The 24-year-old midfielder joined from Middlesbrough at the start of July, in a deal reported by Sky Sports to be worth an initial £16.5m rising to around £24m with add-ons, and has quickly made himself at home on Merseyside.
Hackney got his first taste of playing in front of the Everton faithful on Saturday as David Moyes's side drew 1-1 with Lille in their final pre-season friendly. Iliman Ndiaye had given the hosts the lead from the penalty spot before Hákon Haraldsson equalised deep into stoppage time, and Hackney gave his verdict on the game speaking to the Liverpool Echo.
"I enjoyed the game," Hackney said. "On the whole I thought we did well and cleared up a few things in the final third. I think we can be a bit sharper, but overall reasonably happy with the performance.
"It is frustrating at the end, a bit of game management (was needed), keep the ball in the corner, so they can't counter, but overall happy."
Hackney was presented to supporters before kick-off, and admitted the reaction he received left a lasting impression.
"It was unbelievable. I can't wait to play in a Premier League game (here)," he said.
"The atmosphere, even though it was friendly, was everything that I thought it would be, and I can't wait for the season to start now."
The midfielder, who arrived as reigning Championship Player of the Season after helping Middlesbrough reach the play-off final, says the squad have gone out of their way to help him settle in since his move.
"I have loved it. I think I said last week when we were in Germany and I did some interviews that the lads have been unbelievable with me," Hackney said. "I can't thank them enough. They have made me feel welcome and it has been easy (to settle in) since I started training on day one.
"I have settled and that is the main thing. Hopefully I can bring my ability and help the team."
Hackney has now featured in three pre-season matches for his new club.
"I have had three 90 minutes. That game there I did feel ready. It took a while to get going and the Stuttgart game took me a little bit longer (to get going), but I feel ready now."
Everton open their Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace next Saturday, and Hackney is already targeting a winning start.
"It is important we start with a win," he said. "I know our fans will be unbelievable, we just have to do our bit now."