Hawaii - Consolidated "Lounge options at HNL. Best, worst, suggestions, questions" thread

I have a couple of layovers in HNL (1 of them coming from Japan, the other going) of a few hours each coming up. Not enough time to get out of the airport, but more than enough to walk up and down the terminal. Among Northwest, Delta and Continental, which do you think is best for 2 or 3 hours? Wireless internet would be desirable.

This subject has been covered pretty well in the past and I think a search will bring up some relevant info.

However, the Delta and Continental lounges are very nice. You'll find free WiFi with the Continental/Northwest clubs. And, the snack service is the most extensive at the Continental President Club.

Of all three, the CO PC is your best bet--however, their hours are quirky, so double check on the website that they'll be open when you'll be there.

Other than that, the UA RCC has very nice view of the tarmac.

Hi,

I liked the CO PC at HNL , comy, cool, lots of seats, good range of snacks ( for a US airline club) and free drinks.

Regards

TBS

...Wireless internet would be desirable.

Slightly OT: If you're in the interisland terminal without the time or inclination to hike back to the CO or NW club, you can easily get the free wifi from the Aloha Airlines Ali`i Club in the big seating area adjacent (and even at the Starbucks).

Thanks for the replies. For some reason, forum search is not working for me.

Slightly OT: If you're in the interisland terminal without the time or inclination to hike back to the CO or NW club, you can easily get the free wifi from the Aloha Airlines Ali`i Club in the big seating area adjacent (and even at the Starbucks).

I've also been able to get a wifi connection outside of the United Club on the floor above gate 9(?). I had to sit on the floor outside of the door, but hardly anyone was around. This time I'm carrying Asian Gold status for WorldPerks, so I can go inside one of these clubs and be comfortable!

....I've also been able to get a wifi connection outside of the United Club on the floor above gate 9(?). I had to sit on the floor outside of the door, but hardly anyone was around.....

True :)

But it's T-mobile and the AQ lounge one is free.

True :)

But it's T-mobile and the AQ lounge one is free.
Just as a side, there's still a promo running where T-mobile cell subscribers can receive free Wifi at any T-mobile hotspots on the weekend. A search on FT will bring up more info. :)

I'm heading to Hawaii for a short trip next weekend as a surprise for the significant other. We will fly on NWA...and I am a member of the CO Presidents Club and the AA Admirals Club. What is the most impressive lounge at HNL?

I'm heading to Hawaii for a short trip next weekend as a surprise for the significant other. We will fly on NWA...and I am a member of the CO Presidents Club and the AA Admirals Club. What is the most impressive lounge at HNL?
(1) Let me guide you to SchmutzigMSP's Guide to Skyteam Lounges in HNL (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=560496) that will help you compare DL/NW/CO lounges. IMHO, CO has the best lounge out of the three of them (this is where I and SchmutzigMSP differ) because it offers free Wifi and has the best snacks.

(2) AA's lounge is shared with Qantas and although it has shower facilities, it is rather far from any of AA's gates. Unless you really need to use a shower, I'd suggest sticking with either the DL or CO lounge.

FWIW, all the lounge attendants at any of these clubs in HNL have great attitudes and are always willing to help.

And, if you do have issues with your NW tickets, be sure to stop by the HNL WC to get the issue resolved by the WC ladies. They are the best in the system! :)

I second Slippah's comments about the NW club. The ladies there are the best. My WC membership is worth it just to use that club. Just wish it was a tad bit bigger and had its own bathroom. Small inconveniences. By the way, their new coffee machine is brand new and worth trying it out.

As mentioned AA is actually share with QF and at gate26.

CO is at Gate 13, DL is Garden Level and NW is Gate 13.

http://www.honoluluairport.com/

A great deal depends on where your flight leaves from (check online for that info) .. I would probably head to the one closet to the departing gate (tho also prefer the Garden level where AA used to have their club).

Will be in HNL for a couple of hours on layover. Have a priority pass membership and wanted to know which lounge there is the nicest (will be traveling with family)?: Delta Crown Room, Continental Pres. Club, NW Worldclub, or United Red Carpet , or the Iass Hawaii Lounge.

Thanks.

Will be in HNL for a couple of hours on layover. Have a priority pass membership and wanted to know which lounge there is the nicest (will be traveling with family)?: Delta Crown Room, Continental Pres. Club, NW Worldclub, or United Red Carpet , or the Iass Hawaii Lounge.

Thanks.

Don't know about the Iass lounge, but of the other choices I'd recommend the Prez Club.

I have been to the Delta Crown Room, Northwest WorldClub and Continental President's Club. Of those, the Delta Crown Room is my favorite by a long margin -- by far the nicest atmosphere (down in the garden), and their drink selection is the best (including beer from the Kona Brewing Company). The WorldClub is pretty cramped, and the President's Club is somewhere in the middle -- not too bad, but nothing special IMHO.

I have been to the Delta Crown Room, Northwest WorldClub and Continental President's Club. Of those, the Delta Crown Room is my favorite by a long margin -- by far the nicest atmosphere (down in the garden), and their drink selection is the best (including beer from the Kona Brewing Company). The WorldClub is pretty cramped, and the President's Club is somewhere in the middle -- not too bad, but nothing special IMHO.

thanks, people! love ft.

Please continue the discussion in the Hawaii forum. Thanks for your understanding.

Jouy31
TravelBuzz moderator

I have been to the Delta Crown Room, Northwest WorldClub and Continental President's Club. Of those, the Delta Crown Room is my favorite by a long margin -- by far the nicest atmosphere (down in the garden), and their drink selection is the best (including beer from the Kona Brewing Company). The WorldClub is pretty cramped, and the President's Club is somewhere in the middle -- not too bad, but nothing special IMHO.
While the Delta CRC is nice, remember that it does not offer free Wifi to all members as does the CO PC and NW WC. Also, I'm of the opinion that the CO PC has a better snack selection during the afternoon, including fresh fruits and sometimes papaya.

While the Delta CRC is nice, remember that it does not offer free Wifi to all members as does the CO PC and NW WC. Also, I'm of the opinion that the CO PC has a better snack selection during the afternoon, including fresh fruits and sometimes papaya.
Just an update, the Delta CRC in HNL is closing as of May.

I've been in all but the Delta Club. The one I would not use is the Red Carpet Club. Either of the others are better.

I've been in the CRC, PC, and WC.

The PC is best overall for atmosphere, wi-fi, and snacks.

If you dont need wi-fi the I suppose that the CRC has the edge because of the open bar, although the CRC dragons got downright hostile when I left my guests in there for a few minutes without me.

Avoid the WC.

Why is the CRC closing?

Why is the CRC closing?
Your guess is as good as mine. There's a comprehensive thread on the Delta forum about several CRC closures. I believe it was attributed to $, but why would they close down a CRC that was so popular and heavily used is anyone's guess.

I'm a PP holder as well, and even when I flying out from HNL (my home airport), I like to use CRC for it's peaceful surroundings and the free drinks. :D

It is a little out of the way, tho.

If you like to be near the gates, then the President's Club may be a better bet.
But you don't mention what airline, so it's tough to judge what is or isn't close.......

Good luck.

I've been in the CRC, PC, and WC.

The PC is best overall for atmosphere, wi-fi, and snacks.

If you dont need wi-fi the I suppose that the CRC has the edge because of the open bar, although the CRC dragons got downright hostile when I left my guests in there for a few minutes without me.

Avoid the WC.

Why is the CRC closing?

Why avoid the WC? The staff is among the best in the system, IMHO. It's old and outdated, but has a free open bar (self pour), and a nice staff. I really like it there!

Why avoid the WC? The staff is among the best in the system, IMHO. It's old and outdated, but has a free open bar (self pour), and a nice staff. I really like it there!
IMHO, if you threw the WC staff, PC snacks, and WC/PC Wifi into the DL CRC, you'd have the perfect club!

IMHO, if you threw the WC staff, PC snacks, and WC/PC Wifi into the DL CRC, you'd have the perfect club!

Agreed. As long as the bar is still self-pour. :)

Why avoid the WC? The staff is among the best in the system, IMHO. It's old and outdated, but has a free open bar (self pour), and a nice staff. I really like it there!

What's the advantage of the WC over the CRC or PC?

The CRC is much more aesthetically pleasing and has self-serve drinks, and if wi-fi is critical then the PC beats the WC.

Hi all,

I'm a Priority Pass member and will be flying through Honolulu in a couple of weeks. I was wondering what people would consider to be the "best" airline lounge at HNL that's accessible to PP members. In particular, I can access the Northwest WC, United RCC, American AC, Continental PC, and the IASS Hawaii lounge (but I think this might be closed during the times I'm there).

I'm flying to/from the mainland on United and then connecting to Hawaiian for an inter-island flight. I've got about 3 hours in each direction. I'm traveling with my wife and our 5 month old daughter so peace and quiet are probably more important than free drinks! :)

Any opinions on where to spend the time? First thought was that the RCC makes sense since I'm flying in/out on United. However, if one of the other lounges is "better", then we're not averse to a little walk before or after the long flight.

Thanks very much and Aloha!
B

This link might help with the CO/NW comparison: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=560496&highlight=worldclub+hnl

Also if you're looking for a shower, AA is the lounge to be at.

This link might help with the CO/NW comparison: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=560496&highlight=worldclub+hnl

Also if you're looking for a shower, AA is the lounge to be at.

Thanks for the link! I hadn't seen that review before. Looks like the lack of a restroom in the WC definitely knocks them out of contention for me.

The shower at the AA lounge sounds like a nice plus, so I'll definitely have to keep that in mind.

Thanks again,
B

If you use the AA lounge outbound, just be sure to add a conservative 20 minutes for your walk time from the lounge to the UA gate.

If you use the AA lounge outbound, just be sure to add a conservative 20 minutes for your walk time from the lounge to the UA gate.
Just to add that the AA/Qantas lounge is on the way from the UA gates to the interisland terminal and back, so there isn't much deviation (a less than 3-4 min deviation). Still, sage advice.

As a longtime PP holder, I want to put a vote in for the Delta CRC. ^

Even though it wasn't on your list (aren't the Crown Room Clubs still participating in PP :(? I think so, but could be wrong), the CRC is on the lower level, nestled behind the gardens and has (had? :confused:) a friendly, attentive staff, quiet surroundings and free booze. :cool:

Beyond that, I think any of them (except for the UA RCC) should have free booze and some light nibbles.

Or you could just stop by the Kona Brewing Company's restaurant in the terminal, and get your first (and last) taste of liquid aloha. :D

Enjoy!

Aloha, Ted

As a longtime PP holder, I want to put a vote in for the Delta CRC. ^

Even though it wasn't on your list (aren't the Crown Room Clubs still participating in PP :(? I think so, but could be wrong), the CRC is on the lower level, nestled behind the gardens and has (had? :confused:) a friendly, attentive staff, quiet surroundings and free booze. :cool:
Ted, unfortunately, the Delta CRC is no longer there and hasn't been there since the summer. Blame DL's CRC cutbacks, since HNL was one of the clubs that got the ax. :td:

Ted, unfortunately, the Delta CRC is no longer there and hasn't been there since the summer. Blame DL's CRC cutbacks, since HNL was one of the clubs that got the ax. :td:

And another thing of beauty departs from this earth..............:(

I didn't know that; mahalo for the info.

Aloha, Ted

Thanks for the link! I hadn't seen that review before. Looks like the lack of a restroom in the WC definitely knocks them out of contention for me.
FWIW, there is a restroom located a few feet from the club entrance. It isn't private. The restroom at CO's club isn't all that grand, if restrooms are a concern.

Yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

AA ADMIRALS CLUB JOINED PP AT HNL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have not known this at all. A shower before leaving humid HNL would be awesome. Unfortunately, I do not have a plan to be in hnl in the near future though.

FWIW, there is a restroom located a few feet from the club entrance. It isn't private. The restroom at CO's club isn't all that grand, if restrooms are a concern.

Normally I wouldn't worry about the restrooms, but with the kid, I've just found it nice to have a more private and typically quieter bathroom. I fear the rush of people that have just landed coming from the mainland with full bladders!

Thanks all for the advice! Since we do have some time, I may try out more than one, but the shower at the AA lounge has really gotten me interested. Nothing like a quick shower after 12+ hours of flying from the east coast...

Aloha!
B

My apologies in advance for resurrecting this old thread, but it just happened to be my exact question, although circumstances have changed a bit. Since Delta left Priority Pass, the current available lounges are:

AA Admiral's Club
UA Red Carpet Club
CO President's Club
IASS Hawaii Lounge

Any updated recommendations between these?

I'll also be flying on AS both ways, so if anyone has any input about the proximity (or lack thereof) of any of these clubs to the AS gates (highlighted in blue below), I would appreciate it!

http://www.alaskaair.com/images/boardroom/Board-Room_HNL.gif

Reviving this, any comments on the IASS lounge? It seems to be the only PP one open for an AM flight without trekking up to the RCC.

Reviving this, any comments on the IASS lounge? It seems to be the only PP one open for an AM flight without trekking up to the RCC.

Hi Eastbay1K,

I probably would not go there. Whilst it was quiet when I was there a few years ago , not much of a view and you are only allowed ONE soft drink free of charge ( anything more has to be paid for).

Looking at the PP website the policy has not changed.

The garden areas in HNL are very nice and if you do not need a drink , it is almost worth spending time in the gardens rather than the lounge ( esp if oyu have to pay)

Regards

TBS

The garden areas in HNL are very nice and if you do not need a drink , it is almost worth spending time in the gardens rather than the lounge ( esp if oyu have to pay)

Regards

TBS

Thanks. No, I don't have to pay. I thought it might be an ok place to get a cup of coffee, for free.

We are traveling back from PPT next month and have a 6-7 hr layover in HNL. Currrently we have a room reservation at the Marriott in Waikiki (points) but I'm not sure it would be worth it for such a short time.

How are the lounges in HNL? I remember the HA lounge being fairly dismal but haven't been in the others. We have priority passes and they cover the CN, UA, and another (IAS?) UA supposedly has showers. So now I'm thinking about canceling the hotel room, renting a car, driving out to Waikiki for breakfast and some surfing, and coming back to shower. We have 3 kids that would be following along like little ducks on the same agenda.

What would you do? We've been thru HNL more than I can count but never had the need to investigate the lounges.

What would you do? We've been thru HNL more than I can count but never had the need to investigate the lounges.

I've done more than my share of 6-12 layovers in HNL. Check out the sticky thread about long layovers.

One option that I would lean to is the car rental. Make sure that you rent from an agency that you have a membership with, as standing in line for a car is frustrating when you're counting minutes. I always rent a car from the agencies located onsite at the airport, then walk over, rather than wait for a ride on a shuttle.

If you choose to wait at HNL, a way to kill time is to walk to the strip mall just down the street. I think that I wrote some details about that on the other thread.

Another idea is to take a cab to Waikiki, Aloha Tower, or something like that. Probably wouldn't be a lot more expensive than a rental and less hassle.

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What would you do? We've been thru HNL more than I can count but never had the need to investigate the lounges.

I've done more than my share of 6-12 layovers in HNL. Check out the sticky thread about long layovers.

One option that I would lean to is the car rental. Make sure that you rent from an agency that you have a membership with, as standing in line for a car is frustrating when you're counting minutes. I always rent a car from the agencies located onsite at the airport, then walk over, rather than wait for a ride on a shuttle.

If you choose to wait at HNL, a way to kill time is to walk to the strip mall just down the street. I think that I wrote some details about that on the other thread.

Another idea is to take a cab to Waikiki, Aloha Tower, or something like that. Probably wouldn't be a lot more expensive than a rental and less hassle.

The Airport Trade Center doesn't have anything more than an L&L, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and a Ninja Sushi. So unless one is hankering for food, not much there.

Sound advice is to grab a rental and explore, especially if the driving time will be during nonpeak traffic times.

The Airport Trade Center doesn't have anything more than an L&L, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and a Ninja Sushi. So unless one is hankering for food, not much there.

Sound advice is to grab a rental and explore, especially if the driving time will be during nonpeak traffic times.

Good point. Airport Trade Center is better for killing a 3-hour layover if you want to get out of the airport.

If you rent a car and go to Waikiki, you can get validated parking at the Royal Hawaiian garage when you buy something at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. You could buy a new Mac at the Apple Store, or even a bottle of water at the ABC.:)

If you rent a car and go to Waikiki, you can get validated parking at the Royal Hawaiian garage when you buy something at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. You could buy a new Mac at the Apple Store, or even a bottle of water at the ABC.:)


Sound advice! Thanks, reserved a car and canceled the hotel reservation. Hertz is on-site at HNL right?

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If you rent a car and go to Waikiki, you can get validated parking at the Royal Hawaiian garage when you buy something at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. You could buy a new Mac at the Apple Store, or even a bottle of water at the ABC.:)


Sound advice! Thanks, reserved a car and canceled the hotel reservation. Hertz is on-site at HNL right?

Yes, Hertz is on site.

Yes, Hertz is on site.

After exiting the airport, turn right and walk along the sidewalk (or just inside in the baggage claim area) with the terminal on your right. When you get to the end of the terminal there will be an underground passageway that leads to the car rental area. You'll see the Hertz sign. I think that it's faster to walk than to take the shuttle.

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Yes, Hertz is on site.

After exiting the airport, turn right and walk along the sidewalk (or just inside in the baggage claim area) with the terminal on your right. When you get to the end of the terminal there will be an underground passageway that leads to the car rental area. You'll see the Hertz sign. I think that it's faster to walk than to take the shuttle.

Wholeheartedly agree. Also noticed that there's a sign there now directing to all on site rental agencies that wasn't there before making it easier to spot which underground tunnel you should be taking.

I was at the CO Presidents Club last evening and found it nicer than the RCC, with friendly staff and fresh fruit platter. Unfortunately, there was sign informing guests that they will close by Nov. 30 and merge with RCC. So *A Gold enjoy it while it lasts.

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I was at the CO Presidents Club last evening and found it nicer than the RCC, with friendly staff and fresh fruit platter. Unfortunately, there was sign informing guests that they will close by Nov. 30 and merge with RCC. So *A Gold enjoy it while it lasts.

Let's just hope that the PC staff joins the RCC staff when the PC closes and becomes the Delta Skyclub.

CO needs to stick an agent in the RCC, along with a CO computer, because the poor RCC agents are now dealing with CO pax, and have no real ability to help them, making a situation that is no one's fault (as in not the pax and not the RCC staff) into unpleasantness, because the CO pax would expect that agents would be able to assist.

Hi all.

I will be flying business class from Honolulu to Auckland. I also have Priority Pass Membership. Which of the lounges that I can access would be the best. Through Priority Pass I think I can access AA Admirals Club, IASS Hawaii Lounge and United Club Lounge. Are any of these better than the NZ lounge?

Cheers

Hi all.

I will be flying business class from Honolulu to Auckland. I also have Priority Pass Membership. Which of the lounges that I can access would be the best. Through Priority Pass I think I can access AA Admirals Club, IASS Hawaii Lounge and United Club Lounge. Are any of these better than the NZ lounge?

Cheers

The only two HNL lounges of that group I've been to are the IASS and AA Admirals Club and I'd say hands down the Admirals Club is better.

The IASS was pretty grim and bare as if it were a multi-purpose room quickly set up the night before to look "loungy". I read they only allow one free soft drink. The Admiral's Club is more spacious, airy, free soft drinks and booze (the self service booze is hard to find but it's there) and some free carb refreshments. Not the most beautiful decor, but nicer than the public areas and certainly nicer than the IASS.