When passengers step into Hawaiian Airlines’ brand-new Boeing 787 business class cabin, they will instantly find themselves embraced by a delightful taste of Hawai’i, whether they’re beginning their vacation right on the tarmac or looking to prolong their getaway just a little longer.
Featuring the captivating ‘Cabana Suites’ in the center, flooring and wall panels adorned with the elegant Koa wood pattern, and ceiling-mounted LED lights that beautifully portray the constellations of the night sky, Hawaiian Airlines’ 787 business class is a true embodiment of the carrier’s island home and rich Polynesian heritage.
The upcoming premium suites with privacy doors will be known as Leihoku Class, derived from the Hawaiian term for ‘garland of stars.’ These luxurious suites will make their debut on Hawaiian Airlines’ inaugural Boeing 787-9 aircraft, scheduled for arrival in November 2023.
Beginning in March 2024, these enchanting Dreamliners will commence flights to the US West Coast. Another 787 is expected to join the fleet in early 2024, allowing both aircraft to enter commercial service by the end of the first quarter.
Initially, the Leihoku Class will likely operate on routes connecting one of Hawaiian Airlines’ West Coast cities. As the airline expands its fleet and gains experience, it plans to introduce these remarkable suites on longer-haul routes.
By the end of 2024, Hawaiian Airlines aims to have a total of four Boeing 787s, with the remaining eight aircraft from their 12-unit order slated for delivery between 2025 and 2027. These Dreamliners will be dedicated to serving major trans-Pacific routes that radiate from Honolulu.
Each of these extraordinary business class cabins will boast 34 flatbed suites, designed by Adient Aerospace under the elegant Ascent concept. Departing from Hawaiian Airlines’ current 2-2-2 configuration found on their Airbus A330 jets, these suites will embrace a more passenger-centric 1-2-1 layout, providing an enhanced travel experience.
The business class suites will showcase several passenger-pleasing features, including privacy doors for every suite, ensuring a secluded and personal space. The paired middle ‘Cabana Suites’ will offer sliding privacy panels, adding an extra layer of privacy and exclusivity for those traveling together.
Passengers will be delighted by an expansive 18-inch high-definition video screen, allowing for immersive entertainment throughout the flight. Furthermore, these suites will provide AC, USB, and wireless charging capabilities, ensuring travelers can conveniently power their electronic devices.
The paired Cabana Suites in the middle of each business class row hold great significance for Hawaiian Airlines’ passengers, particularly for those celebrating a vacation or a special occasion while visiting the enchanting islands.
Each suite features a privacy divider, allowing solo travelers to create private space. The divider can be lowered by simultaneously pressing two buttons, transforming adjacent suites into one seamless and harmonious cabana for couples traveling together.
While these paired suites offer a wonderful setting for shared activities such as watching a movie or enjoying a meal together, they do not convert into a full double bed due to the outward angle of the seats.
Passengers can access complimentary high-speed WiFi during their journey, although it will not be available immediately. This service will be made possible by utilizing the Starlink network, developed by SpaceX under the guidance of Elon Musk. Installing satellite kits, enabling connectivity, will be gradually implemented on the Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Airbus A330, and A321neo jets.
In 2017, Hawaiian Airlines embarked on developing its Boeing 787 business class, aiming for the first Dreamliner to join its fleet in 2021. However, like many airlines worldwide, this timeline fell victim to the early impact of the Covid pandemic.
The carrier teamed up with Adient Aerospace to bring their vision to life, a joint venture between Boeing and automotive seat-maker Adient. Together, they collaborated on creating a groundbreaking twin-aisle business class seat concept, affectionately known as Ascent.
Throughout the process, Hawaiian Airlines became deeply involved and almost like a design partner, ensuring that every detail met their high standards.
In mid-2021, Qatar Airways proudly became the inaugural airline to introduce the Ascent seats on its latest Boeing 787-9 aircraft fleet. While each airline adds its own personal touch through branding customizations in terms of color, finish, and materials, there are no significant practical distinctions between the seats used by Qatar Airways and Hawaiian Airlines.
