Alaska Airlines Unveils Plans for Premium Lounge in Honolulu

HONOLULU, Hawaii — Alaska Airlines has revealed plans for a new premium lounge at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), set to open by the end of 2027. The lounge, located in the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1, will be five times larger than the existing Premier Lounge and aims to redefine the travel experience with a blend of modern design and Hawaiian cultural elements.

“We are reimagining the travel experience with spaces that showcase our dedication to guest satisfaction and the unique culture of Hawai‘i,” said Todd Traynor-Corey, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of guest products and experience. “Our new Honolulu lounge will be the first-of-its-kind within this space and will offer a modern oasis for our guests to enjoy.”

Initial renderings show floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tarmac, ample seating in dining areas, and a bar. The lounge will cater to business and first-class passengers on long-haul routes between Hawaii and the continental U.S., as well as international destinations like Japan and New Zealand. While access policies have yet to be announced, the space is expected to be exclusive to premium travelers.

The project is part of a three-year strategic plan following Alaska Airlines’ partnership with Hawaiian Airlines. Alisha Onishi, Hawaiian Airlines’ director of brand and culture, emphasized the lounge’s alignment with the airline’s values. “This space reinforces our commitment to providing an unrivaled travel experience that reflects the purpose and values of our hometown airline,” she said.

In addition to the lounge, Hawaiian Airlines is enhancing its in-flight experience with fast and free Starlink Wi-Fi on all A330 and A321neo aircraft. The airline is also introducing new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring upgraded business-class seats.

Alaska Airlines has been expanding its premium offerings, including a new lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) that opened in July 2024. The airline has also reintroduced hot meals and exclusive craft beer options in its cabins, further elevating the passenger experience.