Hawaiian Airlines is preparing a major transformation of its Airbus A330 cabins, with 22 new business-class suites and the airline’s first-ever premium economy product coming to every aircraft in the fleet. The retrofit program is expected to begin in 2028 and will introduce a substantially larger premium cabin, upgraded entertainment, improved connectivity, and a stronger emphasis on Hawaiian-inspired hospitality.
The new business-class product will be called Leihōkū, a Hawaiian word meaning “lei of stars.” The name reflects an interior concept built around a warm, colorful night-sky palette designed to create a calmer environment for long-haul travelers. The concept also fits within the broader premium strategy of Alaska Air Group, which now includes Hawaiian Airlines, with Alaska Airlines using its own Aurora branding to express a similar connection with the sky and natural surroundings.
Each Hawaiian Airlines A330 will receive 22 Leihōkū Business Class suites, replacing the existing premium seating arrangement with a significantly more private experience. Every passenger will have direct aisle access, while the seat converts into a fully flat bed for overnight and long-distance flights. Each suite also includes a privacy door, allowing travelers to create a more secluded personal space during meals, work, or sleep.
The mid-cabin suites will feature a distinctive pass-through window that can be opened or closed. This allows passengers to communicate more easily with companions when desired while retaining the ability to create additional separation when privacy matters. A dedicated wireless charging area is built into the armrest, adding a practical feature for travelers carrying smartphones and other personal electronics.
The Leihōkū seat is based on the Collins Aerospace Super Diamond platform, a proven business-class design already selected by major international airlines including Air Canada, American Airlines, China Airlines, and Qatar Airways. Hawaiian will pair the established seat architecture with a 19-inch 4K entertainment screen and hotel-quality bedding. The new bedding and suite experience are intended to make the transition from dining and entertainment to sleeping more seamless on long transpacific journeys.
Hawaiian Airlines Premium Reserve Brings Premium Economy to the A330
For the first time in its history, Hawaiian Airlines will introduce a dedicated premium economy cabin called Premium Reserve. Each A330 will receive 28 Premium Reserve seats, giving passengers a middle option between conventional economy and the substantially more expensive business-class suites.
Premium Reserve seats will provide 38 inches of pitch and slightly more width than standard economy seating. Each passenger will receive a 16-inch 4K OLED display with Bluetooth connectivity, while AC outlets and USB-C charging will support personal devices throughout the flight. Atmos Rewards members will also receive complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi sponsored by T-Mobile, further strengthening the appeal of the upgraded cabin.
The changes extend beyond the seats themselves. Hawaiian’s onboard service, branded Mea Ho‘okipa, meaning “I am host,” will continue to emphasize local culture and hospitality. Leihōkū passengers will receive meals influenced by Hawaiian ingredients and culinary traditions, with menus curated by Executive Chef Dell Valdez and accompanied by selected wine pairings.
Economy service is also being adjusted. After Hawaiian eliminated complimentary meals on most flights during the summer, the airline introduced a pre-order dining program overseen by Maui-based chef Sheldon Simeon, a James Beard Award finalist. The approach gives passengers additional choice while maintaining a stronger connection between Hawaiian’s onboard food and its home state.
A Larger Premium Cabin and New Honolulu Lounge
Once the A330 retrofits are completed, premium seating will account for approximately 40% of the aircraft, compared with about 30% today. Hawaiian has 24 A330s scheduled for the program, with the work expected to be completed over the following years. The scale of the change indicates that premium passengers are becoming a much more important part of the airline’s long-haul strategy.
Hawaiian is also planning a new 13,000-square-foot premium lounge at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Scheduled to open in 2028 in Terminal 1’s Mauka Concourse, the facility is expected to accommodate up to 200 guests and feature locally inspired food and beverages, a dedicated local coffee experience, a full-service bar, and private workspaces.
The airline and Alaska Airlines will also introduce dedicated premium check-in facilities. Together with the redesigned A330 cabins, lounge expansion, upgraded dining, and Starlink connectivity, the changes represent a broader effort to create a consistent premium journey from the airport to the aircraft.
The A330 retrofit therefore represents more than a seat replacement program. With 22 private business-class suites, 28 Premium Reserve seats, 4K entertainment, enhanced connectivity, upgraded dining, and a new Honolulu lounge, Hawaiian Airlines is reshaping its long-haul product around a much larger premium proposition. For passengers traveling between Hawaii and major destinations across North America and the Pacific, the transformation will become increasingly visible as the retrofits begin in 2028.
