Southwest Airlines To Open Its First Lounge at Honolulu Airport

Updated: October 30, 2025, 11:39am CDT

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Inside Southwest’s Lounge Plans: What We Know So Far
Final Thoughts

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Southwest Airlines is officially joining the airport lounge scene. The airline has signed a lease for its first-ever lounge at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) — a big step up for a carrier whose reputation has always been simple, no-frills style.

And while Southwest opening lounges was no longer a secret, we weren’t expecting Hawaii to get the first location.

Here’s what we know about Southwest’s first lounge — and what it could mean for travelers.

Inside Southwest’s Lounge Plans: What We Know So Far

For the first time in its history, Southwest Airlines is officially joining the lounge conversation — and it’s starting in Honolulu. According Enilria on Patreon, the airline has received approval for a lease at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) for what will become its first-ever branded airport lounge.

Sunset on Waikiki Beach Oahu Honolulu Hawaii — Southwest travelers flying from Honolulu may soon have a lounge of their own before takeoff. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

The new space measures just over 12,000 square feet and will occupy the former Garden Conference Center in Building 342, along with an adjacent upstairs waiting area. That puts it right near the existing American Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Qantas lounges — giving Southwest some new company in a part of the airport equipped with international carriers.

While renderings or design details haven’t been released, the move signals that Southwest plans to elevate its on-the-ground experience for the first time. Southwest has hinted several times this year that lounges were on the horizon, with the airline surveying customers about access through a potential premium credit card.

And this won’t be a one-and-done project, either. Aviation trackers like Patrons Runway30 and AviationSTL report that Southwest already has its eyes on more locations beyond Honolulu. Cities like Baltimore, Nashville, Denver, and San Diego are reportedly in the mix, with Las Vegas and Phoenix likely to join down the line.

It’s still unclear who will have access to these future lounges — whether it’ll be tied to Rapid Rewards status, a new co-branded credit card, or a pay-to-access model.

Construction timelines haven’t been announced either, so it’s anyone’s guess when we can expect to visit Southwest’s Honolulu lounge. For now, the Honolulu lease makes official what Southwest’s CEO has been teasing for months: The airline is ready to join the airport lounge game.

Bottom Line:

Southwest Airlines is making its lounge debut in Honolulu, and the carrier has plans for more locations to follow. Details on access and timing are still unknown, but the move signals a shift toward a more premium experience — and possibly a future premium credit card tie-in.

Final Thoughts

Southwest’s move into lounges marks a big step toward a more premium experience for its travelers. The Honolulu lease makes it official, and while we don’t know yet who will have access or when it’ll open, it’s apparent that Southwest is evolving beyond its no-frills roots.

Keep an eye on this development. Once more details emerge about lounge access, design, or timing, we’ll be sure to update you here.