In this guide, I’ll break down what Hawaiian Airlines lounges have to offer, including the Premier Club, The Plumeria Lounge, and International Partner Lounges—what to expect, how to get in, and whether they’re worth your time.
With Alaska Airlines now owning Hawaiian Airlines, big changes could be on the horizon for airport lounges throughout the islands. Let’s hope they bring some much-needed upgrades!
What Are Hawaiian Airlines Lounges?
Hawaiian Airlines operates three lounge types: The Premier Club, The Plumeria Lounge, and International Partner Lounges located worldwide.
Each lounge caters to different traveler needs, along with significant differences you should be aware of.
Depending on your ticket class, frequent flyer status, or lounge membership, you can enjoy access to these spaces before your flight. Let’s take a look at each, one at a time.
Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club: Locations, Access, and Amenities
A functional, convenient space, the Premier Clubs in Hawai‘i lack the features and offerings of more premium lounges. With limited amenities like Wi-Fi, light snacks, and basic beverages, they’re more about practicality than luxury.
Alaska Airlines has specifically mentioned plans to upgrade lounges in Honolulu, likely focusing on The Plumeria Lounge—but I can’t help but hope those efforts spill over into improving the Premier Club spaces across the islands as well. A refresh that elevates these lounges could make them far more appealing for everyday travelers.
Locations of the Premier Club Lounges
| Airport | Location Details | Access Point |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu (HNL) | Near Gate A18 | Terminal 1, 2nd Floor |
| Hilo (ITO) | Below Gate 6 | Main Terminal |
| Kahului (OGG) | Gates 15 & 17 | Main Terminal |
| Kona (KOA) | Near Gate 10 | Main Terminal |
| Lihue (LIH) | Near Gate 5 | Main Terminal |
Who Can Access the Premier Club?
- First Class Passengers:
- Departing on North America and Neighbor Island routes.
- Flying Business Class from Honolulu to American Samoa, Tahiti, or the Cook Islands.
- Pualani Platinum & Gold Members:
- Departing on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights.
- Premier Club Members:
- Membership is obtained through annual purchases or qualifying miles.
Guest Policy:
- Pualani Platinum & Gold Members and Premier Club Members: Two guests are allowed traveling on the same flight.
- First Class Passengers: No guests allowed.
| Eligible Travelers | Guest Policy |
|---|---|
| First Class on North America and Neighbor Island routes | No guests allowed |
| Business Class from HNL to American Samoa, Tahiti, Cook Islands | No guests allowed |
| Pualani Platinum & Gold Members | 2 guests allowed |
| Premier Club Members | 2 guests allowed |
Key Premier Club Amenities
- Complimentary light snacks and beverages
- Wi-Fi and charging outlets
- Personalized customer service
- Restrooms (available only at HNL)
Learn more about the Premier Club on Hawaiian Airlines’ official site.
Note: Hawaiian Airlines Business Class guests flying from Kona (KOA) to Japan are eligible to receive a $20 airport concession voucher in lieu of lounge access. Please collect your voucher from the Guest Service Agent at the First/Business Class check in line upon arrival to the Kona lobby.
My musings on how this merger could redefine airport lounges by blending local culture with upgraded amenities in leisure destinations through Alaska Airlines’ innovative approach: Opportunity for Alaska Airlines to Redefine Airport Lounges.
The Plumeria Lounge: A Premium Pre-Flight Experience
The Plumeria Lounge is Hawaiian Airlines’ flagship premium lounge, a step above the premier club but still not on par with the legacy carrier lounges. Temper your expectations accordingly.
Where to Find The Plumeria Lounge
- Location: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Terminal 1, above Gate C4.
Who Can Access The Plumeria Lounge?
- Business Class Passengers:
- Flying from Honolulu to international destinations.
- First Class Passengers:
- Departing from Honolulu to New York, Boston, or Austin.
- Pualani Platinum Members:
- Departing from Honolulu to international destinations, including Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa, Tahiti, or the Cook Islands (one guest allowed).
- Paid Access:
- Any Hawaiian Airlines passenger can purchase a lounge pass, subject to availability, during check-in or at the lounge.
Pass Pricing:
- General: $40 USD per person
- Pualani Gold Members: $30 USD per person
- Pualani Platinum Members: $25 USD per person
* Day passes are not available for the Premier Club or any of our International Partner Lounges.
| Eligibility | Guest Policy |
|---|---|
| Business Class to international destinations | No guests allowed |
| First Class to New York, Boston, or Austin | No guests allowed |
| Pualani Platinum (international destinations) | 1 guest allowed |
| Paid Pass ($40 general, discounts for elites) | No guests allowed |
Signature Amenities
- Dining: Hot meals, light snacks, and drinks, including alcohol.
- Seating: Ample, comfortable seating areas.
- Tech-Friendly: Wi-Fi and charging stations.
Learn more about The Plumeria Lounge on Hawaiian Airlines’ official site.
International Partner Lounges
Hawaiian Airlines offers access to several International Partner Lounges for international travelers. These lounges are operated by partner airlines and provide premium services not found in the other 2 lounge options.
Partner Lounge Locations by Country
Japan:
- Fukuoka (FUK): Lounge Fukuoka
- Haneda (HND): JAL Sakura Lounge
- Kansai (KIX): JAL Sakura Lounge
- Narita (NRT): JAL Sakura Lounge
Australia:
- Sydney (SYD): The House Lounge
South Korea:
- Incheon (ICN): Korean Air Lounge
New Zealand:
- Auckland (AKL): Strata Lounge
Access Rules for International Passengers
Eligible Guests:
- Business Class Passengers:
- Flying to Hawaii from an international destination on a Hawaiian Airlines-operated flight.
- Pualani Platinum Members:
- Access is only allowed under these two conditions:
- Flying to Hawaii from Sydney (SYD) – The House Lounge.
- Flying to Hawaii from Narita (NRT) – JAL Sakura Lounge.
- Access is only allowed under these two conditions:
Guest Policy:
- Business Class Passengers: No additional guests allowed.
- Pualani Platinum Members: One guest allowed traveling on the same flight.
Partner Lounge Locations
| Country | Airport | Lounge Name |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Fukuoka (FUK) | Lounge Fukuoka |
| Japan | Haneda (HND) | JAL Sakura Lounge |
| Japan | Kansai (KIX) | JAL Sakura Lounge |
| Japan | Narita (NRT) | JAL Sakura Lounge |
| Australia | Sydney (SYD) | The House |
| South Korea | Incheon (ICN) | Korean Air Lounge |
| New Zealand | Auckland (AKL) | Strata Lounge |
Does Priority Pass Grant Access to Hawaiian Airlines Lounges?
Priority Pass members can access The Plumeria Lounge at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).
Access Conditions:
- Same-Day Departure: Members must present an outbound departure boarding pass for a flight departing HNL on the same day.
- Age Restrictions: Guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult; children under 2 are admitted free.
- Capacity Constraints: Access may be limited due to space constraints, and a waiting list may be in place during peak times. Priority Pass
It’s important to note that Priority Pass access is not available at Hawaiian Airlines’ Premier Club lounges, including the new lounge at Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Purchase a Lounge Pass if I’m Not Flying First or Business Class?
Answer: Yes. You can purchase a pass to The Plumeria Lounge for $40 USD (discounts available for Pualani members). Premier Club access is not available for single-pass purchase and requires membership.
How Long Can I Stay in the Lounge?
Answer: Lounge access is allowed up to 3 hours before your flight departure time. Extended stays may be restricted during peak hours.
Can I Bring Guests Into the Lounge?
Answer:Premier Club: Up to two guests allowed for Pualani Elite and Premier Club members. No guests for First Class passengers.
The Plumeria Lounge: One guest allowed for Pualani Platinum members. No guests for Business or First Class passengers unless specified.
Are Children Allowed in the Lounge?
Answer: Yes, children are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult on the same itinerary.
Are There Showers in Hawaiian Airlines Lounges?
Answer: No. The Plumeria Lounge and Premier Club Lounges do not have shower facilities.
Comparing Hawaiian Airlines Lounges to Competitors
After visiting four different airline lounges at Honolulu Airport (HNL), I can confidently say that Hawaiian Airlines lounges…exist. Compared to the competition, they’re pretty basic. While other lounges at HNL offer fancy perks like full meals, craft cocktails, and chic, modern spaces, Hawaiian’s lounges feel more like a waiting room with free snacks.
I have not visited the international partner lounges, if you have, leave a comment below with your thoughts.
You’ll find Wi-Fi, some basic drinks, and a few light refreshments—but don’t expect anything too fancy. If you’re dreaming of a luxury airport experience, you’re better off checking out one of the other lounges at HNL. Hawaiian Airlines lounges get the job done—but just barely.
This is a huge opportunity for Alaska to make a positive mark on the recent purchase, until then here are 3 other lounges I have visited and reviewed here in Honolulu.
Delta Sky Club
Delta Sky Club Honolulu Guide & Review
- Location: Terminal 2, near Gate F1.
- Access: Delta One, SkyTeam Elite Plus, or Delta Sky Club members.
American Airlines Admirals Club
Review: Honolulu Admirals Club
- Location: Terminal 2, near Gate D1.
- Access: Admirals Club members, Business/First Class on international routes.
United Club
- Location: Terminal 2, near Gate G2.
- Access: United Club members, First and Business Class passengers on international flights, and Star Alliance Gold members.
The Future of Hawaiian Airlines Lounges After Alaska’s Acquisition
With Alaska Airlines acquiring Hawaiian Airlines, travelers might be wondering: will the lounges finally get a glow-up? Alaska is known for its impressive Alaska Lounges, especially at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which offer award-winning amenities. If they apply that same magic to Hawaiian’s lounges, there’s serious potential for a much-needed upgrade.
Imagine lounges inspired by Hawai‘i’s natural beauty—think native woods like koa, woven textures, and traditional Hawaiian art from local artisans. Add some lush tropical plants, and you’d actually feel like you’re in paradise—not just killing time at the airport.
The food could also get a well-deserved upgrade. How about featuring authentic island-inspired dishes like taro-based creations, fresh tropical fruits, and sustainable seafood? Throw in some Kona coffee and locally brewed craft beers, and suddenly, waiting for your flight doesn’t seem so bad.
With the right blend of thoughtful design and true Hawaiian culture, Alaska Airlines has a golden opportunity to turn Hawaiian Airlines’ lounges into something special—spaces that actually capture the warmth and spirit of aloha. Fingers crossed!
