Family vacations are often defined not just by the destination, but also by the journey. For families flying from Los Angeles (LAX) to Oahu (HNL), the flight sets the tone for the entire trip. With young kids in tow, every parent knows the importance of choosing the right airline—one that balances comfort, convenience, and family-friendly service.
Our family recently flew Hawaiian Airlines for our trip to Oahu, and we walked away with a simple conclusion: this airline knows how to make families feel welcome. From warm hospitality to thoughtful in-flight meals and Hawaiian touches that began the vacation the moment we stepped onboard, Hawaiian Airlines made the five-hour journey feel less like a hassle and more like the start of our island adventure.
This is our complete review:
- Booking & check-in experience.
- Boarding with kids.
- Cabin, seating, and comfort.
- In-flight meals & entertainment.
- Family-friendly services and extras.
- Pricing and value compared to other airlines.
- Insider tips for parents.
- FAQs for family travelers.
Booking & Check-In: Smooth Start
Booking Process
We booked directly on Hawaiian Airlines’ website. It was simple, and the site clearly highlighted family-friendly features:
- Seating Options: Ability to choose seats together in advance.
- Baggage Info: Clear policies (2 free checked bags for first class, affordable fees in economy).
- Meals: Included even in economy—rare for domestic flights.
Online Check-In
Easy to complete 24 hours prior. Boarding passes loaded onto our phones, saving us time at the airport.
At LAX
- Counters: Staff were friendly and efficient.
- Family Bonus: Families with kids were guided to shorter lines for bag drop.
- Mood: From the start, there was a welcoming Hawaiian vibe—leis for some passengers, staff in aloha shirts, Hawaiian music playing softly.
Boarding with Kids: Stress-Free
Flying with kids can make boarding feel like a sprint. Hawaiian Airlines handled it beautifully.
- Pre-Boarding: Families with young children boarded early.
- Staff Friendliness: Flight attendants greeted our daughters warmly, easing their nerves.
- Cabin Atmosphere: Bright, calm, with Hawaiian music playing as we found our seats.
👉 Compared to other airlines, the boarding felt less rushed and more accommodating.
Cabin & Seating: Comfort for Families
Economy
- Seat Pitch: Around 30–31 inches, typical for economy.
- Legroom: Manageable for kids; tighter for tall parents.
- Seating Together: Hawaiian Airlines worked to keep families together.
Extra Comfort Seats
- More legroom (36 inches).
- Priority boarding.
- Worth considering for families with teens or tall parents.
First Class
- Spacious 2×2 seating.
- Lie-flat seats on longer routes (though not on all LAX–Oahu flights).
- Luxury service, but pricey for families.
👉 Our family opted for economy with Extra Comfort seats, and it made a noticeable difference.
In-Flight Meals: A Pleasant Surprise
Unlike most domestic airlines, Hawaiian Airlines still serves complimentary meals.
Adults
- Chicken Teriyaki with Rice: Flavorful and filling.
- Vegetarian Pasta Option: Simple but satisfying.
- Sides: Bread roll and salad.
- Dessert: A small sweet treat.
Kids
- While no official kids’ meal was offered, flight attendants were happy to adapt—extra bread, fruit, or cookies for our daughters.
Drinks
- Complimentary juice, soda, tea, and coffee.
- Alcohol available for purchase.
- Special Touch: A complimentary rum punch for adults to set the vacation mood.
💡 Parent Note: Even picky eaters were happy thanks to fruit and bread options.
Entertainment: Family-Friendly Enough
Entertainment options aren’t as extensive as some airlines, but they worked for us.
- Seatback Screens: Movies, TV shows, and games.
- Family Movies: A good selection of Disney and animated films.
- Kids’ Games: Simple, but kept our youngest occupied.
- Bring Your Own Device: Wi-Fi is available, though limited.
👉 Lesson learned: bring iPads with downloaded shows for backup.
Service: The Spirit of Aloha
This is where Hawaiian Airlines shined.
- Flight Attendants: Warm, kind, and patient with kids.
- Attention to Families: Offered extra juice boxes and napkins without being asked.
- Atmosphere: Small Hawaiian touches—like music, aloha attire, and smiles—set them apart.
💡 Parent Perspective: The genuine warmth reduced our stress and made the flight enjoyable.
Pricing & Value
Flying to Hawaii isn’t cheap, but Hawaiian Airlines felt worth it.
- Economy Fare (Round Trip, LA–Oahu): ~$500–$650 per adult.
- Kids’ Fares: Often similar to adult fares.
- Extra Comfort Upgrade: +$100–$150 per seat.
- First Class: $1,200+ per ticket.
👉 While Southwest offers lower fares, Hawaiian’s included meals and island-style service made the value higher for families.
Why Families Love Hawaiian Airlines
1. Hawaiian Hospitality
From boarding to landing, kids felt cared for.
2. Included Meals
No scrambling to pack sandwiches—stress-free for parents.
3. Entertainment Options
Kid movies + music = happy travelers.
4. Island Vibes from the Start
Hawaiian music, leis, and aloha spirit created excitement.
5. Family-Friendly Policies
Pre-boarding, seat assignments, and staff kindness stood out.
Comparisons: Hawaiian vs. Other Airlines
- Southwest Airlines: Cheaper, no meals, open seating (stressful with kids).
- Alaska Airlines: Friendly, with decent service, but no Hawaiian touches.
- United/Delta: Bigger networks, but less warm and fewer family perks.
- Hawaiian Airlines: Best balance of comfort, service, and atmosphere for families.
Insider Tips for Parents
- Book Extra Comfort seats for longer flights—worth the space.
- Pack backup snacks for picky eaters.
- Download shows before boarding.
- Arrive early at LAX—lines can be long.
- Bring small activities (coloring books, card games) for kids.
What Other Families Say
- “Our kids loved the Hawaiian music—it felt like vacation started on the plane.”
- “Meals made it easier—we didn’t need to pack lunch.”
- “Flight attendants were so kind, especially with our toddler.”
- “Worth the price for the family-friendly experience.”
FAQs
Do kids get special meals on Hawaiian Airlines?
Not official kids’ meals, but staff are accommodating.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, though limited—download shows beforehand.
Do they offer pre-boarding for families?
Yes, families with young children board early.
How long is the flight?
~5 hours from Los Angeles to Oahu.
Is Hawaiian Airlines more expensive?
Often slightly, but the included meals and hospitality make it worthwhile.
Final Verdict: A Family-Friendly Way to Hawaii
Our experience with Hawaiian Airlines from Los Angeles to Oahu was overwhelmingly positive. From thoughtful service to family-friendly touches, the airline turned what could have been a stressful five hours into part of the vacation itself.
👉 Our verdict: Hawaiian Airlines is the top choice for families flying to Hawaii. It’s worth a little extra for the included meals, warm atmosphere, and true aloha spirit.
