There are a couple of new features on Hawaiian Airlines’ new Boeing 787 Dreamliner that really stood out for me and will definitely elevate the passenger experience.
Hawaiian Airlines has been the heartbeat of Hawai’i, consistently setting the tone for travel to and from. Today, they introduced the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, equipped with a vibrant interior and a premium service tier—the Leihōkū Suites.
This latest addition to their fleet, due to commence service on select routes starting in 2024 (delivery at the end of 2023), has been carefully designed to transport guests into Hawaiʻi’s magnificent natural world.
The interior aesthetics of the 787 Dreamliner mirror the bold, organic textures of my island home, coupled with dynamic lighting that subtly transitions from the warm hues of sunrise to the vibrant colors of sunset. The cabin design also pays homage to the ancient Polynesian voyages that first discovered the islands, imbuing a sense of the island’s history in its details.
Furthermore, patterns representing the ocean and wind adorning the cabin interior serve as a constant reminder of Hawaiʻi’s rich connection to nature.
This new offering from Hawaiian Airlines underscores their commitment to providing a unique, immersive travel experience. Let’s take a look.
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787 Business Class
Hawaiian’s 787 Dreamliner can accommodate 300 passengers and introduces the premium Leihōkū Suites. These 34 suites come equipped with a range of comforts including fully reclining seats, an 18-inch in-flight entertainment screen, personal outlets, wireless charging, and direct aisle access.
Arranged in a 1-2-1 layout with doors, these suites provide a private experience or a shared one, as double seats can be combined. Passengers can drift off to sleep under a ceiling resembling a starlit sky.
I’m really liking the colors throughout the cabin but I really want to see how the center setup looks with the divider up. Are you a fan of this design layout? Let me know in the comments.
In crafting the Leihōkū Suite, Hawaiian Airlines made history by being the inaugural airline to collaborate with Adient Aerospace, a joint venture of the Boeing Company and Adient, a global pioneer in the field of automotive seating.
“It was evident from the beginning that Hawaiian Airlines is very passionate about its culture and branding, and making sure that this came through in the design language and in the passenger experience,” said Adient Aerospace CEO Tony Guy. “It is so rewarding to bring this vision collaboratively to life and see it realized in the delivered product.”
Symbolic of the wind and waves that have crafted the Hawaiian islands, the 787’s entryway and cabin showcase fluid designs. The Leihōkū Suites are adorned with deep aqua accents on the carpets and privacy screens, encapsulating the essence of the ocean.
Imitating the celestial cycle, Hawaiian’s 787 will feature a simulated cabin sky showcasing gentle daylight, tranquil sunrises and sunsets, or the awe-inspiring beauty of a star-filled night sky. Passengers in the Leihōkū Suites will be able to look up at a radiant star compass ceiling, reminiscent of the constellations that guided the night-time journeys of Polynesian explorers.
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787 Extra Comfort
I look forward to comparing this with the A330-200 Extra Comfort that I reviewed in a video a while back.
Hawaiian’s 787 Dreamliner’s Main Cabin features 266 ergonomically designed Aspire seats from Collins Aerospace. These seats, with contoured back and armrests, offer a sleek, modern design that optimizes space and provides enhanced shoulder and hip room.
A 12-inch seatback monitor, along with USB-A and USB-C ports, are available for in-seat entertainment and device charging. Additionally, the cabin includes 79 Extra Comfort seats that provide additional legroom and access to AC outlets.
The design elements in Hawaiian’s 787 are purposefully curated to pay homage to the Polynesian navigators who traversed the Pacific guided by celestial bodies, winds, waves, and wildlife.
To realize this vision of blending Pacific navigation motifs in a contemporary aircraft, Hawaiian collaborated with design consultant Teague.
“Working alongside such an iconic brand in Hawaiian Airlines, we were able to create an experience that is true and authentic to what is Hawai’i,” said Loreto Julian, interior design and surface textile design manager at Teague. “Along the journey, guests will be able to appreciate the culture of Hawai’i and be surprised with discoverable moments.”
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787 Economy Class
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787 Design and Tech Details
The 787 boasts an advanced cabin air filtration system and, thanks to its carbon-fiber composite airframe, allows for travel at a lower cabin altitude, improving the overall comfort of the flight.
The cabin also benefits from noise reduction due to acoustic-engine inlets, ensuring a peaceful journey. Additional features such as oversized, dimmable windows, ample overhead storage, and restrooms equipped with touchless toilets and faucets further enhance the passenger experience.
Thanks to its lightweight construction, advanced aerodynamics, and cutting-edge General Electric GEnx engines, Hawaiian’s 787 is set to be the most fuel-efficient widebody aircraft in its lineup. This 787 significantly surpasses the fuel efficiency of older, comparably sized aircraft.
Each element of the interior design is a tribute to the beauty of Hawai’i.
Wall panels mimic the grain of native woods, while the lavatory floor draws inspiration from the sparkle of black volcanic sand. Hawaiian language, or ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, is subtly woven into seat row numbers and various placards, helping guide passengers through the cabin as they commence their journey.
In addition, laminates and fabrics across the cabin mirror the shapes of indigenous flora, further immersing passengers in the Hawaiian experience.
Final Thoughts On Hawaiian Airlines New Boeing 787 Dreamliner
I am really looking for to flying this newly designed aircraft with Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, maybe on a Honolulu to London route? Ooooh. Of course, the other big question will be about the in-flight menu and main cabin service options. Hawai’i is loaded with amazing restaurants but it doesn’t hurt to start on the flight over.
But does it have a handicapped toilet? It’s ridiculous that the ADA hasn’t required new aircraft to be accessible for handicapped people.
Hi Julie, each airline is different so we will need to keep an eye on Hawaiian to see exactly where the accessible toilets are. However I do know on most Boeing 787 aircraft (Both Boeing 787-8 and 787-9) they are fitted with the accessible toilet at the center of the economy class cabin behind row 29. I will make an effort to keep this in mind for future reference, thanks for bringing this important issue up.