Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is the primary airport serving Hawaii and the main gateway to the Hawaiian Islands. Located in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, approximately 9 miles northwest of Waikiki, HNL handles over 20 million passengers annually and serves as the hub for Hawaiian Airlines.

The airport has three terminals with a distinctive open-air design:

• Terminal 1 (formerly Interisland Terminal): Hawaiian Airlines domestic and mainland flights. Contains Concourse A (20 gates) and Concourse B (5 gates).
• Terminal 2 (formerly Overseas Terminal): The largest terminal with 29 gates across three concourses (C, D, E, and G). Handles international arrivals and most non-Hawaiian carrier flights.
• Terminal 3: A small terminal 0.6 miles away serving only Mokulele Airlines commuter flights.

Terminals 1 and 2 are connected via covered walkways (5-10 minute walk) and the free Wiki Wiki Shuttle. The open-air design means you will feel the tropical breeze throughout much of the airport.

Hawaii's Other Airports

Hawaii has multiple airports serving different islands. If you are visiting neighbor islands, you may connect through HNL or fly direct:

Kahului Airport (OGG) — Maui, 100 miles southeast

• Main airport for Maui
• Direct mainland flights available on many carriers
• Best for: Visiting Maui without connecting in Honolulu

Lihue Airport (LIH) — Kauai, 102 miles northwest

• Only commercial airport on Kauai
• Some direct mainland flights available
• Best for: Garden Isle visitors

Kona International Airport (KOA) — Big Island, 164 miles southeast

• Serves west side of Big Island
• Direct mainland flights available
• Best for: Kona coast, volcano access

Hilo International Airport (ITO) — Big Island, 217 miles southeast

• Serves east side of Big Island
• Limited mainland connections
• Best for: Hilo and eastern volcano access

Inter-island flight tip: Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines offer frequent inter-island service. Flights between islands typically take 30-50 minutes.

HNL is located 9 miles northwest of Waikiki and about 4 miles west of downtown Honolulu. Travel time to Waikiki is typically 20-30 minutes without traffic, but can extend to 45-60 minutes during rush hour (weekdays 4-6:30 p.m.).

October 2025 Update: The Skyline rail system now connects HNL to the greater Honolulu area, with a station located between Terminals 1 and 2.

Transport options:

• Skyline Rail: New light rail to East Kapolei and Kalihi Transit Center
• TheBus: Public bus for $3, but luggage restrictions apply
• Rideshare: Uber/Lyft available, $25-50 to Waikiki
• Taxi: Flat rate $29+ to Waikiki
• Shuttle: Shared shuttles from $16/person to Waikiki
• Rental Car: Consolidated facility at Terminal 2

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Uber and Lyft operate at HNL. As of October 2025, pickup locations have moved to the first floor (ground level):

• Terminal 1: Curbside pickup mauka (mountain side) of Baggage Claim 6
• Terminal 2: Ground-level median across from Baggage Claims 19/20 and 31

Follow "Ground Transportation" signage after collecting your bags.

Typical fares to Waikiki: $25-50 depending on demand and traffic.

Taxis

Taxis are available on the center median in front of baggage claim areas. Look for dispatchers in yellow shirts with black "TAXI DISPATCHERS" lettering.

Charley's Taxi offers a flat rate of $29 from HNL to Waikiki (15-20 minutes without traffic). Metered fares start at $3.50 pickup plus per-mile charges. During heavy traffic, metered fares to Waikiki can reach $40-60.

Skyline Rail (New)

The Skyline rail opened service to HNL in October 2025. The Lelepaua Station is located on the mauka (mountain) side of Terminal 2, connected to parking garages via pedestrian walkways.

Destinations: East Kapolei to Kalihi Transit Center (Middle Street), with connections to downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana, Waikiki, and UH Manoa via TheBus.

Note: Skyline does not currently extend to Waikiki directly. Transfer to TheBus at Kalihi Transit Center for connections to Waikiki and downtown.

TheBus

TheBus costs $3 per ride (transfers included) or use a HOLO Card (Honolulu's reloadable transit card).

Important baggage restriction: No large bags allowed. Luggage must fit under your seat without protruding into the aisle. This makes TheBus impractical for most arriving passengers with checked luggage.

Bus stop location: As of October 2025, the temporary bus stop is on the ground level across from the lei stands on Ala Onaona Street, near the Skyline station. A permanent stop is under construction.

HNL has three parking garages with rates effective July 2025:

Duration	Rate
First 30 min	$1
First hour	$3
1-2 hours	$5
3-4 hours	$11
4-5 hours	$17
8+ hours (daily max)	$27

Parking locations:

• International Parking Garage: 8 floors, across from International Arrivals Building
• Terminal 1 Parking Garage: 7 floors, adjacent to Terminal 1
• Terminal 2 Parking Garage: 5 floors, adjacent to Terminal 2

Cell Phone Waiting Lots (free): Two locations for picking up passengers—Diamond Head lot on Aolele Street near Lagoon Drive, and the Ewa lot on Service Road A near the Airport Post Office.

Note: Monthly parking for non-airport employees was discontinued in April 2024.

HNL offers a variety of dining options, though selection is more limited than major mainland hubs. Hours vary based on flight schedules.

Terminal 1 (Hawaiian Airlines)

• Island Brews & Torn Basil: Local microbrews and Italian fare
• Chow Mein Express: Quick Asian options
• Starbucks: Coffee and light snacks

Terminal 2

• PGA Tour Grill: American sports bar fare
• California Pizza Kitchen: Pizza and California cuisine
• Umaizushi: Sushi and Japanese
• The Atrium Bar: Hawaiian microbrews
• Burger King: Fast food (open 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m.)
• Quiznos (Concourse G): Toasted subs and salads
• Dunkin': Coffee and baked goods
• Samurai Sushi & Bento: Japanese quick service
• Lahaina Chicken Company: Local specialties
• Lani Moo's Tropical Treats: Ice cream and tropical drinks

Tip: Terminal 2 has the best food variety. If departing from Terminal 1 with time to spare, consider eating in Terminal 2 before your flight.

Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout all terminals.

Network name: "Boingo Hotspot"

To connect, view a short ad (30 seconds or less) for free access. For faster, ad-free service, purchase a Boingo subscription (one-day or monthly options available).

Speed is sufficient for web browsing and email. Streaming may be inconsistent during busy periods.

SIM cards and prepaid mobile plans are available at:

• InMotion Entertainment stores (multiple terminal locations)
• Best Buy Express vending machines
• Various carrier kiosks in arrivals

T-Mobile and AT&T prepaid options typically start around $30 for basic talk/text/data packages.

Tip: Consider purchasing a SIM before arrival or using an eSIM service, as airport prices tend to be higher than retail stores in Waikiki or Honolulu.

ATMs are located throughout all terminals, typically near security checkpoints and in concourse areas. Major banks include Bank of America, First Hawaiian Bank, and Bank of Hawaii.

Currency exchange: Travelex locations are available in Terminal 2. However, airport exchange rates are typically unfavorable. Consider using your bank's ATM or a service like Wise for better rates.

Duty-Free

DFS Hawaii is located in Terminal 2 (near Concourse D). International travelers departing Hawaii can shop duty-free by presenting passport and travel documents.

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (closes early, plan accordingly for afternoon/evening departures)

Products: Luxury goods, fragrances, cosmetics, watches, jewelry, wines and spirits, tobacco. USDA-inspected flowers and seeds also available.

Payment: Cash, credit cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay accepted.

General Retail

• InMotion Entertainment: Electronics, chargers, headphones
• Hudson News: Books, magazines, snacks, sundries
• Hawaiian gift shops: Local souvenirs, macadamia nuts, Kona coffee
• Lei stands: Fresh flower leis available in arrivals area

Lei tip: The lei stands inside the airport are convenient but pricier. Better quality and prices can be found from vendors outside the airport terminal as you drive out.

Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club

Location: Terminal 1, Level 2, near gate A18

Hours: Weekdays 5 a.m.-10 p.m., Weekends 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Access:

• Atmos Rewards status members (all tiers) who are Huakai by Hawaiian members
• Members can bring up to 2 guests
• Day passes no longer sold at this location

Note: As of January 2025, Hawaiian Airlines transitioned to the Atmos Rewards program (integrated with Alaska Airlines). Premier Club access is now tied to Atmos status and Huakai membership.

The Plumeria Lounge

Location: Terminal 1, 3rd floor, near Wiki Wiki Shuttle pickup

Access:

• First Class or Business Class passengers departing internationally on Hawaiian-operated flights
• Atmos Rewards Gold, Platinum, or Titanium members flying internationally from Honolulu
• Day pass: $40 per person (purchase at lounge)

Note: Priority Pass access ended April 1, 2025.

IASS Hawaii Lounge

Location: Terminal 2

Access: Priority Pass accepted

Amenities: Basic lounge with seating, free WiFi, soft beverages. No dedicated bathroom, no air conditioning, no food or snacks. Open-air design.

Note: This is currently the only Priority Pass option at HNL. It offers minimal amenities compared to typical airport lounges.

United Club

Location: Terminal 2, Concourse G

Access: United Club members, Star Alliance Gold, United Business/First Class passengers

Future Development

Hawaiian Airlines has announced a new flagship lounge at Terminal 1 (Mauka Concourse entrance), expected to open in late 2027. It will be approximately 5 times the size of the current Plumeria Lounge.

Hotels near HNL range from budget chains to mid-range options. Most visitors prefer staying in Waikiki (20-30 minutes away) rather than near the airport.

Near the airport:

• Best Western The Plaza Hotel: Budget-friendly, airport shuttle
• Airport Honolulu Hotel: Basic accommodations with shuttle service

Waikiki options are generally preferable for leisure travelers, with shuttle service or rideshare providing easy airport access.

Honolulu and Oahu offer diverse experiences from beaches to mountains:

From the airport:

• Waikiki Beach: 20-30 min — Famous beach, hotels, dining, shopping
• Pearl Harbor/USS Arizona Memorial: 15 min — Historic WWII site (free, reservations recommended)
• Diamond Head: 30 min — Iconic volcanic crater hike with panoramic views
• North Shore: 45-60 min — World-famous surfing beaches, shrimp trucks
• Kailua/Lanikai Beach: 30-40 min — Calm, beautiful beaches on windward side

Getting around Oahu:

• Rental car: Best for North Shore, windward side, and flexibility
• TheBus: Covers most of Oahu ($3/ride, $7.50 day pass)
• Waikiki Trolley: Tourist routes connecting major attractions
• Rideshare: Convenient for point-to-point within Honolulu area

Island tip: If visiting multiple Hawaiian islands, book inter-island flights in advance. Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest offer the most frequent service. Flight time between islands is typically 30-50 minutes.

Weather note: Hawaii has consistent tropical weather year-round (75-85°F). Brief rain showers are common, especially on the windward (east) side. Pack layers for air-conditioned spaces and higher elevations.