Has anyone taken both of these? Were there any outstanding differences in the planes or the service? We'd be in coach. Thanks!

I'd take Hawaiian.

I've taken United a few times but I was in first class. They show videos about Hawaii once you get close and they play a game on the way where you guess what time it is at the halfway point, with the winner getting mac nuts or something. I also know we had mai tais available in first, so maybe you can buy them in coach. I know a few people who have taken Hawaiian and enjoyed it. Check out pandaonine.com for good deals on Hawaiian tickets.

Because I have so many FF miles on United, I usually use them to go to Hawaii since I can upgrade to first class. However, I have several friends who use Hawaiian Airlines because they purchase coach tickets and are often able to upgrade to first class at check in on the day of their flight for an additional $250 each way. They also claim Hawaiian puts them more in the mood for Hawaii.

Oops! I meant pandaonline.com.