I flew into KOA yesterday and as my friend and I were driving out we saw one of the new 777X planes parked nearby. We drove towards it and were able to get just on the other side of the fence. Several Boeing engineers were mulling around and were happy to chat with us for a bit. Boeing was looking for a warm weather location to do some tests and the airspace off the southern tip of the big island is empty so they flew the big bird over.

The thing is massive! According to the Boeing engineers the engines are larger in diameter than a 737 fuselage. I think they said the max seating is around 430 (but probably less in most cases with FC, PC, etc.).

The folding wing tips are a pretty cool feature.... 12' on each side so the wingspan can be reduced by 24' so the plane can fit into existing gates.