Hawaiian Airlines’ New 787 Dreamliners
Airline fleet updates have gotten complicated with all the aircraft advice flying around. As someone who lived as a digital nomad for 8 years and flew on every major aircraft type across six continents, I learned everything there is to know about how plane choice affects your journey. Today, I will share it all with you.
Hawaiian is finally getting 787s. Here’s why that matters if you fly with them.
The Plane
Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a modern wide-body with composite construction. More fuel efficient, smoother ride, better cabin pressure and humidity. Passengers actually feel less tired after long flights. That’s what makes the 787 endearing to us travelers — the engineering genuinely improves the experience.
The windows are bigger. Like, noticeably bigger. And they have electronic dimming instead of plastic shades. Probably should have led with this section, honestly — the window size alone changes how flying feels.
Why It Matters for Hawaiian
They’ve been flying older 767s and A330s. Solid planes but aging. The 787s are a significant upgrade in passenger experience. I’ve flown both the old Hawaiian fleet and 787s on other carriers — night and day difference.
The range is also better. Opens up potential new routes – possibly longer Asia-Pacific destinations that weren’t practical before. That’s what makes fleet modernization endearing to us wanderers — new planes mean new destinations.
The Cabin
Hawaiian is customizing interiors with island-themed design. Expect their usual aesthetic but in a newer, more comfortable package. The island vibes actually help with the long-haul psychology.
Better air quality is the underrated feature. Higher cabin pressure and humidity means you land feeling less like garbage. Especially noticeable on the 10+ hour flights Hawaiian operates. That’s what makes the 787 endearing to us travelers — arriving refreshed instead of desiccated.
When You’ll See Them
Rollout is gradual. Initial routes are likely their flagship long-haul services. If you’re booking far in advance, check the aircraft type – 787 is worth choosing if available. I actively plan trips around aircraft types when possible.
The Reality
This is Hawaiian keeping up with the industry. Delta, United, and others have been flying 787s for years. It’s not revolutionary – it’s Hawaiian modernizing their fleet. Probably should have led with this section, honestly — managing expectations matters.
But if you fly to Hawaii regularly, the newer planes will make those long overwater legs noticeably more comfortable. That’s worth something. That’s what makes Hawaiian’s 787s endearing to us travelers — they’re finally catching up to what we’ve experienced on other carriers, bringing that comfort to Pacific routes.
