American Airlines Admirals Club Honolulu

walk in

We had a 2:05pm flight from Honolulu back to San Jose, California. After checking out of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, our daughter gave us a ride in her beat up Honda CRV to the airport. We had a wonderful time in Honolulu and wished we could stay longer, but responsibilities wouldn’t permit this. After being dropped off, we checked into our flight and used the TSA security line to get airside. We then walked over to the American Airlines Admirals Lounge, which is located just past security in the main overseas terminal, in order to “check it out.”

Introduction: Honolulu for Spring Break
Review: Hyatt Regency Santa Clara
Review: The Club at SJC
Review: Alaska Airlines Hawaiian Islands Coach San Jose to Honolulu (and back)
Review: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa
Thoughts on Honolulu
Review: American Airlines Admirals Club / JAL Sakura Lounge – Honolulu
Review: Delta Sky Club Honolulu

sign 1 rSign just past security

signage 2Which way to the Admirals Club?

stairs 2Up a set of stairs

sign 2Down an access corridor

door inLook the Sakura lounge is next door…

receptionReception desk

I provided my Citibank Advantage Executive card and gained access for myself and family. I chatted with the reception associate at the lounge and didn’t realize this was a “dual” lounge, both an AA Admirals Lounge as well as a JAL Sakura lounge. “Hmmm, an international (at least half) business lounge, I wonder what this will be like” I though to myself?

The lounge is one large space in a square shaped circular flow. Proceeding into and to the left is a long rectangular area that is the left side of the “flow.” Once into the space and to the left is a small TV room. To the right is a long space with outdoor windows on the left and some beverage service on the right. In the middle is seating and partitions with desk space along the windows. As you proceed along the left side, it opens into a larger seating area in the back.

tv room rTV space left

open space leftOpen space left

walkwayLooking back along beverage space

coffee and snacksCaffeine

adult bevSome adult beverages

back sideBack side – lots of seating

another angleAnother angle

back space againLooking back through

viewsViews of garden area through window

computer spaceSmall computer station at back far corner

This space is large and complex. As you come to the far back corner (in relation to the reception table) there is a small computer station for guest use. Just beyond that is a childs play room, fairly well set up for the young sprouts. As you wrap around that far corner you enter the far right side of the lounge. This area has additional seating, and empties into the dining area. The dining area is circular in shape and bulges to the right as you progress down this side of the lounge.

kids spaceChildren’s play room

corner openLooking back to far corner with computer station room and door to play room (right)

right sideFurther along right side

dining 04Circular dining space (right is the far back corner)

dining 6Panning left

dining 7Panning more left

dining space 01More left again

noodlesSoup and noodle station

food rollsPastries

corner spaceFar right corner

right side afterFar right side after JAL flight departure

Susan tried a pastry and I drank a club soda while our daughter made a pack of freeze dried noodles. Honestly, we found the food options at this dual club to be very lacking. As you progressed past the far right side of the lounge there was a back space corridor that brought you back to the front reception area. Along that back side was a luggage storage area, public phone cubby, and some additional seating.  The club restrooms were out the front reception area and down the entry corridor (lounge level).

HallCorridor back to restroom area

restroom 2Men’s restroom

mensFurther in

chairsBack side seating area

luggage storageLuggage storage

phoneYep, we still have a phone booth

In summary:

The AA Admrils Club / JAL Sakura lounge in Honolulu was completely a yawn for me. I wanted to like this lounge, but the short comings were prominent. 1) The food was completely lack luster. 2) The design and interiors were probably great 20 years ago, but today look very dated and bland. 3) The space felt overcrowded and unwelcoming even with a lot of open seating available.

I was expecting more from an “international business lounge”. On a positive note the lounge staff was attentive and warm. Also, the views into the garden area were enchanting. If I was by myself and not hungry a window desk and laptop would be great. The same space with a family and appetite was a complete disappointment.  I think with an interior update and better food options this could be great / fabulous lounge. Until this happens, you have better options at Honolulu.


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