Long Beach (LGB) to Honolulu (HNL)
On the Ground: Long Beach Airport sits about 20 miles from Los Angeles International Airport but feels like a reminder of simpler travel days. The facility has two terminals linked by a spacious outdoor breezeway, with local craft coffee and casual dining that create a relaxed Southern California atmosphere. Hawaiian Airlines’ newest aircraft, the Airbus A321neo, was recently added to Long Beach service and brings new nonstop options for West Coast travelers. Hawaiian deploys its A321neos on several mid-sized mainland routes, including flights to Maui and Kauai, and on this trip I flew to Honolulu.
Pre-Flight: The A321neo used on this route seats 189 passengers, including a 12-seat first-class cabin, and boarding was smooth and efficient. First-class flight attendants were attentive from the start, storing my sun hat and offering pre-flight beverages such as a mai tai, guava juice or Champagne. Hawaiian’s Flor Prosecco, which has earned praise in airline wine surveys, was enjoyable, and small bowls of macadamia nuts were offered before departure. We left on time, ascending into clear morning skies in good spirits.
In-Flight: At cruise altitude I had a chance to appreciate the first-class cabin. The seating follows a simple 2-2 layout with generously sized reclining seats that proved comfortable for the roughly five-hour flight. On some other routes Hawaiian offers lie-flat first-class seats, so check the configuration for your specific flight if that matters to you. There were no built-in seatback screens, but flight attendants circulated with charged iPads and headphones, and the airline’s entertainment app provided a wide selection of current and classic films and shows for the entire cabin. Keep in mind that onboard Wi-Fi is not yet available, so download the app and content before you board.
Meal service highlighted Hawaiian flavors. Breakfast en route to Honolulu featured a mushroom quiche that was better than I expected for airline food, paired with refreshing guava juice. On the return flight the lunch menu was even more memorable: smoked shrimp crostini followed by a short rib stew served with coconut ginger rice. Drinks and snacks leaned into local offerings, including a lager from Maui Brewing Co. and shortbread cookies from the Honolulu Cookie Company. Small design details also added local character, such as lavatory signage silhouettes dressed in Hawaiian-pattern shirts and dresses.
What distinguishes the Hawaiian Airlines experience is the genuine aloha spirit of the cabin crew. Their warmth, friendliness and upbeat attitude help set a welcoming tone from check-in through arrival, giving travelers a taste of the hospitality that awaits in Hawai‘i.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ The A321neo expands nonstop options between the West Coast and the islands.
◆ Hawaiian’s cabin crew exemplifies aloha hospitality.
◆ Beverage and meal offerings include thoughtful Hawaiian-focused choices, from craft beer and guava juice to award-winning Champagne and island-inspired dishes.