Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Airport lounge access is a perk that more and more travelers are used to because there are so many ways to get it. Many airlines offer it to their elite status holders, and many credit cards offer it as a benefit. So they’re not just for first- and business-class travelers.
The opportunity to get a snack before boarding and enjoy a soda or cocktail is appealing to many flyers, given the cost of food and beverages in airports. It’s also nice to get free Wi-Fi, as not all airports offer it. And if they do, you’re likely to have a slow connection.
If you’re based in Hawaii or fly to the destination for business or pleasure, you're probably familiar with Hawaiian Airlines, the state’s flag carrier. In addition to intra-island flights, it also flies to several international destinations.
Where are the lounges, and how do I get in?
Hawaiian offers Premier Lounges in the following Hawaii airports:
Hilo, Hawaii Island, below Gate 6.
Honolulu, Oahu, near Gate A18.
Kahului, Maui, across from Gate 17.
Kona, Hawaii Island, next to Gate 10.
Lihue, Kauai, near Gate 5.
You can access the Hawaiian Airlines Premier Clubs with Gold or Platinum status in the airline’s Pualani frequent flyer club. Another option? Buying an annual membership for $299, which provides access to Hawaiian Airlines-operated Premier Clubs for you and two guests.
Membership includes more than just lounge access, though. You also get priority check-in and boarding, plus a fast track through security. It also comes with two free checked bags, complimentary in-flight entertainment and the airline’s “Unlimited TV & More” pack.
What about the Honolulu Plumeria Lounge?
(Photo by Sally French)
Hawaiian Airlines has a 3,600-square-foot Plumeria Lounge in Honolulu. It’s available to Priority Pass members, as well as to select Hawaiian Airlines business and first class travelers, plus frequent fliers with Hawaiian Airlines’ Pualani Platinum elite status.
Though not as fancy as something like an AmEx Centurion Lounge (and there's not one in Honolulu anyway, in case you were wondering), it's just fine as far as airport lounges go. Unlike the newer lounges that have opened in the past year with fireplaces, rooftop terraces, whiskey bars and more, this lounge feels a bit outdated. The beige color palette has insurance office energy, for starters.
Lounge guests will find a small assortment of fresh, albeit mediocre food like sandwiches and soups. There are also packaged snacks. Delightfully, many bites embrace the Hawaiian theme, such as Honolulu Cookie Company shortbread and Mele Macs macadamia nuts.
(Photo by Sally French)
There's also Maui Brewing Co. beer and a selection of wines. It also features high-speed Wi-Fi and USB charging stations.
If you’re not flying in an eligible cabin and you want to check out the Plumeria Lounge, you can buy a day pass for $40. Pualani Gold and Platinum members of the carrier’s frequent flyer program are eligible for day pass discounts.
Day passes can be purchased check-in online or at the lounge’s reception desk.
International lounge access
Although the airline does not operate any lounges outside Hawaii, it does offer access to international lounges through partners like All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Japan Airlines and Qantas Airways.
Here are the lounges and locations Hawaiian Airlines business class travelers on international itineraries can access:
Brisbane, Australia: Plaza Premium Lounge.
Sydney: Sydney International Business Lounge.
Tokyo-Narita: JAL Sakura Lounge.
Osaka, Japan: ANA Lounge.
Sapporo, Japan: Royal Lounge.
Tokyo-Haneda: Saluara Lounge.
Seoul-Incheon: Asiana Business Class Lounge.
Auckland, New Zealand: Strate Lounge.
The airline has a co-branded credit card, the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®, which has an annual fee of $99 — but it doesn't offer lounge access. However, it does currently have a sign-up bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. It also earns 3x on Hawaiian Airlines flight purchases and 2x on gas, dining and grocery purchases. And it comes with a free checked bag and a one-time 50% discount for a companion flying with you between Hawaii and North America, so it might be worth applying to snag those benefits.
Unless you fly in and out of Hawaii or around the islands on a regular basis, it’s probably not worth paying a $299 annual fee for lounge access. But it may be worth it if you need the extra perks that Premier Club offers, like priority boarding and free checked bags.
The day rate for the new Plumeria Lounge is a fine (though not amazing) deal. It's generally only justifiable if you have a long layover. But hey, at least it's better if you have Hawaiian elite status and can get the discounted rate.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice:
on Chase's website
1x-5x
Points60,000
Points
on Chase's website
1.5%-6.5%
Cashback$300
2x-5x
Miles75,000
Miles
