Hawaiian removed free economy meals from its website today without an announcement or warning. If you are flying on Hawaiian today, you may be in for a surprise. We have received reports that, as of yesterday, complimentary Koloa Rum punch was still served.
The airline’s food page now loads an Alaska-style paid pre-order menu. It includes no Hawaii items other than Passion Orange Guava Juice, but does offer a Northwest Deli Picnic Pack, among other choices. The hot sandwich, chips, the Honolulu Cookie Company dessert, and whatever else you may remember from Hawaiian are now gone. Beer in the main cabin is $8.99, wine and spirits are $9.99, and canned cocktails are $12.99.
Updated. Hawaiian/Alaska just said – sorry folks, big error on our part.
“There are no changes to our complimentary meal service in our main cabins. During our PSS transition, several dual‑brand content updates were made to our webpages, and the link referenced in your post was unintentionally directing to an Alaska Airlines pre‑order page. We’re working to correct that now.” — Alaska Airlines.
So now it isn’t clear what this really means for travelers. The Hawaii Airlines meals page (screen shot below) was as found today and now they say these are wrong. But what really is happening, and what the plans are for meals, among other things, is not any clearer.
What changed wasn’t unexpected, but.
Until today, Hawaiian stood apart from every other U.S. airline in this one simple way. You boarded a five or six-hour flight to Hawaii and knew you would be fed something. The meal was still built into the ticket, long after others had removed it, and it stayed there for years after the food itself stopped being anything anyone called special. BOH editors have been flying Hawaiian long enough to have watched the entire tradition shift over the years.
Now the airline’s food runs on pre-ordered food, paid selections, and the same setup Alaska uses everywhere else in its network. That makes sense. The free meal was not, however, quietly removed or softened around the edges. And there are noticeably no Hawaii themed offerings. We hope that will change. The page that promised food was just rewritten, and the replacement is a paid menu.
What is still free and what is not.
Complimentary options in the main cabin are now soft drinks, coffee, and juices. As we reported on our Alaska flight from Hawaii on Monday, we also received a full-sized Biscoff cookie and were handed an expensive chocolate bar. Those are not on the list, however. In any event, this is one of the moves away from what Hawaiian flyers were used to seeing when they checked the Hawaiian Airlines website before a trip.
The food order requires using the app or website, a stored payment method, and a selection window that closes 20 hours before departure. But you can order up to two weeks in advance. If you miss the window, you can buy from the cart, as we also mentioned yesterday. This is the model used across most U.S. domestic routes, and Hawaii flights are now on it too.
Readers were honestly already prepared.
Beat of Hawaii readers saw this coming months ago. One told us to just assume no meal and be pleasantly surprised. Another said she would rather bring her own food. We both concur, and we did. A third called the sandwich basically a hot pocket. Those were not isolated complaints from people nitpicking airline food quality.
And we’ll say, honestly, that Alaska’s paid options are of far higher quality. In any event, travelers were already adjusting to a service pattern they could already see falling apart before Alaska removed it entirely from the website today.
A smaller group still wanted the meal, especially on longer flights where a snack does not get you very far. Both groups ended up landing at the very same place today. The meal is no longer an automatic assumption. It is now something you plan for, pay for, or go without, and that change may come as a surprise to some who have long flown Hawaiian.
Alaska’s system is now the whole system.
Alaska has not served free economy meals for nearly a decade. Its service is based on pre-order or limited in-flight options, and that is now the way it works on Hawaiian flights, too. The Hawaiian planes look the same as before, with the Pualani still on the tail, and the crews are still Hawaiian, but the food system behind the experience is new.
Passengers should plan to decide and pay in advance or expect few options. Honestly, this is an alignment with other airlines, so it should not come as a big surprise. That’s how Alaska has operated for years, and Hawaiian mainland flights now operate inside that same structure.
The details visitors once cared about have changed.
The sandwich got the attention, but readers were pointing in another direction. They often commented on the Koloa Rum punch, the walk-up galley that opened after main service, and the cookie handed out near the end of the flight. One BOH reader put it plainly by saying the rum punch felt more special than the food, and that probably gets closer to the real loss than all the arguments about the odd sandwich ever did.
None of those details appear anywhere on the new Alaska-branded main cabin page. The rum punch is not even in the beverage list. The walk-up galley is not described. The cookie is not mentioned.
The shift is already complete.
For years, flights to Hawaii had different expectations than the rest of U.S. domestic service. There was no app required, no payment screen, and no 20-hour deadline hanging over you before you ever got to the airport. The food showed up, whether you loved it or mocked it, and that was at least still something.
That is over now. Food is optional, planned, and paid. The Hawaii flight planning starts before you get on the plane, and what you eat depends on what you selected earlier, rather than what the airline places in front of you once you are airborne. Hawaii has joined all other domestic flights in that way, as Hawaiian was folded into the same system every other U.S. airline already uses.
Where does this go from here?
First class moves to pre-order in May under Chef Valdez. Tokyo, Sydney, Papeete, and even the long-haul 11-hour HNL-JFK run are not listed on the new international food page at all, leaving those routes unaccounted for for now and giving readers another reason to wonder what else is about to change in the Alaska/Hawaiian offerings.
Mainland economy meal service is the part we can see today, and the change is already notable. Were you booked on a Hawaii flight expecting the meal? What did you find on your tray instead?
Hawaiian Airlines food page as of April 22, 2026:
Photos © Beat of Hawaii.
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My husband and I just flew from OGG-SJC comfort plus on May 1 on a Hawaiian Airlines plane but the staff wore all Alaska Airlines wings with a little ribbon that said Hawaiian. Same uniforms, same feel, Hana Hou magazine and great service. The cart came around with a choice of paid snacks. It was followed by a chicken pesto ‘hot pocket’. Coffee, Tea and sodas, sparkling water etc were free. We also got a chocolate covered mac before landing. I didn’t notice much difference except they were really pushing the credit card for Atmos rewards. Still a very nice flight.
We have been frequent travelers on Hawaiian (3-4 times a year) from either Long Beach or Los Angeles to Kahului since we decided Hawaiian was our airline. Was this something expected? Yes, I just knew the free “meal” would go the way of the do-do bird. Even though we had seen the quality of the “meal” decline over the years it has been appreciated, as it at least prevents the “hangries”, anger due to low blood sugar. With our flights boarding around 7:45 am, there has rarely been time to pick up something that would get us across those 2,500 miles. Has Alaska screwed it up? Well, our next trip is just a few weeks away. When it was booked, actually months ago, it still included the meal. I’ll let you know on May 19th!
Alaska Airlines “First Class” is in name and price only. You’re paying for a comfy seat – that’s it. The Worst “First Class” I’ve ever experienced and I’ve been flying domestic and international for 40 years
I just flew on a “Hawaiian” flight from Hawaii to the mainland and having doubts about service changes, I checked 2 weeks, and then 72 hours in advance to pre-order a meal in premier class seating . It stated meals for that flight wer complimentary but we got a bag of snack mix only. It is disappointing to experience these inconsistent changes among the Alaskan takeover. Alaskan treats it’s premier traveler’s better than what is happening on Hawaiian flights by far, and I wonder if it has a nefarious reason in an attempt to get better commitment from long term Hawaiian flyers. It has been a tumultuous takeover with a lot of confusion and misleading done by Alaskan to Hawaiian travelers. The service levels I’ve experienced in premier seating on Hawaiian flights recently have been some of the worst customer service experiences I’ve ever experienced during my extensive decades of travel. It’s very inconsistent and frustrating.
The thing that bothers me the most about all this is people bringing their own food in lieu of airlines providing it. Have you ever had someone on a flight bring a tuna fish and onion sandwich which the entire plane then has to enjoy!?!?!?
I just got off a 9hr flight from Sydney Australia. We had a light meal on that flight…. a 3hr stop over and now am on a 9-10hr flight to JFK and now I have to purchase food and drinks. Absolutely pathetic for such a long flight.
My Wife And I enjoyed the Hot pockets. The breakfast one was the better one
Returning Hawaiian Air Lihue-HNL-LAX on 4/21 received the tasteless hot pocket, typical drink selection including a free rum punch & toward the end a chocolate covered macadamia nut. We bring our own food.
Recently we flew back from Haneda to Honolulu after an hour delay. Upon existing customs and expecting to drop our bags off at the interisland bags, for some reason there was a long line and no movement. Apparently there was a problem because the attendant raised her hands above her head with a crossed motion I guess to say it’s closed or broken. We had to wheel our bags over to terminal 1 and then had to stand in a super long line for tagged dropouts that had only 1 attendant. This made our our 13 hour flight home with so much drama as our plane to Maui which we just made on board had some issues which had us sitting on the plane from an hour. But Glad to be Home.
I remember the days when they actually gave you a real meal – it was so appreciated as the other airlines no longer did so. I loved the POG juice and the great little snacks they had, too. It really was a wonderful way to start the Hawaiian experience already on the flight. Yet another thing to mourn. Hawaiian Airlines, you shall be missed!
Longest article that could have been summed up with a good title.
HA Economy meal gone- Just as everyone thought
Alaska has list my vote in best Airline to travel. Their departures are late, when I fly. They are constantly changing gates, sometimes it’s before I get on my flight. They seem to be list and confused. I always flew Alaska, now I am trying other airlines. Pull yourselves together, already!
In flying to and from Haneda in the last few days I have experienced the demise of Hawaiian Air service, and the installation of a really disorganized system that this merger with Alaska created. I have wanted to stay loyal to Hawaiian but too many small inconveniences create a real dislike for the Hawaii/Alaska brand. Time to say Aloha” and use other carriers….
Aloha everyone,
I was just wondering if there were any changes in first class meals.
News break BOH. News break. Tonight 4/23/2026 ABC Nightly news disclosed United Airlines will tack on 15%-20% on every ticket purchase to accomodate the jet fuel rising from $100 a barrel to $200 a barrel. They then followed by stating all airlines yes All airlines will probably follow suit. They also said Europe has only enough jet fuel in their supply to last them through the first week of May. They said Delta had one refinery on the east coast to supply their needs a little bit longer than other US Airlines. They also stated that United also has cut 20 flight routes in a answer to conserve jet fuel and only operate more popular routes. The reason for all this is no oil is being shipped out of the straight and their is only a limited amount of refineries that produce jet fuel. The big question in their mind was which airline can afford to continue operating because of fuel availability and if and when we will see what carriers will be forced to drop out.
Man, I really miss Hawaiian, with them, your vacation started when you stepped on the plane.
We flew Hawaiian yesterday (4/21/2026) from Seattle to Maui seated in extra comfort seats. The free warm pocket sandwich was tasty. ( Turkey with Monterey Jack cheese with Pesto Mayo in Chibatta bread )
We purchased a bag of Kona Chips to go with it, plus a free glass of the tropical punch.
A decent lunch!
The Honolulu cookie near the
end of the flight was a nice
“Aloha” gesture!
Keep the spirit alive Hawaiian.
Aloha all~ I know how it is to loose the airline you loved to fly on (and work for~PSA) and I sympathize with those who miss Hawaiian. However, hashing up every change that is happening as if it is the end of the world does not help anybody. Let’s recoognize that Hawaiian was a fun ariline to fly with their Aloha spirit and kept the big boys at bay for many years. Keep those memories. Now let’s move forward and see how Alaska honors the Hawaiian sprit, what level of services they maintain and how they treat You on every flight. Then make your minds up and vote with your feet. Nostalgia instead of lamenting and not nit picking is how I plan to move forward. I invite others to reflect as well. Cheers
Wow, thank you Markel for being a voice of reason here. Exactly what I’ve been thinking. Sorry folks will be missing that special Hawaiian cookie but welcome to the real world of airline travel, the few-to-no frills of at least the past two decades.
I think, as you have said, that almost all of us in the islands have loved (because it was awful) and mocked, because it was so bizarre, the mush filled hot pocket. If you are an aviation buff it ranks up there with AirKoryo, the flag carrier of North Korea’s mystery burger sandwich that has gained cult status as the weirdest in flight food offering available anywhere. I’ve never thought that hot pocket was helping HA’s reputation so, goodbye, not sad to see that go. Alaska by far has the best buy-on-board offerings, the reason people here or elsewhere hate it is because they hate Alaska and the buyout and I get that but if you can’t figure out an airline app in 2026 and how to choose a meal or snack, I’m not sure what to say. The new Alaska/ Hawaiian app is actually quite good, so much better than the ancient Hawaiian app. So, get on it and order some food or buy some on board, it isn’t that hard.
First of all, who is really going to miss Hawaiian airline economy food? Is it that memorable? I’ve never been able to choke down one of those hot sandwiches. I’ve given up on airline food completely. I prepare and pack my own favorites for the flight., And the free drinks compliment, my own meal service. Whatever they were spending on those hot sandwiches was a waste of money anyway. Most people took a few bites and tossed the rest.
What made Hawaiian “Hawaiian” was its gift of the Aloha spirit to everywhere it flew. Was it perfect? of course not, but they embodied the Aloha spirit better than anyone else. The Aloha spirit is hard to define but you know it when you experience it…..one example was Hawaiians have always been about freely sharing what they have with others. Free food to friends and strangers is part of that Aloha spirit……on board Hawaiian Airlines it was one of the things that set them apart from the mainland airlines.
Surprised you haven’t yet posted an article on Hawaii’s loss of BOTH PGA tournaments.
Yep, not just the Sentry TOC at Kapalua, but the Sony Open on Oahu as well.
(The Sentry will likely move to San Diego/Torrey Pines now that Farmers’ sponsorship has ended; and they write no more policies in California. Sony’s sponsorship also ended this year and they don’t intend to renew it.)
So….
No more PGA in Hawaii….
I’m very upset that you can no longer use the HA app
I hate the changes I fly First class RT every year from San Fran I’ve always loved HA logo and colors 2009 they have you a little box of chocolates at end of flight that did not last
I don’t like Alaskan I might skip this year So Very Sad
The airlines’ names:
Alaska Airlines (Not Alaskan!)
Hawaiian Airlines
Mahalo
Alaska Airlines actually offers far better choices than most mainland US airlines meal/snack options. They are far healthier than the processed junk food snack boxes you get on United, American, or Delta. I think it’s safe to say that nobody will miss Hawaiian’s tragic mystery hot-pockets, even if they were free.
IMO same as the seat selection. Pay more to be comfortable. Now it’s pay more to not be hungry. Nickel and dime the tourists at it’s best just like when you arrive in Hawaii having to pay for park and beach admissions, extra Tat fees, reservation tip fee’s, and so on. The airlines have learned to get the money before the state of Hawaii does. Instead of a being considered a walking wallet in Hawaii the airlines might just consider a tourist as an airborne or flying wallet.
You call that a meal? LOL! Even the first-class meals are inedible. The days of decent airline meals have long since flown….
While the continued decline of Aloha spirit is disturbing, I for one will not miss those sandwiches. I’m not fussy and will eat just about anything, but the breakfast sandwiches are especially disgusting. I’ve rarely tasted anything so processed in my life
I live in Kauai. I was at Lihue Airport last week. A long time Hawai’i Airline employee told me they were just told by Alaska Air they were stopping the little sandwiches for the mainland to Hawaii flights. She was disgusted with the merger. And the Hawaii Air staff are dreading today’s final full merger with Alaska Airlines
As I’ve said before, some enterprising young person needs to prep and sell “plate lunch” at the concourse…both in Hawai’i and on the Mainland. They would make a fortune. Of course, I pity the people that didn’t buy and have to smell that wonderful food 🙂 I wonder how long before the lawsuits start because of “allergies” from sitting next so someone with a PB&J.
The Alaska AIrlines PB&J (The Jetsetter’s Jam Sandwich) is actually cashew & oat butter, not peanut butter. They actually thought ahead.
DREW808…Oh well… Someone posted about what will happen when someone sits next to another passenger eating peanuts. Well, I’m severely allergic (aka, immediate anaphylaxis) to cashews. Thanks for giving me the heads up!
Well it could be worse…. On Southwest, the best they offer is ‘upgraded’ junk snacks with no other options ….
Wonder if AS could still offer a token distinction on their mainland flights, like the Honolulu Cookie or One chocolate covered Macadamia nut, sponsored by those companies … But with a Q1 loss of 193 million & current economic environment & launching TATL service, II imagine AS has bigger fish to fry …
So, any idea if HA is discontinuing the complimentary pillow and blanket on certain flights? Probably YES since the Aloha spirit no longer exists due to Alaska’s “haole” ways!!!!
Eh, so what! I have been flying on Hawaiian several time each year and have never been served a meal on any flight. This is a non-story
I’m sorry those “Hawaiian” sandwiches were nothing to brag about! Nothing Hawaiian about it and all crust!
I’m done with Alaska Airlines. I have been traveling to and from the Hawaiian Islands for more than 35 years and I have lived on Maui for more than 11 years. I have gone through the ups and downs with Hawaiian Airlines, including the oh-so-painful transition with their call center. Through it all, I remained loyal to Hawaiian because their crew and the in-flight experience made a big difference in feeling the aloha as soon as you boarded the plane. I even went to far as to transfer AmEx points to Hawaiian miles in preparation of the transition to Alaska Airlines. To say that I regret that is an understatement. Alaska no longer allows the use of miles to upgrade from a purchased main cabin seat to first class. And, the miles under Alaska’s stewardship are extremely devalued, at least in my experience. On a positive note, Alaska did make a recent change and I can now see the available seats before I book my flight…like most other airlines allow. Still, my loyalty is shifting…
So reading about No Food in economy. What about First Class? It’s not mentioned in the article at all. We are flying Hawaiian in October. Is there at least still the Rum punch when you first get on the plane in FC like they used to? Pls answer.
I am curious too. I am flying first class in July. I hope I don’t have to preorder a meal. Last summer macadamia nuts were replaced with mixed nuts.
If you pre-order, you get exactly what you want and don’t have to worry about them ruining out. If you don’t pre-order, they will have a meal for you but you may not get your choice.
Why do you continue to call it Hawaiian Airlines when you know it’s owned and operated by Akaska Airlines?
I’m not sure if there’s a difference. We booked through Alaska but will be on an HA plane, I assume with HA “amenities,” for a RT flight next month. I’m curious, skeptical, hopeful.
This isn’t true. I’m on a Hawaiian flight right now from the mainland with the super fast starlink and we were served the breakfast sandwich and punch. Hopefully this continues!
Love you guys but now I’m totally confused. We are flying on June 11, 2026 at approx 8:00am. So are you saying that at 12:00 noon June 10, 2026 (while we are in our car travelling 7 hours to our point of departure, Phoenix) we can go into our reservation and book/pay for our meal? And when we get to Phoenix at 6:00 that evening, we have to remember to place that order? By when? Sorry I have to ask – feel pretty stupid but I’m lost!
Barbara, it’s best for you to call the airlines and get the correct info straight from them