Meet Kanoe

Kanoe was born in Honolulu, Oʻahu, and raised in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. She loves flying to Auckland, New Zealand and Tokyo, Japan.

When she’s not working, you can find her at a coffee shop somewhere on the island.

The Training

Flight attendant training is a commitment. According to Kanoe, the multi-week program is fast-paced and requires dedication, focus and performance. “You can learn an entire training module in one day, and then the next morning, you might be tested on that module. Then, right after, you’ll start working on something completely new,” she explained.

Beyond technical and service knowledge, training also prepares you to manage stress and respond effectively in high-pressure situations. “We learn how to compartmentalize information and work under pressure so we can act quickly,” Kanoe said. “When you’re on the plane, you could be having a good time with your coworkers and guests, and then all of a sudden, there’s a medical emergency. At that point, everyone’s brain flips a switch. The cool thing about our training is that everyone graduates with the same knowledge and is ready to respond.”

The Day-to-Day

First impressions matter. When guests are boarding the plane or she’s interacting with coworkers, Kanoe shared she’s often thinking about how to best extend aloha to each person and meet them where they’re at.

Grooming is an important (and fun) part of the job. Flight attendants are expected to follow specific guidelines, with crisp uniforms and a clean-cut appearance, giving the role its reputation for being as glamorous as it is thrilling. “I think it’s important to hold yourself to a standard, and I think the grooming process is a huge part of that,” Kanoe said.

She added, “Your whole job is about caring for other people, so getting ready is a nice way to take that extra step for yourself.  Plus, putting in the time to aloha yourself sets a good mental tone to start your day.”

The Mindset

Kanoe reiterated that it’s important to have empathy in difficult times. “If I’m working with a guest who is upset or having a difficult time, I’m trying to have empathy and extend aloha to them (and myself) in those situations,” Kanoe said. “Travel can be stressful for some people, including for flight crew, so I feel it’s important to keep that in perspective.”

If you’re new, accept that you’re still learning. “That first year is like being a baby deer and learning how to walk,” she laughed. “You’re figuring out your routine, applying everything you learned in training, conceptually and physically, in real time, and learning how to troubleshoot with everyone watching. It’s helpful to lean into the fact that you’re new and to ask your coworkers for their thoughts or assistance.”

Kanoe also emphasized that many Hawaiian Airlines crew members have built their seniority and knowledge over the decades and are often happy to assist.

Throughout it all, don’t forget to enjoy the experience. “This job gives me a huge social fulfillment in my life, even when it’s talking to guests or laughing with my coworkers. Those moments are so meaningful to me and something I feel so lucky to have,” Kanoe said.

“You know, when I first applied to become a flight attendant, I took the job thinking it’d be something I do for just a few years. But once I got into training and learned about the aviation world and how good this job is, things changed. I feel really blessed to travel the world representing Hawaiian Airlines and working with the people that I do.”