Since the Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner debuted, I have wanted to experience the new First Class Suite on the aircraft.
Luckily, during the 40% transfer bonus promotion, I was able to redeem 40,000 Virgin Atlantic miles (29,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards (UR) points) plus only $5.60 one-way from Honolulu to Phoenix, which features the new First Class Suite. I had to say the 1-2-1 suite configuration was a top upgrade from the old Hawaiian Airlines Airbus 330 2-2-2 seats.
Hawaiian Airlines Schedule and Aircraft
- Route: Honolulu (HNL) to Phoenix (PHX)
- DEP 2:50 PM ARR 11:30 PM
- Duration: 5h30m
- Flight Number: HA36
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
- Miles Booking: 40,000 Virgin Atlantic miles plus $5.60 one way per person.
Booking Hawaiian Airlines First Class with Miles
During the 40% transfer bonus from Chase Ultimate Rewards (UR) points to Virgin Atlantic miles, I took advantage of that promotion and scored the Hawaiian first-class seat for two, plus only $5.60 per person. Virgin Atlantic requires 40,000 miles, which is 29,000 transferable points depending on the transfer bonus promotion, if any.
My process of finding and booking miles was like this:
- Checked and made sure the Saver First Class Award (40,000 miles one-way) was available on the Hawaiian Airlines website.
- Transferred 29,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards (UR) points to Virgin Atlantic with a 40% transfer bonus.
- Virgin Atlantic requires 40,000 Virgin Atlantic miles to book Hawaiian Airlines First Class seats one way per person.
- Contacted Virgin Atlantic and fed the agent with the flight itinerary that I saw on the Hawaiian Airlines website. You cannot book Hawaiian Airlines using Virgin Atlantic miles online.
- The agent processed the award booking, and I paid only $5.60 in taxes and fees one way per person.
- I asked the agent for the Hawaiian Airlines record number and went on the Hawaiian Airlines website to select seats.
Hawaiian Airlines First Class Check-In
I did not have to check bags, so I checked in using mobile passes to clear through security and board the plane.
First Class Lounge Access at Honolulu Airport
Because I was flying from Honolulu to Phoenix, which is considered the West Coast route, I could not access the only good lounge, The Plumeria Lounge, at Honolulu International Airport. However, I could access the Premier Club downstairs, but it’s a terrible club lounge.
Fortunately, The Plumeria Lounge also accepts Priority Pass Membership, so I could use the waitlist to enter the lounge. I had to wait for about 20 minutes before the tables were available for two. Please note that if the lounge isn’t busy, Priority Pass members can enter the lounge without the waitlist.
Honolulu International Airport seriously needs a nice Hawaiian Airlines lounge. Even The Plumeria Lounge is mediocre and often overcrowded due to its small space. Still, it is one of the best Hawaiian Airlines and Priority Pass lounges at the airport.
First Class Boarding
Boarding started with pre-boarding and then First Class. Although the boarding pass says Zone 1, First Class boarding actually begins before Zone 1 passengers.
Hawaiian Airlines 787 First Class Seats and Cabin
I selected a solo window seat 1J on the right side of the aircraft. My first impression of the new Hawaiian First Class herringbone suite was Fantastic!
- The suite offers ample space with a nice brown color seat.
- It also has a privacy door, and you can press a button for do not disturb.
- In addition, you also can wirelessly charge a mobile phone with a steady holder.
- Due to its design, the old Airbus lie-flat First Class seat lacks a TV screen, but each Boeing 787 First Class seat comes with a good-size entertainment screen that has TV shows, movies, and more.
- My seat, 1J, was close to the galley, which was a bit bothersome because the flight attendants were working on food and drinks. But it didn’t really bother me much, as I just let them do their own business and binge-watched the TV with noise-canceling headphones.
- To me, the First-Class cabin on Hawaiian Airlines’ Boeing 787 aircraft is a bit tight because there are 12 business-class suites.
Hawaiian Airlines First Class Drinks and Food
I like Hawaiian Airlines’ simple one-page first-class menu of meals and beverages.
Drinks include the Signature Mai Thai and Pineapple Daiquiri are among the popular choices. In fact, Mai Thai and Guava Juices were part of the pre-departure’s welcome drinks.
Once the flight reached the cruising altitude, flight attendants served the beverage of choice and macadamia nuts.
I think Hawaiian Airlines’ first-class meal offering is underwhelming for the main course. The choices did not sound that great, but I picked the Chicken main course. Everything came out on one tray except for the dessert.
Hawaiian Airlines 787 First Class Lie-Flat Suite
Hawaiian Airlines First Class Suite is outstanding when it comes to the privacy door and lie-flat position for lying down. The seat controls were functioning great with a Do Not Disturb button. However, the bedding amenities are lacking as they only provide a small pillow and a thin blanket. Regardless, the cushion seat was comfortable.
First Class Cabin Crew Service
Three flight attendants were working in the first-class cabin. The flight attendant on my side was very friendly and smiley. She was attentive and professional while serving passengers. Overall, I was happy with the crew service on my Hawaiian flight from Honolulu to Phoenix.
Hawaiian Airlines First Class Amenity Kit
Unfortunately, Hawaiian Airlines does not offer any amenity kit for First Class.
Hawaiian Airlines First Class Verdict
- PROS: Friendly, attentive flight attendant. The seat is a suite with a privacy door.
- CONS: There was no Wi-Fi (they were in the process of installing the Starlink Wi-Fi), and the main course choices were underwhelming.
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