Hawaiian Airlines 787 First Class Review: Phoenix to Honolulu
On a recent family trip, we had the pleasure of flying Hawaiian Airlines’ brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in First Class from Phoenix (PHX) to Honolulu (HNL). Not only was it one of the last Phoenix-based Dreamliner flights from the airline, but also a chance to experience Hawaiian’s flagship cabin.
Hawaiian Airlines' 787 Dreamliner: Fleet Facts & Cabin Features
Hawaiian Airlines debuted its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in April 2024, with the first flight operating between Honolulu and San Francisco. Each aircraft features:
34 Leihōkū Suites in First Class (1–2–1 configuration)
Fully lie-flat seats with privacy doors
18-inch entertainment screens and wireless charging
Inspired design elements like wood textures, starlit ceilings, and native Hawaiian motifs
Hawaiian plans to take delivery of 12 Dreamliners through 2027, gradually phasing them into long-haul service from HNL to cities like New York, Boston, and potentially other long-haul routes from the newly combined airline post-merger with Alaska Airlines.
Booking with Points and Travel Perks
I booked this flight using American Express Membership Rewards points via the Business Platinum card's 35% points rebate feature, making the trip incredibly affordable. I was able to book for myself, my wife, and our lap infant, all at a fraction of the typical cash fare. Booking with this method also contributed toward my Alaska Airlines status, as it’s treated as a cash booking.
All in all, I earned almost 4,370 elite qualifying miles for my flight.
Departure from Phoenix: Lounge Access & Terminal Experience
Hawaiian Airlines currently operates out of Terminal 3 at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX), which is clean and efficient. We had access to the Escape Lounge, which I accessed using my Amex Platinum Card—no guest fees required for my wife or almost two-year-old.
Our flight departed at 7:10 a.m., which made for an early start, but thanks to the time difference, we arrived in Honolulu just after 11:30 a.m., giving us nearly a full day to enjoy the island.
Leihōkū Suite Experience in First Class
The First Class cabin on the 787 features lie-flat seats with privacy doors, a huge win when traveling with a toddler. We chose window seats for better proximity to one another—worth noting because the middle seats face away from each other.
Each seat included:
A large in-flight entertainment screen with a solid movie selection (yes, including Lilo & Stitch)
A wireless charging pad (mine didn't work great, but a nice touch)
A spacious shelf and storage cubbies
Private lighting and classic Dreamliner window dimming controls
While the seat was thoughtfully designed, I found it a little firm—something I've noticed with many international-style business class seats.
In-Flight Dining and Beverage Service
Shortly after takeoff, Hawaiian’s in-flight service began. We started with a complimentary Mai Tai, which felt like the perfect way to start a Hawaiian vacation. For breakfast, I had the Portuguese sausage with fried rice, accompanied by macadamia nuts and iced coffee. Dessert was a delicious haupia chocolate cake.
The tray table design was a little unconventional, with a rotating mechanism that took a moment to figure out. Bedding was provided, but we didn’t use it with a lap child onboard.
Later in the flight, the crew passed around Honolulu Cookie Company shortbread, which is always a trip highlight for me.
Family Travel Benefits: Flying with a Toddler
Flying First Class with a toddler was much more manageable thanks to the private suite design. The changing tables in the lavatories were easy to use, and the enclosed seat helped minimize disruption to fellow passengers. The flight attendants were also incredibly nice and accommodating to our family.
Arrival in Honolulu: Final Approach and Island Views
The approach into HNL was stunning, as always. While most of the flight is over open ocean, the last 30 minutes offer amazing aerial views of Oʻahu. Upon landing, we headed to the Ritz-Carlton O’ahu at Turtle Bay, one of our favorite resorts on the North Shore (full review also on the blog).
Final Verdict: Is Hawaiian's 787 First Class Worth It?
Hawaiian’s new 787-9 First Class product is a major upgrade over their A330 configuration and is clearly designed with premium long-haul travelers in mind. While this aircraft is no longer flying the PHX route regularly, those flying to Hawaii from New York (JFK) or other future 787 destinations are in for a treat.
Traveling with a family? The suite-style seat, quality catering, and Hawaiian hospitality made this one of the most enjoyable family flights I’ve taken.
