The United Club in Honolulu is one of my favorite in the system, not so much because of the club itself, but because of the nostalgic memories of Hawaii associated with it
United Club Honolulu Location + Access + Hours
The lounge is open daily from 5:30AM to 10:30PM. Access is reserved for United Club members or Chase United Club credit card holders plus Star Alliance Gold travelers, with a big asterisk. If your Star Alliance Gold status is with United, you can only access the lounge if traveling on an international Star Alliance itinerary. Star Alliance Gold members from other programs can access the lounge when traveling on any Star Alliance itinerary, even a flight on United to the Mainland in economy class. Finally, Star Alliance business class or first class travelers have access to the lounge, though United domestic flights are excluded.
You’ll find the United Club in Diamond Head Concourse, 2nd Floor, above Gate G2 and G3.
United Club Honolulu Seating
The lounge recently was refurbished with new furniture, but the core of the lounge really hasn’t changed over the years. I’m talking about the design, the white etchings on the glass partitions, and some of the artwork that makes this lounge unique.
The lounge has great tarmac views during the day and is large enough that it never feels packed, though it can feel crowded. I was traveling on the last late-evening redeye to San Francisco and the lounge was mostly empty during my visit.
There are power ports throughout the lounge and also some charging stations like this:
United Club Honolulu Food + Drink
Food choices have improved in this lounge. A buffet offers different choices throughout the day. During my recent visit, there were salads, soup, yogurt, fruit, desserts, and even many breakfast items available (at 10PM).
Self-serve coffee, juice, soft drinks, and water are available why the bar offers free beer, wine, and lower-shelf spirits. Other liquor and cocktails will cost extra.
United Club HNL Restrooms
The men’s restroom was clean, but overdue for a remodel. The lounge may stuck in a cool 1980’s design, but the restroom is stuck in an ugly 1990’s design.
United Club HNL Printing
A printer and fax machine are available.
United Club Honolulu Service
I always chuckle at the service in this lounge. The staff was generally great–kind and friendly. But every time I enter the lounge there is always an issue. It used to be they had no idea how to scan my bmi, SAS, or Turkish Star Gold cards back in the day. For my last visit, I used a Chase one-time pass and the lady, nice as could be, said she could not accept the passes because they were expired. I looked at the passes, saw they had not expired yet, and asked her to check her calendar. She did…and burst out laughing.
I don’t know what it is about my access drama, but it seems there is always something. But overall, the staff truly exhibits the Aloha spirit.
CONCLUSION
Don’t forget that ANA has a new lounge in Honolulu, though with much more limited opening hours. If you are at the airport in the morning, I suggest you head there. But United’s Honolulu club is comfortable and has become better over the last two years. It’s a nice place to wait for your flight in a concourse that is really in need of a refresh.
> Read More: United CEO Bemoans Honolulu Airport
“I looked at the passes, saw they had not experienced again, and asked her to check her calendar” – could have sworn that it should be (emphasis mine) ‘saw they had not *expired* again, and asked her to check her calendar…” – Matthew – you may want to check this typo…
Most of HNL needs to be remodeled…but then it’s in paradise so it’s just fine!
This place is a joke. Don’t waste your time.
Well they have upgraded the food and furniture, but the best I can say is it’s insude and air conditioned. I do like the tropical decor as well. 😉
You can get a vodka on the rocks at the bar (if it’s open) and make yourself a guava screwdriver!
Indeed, some bartenders will proactively offer this!
It is a great lounge and the staff are very nice.
But HNL is really a dump. It’s the Pacific version of LGA. Another embarrassing US airport.
That said it is a walking history of 1960’s – 1970’s airport design.
Agreed! Considering how many billions pour into that tiny state every year the airport is a disgrace.
HNL club… good report…nice club, but small, and nice views of the runway ops including commercial and AF aircraft (Hickam shares the airport). Tiny bar, and interesting food not found at mainland clubs. If bored and you have time, walk down and check out the WN outside operation…interesting.
A very very tired relic of the past. Too small, too few plugs, beyond dated. An embarassment for a world class carrier. United should be ashamed of themselves.
Never fear….a Hawaiian favorite and staple…Macaroni Salad on the buffet!
SO_CAL_RETAIL_SLUT
looks as tired(decor) as the SC lounge!!