Honolulu International Airport

About Honolulu Airport

Honolulu International Airport is the major international airline hub in the US State of Hawaii, located on the island of Oahu, and covers an area so large, it’s even bigger than Waikiki. This is where you’re likely to hear your first authentic “aloha”, which is the greeting for both “hello” and “goodbye” by the way! It is officially known as Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, after the long-serving Hawaiian-born US Senator, and is 5km from Oahu’s central business district. Honolulu Airport has four runways, including the 3.65-kilometre Reef Runway which was the world’s first major runway built entirely offshore.

What facilities are at Honolulu Airport?

From baby change rooms to a premium, car grooming Car Spa, Abu Dhabi International Airport has a comprehensive range of services and facilities, including the welcome US pre-clearance facility.

Check-in

If you’re departing from Honolulu Airport, it is recommended that you arrive at least two hours prior to international flights and 90 minutes before interisland flights unless otherwise advised by your airline. Terminal 1 is dedicated to Hawaiian Airlines flights, Terminal 3 is exclusively for Mokulele Airlines, and Terminal 2 is for all other airlines.

Baggage

Be sure to check with your airline regarding baggage restrictions on flights from Honolulu Airport, because interisland flights may not necessarily have the same luggage allowances as international flights.

Baggage claim at Honolulu Airport is located on the ground level of all terminals, and is clearly signposted.

Is there a currency exchange?

You’ll find several currency exchange outlets at Honolulu Airport, specifically in Terminal 2 and the international arrivals area. If you want to hit the ground running and get a great rate on US currency, you can order and pick up your American dollars before you leave home, at Travel Money Oz.

Transport and terminal transfers

What’s the best way to get to and from Honolulu Airport?

Taxi: Taxi is the most efficient way to get to and from Honolulu International Airport. If you’re arriving, you’ll find a taxi service right outside the baggage claim areas. Fares are metered, and the journey to Waikiki from the airport will cost you around US$45, plus a baggage charge of 50 cents per bag.

Rideshare: There are three rideshare pick-up locations at Honolulu International Airport. Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft are able to collect passengers from floor 2 outside Lobby 2, 5 and 8.

Shuttle: If you don’t mind a bit of a wait, there’s also a non-reservation shuttle service that allows you to share a ride with other arriving passengers. Though you’ll save a few dollars, these shuttles only depart when every seat is filled so it can add significant time to your trip.

Car rental: You'll find a similar range of major international car rental chains at Honolulu International Airport as you will find at most other major American airports. Though there’s never a short supply of cars available, you will likely get a better rate by booking in advance. Remember that central Honolulu is very close to the airport so it can be an idea to hire a car from the CBD and catch a taxi from the airport to pick it up. Your Flight Centre Travel Expert can give you the lowdown on how and where to get the best deal on car hire in Hawaii.

Bus: Located on the second level roadway, follow the signs as you leave the departure gates to find the bus platforms. Once you are there you will be greeted with ample options to get destinations in Honolulu. The Airport Waikiki Express is one of the best and offers connections to Waikiki every half an hour at most times of the day. For less than US$9 per person, the service includes hotel drop off. Just be wary that what can be a short twenty minute trip can take much longer if your hotel is one of the last stops along the way. If you are heading to the centre of Honolulu then public bus is a better option. Route numbers 19 and 20 will take you downtown, while route number 31 goes to the Kalihi Transit Centre, where you’ll find excellent connections to elsewhere on Oahu.

Parking: Honolulu International Airport has several options for car parking: the International Parking Garage; Terminal 2 Parking Garage and the Terminal 1 Parking Garage. All three are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Electric vehicle parking is also available.

How do I transfer between terminals?

At Honolulu Airport there is free bus transport between the gates and terminals. These buses operate between the hours of 6am and 10pm daily.

What restaurants and bars are at Honolulu Airport?

Honolulu Airport is not known for its outstanding array of restaurants. Even though your options may be limited to mostly fast-food outlets, you can dine on Mexican food at Jose Cuervo Tequileria and sample some of the unique island craft beers at Island Brews & Torn Basil.

Shopping at Honolulu Airport?

Whether you’re just after souvenirs from your Hawaiian holiday or you really do need that Hermes resort wear (of course you do), shopping at Honolulu Airport has most bases covered. There are the luxury boutiques, Duty Free shops and several other gift stores like Hawaiian Isle Memories and HNL Style.

What lounges are at Honolulu Airport?

Airport Lounges

Almost all major international airlines flying to Honolulu have lounges at Honolulu International Airport. Most are located either near the departure gates, in the Garden Court Area on the Ground Level of the Intentional Terminal, or near the departure gates on the Second Floor.

IASS Lounge

The Japanese run IASS Lounge is Honolulu International Airport’s only non-airline lounge. Located in the Garden Court Area on the ground level, the lounge has room for up to 60 guests and offers a range of amenities such as drinks, snacks and free Internet. Open everyday from 07:30 until 18:00, you will need to be a member of a participating program to gain access.

Airline Lounges

Qantas Club

In Terminal 2 near Gate E, you’ll find Qantas’ International Business Lounge. Though small in size, it is one of the most comfortable lounges at Honolulu International Airport. Offering a full raft of services including food and drinks, showers, wireless Internet and newspapers, the only catch is that you must be a premium ticket holder to gain access.

Hawaiian Airlines

With two locations in the Interisland Terminal, the Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club Lounge is another lounge open to people travelling to and from Australia. Open seven days, you’ll need to be flying in a premium class or be a member of the Pualani Club to gain access.

United Airlines

If you’re not flying premium class and are not a member of an affiliated lounge program then one airline lounge that offers a day pass is the United Airlines lounge. Located next to Gate 9, a day pass will cost you around US$50 and gives you full access to the lounge’s services and facilities. The club might be in need of a facelift, but if the 70s vibe is too much for you to look at you can at least enjoy the view of the runway from the window.

What hotels are near Honolulu Airport?

Considering Honolulu International Airport’s location close to downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, demand isn’t high for airport hotels. Still, you’ll find a couple of options if you have an early flight to catch or a delay leaves you in need of some winks. Best Western The Plaza Hotel and Ohana Honolulu Airport Hotel are both located on N. Nimitz Highway just a few minutes from the airport. Guests can take advantage of a free shuttle service to and from the airport departing form the ground level of the International Terminal. Talk to a Flight Centre Travel Expert about which Honolulu Airport hotel might be right for you, or browse all Honolulu accommodation options and book your hotel right now.