What Travelers Can Expect From Hawaiian Airlines' New Premium Lounge

It will be a while before the first guest steps over the threshold, but Hawaiian Airlines is whetting travelers' appetites with an early peek at plans for its new next-level airport lounge. Set to open at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in late 2027, the carrier's new premium lounge is among the first steps in a three-year strategic plan announced in 2024 when the airline merged with Alaska Air Group. Created to reflect Hawaii's hidden gems, diverse natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, plans for the new space incorporate organic and tactile features to showcase sculptural elements. Based on initial renderings, the design features floor-to-ceiling windows and soft pops of color to create a welcoming space where guests can relax before and between flights.

"Our new Honolulu lounge will be a celebration of our guest's voyage, thoughtfully crafted to honor the beauty and warmth of our island home," Alisa Onishi, director of brand and culture at Hawaiian Airlines said in a company statement. "This space reinforces our commitment to providing an unrivaled travel experience that reflects the purpose and values of our hometown airline."

Hawaiian Airlines' current roster of airport lounges includes two distinct brands — Plumeria Lounge and Premier Club. Currently, Hawaiian Airlines operates both brands at its Honolulu hub. Plumeria Lounge is reserved for business-class passengers flying from Honolulu to the carrier's international gateways, first-class passengers flying from Honolulu to New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), or Austin (AUS), and for some top-tier elite members of HawaiianMiles (the airline's frequent flyer program). Premier Club is open to elite members of HawaiianMiles, first-class flyers, and Premier Club members. Admission policies for the airline's new premium lounge have yet to be announced, but it's likely to open as the top-tier choice at the Honolulu airport. It's also unclear whether the new lounge will replace one of the carrier's existing lounges at the airport or become a third option. Either way, it's sure to have all of the expected amenities and conveniences with plenty of space to relax or pull out your lightweight laptop and get a bit of work done.

Planning to be located at the entrance to the airport's Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1, the new space will be significantly larger than Hawaiian Airlines' existing Honolulu airport lounges. "We are reimagining the travel experience with spaces that showcase our dedication to guest satisfaction and the unique culture of Hawaii," Todd Traynor-Corey, vice president of guest products and experience at Alaska Airlines, said in a company statement. "Our new Honolulu lounge will be the first-of-its-kind within this space and will offer a modern oasis for our guests to enjoy."