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Airline: Hawaiian Airlines (HA)
Flight Number: HA827
Route: HNL-FUK
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Airbus A330-200
Registration: N-395HA
Delivered: November 2013
Flight Duration: 9 Hours 40 Minutes
Distance: 4,397 Miles
Overall impression:
Experiencing Hawaiian Airlines’ A330 Business Class: A Taste of the Aloha Spirit
It’s not every day that we get the chance to try a new airline product, so when the opportunity to book Hawaiian Airlines’ business class presented itself, we jumped on it! Known for its warm hospitality and distinctive Aloha Spirit, Hawaiian Airlines has built a reputation for making travelers feel right at home from takeoff to touchdown. They’re also celebrated as the most punctual U.S. carrier—ideal for anyone who values a timely departure.
Hawaiian Airlines recently acquired a fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners featuring state-of-the-art business class suites with doors for added privacy. However, our experience was on one of their A330s, which still offers lie-flat seats but in a 2-2-2 configuration. This setup means that not every seat has direct aisle access, which might be a consideration for those who prefer more privacy or frequent access to the aisle. That said, the A330 cabin’s small size—just 18 seats in business class—allows for a more intimate and personalized level of service.
From the moment we boarded, the Honolulu-based crew made us feel genuinely welcome with their warm, casual approach. This relaxed style is a refreshing contrast to the often more formal and reserved service on other carriers, adding an authentic touch of island hospitality.
As for the in-flight dining, the catering was decent, though somewhat limited. While Hawaiian’s cuisine may not be Michelin star-worthy, it’s satisfying enough to get you through the nine-hour journey to Fukuoka. And, after all, the Aloha Spirit on board more than makes up for any minor culinary shortcomings.
What I Liked:
The Warm and Friendly Service – The business class crew on Hawaiian Airlines truly stood out with their warm, genuine hospitality. From the moment we boarded, they struck a perfect balance—friendly and casual without being overbearing. As we settled in, they offered us a pre-departure drink, and of course, we went with Hawaiian’s Signature Mai Tai to kick off the journey in island style. While still on the ground, they proactively added mattress pads to our seats, which made a noticeable difference in comfort for the long flight.
Throughout the meal service, the crew was both attentive and charming, graciously offering multiple drink refills and frequently checking in to make sure we were comfortable. Right before landing, the flight attendants thanked us for flying with Hawaiian and gave us chocolates as parting gifts. We really felt well cared for the entire flight.
What I didn’t like:
The Plumeria Lounge in Honolulu – Business class passengers on international itineraries gain access to the Plumeria Lounge, which is marketed as Hawaiian Airlines’ flagship lounge. Unfortunately, the lounge is quite small, with limited seating that quickly filled up during our visit, making the space feel cramped. While it offers a selection of hot and cold dishes and beverages, the options were somewhat underwhelming for a lounge of this status.
Business Class Seats – My excitement to experience Hawaiian’s business class seats was tempered by a few practical issues. The seats felt cramped and lacked convenient storage space. While they do recline fully flat, privacy is limited—aside from a small retractable partition between seats. Sitting in 1H near the aisle, I found myself disturbed by noise and activity from the galley, and my legs were occasionally bumped by passing crew. My companion in 1J, a bulkhead seat, also had to step over me in bed mode to access the aisle, which could be inconvenient for solo travelers.
The in-flight Catering – Right after takeoff, the crew asked us for our beverage orders, which was served with a ramekin of macadamia nuts. Hawaiian offers an after takeoff, and a pre-arrival meal service on this flight. The meals themselves were served on a single tray rather than in courses, which was a little disappointing. For the first meal, there were only two choices. I selected the Hawaiian Fusion Menu which consisted of warm bread, Nicoise Salad, and Chicken Cordon Bleu with Ham for the main. The salad tasted light and fresh, but the chicken cordon bleu was overcooked and the meat was very tough. Meanwhile, my companion ordered the Japanese Menu with assorted small appetizers, miso soup, steamed rice, and grilled misoyaki salmon for the main. The Japanese menu was clearly the better option in terms of presentation and taste, as my companion really enjoyed the meal. A coffee and cream cheesecake dessert was also offered after the meal, which was decent but forgettable. A small snackbar was setup in the galley during the flight for those wanting a quick bite. 2 hours before landing in Fukuoka, we were served our pre-arrival meal, the choices were a Shoyu Chicken Wrap or Kabocha Squash Gratin, both of which were served with fresh fruits. I had the chicken wrap was OK, but tasted a bit gamey for some reason. Then my companion had the Kabocha which was nicely presented, but tasted a bit bland.
In-flight Entertainment – Unlike typical business class seats, Hawaiian’s do not have built-in entertainment screens. Instead, the crew provides an iPad and noise-canceling headphones after takeoff. While the iPad was responsive and offered a good selection of movies, TV shows, and music, I missed having an IFE system that could be used gate-to-gate. Additionally, the headphone cord was a bit cumbersome and tended to get in the way when I moved around in the seat.
Lack of Individual Air Nozzles – Although a minor detail, the absence of personal air nozzles was noticeable, as they would allow for more individual comfort. While the crew did their best to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, adjustable air flow could enhance the in-flight experience.
It’s fine, I guess…
The Amenities – Hawaiian’s business class amenities were thoughtfully curated for comfort and sustainability, even if they weren’t overly lavish. Shortly after boarding, the crew handed out a basic amenity pouch, followed by a basket of additional items from which we could choose exactly what we needed—a sustainable approach that helps reduce waste. For in-flight comfort, Hawaiian provides a bottled water, plush mattress pad (which the crew will set up for you), a full-size pillow, a thick duvet, and slippers, making it easy to settle in for a long journey. The business class lavatories, while compact, were kept spotless and decorated with fresh flowers, adding a touch of charm. They were also stocked with hand lotion and facial mist, small but welcome details that enhanced the overall experience.
Bottom Line:
Hawaiian Airlines’ A330 business class delivers a warm, relaxed travel experience that embodies the Aloha Spirit. The Honolulu-based crew stands out for their attentive, friendly service, offering thoughtful touches like pre-departure drinks, cozy mattress pads, and frequent check-ins throughout the flight. The amenities are practical and eco-conscious, allowing passengers to choose only what they need, while providing comforts like a full-size pillow, thick duvet, and slippers. Although the business class seats lack privacy and storage space, and some aspects—like dining and entertainment—could be enhanced, the overall journey is pleasant and comfortable. Hawaiian’s approach to service and in-flight touches, from fresh flowers in the lavatories to a well-stocked snack bar, adds a unique charm to the flight. Ideal for travelers who appreciate genuine hospitality over luxury frills, Hawaiian’s business class offers a refreshing, memorable way to fly.
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