Misadventures on the Island Hopper

In the second of a two-part series, Chris Sloan experiences the Island Hopper, the lifeline operation from Honolulu to Guam connecting remote Pacific island communities

Arriving at Honolulu/Daniel K Inouye Airport just after 5.30am, the terminal was still and quiet, a reflective moment of calm before a marathon flight across the Pacific. United Airlines Flight 154, the famed Island Hopper, was scheduled to depart at 7.25am and arrive in Guam – after six flights, five island stops and 3,500 miles – at 6.25pm, some 15 hours later.

I had booked business class for $2,475 – not at an extreme premium over economy, but enough to make me pause. But after doing the maths and anticipating 15 hours in a narrowbody, I had decided to splurge. The alternative option of a seven hour nonstop from Honolulu to Guam on United’s 777-300ER with lie-flat Polaris seats was actually cheaper, but that wasn’t the point. While many passengers were travelling just one or two sectors, to the best of my knowledge I was the only passenger flying the entire route in one go. I had considered stopping over en route, but the pricing was prohibitive – the first leg from Honolulu to Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands, cost nearly $1,000 more than going all the way. I used United’s check-in app, but still printed all six boarding passes as a souvenir. At the gate, while the aircraft was busy being loaded with everything from coolers to parcels and checked bags, the Island Hopper’s role as a regional lifeline was immediately apparent. Twelve wheelchair passengers were waiting to board, many of them elderly, with some coming from Hawaiian medical care. Our aircraft, N33262 (c/n 32402), is a 24-year-old Boeing 737-824, originally delivered to Continental in July 2001. It still bore the comfortable, cushy throwback seats of the 2010s, before de-padded slimlines became all the rage. The Honolulu-based crew of four welcomed passengers with an upbeat, casual energy. United’s business class cabin has 16 seats, but 1A and 1B are blocked off for pilot crew rest, along with 2A and 2B to allow them to fully recline. The second set of Guam-based pilots, who would take over after Majuro, were already seated. The onboard mechanic sat in the first row of economy and while airborne he was along for the ride, but on the ground, he’d be busy with fuelling, walk arounds and resolving any mechanical snags that cropped up along the way. I took window seat 4D, which offers the best views westbound and couldn’t hide my excitement – even with a long day ahead. Pre-departure beverage choices were limited to water or orange juice as no alcohol is served on departures from Hawaii.

Already running an hour late, United Airlines Boeing 737-824, N33262 (c/n 32402), waits at Gate D1 of Terminal 2 at Honolulu/Daniel K Inouye Airport

ALL IMAGES CHRIS SLOAN UNLESS STATED

Pre-departure beverage choices were limited to water or orange juice as no alcohol is served on departures from Hawaii

The Island Hopper route connects Honolulu with Guam via Majuro, Kwajalein, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/REDGEOGRAPHICS/KEY-THOMAS HAYNES