Honolulu International Airport: Gateway to Paradise and Aloha Spirit

(upated 2023)

The main Oahu airport, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) or normally called Honolulu International Airport is abbreviated with its airport code as HNL. One of the busiest airports in Hawaii, the Honolulu International Airport is the main hub to the outer islands in Hawaii. Use this quick airport guide below to get you to the right places and transports within Oahu and the outer islands.

Honolulu International Airport is located about 10 miles north west of Waikiki and downtown Honolulu and is easy to reach by Highway or surface road from the tourist district.

Honolulu is relatively easy to navigate to your destination and airline from either the International terminal or the domestic side and terminal to the outer islands.

So, let’s explore the airport, its history and other important tips for you to maneuver around and find all the appropriate things from transit at this airport.

A little history on Honolulu International Airport aka Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) 

The start of the Oahu airport in 1925 with the acquisition of private land and monies appropriated to build the airport.  The first flight from the mainland to the islands was tried later in the year but ran out of gas approximately 365 miles from Oahu and crashed into the ocean, but the survivors fashioned the wings into a floatation device and survived 10 days in the open ocean before being picked up by a submarine. This flight became the longest Pan Pacific flight and maintained that record for over 5 years and the airport given the name John Rogers airport in 1927.

The military took over all the Hawaiian airports during World War II and made more improvements at the airport which eventually returned to civilian passenger service in 1946 Oahu airport was renamed Honolulu airport. The International part was added in 1951 along with an extension of the runway and a new terminal created in 1962.

The airport now has four runways with over 4200 acres to support all airport services with a first of its kind reef runway that extends over 12000 feet out into the ocean. The Honolulu International airport has expanded to include beautiful gardens, food courts, luxury shopping brands on the main shopping concourse and a variety of locally inspired restaurants along with airline lounges to service passenger needs.

Who is Daniel K. Inouye and why is this airport named in his honor?

Daniel K. Inouye was a remarkable figure in American politics. He served as a United States Senator from Hawaii for nearly half a century, making a significant impact on both the state and the nation. Inouye’s legacy is deeply tied to his dedication to public service and his heroic contributions during World War II.

Why is the airport named in his honor?

The airport you’re referring to is likely Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was named in his honor to commemorate his outstanding service to the people of Hawaii and the United States. Here’s why:

The main terminals at Honolulu International Airport

There are three terminals located at the airport servicing domestic, international and Pan Pacific Travel. Check on the map of the terminal here for more details

Honolulu International Airport – Terminal Two

The main arrival and departure to the islands happens at the international terminal for Pan Pacific and international flights arriving and departing from this terminal.

Honolulu Domestic Airport – Terminal One

Adjacent to the international terminal is the Honolulu Domestic airport for interisland flights. You can walk from the international terminal to the domestic terminal three ways

Terminal three – Domestic with Mokulele airline terminal

Terminal three is exclusively for smaller terminal arrivals and departures and hosting mostly flights with Mokulele airlines

Transfer from Terminal Two to Terminal One and three

Inside the terminals – take the wiki wiki bus system to and from the international terminal to the domestic terminal and terminal three

Walking inside the terminals – there are causeways with conveyor escalators that get you to either terminal and you are free to go from one to the other

Outside the terminals – you can walk directly from the arrivals floor from the international terminal to domestic or the reverse.

There are also shuttles at the airport concourse to take you to all three terminals if you are outside the terminals.

Honolulu Airport Arrivals

To check on any Honolulu airport flight arrivals, check on this website here for updated information on estimated arrivals to Honolulu

Honolulu Airport Departures

To check on any Honolulu airport flight departures, check on this website here for updated information on estimated departures from Honolulu to your destination

Things to do inside the terminals

There are a variety of things that you can do while waiting for your plane arrival and after checking through the TSA check point.

Shopping

All of the main shopping is on the arcade area of Terminal two

Check out all the shopping venues here for more details on shops available at the terminal.

Visit the Cultural Gardens at the Airport

The Honolulu International Airport has four gardens that you can visit and have a relaxing time while waiting for your flight. These include the Chinese, Japanese, Hawaiian and the C.B. Lansing garden. Each garden represents the various influences of each ethnic groups contributions to the islands as a whole.

Here’s a quick look at one of the beautiful cultural gardens below

Art at the Airport and live entertainment

You will find wonderful art created by local artists spread around the terminals from sculptures, to paintings, murals and other decorative art works.

Live entertainment with hula happens occasionally in the main shopping corridors and seating area with local style acoustic and hula performances to create a warm welcome and aloha to visitors. You will find this mostly at Terminal two and the main entry areas and shopping gallery area. This is not a regular thing so when you do see it being performed around the terminal, it makes the experience even more special.

Check out this live performance at Honolulu International airport

Honolulu airport food

There are food courts and restaurants located at both the International Terminal and the domestic terminals as follows:

Terminal Two

Food Court – Tequileria Restaurante y Cantina, Burger King, California Pizza Kitchen, Quiznos, Torn Basil Pizza, Cold Stone Cremery, Pink Berry, Chow Mein Express

Restaurants and take out places

Kona Brewing Co

Sammy’s Beach Bar and Grill

PGA Tour Grill

Makai Plantation

Umaizushi

Starbucks

Samurai Sushi & Bento

The Local HNL

Terminal one

Food Court – Lahaina Chicken Co, Chow Mein Express

Stinger Rays Tropical Bar and Grill

Starbucks

Island Brews

Here’s a look at all the main restaurants and take out places at the airport terminal.

Airport Lounges

You’ll find the following airport lounges at each of the main Terminals and amenities offered at each lounge below

Terminal One

Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club Lounge: Second level, close to Gate A18. Open from 04:00 am to 10:00 pm. Services: Snacks, Wi-Fi, Newspapers, Magazines, Flight monitors, TV. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.

Hawaiian Airlines The Plumeria Lounge: Third level, close to the Wiki Shuttle pick-up area. Open from 09:00 am to 09:30 pm. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV. This is a non-smoking facility.

Terminal Two

All Nippon Airways ANA Suite Lounge: Third level, above Gate C4. From first to last departure. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, Children’s area. This is a non-smoking facility.

China Airlines Dynasty Lounge: Ground level close to Garden Court Area. Open from 06:30 am to 09:00 am. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals, Printers, Copiers, Telephones. This is a non-smoking facility.

Delta Airlines Delta Sky Club: Close to Gate F1. Open from 05:30 am to 10:20 pm. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Printers and Copiers, Telephones. This is a non-smoking facility.

Korean Air KAL Lounge: Towards D Gates. Open 3 hours before first to last departure. Services: Snacks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Printers, Copiers, Telephones. This is a non-smoking facility.

IASS Hawaii Lounge: Once at the Garden Court Area proceed to the Ground level. Open from 07:30 am to 01:30 pm and 02:00 pm to 06:00 pm. Services: Wi-Fi, TV, Newspapers, Magazines. This is a non-smoking facility. Entrance fee: €28 / person.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai Lounge: Second level. Open from 09:00 am to 06:30 pm. Services: Snacks, Wi-Fi, Alcoholic drinks, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals. This is a non-smoking facility.

HIS LeaLea Airport Lounge: Ground level. Open from first to last departure. Services: Snacks, Wi-Fi, Alcoholic drinks, Newspapers, Magazines, Flight monitors, TV. This is a non-smoking facility.

Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge | American Airlines Admirals Club: Third level. Open from 05:30 am to 09:45 pm. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, TV, Newspapers, Magazines, Internet terminals, Printers, Copiers. This is a non-smoking facility.

Qantas Airways International Business Lounge: Ground level. Open from 05:00 am to 09:30 am. Services: Premium food, Alcoholic drinks, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, Internet terminals, Printers, Copiers. This is a non-smoking facility.

United Airlines United Club: Second level, above Gate G2 and G3. Open from 05:30 am to 10:45 pm. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals, Printers and Copiers. This is a non-smoking facility.

USO Hawaii Lounge: Ground level, between E and F baggage claims. Exclusively for military use and free of charge for members of US military and their families.  Open from 08:00 am to 11:59 pm. Services: Wi-Fi, TV, Showers, Children’s area, Internet terminals, Printers, Copiers, Food, Drink and Press. This is a non-smoking facility.

Airport Transportation

Finding transportation to and from the airport is a breeze with shuttle service, private pick up, rental cars, taxi or Uber and public transportation servicing the main hub of Honolulu airport. Consider these options when you want to get around Honolulu, Waikiki and areas around Oahu island.

Honolulu Car Rentals

There are six rental car agencies at the facility, with four more located nearby. You can find out about car rental Honolulu international airport by clicking on the websites below.

Advantage

Avis

Budget

Enterprise

Hertz

National

Rental car agencies at the airport are located at terminal two parking garage ground level

Off site rental locations

There are shuttles for these rental car companies that you can take from the curb to take you to each particular rental car company. You can call ahead to make sure there is someone scheduled for pick up times.

– A-1 Rent A Car: +1 (808) 833-7575
– Alamo Rent-A-Car: +1 (808) 833-4585 / Toll Free 1-800-327-9633
– Dollar Rent-A-Car: +1 (866) 434-2226 / Toll Free 1-800-800-4000
– JN Car & Truck Rentals: +1 (808) 831-2724 / Toll Free 1-800-475-7522
– Thrifty Rent-A-Car: +1 (877) 283-0898 – Toll Free 1-800-847-4389

Catch a bus shuttle from each rental agency at the baggage claim area

Taxi, Uber or other reserve pick up services

Pick up for taxi / Uber / Other is conveniently located in front of the baggage claim areas. Walk across walkway to island area and follow sign for pick up services.

For Uber service, use the apps and for local taxis, go to the corresponding taxi stand area for service.

Public Transportation

City buses on “The Bus” depart approximately every 30 minutes. Check on the website here for more information and updates.

Honolulu Airport Shuttles

There are a variety of shuttle services which provides door-to-door service to your hotel, home, or office. Of course, there are many other pre-arranged ground transportation providers that service the airport

You can check the shuttle services here for more information on pick up services

Private transfer service to local hotels can be arranged through this outfitter

Honolulu airport hotel

Airport Honolulu Hotel

3401 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96819-1909

There are local hotels that are a close driving distance to the airport area ,check out all these hotels here for the best prices and services

Here’s a beautiful Aloha gesture to visiting the islands

Lei Greeting

If you are looking for that wonderful lei greeting service, you can book an advanced greeting service below.

Book an advanced lei greeting service here for a fantastic welcome experience at the airport. You’ll enjoy sharing a welcome lei with your loved ones when they arrive at the airport.

Weather and best time to visit Honolulu, Oahu

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii and located on the island of Oahu, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and vibrant city life. The best time to visit Honolulu depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Here’s a breakdown of Honolulu’s weather and the ideal times to plan your trip:

Weather Overview:

• Year-Round Tropical Climate: Honolulu enjoys a tropical climate, making it a pleasant destination throughout the year. The temperature variation is minimal, with warm and humid conditions year-round.
• Summer (June to August): Summers in Honolulu are warm and relatively dry, with temperatures typically ranging from 77°F to 89°F (25°C to 32°C). These months offer plenty of sunshine, making it an ideal time for beach activities and water sports. However, it’s also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
• Fall (September to November): Fall in Honolulu continues to be warm, with temperatures between 75°F and 88°F (24°C to 31°C). Rainfall begins to increase slightly, but the city remains relatively dry. This is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather.
• Winter (December to February): Honolulu’s winter is mild, with temperatures averaging between 68°F and 80°F (20°C to 27°C). This is the rainy season, especially on the windward (eastern) side of Oahu. While you might encounter some rain, it’s still possible to enjoy Honolulu’s attractions, and you’ll find fewer tourists during this time.
• Spring (March to May): Spring is similar to fall, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 68°F to 81°F (20°C to 27°C). The city starts to dry out from the winter rains, and the landscape becomes lush and green. Spring is an excellent time to visit for both weather and smaller crowds.

Best Times to Visit Honolulu:

• Late Spring (April to June): This period offers great weather, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. It’s an excellent time for outdoor activities and exploring the city without the peak summer crowds.
• Fall (September to November): Fall is another fantastic time to visit Honolulu. The weather is still warm, and you can enjoy the city’s beauty without the high summer prices and crowds.

Considerations:

• Peak Tourist Season: If you don’t mind larger crowds and higher prices, visiting during the summer (June to August) can still be enjoyable, especially if you plan well in advance.
• Water Activities: If you’re interested in surfing or watching big waves, the North Shore’s big wave season occurs from November to February.
• Festivals and Events: Honolulu hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, so check the event calendar to see if any align with your travel dates.
• Humpback Whale Watching: Humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters from December to April, making it an excellent time for whale watching excursions.

Tips to getting around Honolulu International airport

Here are some tips to help you navigate and get around Honolulu International Airport:

Transport back to the airport can change depending on traffic conditions, always allow enough time to get to the airport and check in or use travel apps to find out the best routes to the airport area.

Familiarize Yourself with the Layout: Before your trip, take some time to study the airport layout. Look for the location of your arrival gate, baggage claim, and departure gate to save time and avoid confusion.

Follow Signage: The airport has clear signage throughout, directing you to various facilities and services. Pay attention to signs indicating baggage claim, exits, restrooms, and transportation options.

Utilize Airport Maps and Apps: Download the airport’s official app or access their website to find maps and interactive guides. These resources can provide real-time information on gate changes, flight status, and amenities.

Allow Extra Time: Honolulu International Airport can get busy, especially during peak travel seasons. It’s advisable to arrive early to allow for check-in, security screening, and any unforeseen delays.

Check Baggage Restrictions: Familiarize yourself with the airline’s baggage policies and restrictions before packing. This will help you avoid any surprises during check-in and ensure a smooth journey.

Consider Transportation Options: If you need to travel to or from the airport, explore different transportation options such as taxis, ride-sharing services, shuttles, or public transportation. Plan ahead to ensure you have a reliable and convenient way to reach your destination.

Stay Connected: Keep your mobile device charged and have any necessary travel apps, such as airline apps or ride-sharing apps, readily available. Staying connected will help you stay updated with any changes or notifications.

Stay Organized: Keep your travel documents, such as your passport, boarding pass, and identification, easily accessible in a secure place. Having them readily available will speed up the check-in and security processes.

Take Advantage of Airport Amenities: Honolulu International Airport offers various amenities, including shops, restaurants, lounges, and relaxation areas. If you have spare time, explore these facilities to make your airport experience more enjoyable.

Ask for Assistance: If you have any questions or need help navigating the airport, don’t hesitate to ask airport staff or volunteers. They are there to assist you and ensure a pleasant travel experience.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate and get around Honolulu International Airport smoothly.

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Conclusion on Honolulu International Airport

Honolulu International Airport stands as a gateway to paradise, providing a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for visitors from around the world. With its state-of-the-art facilities, clear signage, and helpful amenities, navigating through the airport becomes a breeze. Whether you’re arriving or departing, the airport’s dedication to efficient operations and passenger satisfaction is evident. From the warm aloha spirit of the staff to the abundance of resources available, Honolulu International Airport ensures that your journey begins and ends on a high note. So, embark on your adventure with confidence, knowing that this exceptional airport is there to make your travel experience as smooth and memorable as possible.

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