Aloha, Soap, & Guava

In this entry I have to give a shout out to Hawaiian Airlines. I'm not playing favorites, because I usually book flights based on price and price alone, but I have to admit that there is something very special about flying on Hawaiian, especially when returning to the islands. The seats are still cramped; the food is nothing special (a 7-11 spam musubi would be better); and they have as many fees as the other guys, but there are some unique touches that make them distinctly Hawaiian and why I continue to fly the friendly skies.

1. "Aloha" & "Mahalo". At 6 am in Seattle when I'm still half asleep and lugging 100# of baggage (that I will beg to not be charged for), it's nice to be greeted by the friendly Samoan guy at the check out counter. Hearing it again at the gate and then about a dozen times throughout the ride makes me smile because I know that I'm that much closer to home.

2. I hate going to the bathroom on a long flight, but washing your hands with the coconut soap on a Hawaiian flight makes it all worthwhile. It doesn't completely mask the smell of the lavatory as you near the 5 hours mark, but it certainly doesn't hurt and I consider it a little gift of aloha that you can take back to your seat. I can’t speak for everyone, but my seatmate certainly seemed to enjoy it when I waved my hands in front of her face and forced her to smell it.

3. Guava juice is a must on any Hawaiian flight. Whether it’s those 4 oz. containers you get on the interisland flights or the Hawaiian Sun that is available on longer trips this is your first taste of the islands. In fact, you would be better off skipping the turkey sandwich and pesto pasta that they offer (and try to pass off as local favorites?) and just drink Guava juice.

There's little speech that is given on most flights landing in Hawaii, especially on flights from the mainland. It goes something like, "If you're visiting the islands, we hope you have a pleasant stay. If you are returning after being away, WELCOME HOME”. Okay, perhaps the soap and the guava juice don't make the trip. Seriously…as if sugar water and artificial fragrances could ever beat coming home! Still, there is something about all the little touches that make the flight special- check-in agents with flowers in their hair, Na Leo and Willie K playing while I board, flight attendants that speak pidgin- and make me feel at home 5 hours and 38 minutes earlier than expected.