Hawaiian Airlines First Class: HNL-SFO A330-200
I was able to snag a one-way ticket from Sydney, Australia (SYD) to San Francisco (SFO) via Honolulu (HNL) on Hawaiian Airlines for only $360. Using 25,000 Hawaiian Airlines miles I was able to upgrade my HNL-SFO segment to lie-flat First Class. Upgrade availability is based on a First Class award to be available at the 40,000 miles level which is P Class if you are using ExpertFlyer. Hawaiian Airlines only offers lie-flat beds on their A330-200 aircraft.
During my layover from Sydney, I was able to grab poke from Tanioka’s and enjoy it at a beach nearby with friends. A long layover in Honolulu isn’t terrible.
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- Oahu
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- Tanioka’s
Boarding commenced on time and I found my seat, 3J. It’s a window seat in the last row for First Class. The seats are in a 2-2-2 layout and angled so you have a bit more privacy. There is a partition you can raise between the seats if you are flying solo. I was offered a pre-departure Mai Tai and I couldn’t pass it up.
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- Hawaiian First Class A330-200
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- Seats 3H & 3J
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- First Class A330-200
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- Hawaiian First Class A330-200
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- View from 3J
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- Mai Tai Cocktail
After takeoff, we were offered iPad Pro’s to stream inflight entertainment which was a nice touch. Very easy to use and loaded with the latest content. I settled in and relaxed using the somewhat strange footrest included at each seat.
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- Takeoff from HNL
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- Moloka’i
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- iPad Pro Video Player
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- Footrest
Dinner was being served on this evening flight to San Francisco. I opted for the Tofu Chirashi for my appetizer, Kalua Pork & Cabbage for my main and the Haupia Chocolate Brownie for dessert. Wow! Every dish was perfect and left me very satisfied. The Hawaiian influence in each dish left me wanting to turn around and stay in Hawaii longer.
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- Food Menu
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- Food Menu
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- Beverages & Wine Menu
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- Tofu Chirashi
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- Kalua Pork & Cabbage
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- Haupia Chocolate Brownie
I watched a movie during dinner then went to sleep. The lie-flat bed came in handy as I was exhausted after a 10 hour redeye flight from Sydney. We landed @ SFO on time although baggage took over 45 minutes due to a equipment failure.
Conclusion: Hawaiian’s hospitality is top notch and I would fly their lie-flat seat anytime I get a chance when flying to the islands. Hawaii is opening to visitors on October 15th, 2020 without the requirement of a 14 day quarantine if you get a COVID test within 72 hours prior to arrival. Give Hawaiian Airlines First Class a try! There is a ton of availability at the moment. I just booked my ticket 🙂
Sunset from 35,000 ft
I just felt like I was back on the islands, after reading your post :)) You made me realize how much I miss the warm ocean breezes, sunsets, fabulous food, and hospitality of the local people.I am yearning to return to Hawaii one day soon! Mahalo