The Compass - An Atlas Travel Publication

FAM Trip Recap: Exploring Honolulu, Hawaii with Delta Air Lines

Written by Mimi Cleary | May 21, 2025 7:18 PM

Recently, our Atlas Travel team had the opportunity to join a Delta Air Lines–sponsored familiarization (FAM) trip to Hawaii’s capital of Honolulu, offering our travel agents a firsthand look at the experiences corporate travelers could soon enjoy.

However this trip was more than just leisure, it was about evaluating key suppliers through the lens of a corporate travel buyer. From premium air travel to hotel site inspections, our team gathered valuable takeaways to better inform our recommendations and support smarter travel strategies.

Here are the highlights that we think matter most for organizations looking to elevate their travel programs.

The Flight Journey with Delta Air Lines

For long-haul travel, comfort and service matter — and Delta Air Lines delivers on both! The Delta One commitment to a premium experience first begins on the ground at the newly renovated Delta Sky Club in Boston Logan’s Terminal E.

Our team was impressed by its thoughtful layout and upscale amenities, including private booths, collaborative seating, fresh food offerings and even showers for international travelers.

In the air, our agents experienced Delta One's business class lie-flat suites on the Boston-to-Honolulu route, which featured:

  • Spacious 1-2-1 seat configurations for solo or pair travelers
  • Full bedding with pillows and duvets
  • 2 full Chef-driven meals with customizable timing and locally inspired flavors (one agent noted the cannelloni was a standout!)
  • Attentive yet unobtrusive service
  • Hawaiian and English in-flight announcements

On the return trip, our agents also visited the Delta Sky Club in Honolulu. While this lounge was smaller in size compared to Boston’s Delta Sky Club, it offered local flair with favorites like shaved ice and Hawaiian coffee — a thoughtful touch for travelers looking for a last taste of Hawaii before heading back home.

Why this matters: Delta One offers a reliable, premium touch for long-haul business travelers who value comfort, efficiency and service. For VIPs or frequent flyers, it's an experience worth considering.

The Stay at Honolulu’s Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort

During the trip, our team stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. With 3,000 rooms, 13 restaurants, multiple pools and direct beach access, the property offers exceptional flexibility for business, leisure or group travelers alike.

Highlights included:

  • Recently renovated Rainbow Tower rooms with beach-inspired design, private balconies and walk-in showers
  • Extensive on-site dining, shopping (both casual and luxury stores like Louis Vuitton) and entertainment options
  • Ample meeting and recreation amenities
  • High standards for cleanliness and safety throughout the resort

Why this matters: For travelers, this resort accommodates a wide range of needs (no matter the group size) without requiring guests to leave the property. With attentive staff, modern updates and plenty to do on-site, it delivers convenience and quality in equal measure.

Honolulu Property Tours: Options for Every Traveler Profile

To expand our understanding of Honolulu’s hospitality landscape, the Atlas Travel team toured several nearby properties — each catering to different traveler preferences and program needs:

Why this matters: Selecting the right property comes down to understanding the travelers’ needs and program objectives. Whether booking for senior leadership, occasional travelers or a group event, Atlas Travel can help align corporate travelers with the properties that best match their goals and budget.

Beyond Work: Experiencing Honolulu Sites

In addition to experiencing air travel and hotel site visits, our agents also had some time to explore Honolulu and all it offered as a destination.

The Atlas Travel team followed a curated touring itinerary that included a visit to Oahu’s scenic east and north shores, with stops at landmarks like the Halona Blowhole, the Byodo-In Temple and several renowned beaches.

While leisure in nature, these experiences highlighted Hawaii’s strength as a destination for incentive trips, team-building activities and corporate retreats.

Why this matters: With its mix of natural beauty, cultural depth and well-developed infrastructure, Hawaii remains a memorable backdrop for business travel and events.

The Atlas Advantage: Why Work with Us?

Partnering with Atlas Travel means more than just booking trips — you gain a strategic ally with firsthand supplier experience and deep industry expertise. Our agents evaluate suppliers not only as travelers but as dedicated advocates for your company’s goals, policies and people.

If you’re looking to elevate your travel program — whether through stronger supplier alignment, premium travel options or smarter destination planning — we’re here to help. We’d be happy to share how our relationships and insights can drive real value and savings for your organization.

Ready to enhance your travel program?
Let’s connect at mimi.cleary@atlastravel.com.