Your Ultimate Hawaiian Airlines Entertainment Guide: What to Watch, Stream, and Do Onboard

Long flights can sometimes feel like an eternity, especially when you're dreaming of the warm Hawaiian sun. But what if your journey could be as enjoyable as your destination? Hawaiian Airlines understands this, offering a diverse array of entertainment options designed to make your time in the sky fly by.

Whether you're embarking on a transpacific adventure or a quick inter-island hop, this Hawaiian Airlines Entertainment Guide will walk you through everything you need to know to maximize your in-flight experience. Get ready to discover movies, TV shows, music, and even free high-speed internet that will keep you entertained from takeoff to touchdown!

Soaring with Entertainment: What to Expect Onboard

Hawaiian Airlines has invested in a robust entertainment system to cater to every traveler's taste. Gone are the days of staring blankly at the seatback in front of you (unless you want to!).

A World of Content at Your Fingertips

What kind of entertainment awaits you on a Hawaiian Airlines flight? Prepare for a fantastic selection that includes:

• New Release Movies: Catch the latest blockbusters and popular films, ensuring you're up-to-date with cinematic hits.
• Classic Films & Recent Favorites: Revisit beloved classics or discover movies you might have missed.
• TV Shows Galore: Dive into a wide assortment of television series, perfect for binge-watching or catching up on an episode or two.
• Kid-Friendly Fun (Keiki Pack): Traveling with little ones? Hawaiian Airlines offers a "Keiki Pack" with specially selected movies, TV shows, and interactive games designed to keep younger travelers happily engaged.
• Music & Games: Beyond visual entertainment, enjoy a variety of music options and engaging games to pass the time.
• Unique Hawaiian Cultural Content: Immerse yourself in the spirit of Aloha even before you land. The airline partners with the Hawai'i International Film Festival (HIFF) to offer exclusive short films that showcase the depth and richness of Hawai'i's culture and local filmmakers. You can also find "Hana Hou! TV" and the "Ola Pono Series," a three-part health and wellness video series.

Connecting in the Clouds: How to Access Your Entertainment

The way you access your in-flight entertainment on Hawaiian Airlines largely depends on the aircraft type you're flying. It's always a good idea to know your plane before you go!

Free Starlink Wi-Fi: Stream Everything!

This is a game-changer! Hawaiian Airlines has partnered with Starlink to offer free, high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi on most of its long-haul flights. This includes all Airbus-operated flights (A330 and A321neo) traveling between the islands, the continental U.S., Asia, and Oceania. The service is also being installed on their new Boeing 787 fleet.

What can you do with Starlink Wi-Fi? Pretty much anything you'd do at home:

• Stream your favorite shows and movies from services like Netflix or Hulu.
• Work remotely or catch up on emails.
• Play online games with friends on the ground.
• Browse the web and stay connected on social media.

Important Note: While Starlink Wi-Fi is incredibly versatile, Hawaiian Airlines prohibits video calls, voice calls, and SMS texts while onboard.

Seat-Back Screens: The Traditional Experience

On their Airbus A330 and Boeing 787 aircraft, you'll find traditional seat-back entertainment screens. These screens provide direct access to Hawaiian's extensive library of movies, TV shows, and more. For those flying in the new "Leihōkū Suites" on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, expect luxurious 18-inch in-flight entertainment screens.

Personal Device Streaming: Your Own Entertainment Hub

For flights on the Airbus A321neo, Hawaiian Airlines has opted for a "bring your own device" (BYOD) approach, meaning there are no seat-back screens. Instead, you can stream a wide selection of movies and TV shows directly to your personal phone, tablet, or laptop.

To access this:

1. Download the Hawaiian Airlines app before your flight.
2. Once onboard, switch your device to airplane mode.
3. Connect to the "Movies on HawaiianAir" Wi-Fi network. Crucially, this is a self-contained in-flight network for entertainment streaming only and does not provide internet access.
4. Open the Hawaiian Airlines app, navigate to "More," and then "In-flight entertainment."

Even if your aircraft has seat-back screens, using your personal device can be a great backup or an additional screen for other content.

Inter-Island Flights (Boeing 717)

If you're on a short inter-island flight operated by a Boeing 717, it's important to note that these aircraft typically do not have seat-back screens or Starlink Wi-Fi. For these shorter journeys, it's highly recommended to come prepared with your own downloaded movies, shows, e-books, or music on your personal devices.

Pro Tips for a Seamless Entertainment Experience

To ensure your Hawaiian Airlines entertainment experience is as smooth as a calm Hawaiian breeze, consider these actionable tips:

• Charge Your Devices: If you plan to use your personal devices, make sure they are fully charged before boarding. While some aircraft, like the Boeing 787, offer personal charging outlets and even wireless charging, not all older planes will have them readily available in every seat. Bringing a portable power bank is always a smart move.
• Download the App in Advance: For personal device streaming, downloading the Hawaiian Airlines app before you board is essential. You won't be able to do this once you're in the air.
• Bring Your Own Headphones: While headphones might be provided on some international or premium flights, bringing your own comfortable set (wired or Bluetooth, depending on your device and the aircraft's capabilities) is always recommended for the best audio experience.
• Pre-Download Personal Content: Even with free Starlink Wi-Fi, having some of your favorite movies, shows, or podcasts downloaded to your device as a backup is a great idea, especially for the Boeing 717 inter-island flights.
• Check Your Aircraft Type: A quick check of your flight details or the Hawaiian Airlines website before departure can tell you which aircraft type you'll be on, helping you anticipate the entertainment options available.

Conclusion: Your Flight, Your Entertainment

Hawaiian Airlines is committed to making your journey comfortable and entertaining. With the rollout of free Starlink Wi-Fi on most long-haul flights, coupled with a diverse library of movies, TV shows, and unique Hawaiian cultural content, there's truly something for everyone. Whether you prefer the classic seat-back screen experience or streaming directly to your personal device, you're well-equipped for an enjoyable flight.

So, next time you fly with Hawaiian Airlines, sit back, relax, and let the entertainment transport you, even before you land in paradise!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does Hawaiian Airlines have free Wi-Fi?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines offers free, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi on all Airbus-operated flights (A330 and A321neo) for transpacific routes (between the islands, continental U.S., Asia, and Oceania). This service is also being rolled out on their new Boeing 787 aircraft.

Q2: Can I watch movies on my own device on Hawaiian Airlines?

Absolutely! On Airbus A321neo aircraft, you can stream movies and TV shows to your personal device via the "Movies on HawaiianAir" network (which is a local entertainment network, not internet). With the new free Starlink Wi-Fi on A330, A321neo, and soon B787 flights, you can also stream content from your preferred streaming services using your personal device.

Q3: Do all Hawaiian Airlines planes have seat-back screens?

No, not all Hawaiian Airlines planes have seat-back screens. While their Airbus A330 and Boeing 787 aircraft are equipped with them, the Airbus A321neo fleet primarily uses personal device streaming for in-flight entertainment. The Boeing 717 aircraft, used for inter-island flights, typically do not have seat-back screens or Wi-Fi.

Q4: What kind of movies and TV shows are available on Hawaiian Airlines?

Hawaiian Airlines offers a wide selection including the latest new release movies, recent classics, and a variety of TV shows. They also provide a "Keiki Pack" for children, and unique cultural content through a partnership with the Hawai'i International Film Festival (HIFF), featuring short films about Hawaiian stories and culture.