Hawaiian Airlines The Plumeria Lounge

Hawaiian Airlines operates two clubs at Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye (HNL) Airport. The Plumeria Lounge caters primarily to premium long-haul passengers, international Business Class customers flying to international destinations and First Class customers flying to the mainland East Coast.

Hawaiian Airlines’ inter-island First Class passengers cannot use the Plumeria Lounge on a complimentary basis, but have access to the smaller Premier Club located on the lower level, near gate A18.

Hawaiian Airlines The Plumeria Lounge HNL design

Located immediately after security on the upper level of Terminal A, the Plumeria Lounge is technically Hawaiian Airlines’ flagship club. However, it’s essential to set the right expectations: the average Hawaiian Airlines lounge is an unattended seating area with a soda machine as the sole amenity. In this context, “flagship” doesn’t mean luxurious.

The designers attempted to create a reasonably attractive facility despite the lack of real estate at Daniel K. Inouye Airport. When the Plumeria Lounge debuted, the club featured a homely décor with eye-catching curved couches, hardwood floors, elegant torchiere lamps, and plush seats. Unfortunately, the concept didn’t last long: the space turned out to be way too small, and the airline soon ripped out the fancy furniture in order to cram in as many seats as possible.

In its current incarnation, the Plumeria Lounge is fundamentally a glorified waiting room. The space is airy and luminous, but lacks personality—Hawaiian Airlines has missed the opportunity to curate a true Hawaiian-inspired décor. The lounge’s location is also unfortunate. While situated on the top floor, the club overlooks the roof of the terminal building. To make matters worse, the airline routinely draws the blinds to block sunlight, especially since the lounge does not have air conditioning and can get uncomfortably hot.

The seating arrangement is designed to maximize density. In the center of the lounge, you’ll find clusters of seats around coffee tables, with options for couples and groups alike. (Just expect to bump elbows with fellow guests; there isn’t much room to move around.) The slightly more private or secluded seats are typically reserved for international business class passengers. There are a few scattered power points in the ground, though finding an outlet at peak times might be challenging.

If you need to work, the tabletop seats by the windows are your best bet. They all come with handy power outlets.

Finally, there are dining tables and booth seating along the wall opposite the windows. However, you might not be able to pick your preferred seat: at peak times, the staff seats customers as appropriate to maximize capacity.

Hawaiian Airlines The Plumeria Lounge HNL amenities

The Plumeria Lounge at Honolulu airport is fundamentally a place to sit and relax. Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t offer much in terms of amenities. There’s Wi-Fi, naturally, but the airport also has a complimentary network. There are also bathrooms, but no showers.

The only notable amenity is the modest selection of food and beverages. You’ll find crudites, pork sliders, sweet rolls, fruit, and candy. The pork sliders do hit the spot, but if you regularly travel through Honolulu airport, you’ll find that the selection doesn’t vary much.

Drinks include soda, a couple of wines, and espresso—although the coffee machine was broken when we visited. All beverages are self-served.

Hawaiian Airlines The Plumeria Lounge HNL bottom line

Hawaiian Airlines’ lounge product isn’t competitive overall. The Plumeria Lounge is supposed to be a flagship facility for long-haul customers, but it’s hardly a haven of luxury. The club is chronically crowded, the design isn’t particularly attractive, and the food and beverage selection is minimalistic.

If you have access to the lounge on a connecting inter-island flight, then the Plumeria Lounge does the job—there’s only so much you can expect ahead of a 30 minute flight. But Hawaiian also operates intercontinental flights with a true business class product, as well as domestic flights to the mainland East Coast clocking at 10+ hours. Premium fares command a significant premium over economy seats—in this context, Hawaiian Airline’s ground product is simply inadequate.

Alaska Airlines, which acquired Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, is keenly aware of the situation. The Seattle-based mothership has promised new lounges, including an exclusive premium club for international business class passengers. But we’ll have to be patient, as the plans won’t materialize before 2027 at the earliest. In the meantime, the helpful and friendly staff is probably the highlight of the Plumeria Lounge. They do their best to welcome and assist customers.