Hawaiian Airlines Is Opening a New Premium-only Lounge — What to Know

Hawaiian Airlines is the latest U.S. carrier to announce a network of premium-class-only lounges, starting with a location at its main Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) hub.

Following the merger with Alaska Airlines, the combined carriers have now shared plans to build their first premium lounge in Honolulu, which will open by the end of 2027. While the new lounge is years away from completion, according to Alaska Air Group, it will be located at the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1.

“We are reimagining the travel experience with spaces that showcase our dedication to guest satisfaction and the unique culture of Hawai‘i,” said Alaska’s vice president of guest products and experience, Todd Traynor-Corey, in a 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.”

For size comparison, the new lounge will be much larger — five times larger, to be exact — than the existing Premier Lounge in Honolulu. Based on initial renderings, travelers can expect floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tarmac and plenty of seating in dining areas and the bar. 

Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines operate their own network of lounges respectively, though a premium-only space will become a first for both carriers. While lounge access policies haven’t been announced yet, the space will likely be dedicated to passengers in business and first-class cabins flying on long-haul routes between Hawaii and the continental U.S. or other international destinations like Japan and New Zealand.

In addition, Hawaiian Airlines is making other investments in the traveler experience, such as fast and free Starlink Wi-Fi, which is currently available on all A330 and A321neo aircraft. The carrier will continue to receive deliveries of its newest aircraft, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which features Hawaiian’s newest business-class seats.