Hawaiian Airlines Business Class Review: New Dreamliner Leihōkū Suites

23.04.2024 - 13:37 / cntraveler.com / Airlines

Last week, Hawaiian Airlines held the inaugural flights aboard its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner plane, a moment six years in the making. The plane was named “Kapuahi” after a star that holds cultural and navigational significance to the Polynesian wayfinders, some of the first people to make this voyage across the Pacific.

The inaugural Dreamliner flights departed from Honolulu for San Francisco, then returned the next day. For the next month or so, Kapuahi will fly between the Bay Area and Hawaii's capital once a day before adding routes to Los Angeles and Phoenix. By the end of this year, the carrier is scheduled to add two more Dreamliners to its fleet.

I flew on Hawaiian's second Dreamliner flight from SFO to HNL and there was much to celebrate as passengers and employees ushered in the airline's new flagship aircraft; live Hawaiian music and hula welcomed us at the gate, and leis were handed out as we boarded. But it's what's inside the plane that will make the biggest difference for travelers, thanks to the completely redesigned cabins and brand-new business class product, the Leihōkū Suites.

Below, details of Hawaiian's new premium economy and business class products, as well as Apartment 1929, the airline's exclusive lounge you'll want to gain access to for one last taste of the islands before leaving paradise.

In Apartment 1929, you can squeeze in a little more time outdoors before boarding your flight home.

For a hands-off, curb-to-airport-door experience, travelers can now purchase Hawaiian Airlines' new Premium Airport Service at the Honolulu airport. This service starts at $500 for two people; travelers can call or email the airline directly to book the service, which is not included in any ticket class.

For departures, this starts with a handler greeting you at the terminal or rental car facility. They will then carry your bags, expedite you through security (it's even faster than Clear or TSA PreCheck), and escort you to Apartment 1929, the exclusive new lounge only available to Premium Airport Service customers.

Capped at just 24 guests, the indoor-outdoor space feels like the oversized living room of a very well-to-do friend. As soon as the door shuts, the airport chatter is silenced and the smell of gardenia hits your nose—impressive on its own—but even more so when you round the corner and see the well-decorated lounge and grassy exterior space that lets you sneak in one last ray of sunshine before boarding your flight.

Apartment 1929 guests enjoy a three-course meal (a concierge emailed me about a week in advance to take my order), and drinks are on offer from a beverage menu curated by Bar Leather Apron, a cocktail bar in Honolulu. When you're ready to board (with the option to