American Airlines Admirals Club Honolulu

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 just past security

Which way to the Admirals Club?

Up a set of stairs

Down an access corridor

Look the Sakura lounge is next door…

Reception 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 space left

Open space left

Looking back along beverage space

Caffeine

Some adult beverages

Back side – lots of seating

Another angle

Looking back through

Views of garden area through window

Small 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.

Children’s play room

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

Further along right side

Circular dining space (right is the far back corner)

Panning left

Panning more left

More left again

Soup and noodle station

Pastries

Far right corner

Far 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).

Corridor back to restroom area

Men’s restroom

Further in

Back side seating area

Luggage storage

Yep, 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.