Hawaiian Airlines’ (now Alaska Airlines’) Plumeria Lounge at Honolulu Airport is perhaps surprisingly somewhat living up to its potential. On our visit last week, it felt tranquil, uncrowded, and carefully curated, especially now that Priority Pass access has ended. In direct comparison with the Premier Club at HNL, the difference is stark and refreshing.
A more significant change is in who can now walk through the door. As of May, First Class passengers on Hawaiian Airlines, departing on flights to North America, receive complimentary access. That marks a significant shift from the old policy that downgraded them to the Premier Club.
Plumeria Lounge location at HNL.
The Plumeria Lounge is located in Terminal 1, one floor above the boarding gates and adjacent to the Wiki Wiki Shuttle. While the signage is not overwhelming, the lounge is easily identifiable if you follow the “Wiki Wiki Shuttle” signs and remember to go up one level.
Atmosphere and seating is better than the Premier Club.
This space is not a sprawling global facility, nor are the furnishings in any way new or spiffy. Nonetheless, it far outshines the Premier Club in every way. There is a smart blend of work-friendly counters, power outlets, dining tables, and somewhat cozy lounge seating. With the removal of Priority Pass foot traffic, the lounge feels restored to its original calm and has more than enough breathing room.
Service was a highlight.
Our attendant greeted us personally, visited with us in the lounge, and discussed food options, while another worker kept the buffet looking fresh and, although limited, inviting. Notably, the new lounge manager previously served on the leadership team at Apt. 1929, which is now closed. For those of you who fondly remember that expensive premium offering, this explains in part the renewed emphasis on hospitality here.
The food and beverage we liked.
This is not a comparison to Changi or Istanbul, but Plumeria brings thoughtful quality, regardless. The buffet offers a limited but fresh and appealing selection of items that feel intentional rather than just filler. This visit brought a pleasant surprise in both variety and quality. The standout was a seared ahi over a sticky rice bowl, with toppings and sauces to build it just the way you like. It was so good that we each went back for seconds. Alongside these were self-serve salads made entirely with locally grown ingredients, fresh and flavorful, as shown in the lead photo.
For dessert, the lounge offered its quirky “bot” pancakes. Topped with fresh blueberries, they made for an unexpectedly perfect sweet finish, even at night. Another option was lilikoi cheesecake.
Overall, the presentation and freshness here were well above expectations for a domestic U.S. carrier lounge, and a far cry from the uninspired fare at the Premier Club downstairs.
Rob enjoyed a glass of wine, while Jeff sampled non-alcoholic options. Self-serve beer, coffee, tea, and soft drinks round out the beverage selection. Modest, yes, but a clear upgrade in terms of taste and presentation compared to the unworkably large and inadequate Premier Club lounge downstairs.
Plumeria lounge amenities.
Wi Fi is fast and reliable. You can easily download entertainment before boarding. The restrooms are conveniently located inside the space, but showers are absent, a notable omission for long-haul travelers. That said, the new lounge planned for the Mauka Concourse will certainly include that in its behemoth design.
Lounge hours.
A notable improvement is that the Plumeria Lounge is now open from 6:30 am until 10 pm, serving departures throughout the day. We visited in the late afternoon.
Who gets into the Plumeria lounge now?
As of May 2025, the updated access policy includes:
- Hawaiian Airlines Business Class guests departing to international gateway cities.
- Hawaiian Airlines First Class guests departing to North America gateway cities.
- HawaiianMiles Pualani Platinum members and one guest departing to international gateway cities.
A day pass can also be purchased at the lounge: $40 USD for general admission, $30 USD for Pualani Gold members, and $25 USD for Pualani Platinum members. Day passes are available only to guests with a Hawaiian-issued ticket on a Hawaiian-operated flight. Alaska-operated flights do not qualify.
This inclusion of Hawaiian First Class domestic to North America is a substantive shift, broadening access and enhancing the lounge’s value.
Looking ahead to the new Alaska-Hawaiian lounge.
The Plumeria Lounge is only the beginning. Plans are already in motion for a massive new Hawaiian Alaska lounge in the Mauka Concourse (pictured above), scheduled to open in 2027. As we reported in our terminal renaissance article, this space promises to be five times larger than Plumeria and anchored by modern design, showers, and island-inspired features. Expectations are high for this to elevate what HNL can offer its premium travelers.
The closure of Apt. 1929 left a gap in pre-flight luxury services in Honolulu. With that gone, the Plumeria and, far more so, the future Mauka Concourse lounge are taking on a heavier role in shaping the airport’s premium hospitality footprint.
For now, Plumeria offers exactly what flyers need before a long flight: warm service, good food, and peace of mind.
If you have recently visited the Plumeria Lounge, we invite you to share your observations. Mahalo!
Lead Image – Beat of Hawaii dining at Plumeria Lounge at HNL.
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It is sad that priority pass holders have no option at HNL. The plumeria lounge did offer some respite from the usual chaos of the terminals.