After checking out of Courtyard Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, we headed to LAX for the next part of our trip: Hawaii!
This time, we flew from Los Angeles to Honolulu on an American Airlines domestic flight.
From finding an Uber at 4:30 a.m. and exploring LAX before departure to discovering that our flight did not include a complimentary meal, this article shares our entire travel experience.
We also cover what we ate onboard, how we used Wi-Fi during the flight, and how we traveled from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Waikiki after landing.
If you are planning to fly from Los Angeles to Honolulu, especially as part of a longer international trip, we hope our experience helps you prepare.
Read our Courtyard Los Angeles L.A. LIVE hotel review
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Getting an Uber at 4:30 a.m. from Downtown Los Angeles to LAX
We left the hotel at around 4:30 a.m.
We were slightly worried about whether we would be able to find an Uber so early, but during our trip, a driver was available almost immediately.
We requested a ride through the app, met the driver at the hotel entrance, and headed straight to LAX.
With almost no traffic at that hour, the journey from Courtyard Los Angeles L.A. LIVE to the airport took only about 20 minutes.
The fare was a little higher than we expected for such an early journey, but the ride itself was very smooth.
Our experience reminded us that travel conditions can vary greatly depending on the day and time, so it is always worth allowing plenty of extra time when heading to LAX.
Checking Bags and Going Through Security at LAX
After checking our suitcases, we headed toward the security checkpoint.
In the area we used, there were not many places to stop for a full meal before security, so we were glad there were more shops and food options after passing through.
Opened bottles of water could not be taken through security, while our fresh banana was allowed through during our trip.
Airport security rules can change, so always check the latest TSA guidance before traveling.
Exploring LAX Before Our Flight
After completing check-in and security, we had some time to explore the terminal before boarding.
Luxury Shops Were Still Closed
There were several luxury shops in the terminal, including familiar international brands.
However, our departure was so early that most of them were still closed.
If airport shopping is part of your travel plans, opening hours are worth checking in advance.
Starbucks Los Angeles Tumblers
Starbucks was already open, and we found several colorful Los Angeles-themed Discovery Series tumblers.
The designs featured palm trees, bicycles, buses and other illustrations inspired by LA.
They were cute, but some were larger and heavier than we expected, so luggage space is something to keep in mind if you want to buy one.
Los Angeles Mugs and Souvenirs
Other airport shops also had shelves filled with colorful mugs and tumblers featuring Hollywood and Los Angeles designs.
They make easy last-minute souvenirs, although airport prices can be higher than those in the city.
Dodgers Merchandise at LAX
We also found Los Angeles Dodgers merchandise, including T-shirts, snow globes and other souvenirs.
Some items were priced from around $49.99 during our visit, so they were not inexpensive, but they were convenient for anyone who had forgotten to buy Dodgers souvenirs in the city.
Keychains and Magnets
There were plenty of California, Route 66 and Los Angeles keychains and magnets.
During our visit, some displays offered promotions such as Buy 3, Get 1 Free.
If you see a design you really like, however, it is often better not to wait until the airport.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Souvenirs
During our trip in 2026, we also found officially licensed FIFA World Cup 2026 souvenir keychains.
The soccer-ball-shaped keychain we saw was priced at $12.99 before tax.
It was more expensive than an ordinary keychain, but it made an interesting souvenir from a special year in the United States.
Snacks, Nuts and Beef Jerky
Airport shops also had plenty of pistachios, almonds, beef jerky and other snacks.
Prices were relatively high, but buying something before boarding can be useful on a long domestic flight.
We did not realize quite how important that would be until we boarded our flight.
American Airlines from LAX to Honolulu: No Complimentary Meal on Our Flight
We finally boarded our American Airlines flight to Honolulu.
Once we sat down, the first thing we noticed was that there were no seatback entertainment screens at our seats.
We then realized something more important: our flight did not include a complimentary meal.
We had boarded without eating breakfast because we assumed we would have something substantial to eat onboard.
With roughly six hours ahead of us, that was not ideal!
Fortunately, food was available for purchase.
Buy-on-Board Food Was Available
Although there was no included meal on our flight, the onboard menu offered several paid food options.
During our flight, the menu included:
- Fruit and cheese tray – $13
- Chicken salad and Boursin cheese wrap – $13
- Doritos – $6
- BoomChickaPop – $5
- Beer, wine and spirits
Complimentary drinks were served.
The wrap was not available on our early-morning flight, so we ordered the fruit and cheese tray for $13.
Food selection, prices and availability can change by flight.
The Fruit and Cheese Tray Was Better Than Expected
The tray came in a package marked “Savor the moment.”
Inside were apple slices, two types of cheese, dried apricots, dried figs, walnuts, honey and crackers.
It was more filling than we expected.
Together with complimentary Biscoff cookies and orange juice, it was enough to keep us going until Hawaii.
We were also offered drinks several times during the flight.
I had expected a meal and boarded the plane hungry! I was very glad they had the cheese plate. Next time, I will definitely buy something at the airport before boarding.
How We Spent the Six-Hour Flight
The Cabin Felt Cold, So Arm Covers Came in Handy
The cabin felt quite cold during our flight.
Instead of taking a jacket in and out of our bags, we used lightweight UV arm covers that we had packed for Hawaii.
They were easy to pull over our arms while wearing short sleeves and ended up being surprisingly useful on the plane.
For travelers who tend to feel cold, packing a light layer in your personal bag is a good idea.
Mamarin's Unusual In-Flight Activity: Origami
With no seatback screen and several hours ahead of us, we had to find our own ways to pass the time.
Mamarin pulled out origami paper and started making small envelopes to use for tips during our hotel stay.
It was both practical and entertaining!
We also used Wi-Fi, listened to music and used ChatGPT when we wanted help understanding English during the journey.
The six-hour flight was not exactly short, but having a few simple things to do made it much easier.
We Used In-Flight Wi-Fi with Our AAdvantage Account
Before our trip, we had registered for a free AAdvantage account.
On our flight, we were able to use Wi-Fi onboard with our account, which was extremely helpful.
We used our phones to check information, translate English and communicate during the journey.
Wi-Fi availability and access conditions can differ depending on the aircraft and flight, so check the latest American Airlines information before traveling.
Arriving in Honolulu
After around six hours in the air, seeing the blue waters of Hawaii from the window was a wonderful moment.
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
We arrived at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
The tropical atmosphere immediately made it feel like we had truly arrived in Hawaii.
Getting from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki
We Used Nanohana Taxi
For our transfer from the airport to Waikiki, we had booked Nanohana Taxi in advance.
During our trip, the fare to a Waikiki-area hotel was $34 including tax and tip.
Our meeting point was in the airport parking area near Row J.
It was not immediately obvious to us, but we were able to communicate with the company and meet the driver without too much trouble.
Prices, meeting points and booking methods can change, so check current information before making plans.
Check Nanohana Taxi information
What We Liked About the Transfer
During our trip, we liked that:
- The ride was arranged in advance
- The fare was fixed rather than metered
- The vehicle was clean and spacious
- There was plenty of room for our luggage
For travelers who prefer to know their transportation plan before arriving, arranging an airport transfer in advance can make the arrival in Honolulu much easier.
Arriving at Moana Surfrider
Finally, we arrived at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach.
After leaving Los Angeles at 4:30 a.m., seeing the white historic building, palm trees and blue Hawaiian sky immediately lifted our spirits.
Read our full Moana Surfrider Waikiki review
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LAX to Honolulu: What We Learned
Our journey from Los Angeles to Waikiki was smooth overall, but there were several things we were glad to learn from the experience.
- Hotel to LAX: Our early-morning Uber arrived quickly, and the traffic was very light.
- At LAX: Many luxury shops were still closed, but Starbucks and souvenir shops were open.
- Food: Our American Airlines flight did not include a complimentary meal, so buying food before boarding would have been useful.
- Onboard: Paid food was available, and the fruit and cheese tray helped us through the flight.
- Cold cabin: Pack a light layer where you can easily reach it.
- Wi-Fi: We were able to use onboard Wi-Fi with our AAdvantage account.
- Honolulu airport transfer: Booking transportation to Waikiki in advance made arrival easier.
If you are connecting Los Angeles and Hawaii in the same trip, a little preparation can make the journey much more comfortable.
Our American Airlines Flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles
We also flew American Airlines Premium Economy from Tokyo Haneda to Los Angeles on the first part of this trip.
Read our American Airlines Premium Economy review from Tokyo to Los Angeles
