Review: United Club Honolulu Airport (HNL)
The United Club Honolulu Airport offers a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and a touch of island charm, making it a standout among United’s network of lounges. Whether you’re looking to relax before a flight or enjoy a bite to eat, this lounge has something for every traveler. From tropical-inspired decor to exclusive food options like Dole Whip and customizable glass noodles, the Honolulu United Club captures the spirit of Hawaii while delivering the lounge amenities frequent fliers expect.
When we booked our flight from Chicago (ORD) to Kauai (LIH), we selected an option with a layover in Honolulu. Being the frequent travelers that we are, of course we searched “Does Honolulu have a United club lounge?” shortly after. Fortunately for us, there is a United Club at the Honolulu airport, and it was such a nice spot to decompress after an 8+ hour flight from the mainland before hopping on our short flight to Kauai.
Read on for a detailed look at this lounge for your next trip through Honolulu.
Where is the United Club Honolulu Airport?
The United Club at the Honolulu Airport is located in Terminal 2, on Floor 3, above Gates G2 and G3. There wasn’t a ton of large signage guiding us to the lounge, but we were still able to find it fairly easily.
What are the hours of the United Club Honolulu?
The United Club lounge at the Honolulu airport is open every day from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
How can you access the United Club at the Honolulu Airport?
Accessing the United lounge at the Honolulu Airport is the same as accessing United clubs elsewhere:
- United Club Members: Must present a valid membership card and boarding pass for same-day travel on a United flight or a Star Alliance partner.
- Eligible Ticket Holders: Passengers flying United Polaris® business class, international business/first class on a Star Alliance airline, or holding Star Alliance Gold status.
- Day Pass Holders: Purchase a one-time pass via the United app or at the lounge (access to the club is subject to availability).
- Credit Card Perks: Select United credit cardholders may have complimentary or discounted access.
All about the United Club Honolulu
We arrived to the United Club lounge at the Honolulu Airport around 4:30 p.m. on a Sunday. We had a brief layover in Honolulu before our even briefer flight to Kauai (~40 minutes). The airport itself was fairly empty at this time, and the lounge was pretty empty as well – we counted maybe ten other patrons in the lounge at the same time as us.
United Club Honolulu Decor
The decor of the United Lounge in Honolulu definitely leans into the island’s spirit and stands out compared to the standard design of most United lounges. Large display cases filled with seashells are reminiscent of a collection you might find in your grandmother’s home. Bright yellow swivel chairs add a cheerful, tropical touch and are a departure from the typical mainland blue and gray United Club furnishings. White decorative patterns on the interior glass further enhance the airy, light-filled ambiance, tying together the lounge’s unique, environment-inspired theme.
United Club Honolulu Restrooms
The restrooms at the United Club in Honolulu were clean and well-maintained, providing a comfortable and private space for guests. It’s always a relief to find facilities that are readily available without the hassle of waiting in line, especially in a busy airport environment. The convenience and cleanliness add to the overall experience, ensuring travelers can freshen up with ease before or after a long flight.
While there wasn’t a dedicated family room, the front desk informed us about a “mother’s room” pod available on the first floor of the airport.
United Club Honolulu Food
The food at the United Lounge in Honolulu Airport was different than any other United lounge we’ve visited, offering a unique selection that set it apart from the standard fare found at many mainland United Clubs. Highlights included butternut squash soup and miso soup—two options we hadn’t encountered in other lounges. The customizable glass noodle station was a nice option, allowing guests to tailor their dish with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, tofu, and shoyu sauce. Fresh mango slices provided a refreshing palate cleanser, while the inclusion of Dole Whip was a special treat, adding an iconic island touch.
Conclusion
Whether you’re stopping by to relax, refuel, or simply escape the airport hustle, the Honolulu United Club delivers a memorable pre-flight retreat. If you’re traveling through HNL, it’s definitely worth a visit to make your journey even more enjoyable.
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