ExpatExp

Have been in and out of HNL regularly throughout the pandemic for work, but tonight was the first opportunity I had to stop at the AC in a while.

They say the lack of self-serve anything is a state requirement and if so, that's a shame, as it really detracts from the overall experience and enjoyment of the facility. It's also a shame that they don't have any of the hot dishes that were so appreciated pre-pandemic. And the plexiglass partitions they have installed between all the seating areas make it look similar (but not identical) to a prison visitors' room. The lounge has a very sterile feeling, unfortunately, which it never had before.

Still, the staff are great, and when they get rid of the partitions and the self-serve restrictions (and add back the hot dishes), it should be fine

fotoflyer88

Any recent updates to service offerings? Food/Drink?

Since it is a Admirals then we can use on arrival if needed as members?

Great to hear the staff is well regarded! An important detail often overlooked.

SFO voyageur

I was there on the 10th Feb. shortly after it opened at 11am. It was abundantly staffed and as welcoming as could be.
The problem is there's really nothing worth eating. I got the chicken karaage and it was almost inedible: cold, all breading with little meat and tasteless. The little fresh fruit dish was the only healthy offering. I was still hungry and went back and chose some chex mix just to fill me up. There wasn't much else to eat other than pastries or ramen. I didn't see any bottles of liquor anywhere and I had some red wine which was okay.

But it wasn't at all crowded and the quiet group who was there made that a plus.

I don't see why they wouldn't admit you as an arriving passenger, as all other domestic clubs do, but I'm not sure I would waste time stopping when there is so much better food and drink waiting in Hawaii.

AADFW

I was there about a week ago with my spouse and we found the entire experience very stressful. We stayed for about 5 minutes and went to the bar downstairs. It's not just the club though. The entire HNL airport has really gone overboard with all the restrictions.

robertablake

Me did the same in September. We went to the restaurant downstairs for food and drinks since the offering in the lounge was so poor.

fotoflyer88

Indeed that I know - was just thinking after 5-6hrs of no meal service even a quick snack might be nice before I head out of the airport.

Eastbay1K

Depending on how soon you're arriving (i.e., with arrival restrictions), you may be filtered directly to the arrival doc check if you don't have a wristband. If you have a wristband, you'll have free reign of the airport after you get past the gate area.

Aero137

Was just here this past weekend, and echo some of the other comments. The chicken nuggets Karaage was eh, chowder was decent, and the fruit was great. Alcoholic drink selections were limited to beer and wine (at least they didn’t advertise they were serving spirits).

It was absolutely dead when we were there (staff outnumbered guests) but that’s probably because it was an off hour for AA/JL (we were flying AS).

SkyTeam777

Are food and drinks back to self-service yet?

apeortdz

For awhile, they were allowing F class Hawaii passengers to access the lounge without a membership. Is that still the case?

Aero137

Nope, everything was staff serviced.

This is only offered for “Flagship” service (so 787/777 service to DFW/ORD/CLT).

smithrh

An odd experience - way too much plexiglass.

Friendly staff, to be sure, but it's empty and sterile at this point.

Like someone else said, minimized my time here and left to go elsewhere.

Hopefully the state backs the regulations off just a tad in the near future.

fotoflyer88

Good info. I should have a wristband since I'm vaccinated and the profile online shows I'm exempt?

smithrh

I think this is a question?

In any case, you'll get a wristband from AA in the airport where you're leaving for HNL from. If you're connecting, it will likely not be at your origin.

Lines can be long, so plan ahead to wait 15-30 minutes in line. In the line, you'll need your vax card, ID that you submitted, and the QR code.

However, if time doesn't permit getting the wristband at the airport you will just go through that ID check at HNL. Once you are through that you're in the airport like everyone else and you can head to the lounge where they will immediately ask for ID and vax card again. Get used to it, it's all over - hotel, restaurants, car rental...

mcgahat

Whether you are able or choose to get a wrist band at the airport before your arrival or you are filtered into the doc check doesn't really matter. The doc check is at the beginning of the C gate area and once you are through the doc check then you can just walk to the Admirals Club which is in the main terminal area. Personally, I would not do it as the lounge is not that great. The people staff are nice as always but I consider it a poor offering and would opt for better options which would be about anything outside of the airport.