Hawaiian Airlines has quietly opened a more refined lounge experience at its Honolulu hub, giving a select group of premium passengers access to a hidden space before departure.
Known as Plumeria Loft, it’s in the former home of Apartment 1929, a previously secretive, invite-only facility. Rather than operating as a standalone space, the Plumeria Loft is now essentially an off-site extension of the existing Plumeria Lounge.
After clearing security from Hawaiian Airlines’ check-in area, turn right, walk down a bit and find the escalators leading up to The Plumeria Lounge.
Access is by invitation only
For now, entry to Plumeria Loft is available on a surprise-and-delight basis, subject to available capacity. Check-in is at the Plumeria Lounge itself. Once there, if you’re eligible, the staff will page someone from the Plumeria Loft to let you in. Head back outside and look for the unassuming door with a subtle purple flower…
Hawaiian says invitations may be extended to passengers travelling in its international Business Class, as well as those in First Class on its domestic (and almost 10-hour-long) Honolulu-New York service. Hawaiian’s international destinations include Sydney, Auckland, Tokyo, and Rarotonga, to name a few.
At this stage, there are no plans to extend access to elite status members (Atmos or oneworld) travelling on non-eligible flights or cabins. This lounge is also outside the realms of standard oneworld access rules, as the Plumeria Lounge is still available for those members.
That makes the Plumeria Loft one of the more exclusive airline lounge experiences in the USA, although it’s best to keep your expectations somewhat in check once inside.
A more intimate pre-flight experience
While the neighbouring Plumeria Lounge is not much more than a larger waiting room, Plumeria Loft offers a noticeably more boutique atmosphere.
Guests can choose between stylish indoor seating and an outdoor lānai. Part of the airport is open-air anyway, so if it’s not too hot, you might as well enjoy a bit more time outdoors.
The food offering is more or less the same range of hot and cold dishes as those found in the Plumeria lounge. But don’t expect fine dining here – the offerings are still mainly on the lighter side.
In the morning, there’s a potato hash, spam musubi, sausages, yoghurt, fruits and pancakes. The lunch/dinner menu transitions to heartier bites.
Perhaps the biggest draw is the drinks menu, curated by the team behind Bar Leather Apron, an acclaimed Honolulu cocktail bar. Signature cocktails join a list that includes hand-mixed sodas (try the P.O.G) – and handily for Aussie travellers – espresso drinks.
It’s clear that the beverage selection here is far better than in the other nearby lounges. As I’ve already had breakfast at the Halekulani Bakery in Waikiki before this visit, a refreshing mixed soda is all I need here.
For passengers preparing for a long-haul journey, the lounge also includes a private shower suite. None of Hawaiian’s other lounges has this, so it’s a key perk to look for if you’ve come from a day of sightseeing. That said, there was a sign indicating it was out of order during my visit, so hopefully it’s fixed soon.
Inside the shower room, you’ll find toiletries and amenities, including lip balm and hygiene products.
Summing up
Hawaiian Airlines is on track to open a significantly larger, brand-new lounge in Terminal 1 by the end of 2027. Situated in the ‘Mauka Concourse’, this will be the airline’s new flagship lounge and will likely rival those of many larger competitors.
But until then, Hawaiian’s much older Premier Club and Plumeria Lounge will have to ‘hold the fort’, so to speak. Hawaiian Airlines’ owner, Alaska Airlines, is keen to improve the lounge experience, so the Plumeria Loft seems like a good way to use space that would otherwise be used by only by a very select few.
Hawaiian’s CEO, Diana Birkett-Rakow, said the lounge only opened ‘days ago’ and was the perfect way to treat their ‘most-valued customers flying long-haul Business or First Class with us.’
“It’s another way we can begin the Hawaiian hospitality experience before they even board the aircraft,” she told Point Hacks on the sidelines of a oneworld event in Honolulu.
You can book Hawaiian Airlines flights with Qantas Points (and points/miles of other oneworld member airlines). A Business Classic Flight Reward from Honolulu to Sydney starts from 108,000 Qantas Points + US$51. Chances are, your journey will begin from the Plumeria Loft.
Disclaimer: Photography by Brandon Loo, who travelled as a guest of Hawaiian Airlines and oneworld.
