seeing a woman with big breasts walking in my direction.Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the DD equivalent of modern air travel. The Hawaiian Airlines livery looks so good on the 787-9!Gate 204 is where this flight will be departing from. I’m so excited about this that I’m not even thinking about that long walk (and my sore feet) anymore.When I was a kid, I always imagined the gate area for flights to Hawaii being lively, festive, and full of people super excited to be flying on a widebody. Reality sucks.Then again, have you priced flights to Hawaii lately? All that gloominess was starting to make sense as I was standing here taking a picture of my boarding pass prior to boarding.
The boarding process for flight number 3 to Honolulu
Gate 204 is one of them “self boarding gates” here at LAX. The only way through is to scan your boarding pass on a soulless-looking kiosk (while you hope for the best). If it likes you, it will swing open it’s doors and let you pass. If not? I have no idea. Thankfully it deemed me – and my credentials – safe to fly.
Would it have killed them to hire some dancers in grass skirts and coconut bras to help liven up the mood a little? This is about as exciting as boarding a flight to Antwerp so far!Welp, there’s been two breast references so far in this review and I haven’t even shown you the dang seat yet. I promise things will get better as soon as we get past the boarding door.
Turning left will take you to the first class cabin. Turning right will take you to the main cabin (be sure to read my review of Hawaiian Airlines 787-9 Extra Comfort to see what that part of the plane looks like).
Turning left was obviously the right choice. Welcome to first class!
The first class seats
The first class seating configuration on the Hawaiian Airlines 787-9 is 1-2-1. That’s really good news for solo travelers such as myself. Couples traveling together may not like it so much – especially considering how the two middle seats face away from each other. Despite its flaws, it’s still a very upscale looking first class cabin.
You can’t see it in this pic, but I was making that face again. These single seat suites are incredibly nice (and very much on brand with Hawaiian Airlines colors and textures).FYI, this shot of the blankets and pillows wouldn’t be so blurry If I wasn’t as giddy as an eight year old on Christmas morning. Just sayin’.Attempt number two (after several deep / controlled breaths). Make no mistake about it – this is a very good looking first class seat.Perhaps the most notable difference over other Hawaiian Airlines first class seats is the huge (18 inch) video screen. Finally!Legroom is good. If excellent is what you seek, I’m afraid that you’d probably be happier in Hawaiian Airlines A330-200 first class.Everything else though (including the seat controls)? 787-9 FTMFW.Power outlets and the remote control for the video entertainment system. I can only assume that woodgrain came from a once-happy tree living next to the beach on the Big Island somewhere. RIP.There are wireless chargers as well (featuring more of that sacrificial indigenous woodgrain).Pineapple-sized storage compartment.There’s another storage compartment next to the video screen, but good luck fitting whole pineapples in there. Slices would be fine though.Speaking of tropical fruit, the flight attendant came by with guava juice, Champaign, and water. Don’t mind if I do.Twinkling stars in the ceiling! As if you’d need yet another reason to choose this over Hawaiian Airlines A321neo first class. It’s also worth noting that all of these seats feature retractable doors. Considering how much fun the last time I flew to Hawaii in a fully enclosed suite (in Delta One on the A330-900neo), I absolutely cannot wait the shut out the world once we reach cruising altitude.After the breakfast service I mean. I ain’t shuttin’ nothin’ out until I get some pancakes in my belly.
The departure out of LAX
We ended up pushing off the gate two minutes early. Not that I noticed or anything, since I was still properly mesmerized by the seat that I was sitting in. I didn’t even appreciate how short the taxi to runway 24R was. I should’ve. But I didn’t.
And we’re off (the gate)!As soon as anything exciting happens, I’ll let you know.Well, that was easy. It wasn’t the most scenic taxi to runway 24R that I’ve ever experienced, but it was quick.The things you gotta do to see sunshine in Los Angeles these days. Seesh.
For those of you who just can’t get enough of the sound of the Boeing 787-9 at full throttle, I recommend watching my full taxi / takeoff video as well:
In-flight entertainment
Having a full catalog of TV shows, movies, and music to consume in Hawaiian Airlines first class is nothing new. The difference on the 787 is the fact that there are video screens built into the seats (as opposed to portable iPads on other aircraft types). It’s about dang time!
Dang it. This home screen is so beautiful (and informative) I almost don’t even want to touch anything.If there’s one thing you gotta know about your boy SANspotter, it’s that he can’t resist touching things. This is the main menu.The result of all the touching? The realization that these 4K 18″ video screens are extremely nice (featuring excellent contrast and brightness).I dedicate this one to all of the Settings nerds out there (the ones who care more about things like parental controls and descriptive audio options than the catalog of movies and TV shows).The control that is remote. It’s basic. Easy to use. But not as fun to touch as the video screen.And finally, noise canceling headphones. Basically, they’re basic (but useful).Yup. Classic episodes of Magnum PI would be excellent through these bad boys. “Higgins!”
The breakfast service
Perhaps the only thing about this experience that wasn’t an improvement was the food. Hawaiian Airlines first class food is what it is. It’s basic. It’s loaded with carbs – and lots of sugar. It looks decent. It tastes fine. Let’s just say that I don’t think they are going to win any culinary awards anytime soon.
Macadamia nuts. Because Hawaiian Airlines.Water to go with my macadamia nuts. Because SANspotter.The menu for today’s flight, offering two choices: a frittata…or pancakes.Let’s be real here. There was only one real choice.I mean, what kind of weirdo would fly all the way to Hawaii just to eat a frittata? Pancakes FTMFW.I appreciated the attempt to “Hawaiian-ify” the pancakes with a syrupy pineapple topping. I didn’t actually enjoy it, but I did appreciate it.“Eating a stack of pancakes while traveling at over 550mph 6 miles above the Pacific Ocean” bucket list item complete.Actually, now it’s complete. The verdict? Compared to United Airlines, it wasn’t much better. On the other hand, compared to Alaska Airlines… It wasn’t much better than that either. Basically what I’m trying to say is that all first class food on flights to Hawaii these days is essentially the same kind of slop that you’ll find it down at your local Denny’s..
Testing out the lie flat seat
Sleeping in these first class seats it’s going to be easy for most people (I think). I didn’t necessarily find them to be more comfortable than any other long-haul international business class seat – but they are far more private than most. It’s the sliding privacy door that makes all the difference IMHO.
“Later y’all!” I’ve yet to find anything more ostentatious and antisocial than shutting the privacy door in a first class suite. It’s the kind of thing that I fantasized about as a 10 year old boy.How good was the blanket? Let’s just say that I would’ve killed for just one square foot of this thing that time that I froze to death on a flight from LAX to Paris in Air Tahiti Nui A340-300 economy class. This was nice!The foot well space felt like your mother really spacious – at least when compared to something like my Zipiair 787-8 Full Flat experience.*sigh* At least nobody could see how stupid I looked as I was trying to demonstrate how private these seats are in a lie flat position.Pro tip: I recommend the first class lavatory if (for whatever reason) you don’t find your first class suite to be private enough.
The descent (and arrival) into Honolulu
They say that all good things must come to an end. In the case of this particular flight, it came to an end 5 minutes ahead of schedule. The decent coming around the south side of Oahu was stunning. The touchdown on runway 08L was not too shabby. I’d give it a solid 4 stars out of 5.
Is there anything better than the feeling of beginning the descent into Hawaii after long flight from the mainland?Actually, there is. Being handed a cookie from a happy flight attendant in an Aloha shirt (while getting your first glimpse of the islands through the window) is a pretty good time.*crunch* *crunch* *crunch* (Don’t mind me. I’m just enjoying the view – and at the cookie).The view. No cookie though. It’s long gone.Welcome to Honolulu!Local time is twelve….holy sh*t. It’s the ANA Flying Honu A380!Well that sucks. It seems that getting a glimpse of the only other Hawaiian Airlines 787 in the fleet so far isn’t quite as exciting as a tantalizing up close look at an A380 adorned with sea turtles.“I’ll miss you, baby.” (Me talking to the seat – not the other way around).It’s worth noting the significance of that statement. I ain’t never whispered lusty things to a Hawaiian Airlines first class seat until now. I’m telling you – it was good!My “still thinking lusty things” look (which you may have noticed is exactly the same as my “look at them hooters” look). I don’t even want to think about what that seat is thinking about me though.
Pros and cons of the Hawaiian Airlines 787-9 first class experience
It’s important to note that this review was based on my experience as a solo traveler sitting in one of the single seat suites. This could’ve been completely different if I was seated in the middle section. More importantly, couples traveling together may not like the way those adjoining middle seats face away from each other. Just something to think about.
Pros
It’s basically everything you know and like about international business class, but with a chill Hawaiian vibe.
The single seats (along the windows) are perfect for solo travelers.
Privacy doors! Hell yeah!
Cons
The food is mediocre at best. I’m bringing my own snacks next time.
Couples traveling together (the kind who just can’t stand the thought of being away from each other – not even for a moment) will find it difficult to stare into each others eyes in any first class seat on the 787.
Scott, I fly Hawaiian because they fly larger planes to Hawaii than most competitors, for example the A321, A330 and now B787. But I have the same issue with the food, which seems to consist of poorly executed versions of Hawaiian classics. I am also not a fan of the ‘rum punch’ drink they hand out – may sound strange but it makes me feel cheap. I don’t understand how they continue with the same program.
“poorly executed versions of Hawaiian classics” – you said it far more eloquently than I did lol. But I totally agree with you. 10 years ago they easily had the best first class food on flights to and from Hawaii, but now…not so much.
Hmm, this looks like a tweaked version of the AA Flagship service, which imo is me of the worst lie flat experiences. The older Hawaiian product looks more comfortable and inviting.
Still looks nicer than AA and the Hawaiian service alone would more than make up for anything. But I wish Hawaiian did something more bold and creative.
I’ll still give it a try next time I go to Hawaii though I’m just a complainer I guess lol
I think you’ll like it a lot more once you try it! I much prefer this over the A330 first class experience – mostly because of how private it is. Food is just as lame though.
I’m taking my family of 5 next Monday RT from LAX-HNL on B787 1st class. Thanks for the review and tips. Can’t wait to let me kids enjoy their lie-flat seats to paradise!
You’re very welcome Tai! Sounds like it’s going to be a trip to remember. Your kids are very lucky – the only traveling I did as a kid was in the backseat of a small car on our annual trips down to Florida and back (from Michigan). 🙂
“Pancakes FTMFW” – Scared my Golden Retriever with loud laughter when I read that. Great review as always. But where do you disclose what you paid? I missed it.
It’s great to see the 787 finally flying at Hawaiian after a few years of sitting around in Charleston. And I have to say that it looks great inside and out! The livery might just be my favorite 787 liveries (it’s definitely up there), and I love the tropical look of the cabin. Oh, and it’s also weird to think that the 787 the first time HA has personal IFE screens in Business Class (or, First Class, whatever).
Also, regarding the 1-2-1 configuration, I read an interview on the March 2020 issue of Airliner World where the CEO said business travelers (in addition to, of course, couples and honeymooners) actually make up a significant part of the airline’s customer base, so it makes sense to have solo seats along the windows. What really surprises me is how the middle seats face away from each other when this seat model actually has a version where the seats both face forward and can be turned into twin beds when fully flat.
Yeah, it’s about dang time, right? I’ve been looking forward to this for years! And based on what I’ve heard, it’s been a smashing success so far (even with the odd seating layout).
Maybe I misunderstood, but I was under the assumption that the two middle seats can be converted into a single flatbed (even though they face away from each other). I haven’t seen an example of it yet, so maybe that only applies to the other version.
It will be interesting to see how the HA premium inflight service evolves with the impending AS merger but maybe they can take the best elements of both…..just not how UA claimed it did when CO and UA unified their product lol. Just got back from flying AS on SANOGG again (first time was in 2019) and have to say that while HA may offer a more visually themed “island hospitality” experience and (the lieflats are a definite plus especially on the redeyes), I felt AS did a good job of trying to differentiate the service whether it was the FA uniforms, the flowers on trays, beverages, etc….although I wish AS would offer macadamia nuts in lieu of the standard nut mix. AS seems to have an upper hand at least with respect to catering.
Oh man. I get all kinds of nervous thinking about what Alaska Airlines might do to Hawaiian if the merger goes through. My hope is that they’ll have the common sense (and decency) to do what they can to further strengthen the brand.
Good to know that Alaska Airlines is still offering a decent product to Hawaii though! It’s been a while since the last time I flew them out to the islands (2017 I think?), so it’s good to hear that your experience matched mine. They’re definitely a viable option out of San Diego.
Gwynn19
Scott, I fly Hawaiian because they fly larger planes to Hawaii than most competitors, for example the A321, A330 and now B787. But I have the same issue with the food, which seems to consist of poorly executed versions of Hawaiian classics. I am also not a fan of the ‘rum punch’ drink they hand out – may sound strange but it makes me feel cheap. I don’t understand how they continue with the same program.
Scott (SANspotter)
“poorly executed versions of Hawaiian classics” – you said it far more eloquently than I did lol. But I totally agree with you. 10 years ago they easily had the best first class food on flights to and from Hawaii, but now…not so much.
Jeff
Hmm, this looks like a tweaked version of the AA Flagship service, which imo is me of the worst lie flat experiences. The older Hawaiian product looks more comfortable and inviting.
Still looks nicer than AA and the Hawaiian service alone would more than make up for anything. But I wish Hawaiian did something more bold and creative.
I’ll still give it a try next time I go to Hawaii though I’m just a complainer I guess lol
Scott (SANspotter)
I think you’ll like it a lot more once you try it! I much prefer this over the A330 first class experience – mostly because of how private it is. Food is just as lame though.
You definitely gotta do it.
Tai
I’m taking my family of 5 next Monday RT from LAX-HNL on B787 1st class. Thanks for the review and tips. Can’t wait to let me kids enjoy their lie-flat seats to paradise!
Scott (SANspotter)
You’re very welcome Tai! Sounds like it’s going to be a trip to remember. Your kids are very lucky – the only traveling I did as a kid was in the backseat of a small car on our annual trips down to Florida and back (from Michigan). 🙂
Have a great trip!
Christy
“Pancakes FTMFW” – Scared my Golden Retriever with loud laughter when I read that. Great review as always. But where do you disclose what you paid? I missed it.
Scott (SANspotter)
Thanks Christy! And my apologies to your golden retriever lol
I paid $953.76 for this. Way too much IMHO, but I gotta do what I gotta do when it comes to reviewing the latest and greatest airline seats.
Peter
It’s great to see the 787 finally flying at Hawaiian after a few years of sitting around in Charleston. And I have to say that it looks great inside and out! The livery might just be my favorite 787 liveries (it’s definitely up there), and I love the tropical look of the cabin. Oh, and it’s also weird to think that the 787 the first time HA has personal IFE screens in Business Class (or, First Class, whatever).
Also, regarding the 1-2-1 configuration, I read an interview on the March 2020 issue of Airliner World where the CEO said business travelers (in addition to, of course, couples and honeymooners) actually make up a significant part of the airline’s customer base, so it makes sense to have solo seats along the windows. What really surprises me is how the middle seats face away from each other when this seat model actually has a version where the seats both face forward and can be turned into twin beds when fully flat.
Scott (SANspotter)
Yeah, it’s about dang time, right? I’ve been looking forward to this for years! And based on what I’ve heard, it’s been a smashing success so far (even with the odd seating layout).
Maybe I misunderstood, but I was under the assumption that the two middle seats can be converted into a single flatbed (even though they face away from each other). I haven’t seen an example of it yet, so maybe that only applies to the other version.
Michael
It will be interesting to see how the HA premium inflight service evolves with the impending AS merger but maybe they can take the best elements of both…..just not how UA claimed it did when CO and UA unified their product lol. Just got back from flying AS on SANOGG again (first time was in 2019) and have to say that while HA may offer a more visually themed “island hospitality” experience and (the lieflats are a definite plus especially on the redeyes), I felt AS did a good job of trying to differentiate the service whether it was the FA uniforms, the flowers on trays, beverages, etc….although I wish AS would offer macadamia nuts in lieu of the standard nut mix. AS seems to have an upper hand at least with respect to catering.
Scott (SANspotter)
Oh man. I get all kinds of nervous thinking about what Alaska Airlines might do to Hawaiian if the merger goes through. My hope is that they’ll have the common sense (and decency) to do what they can to further strengthen the brand.
Good to know that Alaska Airlines is still offering a decent product to Hawaii though! It’s been a while since the last time I flew them out to the islands (2017 I think?), so it’s good to hear that your experience matched mine. They’re definitely a viable option out of San Diego.