I have flown between the North American mainland and Hawaii at least fifty times and on many different commercial airlines. My recent flight between Honolulu and Seattle in the new Hawaiian Airlines A330 First Class, also known as the Premium Cabin, was the best air travel experience so far.
Hawaiian Airlines A330 First Class Cabin and Seats
Hawaiian Airlines A330 First Class is a nod to the airline’s history and namesake island chain, with sky blue accents, curved seat backs reminiscent of ocean waves, and coffee-coloured leather seats.
One of my favourite features is the Constellation Divider located between the Hawaiian Airlines A330 First Class and the main cabin. This unique partition contains tiny fiber-optic lights resembling the constellation Makali’i ((known as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters in Western astronomy), a cluster of stars visible in the Northern Hemisphere during the winter months. The constellation Makali’i was high in the sky when the first Hawaiian Airlines plane departed on November 11, 1929.
The Hawaiian Airlines First Class cabin contains three rows with 18 Italian-made Poltrona-Frau leather seats arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration. Each 20.5-inch seat converts into a 76 inch long lie-flat bed. The spacious 2-2-2 seating arrangement works well for couples and families. With an optional privacy screen, the seats are also appropriate for solo and business travellers.
Passengers in the First Class cabin have access to multiple power ports, including two USB connections and one AC power outlet. The in-flight entertainment system is delivered via a large tablet loaded with movies, TV shows, games, and music. Flight attendants place the wide-screen tablet on an adjustable telescoping arm after take-off and collect it before landing.
The flight crew in the Hawaiian Airlines First Class cabin seem to embody the Aloha Spirit. I appreciated the warm welcome, custom Mai Tai cocktail, and personal pre-flight briefing from the Captain.
Inflight Dining and Drinks
The First Class menu features island-inspired drinks and meals showcasing some of Hawaii’s talented chefs. The flight from Honolulu to Seattle featured menu items created by Chef Sheldon Simeon, owner and Executive Chef of Tin Roof Maui.
After a pre-departure Mai Tai, I selected a glass of Los Padres wine to accompany a bowl of Mauna Loa macadamia nuts. Passengers were offered a selection of appetizers and entrƩes. I enjoyed a roasted beet salad, ginger scallion pesto with udon noodles, and passion chocolate cake.
Amenities
A cozy fleece Olu’Olu brand blanket and a pillow are available to Hawaiian Airlines First Class passengers. I found the tiny, synthetic covered pillow inconsistent with a premium travel experience.
Hawaiian Airlines did not distribute amenity kits on the Honolulu to Seattle flight.
Hawaiian Airlines Lounge Honolulu
The modern Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club, located on the second floor of Honolulu International Airport, offers comfortable seating, ample outlets for charging electronics, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Opportunities for Improvement
- An amenity kit with tooth care products, socks, and an eye shade would be a nice addition to the domestic Hawaiian Airlines First Class experience.
Travel Tips
- Hawaiian Airlines offers non-stop service to Hawaii from destinations in North America, Asia, and the South Pacific. In addition, Hawaiian Airlines flies throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
- If you are travelling to Hawaii’s Big Island, you may want to stay at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. This property fronts one of the best beaches in Hawaii.
- For a uniquely Hawaiian experience, visit the exclusive island of Lanai. The Four Seasons Lanai on Hulopoe Bay is an outstanding resort.
- If you plan to visit Maui, discover why we love staying at the Montage Kapalua Bay Resort.
Have you flown on Hawaiian Airlines? Did you enjoy the experience?
