Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330-200 N388HA heading to Portland


There was really nothing much at the EWA concourse except some limited shops and food outlets. I had thought about finding the Hawaiian Airlines lounge, but really don’t think it was worthwhile for me to walk all the way to the Inter-Island lounge just for a below standard waiting room. I headed to the Delta Sky Club using my Diamond card to gain entry. It was fun watching Erin Burnett trying to have a logical conversation with Rand Paul. No pictures here, as it was a typical Sky Club with the typical amenities, beverages and snacks. However it was nice to have a self-service bar though. I also donated towards a purchase of some pink lemonade cooler to celebrate the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Sign towards Hawaiian Airlines’ EWA Concourse


HA 449 HNL-KIX Lv1420 Arr1830+1 Airbus A330-200 N385HA “Manaiakalani”



Boarding began at 1:35pm, and when I boarded, most business class passengers were already onboard. Business class was full almost a few months before the flight, and most of them were Japanese passengers heading home. Out of the 18 seats, one was blocked for relief pilot – 3C specifically. Economy class cabin on the other hand was pretty about 2/3 full, with most of the bulkhead seats (which required a fee) empty. They were all marked with a special headrest cover. The flight attendants here were a bit more enthusiastic and Japanese-speaking F/As were doing most of the serving, as their language skills were needed here.

My seat 3A – the only seat left when I picked this flight


The same selection of pre-takeoff beverages was offered, as well as local Hawaiian newspapers.
Pre-departure
Na Pua Signature Cocktail will be served (basically a mixture of Guava juice and sparkling wine)


Menu was then passed out and to give Hawaiian Airlines credits, most of the courses had a photo of what they looked like next to it. Most importantly, it was great to see what the entrée looked like before choosing it.


Magazine pocket also featured an additional Japanese language magazine and duty free catalog


Slippers (not pictured) were already placed in the seat. A very basic amenity kit (basically eyeshades and ear plugs) inside a paper box and a toothbrush set were then passed out. I honestly think Hawaiian Airlines can use a nicer cloth bag, as I felt that most things were just randomly put together. I don’t expect a fancy amenity kit but one of those kits that resemble some of the economy class amenity kits used by Asian airlines will be sufficient.


Pillow and blankets are also upgraded on international flights


Beverage and entrée orders were taken prior to takeoff, and door was closed early at 2:07pm. There were quite a bit of traffic at this afternoon hour. We pushed back at 2:19pm and taxied towards R/W8L. I was surprised that we did not taxi all the way to R/W8R, which was also known as the reef runway, for takeoff. But it saved us some taxi time for sure. We took off at 2:37pm and here were some shots of Hawaii before we headed straight to the Pacific. We did not see land till we got near the Japanese coast eight hours later.






The routing took us towards the Pacific Ocean, as we climbed to 40,000feet and then further up to 41,000feet. We did not reach land till we passed the Island of Miayke Islands, and then we returned to 40,000feet. After descent was begun, we passed the Kii Peninsula, Nanki-Shiranhama Airport and headed straight to Osaka Bay and landed on Kansai. Flying time was eight hours and forty-six minutes.

Service was definitely more elaborated on daytime international flights, and hot towels made its first appearance before service. Linen was then placed on each table, followed by our choice of beverage and the appetizer of the day, which was a salmon roulade filled with crabmeat salad and topped with caviar. A pair of chopsticks was also placed on each table. The service was definitely designed with its Japanese passengers in mind.