In a nearly completely digital world, where major airlines flying to Hawaii like Alaska, American, Delta, and Southwest have already phased out their print inflight magazines, there were just two players left. Then, today, suddenly, there was one. Hawaiian Airlines will, for now, remain the sole U.S. carrier to uphold this decades-long tradition with its Hana Hou! magazine.
You might want to pick up a copy of Hana Hou! soon, as for multiple reasons it might become a valuable collectors’ item.
Beat of Hawaii
United Airlines has just announced its decision to end the print edition of its long-running Hemispheres magazine, joining the other airlines flying to Hawaii that have embraced digital versions for all inflight entertainment. The move reflects a broader airline industry trend toward digitalization that we have been talking about, where personalized content and environmental sustainability take precedence over now obsolete, traditional print media.
Hawaiian Airlines’ commitment to print?
For at least the next week or so, Hawaiian Airlines appears set to continue to buck the trend by publishing Hana Hou!, a bi-monthly magazine renowned for its high-quality journalism, printing, and captivating storytelling. Published in Honolulu, the magazine has featured in-depth stories, interviews, travelogues, and profiles celebrating the culture and heritage of the Hawaiian Islands. Its sections like “Best of the Islands” and “Native Intelligence” have long offered readers unique insights into Hawaiian life.
Hana Hou! has long been reputed to host some of the most expensive print ads in Hawaii, reflecting its status as a premium publication with a dedicated readership. It hasn’t hurt that until this year, Hawaiian Airlines hasn’t had any in-flight WiFi to showcase a digital publication. And even now, it only has WIFi on its narrow-body A321neo planes. That leaves the interisland B717, and 75% of mainland A330 and both B787 Dreamliner widebody fleets also disconnected.
The magazine has, over the years, received awards from the Hawaiian chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and maintains an extensive archive dating back more than twenty years.
The digital transformation of flying.
The move away from print is driven by numerous factors, including costs, environmental concerns, and the ability to provide far more interactive and personalized content through digital platforms. United Airlines, for instance, has its Kinective Media, a network that offers targeted advertising through its app and inflight screens, aligning with the shift towards data-driven marketing strategies.
While we too appreciate the world of digital content, and its convenience, we are waxing nostalgic about the loss of one of the last tactile experiences of reading a physical inflight magazine. That has remained a cherished aspect of air travel for many passengers.
Hawaiian Airlines has valued this experience both literally and figuratively. It offers complimentary copies of Hana Hou! on its flights, as well as making it available at newsstands in Hawaii and by subscription. That has allowed Hawaiian to have more widely distributed advertising success with the model.
How long will Hana Hou! last?
The future of Hana Hou! is uncertain as Hawaiian Airlines faces significant changes. With the pending acquisition by Alaska Airlines, expected to either be approved by the Department of Justice by August 15 or the potential for a major cost restructuring and possible Hawaiian bankruptcy, the magazine’s days may well be numbered.
As you may recall, Alaska decided to discontinue its print inflight magazine several years ago.
For those who appreciate the nostalgic charm of Hana Hou!, it might be wise to secure copies sooner rather than later, as the print edition could become a cherished memory in the world of aviation.
The future of inflight entertainment.
As Hawaiian Airlines stands as the last major U.S. airline to offer a print inflight magazine, it underscores the unique position that Hana Hou! holds in the industry. The magazine has not only served as an entertainment option but also as a cultural ambassador, connecting travelers to Hawaii and being shared widely.
In a landscape that has been increasingly dominated by digital media for years, Hawaiian Airlines stuck with Hana Hou! and the power of storytelling to enhance its Hawaii travel experience.
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BOH,
I found this as one of the translations for Hana Hou: “something that is messed up, crooked, disorderly or needs to be fixed.”
A more friendly meaning was reported: “Do it again.”
Source: hawaiimagazine.com/44-hawaiian-and-pidgin-phrases-every-visitor-needs-to-know/
I typically read one or two articles. But, I’m mostly looking for good ads.
Your info is Again wrong, almost half of the HA A330 fleet is equipped with Free Starlink WIFI and the entire fleet will have it within a month or two. Not only is Hana Hou a high quality coffee table magazine, it can be found on Every seat on Evrey flight, even the shortest inter island hop, Every day. A fresh batch is replaced Daily.
Hi James.
Please check the transcript of the quarterly HA earnings call from last week. Perhaps the execs just don’t know. We did quote them directly.
Aloha.
Love Hana Hou! I would be sad if it goes but it seems inevitable.
The stories are so interesting and the quality of the magazine is top notch.
A shame to hear about United. For years I collected in-flight magazines, as I LOVE them. I always take the current issue of Hana Hou with me when I fly Hawaiian. Hope it lasts
One of the many features of fly HA that is so pleasant. I have saved every copy of Hana Hou for the last 40 years of flying to Kauai. I have enjoyed re-reading them over and over and have ordered from their many beautiful printed ads. I may have to fly again soon just to get another copy. Mahalo for your constant updates on all the news happening over there. Seems like everyday something newsworthy pops up to write about.
Hi Debra.
Thanks! Just wondering if your collection won’t have some unexpected future value.
Aloha.
I love the Hana Hou magazine. I give to friends and family in the mainland and Europe and they all really enjoy it too. It’s a nice souvenir from our island home.
It’s the gift of Aloha when you can bring the experience with you thru a quality magazine.
Honestly, I haven’t really noticed whether Hana Hou! is on my flights or not. I’m usually using my phone. If it goes digital or disappears, it won’t impact my travel.
I haven’t flown Hawaiian Airlines in years, but I remember Hana Hou! fondly. In a world gone digital, it’s nice to see they still publish a high-quality magazine. Hopefully, they’ll find a way to maintain this piece of Hawaiian identity.
I haven’t even noticed Hana Hou! in ages. Might grab a copy before it’s gone!
Dear friends at Hawaiian Beat. I’m from Hawaii origionally born in Honolulu, raised on Kauai. Have lived in Texas since 1957, joining the U.S. Navy in that year. Are there any sources you can share, for real estate businesses, who may do real estate brokerage in Molokai? I’m thinking of moving there, to retire back to Hawaii. Thank you John V
How can I subscribe to hana Hawaiian Airlines inflight Magazine? Thanks John R Vicente They are the only ones left who still have an infligjt magazine
Hi John.
Thanks for mentioning that and yes you can. hana-hou.subsail.com/subscribe.
Aloha.