Hawaiian Airlines has introduced new amenity kits, which while focusing on sustainability have a good touch of style too.
Airline amenity kits are a bit like airline food. We look forward to them as part of the experience or to break up the journey, but on land, would we bother with either? When it comes to amenity kits, in particular, there’s a persistent tension. One that revolves around the desire for these kits and the significant waste they have the potential to generate.
On one hand, passengers have come to expect a certain level of comfort and luxury, especially up the front end of the plane. However, the darker side of amenity kits can reveal a product that contributes to the airline industry’s already substantial carbon footprint.
Hawaiian Airlines’ new amenity kits take flight
Some airlines have risen to the challenge and this has spurred innovation and a shift towards more eco-conscious practices. Hawaiian Airlines‘ collaboration with Noho Home by Jalene Kanani Bell is a prime example of this trend. By choosing to focus on sustainability and utilising responsibly sourced materials, Hawaiian Airlines is acknowledging the need to address the environmental concerns associated with amenity kits.
From 6 November, Business Class travellers on Hawaiian’s long-haul international flights and routes between Hawai‘i and New York, Boston, and Austin will be offered the new kits. These kits, fashioned from responsibly sourced materials, will be presented in recycled plastic canvas bags. The bags contain the essentials and passengers can choose from an array of supplementary amenities a la carte in a move to reduce waste.
Business Class passengers will also receive plush quilts adorned with the new signature Kilo Hōkū* and ʻŌlali** designs. The quilt and mattress pad use a fabric made from recycled plastic.
Passengers seated in the Extra Comfort and Main Cabin won’t be left out either. They’ll receive amenity kits featuring the Lele*** design, ensuring that the commitment to sustainability and thoughtful design extends throughout the entire aircraft.
The connection to place
Airlines, particularly flag carriers, are ambassadors of a place. Hawaiian Airlines, particularly in its new B787-9 Dreamliner fleet has really taken that on. See the lavatory signs below.
But the airline’s collaboration with Noho Home by Jalene Kanani Bell brings this to all Hawaiian’s travellers.
Alisa Onishi, Hawaiian Airlines senior director of brand and community and cultural relations says the collab was “born out of the shared desire to create a sense of place and establish a connection to home while we bring our guests to their destination”.
“We are very proud of the creativity behind these designs and can’t wait for our guests to receive them.”
The inspiration behind the Kilo Hōkū and ʻŌlali designs finds its roots in the native Hawaiian practice of kilo characterised by meticulous and perpetual observation. Each motif tells a captivating story through patterns, colours, designs, and textures.
*Kilo Hōkū – The stargazer design takes inspiration from breathtaking timelapse photography of the night sky. Weaving a wreath of stars, known as Leihōkū, it embodies the eternal nature of the cosmos. It’s a testament to the timeless guidance of stars and planets that have led voyagers through history.
***Lele – Meaning “to fly or leap,” this design celebrates the marvel of flight and the spirit of adventure.
**ʻŌlali – This motif means “to glide smoothly” like a bird in the air. It embodies the grace and fluidity of nature’s most exquisite creatures.
Ultimately, the decision to take an amenity kit lies with the passengers. And how they use them (so not once). Making an amenity kit responsibly and actually useful is the first step.