Honolulu Airport (HNL) Guide
Welcome to Honolulu Airport, the gateway to Hawaii's beautiful beaches and tropical paradise. As one of the busiest airports in the United States, HNL offers a wide range of amenities and services to make your travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our guide is here to help you navigate the airport with ease.
Looking for flight status and tracking information, airline departure terminals and gate locations, parking options, terminal maps, or food and shopping directories? Our extensive guide has got you covered. With helpful tips and important information, you'll be able to get from your door to your gate with ease and confidence. Let us help you make the most of your time at HNL Airport.
For more detailed information about other major commercial airports, visit our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.com.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
When traveling through the airport, it is recommended to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are during the morning rush hour from 6:00 am to 8:00 am and in the evening from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Getting to the Airport
The best ways to get to Honolulu Airport are by taxi, shuttle, or rental car. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed from the curbside at the airport. Shuttle services are also available and can be pre-booked online or at the airport. Rental cars are available at the airport, and there are several car rental companies to choose from.
Getting Oriented
When arriving at Honolulu Airport, it is recommended to use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps can be accessed on your mobile device or computer and provide detailed information on the airport's layout, including the location of gates, restaurants, and other amenities. The maps also provide real-time updates on flight information, so you can stay informed about any changes to your flight.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at HNL, it is recommended to check in online before arriving at the airport. This will save you time and allow you to bypass the check-in lines. Additionally, it is recommended to pack smart and avoid bringing prohibited items in your carry-on or checked baggage. This will help speed up the security screening process and reduce the likelihood of delays. Finally, be sure to monitor your flight status and sign up for alerts to stay informed about any changes or delays to your flight.
Security Wait Times
When traveling through HNL Airport, it's important to budget enough time for TSA Security wait times. The airport recommends arriving at least two hours prior to your flight's departure time to allow for security screening and other necessary processes. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer than usual. However, you can check the current TSA wait times on the airport's website to help plan your arrival time accordingly. By doing so, you can ensure a stress-free travel experience and make it to your gate with plenty of time to spare. Check TSA wait times here.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Honolulu Airport (HNL) Terminals
Navigating HNL's Terminals
The airport, with the airport code HNL, has a total of six terminals, including the Central Concourse, Commuter Terminal, Diamond Head Concourse, EWA Concourse, Interisland, and Main Terminal. The Main Terminal is the largest and busiest terminal, with a total of 24 gates. The Interisland Terminal is used for flights between the Hawaiian Islands and has a total of 11 gates. The Commuter Terminal is used for smaller planes and has a total of 4 gates. The Diamond Head Concourse is used by Hawaiian Airlines and has a total of 8 gates. The EWA Concourse is used by Delta Airlines and has a total of 5 gates. Lastly, the Central Concourse is used by multiple airlines and has a total of 10 gates.
Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and United Airlines operate out of Honolulu Airport. American Airlines and United Airlines use gates in the Main Terminal, while Delta Airlines uses gates in the EWA Concourse. Hawaiian Airlines uses gates in the Diamond Head Concourse and the Interisland Terminal.
When navigating the airport terminals, be sure to check your boarding pass for your airline and gate information. The airport also provides helpful signage throughout the terminals to guide passengers to their destinations.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
Honolulu Airport has six terminals: Central Concourse, Commuter Terminal, Diamond Head Concourse, EWA Concourse, Interisland, and Main Terminal. To get between the terminals, passengers can use the Wiki Wiki Shuttle, which is a free shuttle bus service that operates 24/7. The shuttle bus runs every 5-10 minutes and stops at all terminals. The walking time between terminals is also relatively short, with the farthest terminal (Interisland) being only a 15-minute walk from the Main Terminal.
Passengers should note that the Wiki Wiki Shuttle is not wheelchair accessible, but special assistance can be arranged by contacting the airport's ADA Coordinator. Additionally, there are no train options available at HNL. Overall, getting between terminals at HNL Airport is relatively easy and convenient.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Get ready to indulge in a variety of dining options and shopping experiences at the airport. From Starbucks to Lahaina Chicken Company, Torn Basil Pizza to Kona Brewing Co., there is something for everyone. And when it comes to shopping, you can find luxury goods at DFS Galleria, cosmetics at MAC, and accessories at Coach. These are just a few of the many options available to you.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Honolulu Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, find your choice of amenities here.
Airport Hotels
Are you planning a trip and looking for a convenient stay near the airport? We've compiled a list of the best hotels that offer a range of amenities, from free breakfast and WiFi to outdoor swimming pools and complimentary shuttle services. These hotels are not just close to the airport, but also provide easy access to the city center and popular tourist destinations. So, whether you are in for a quick stopover or a longer vacation, these hotels ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. Read on to find detailed information about each hotel, including distance from the airport, amenities offered, and links to make your booking easier. Happy travels! View all Honolulu Airport Hotels now.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
When picking up or dropping off passengers at HNL, it's important to note the curbside parking restrictions. Drivers are not allowed to wait or park at the curbside for more than a few minutes, as it can cause traffic congestion and safety hazards. However, there are designated cell-phone waiting areas where drivers can wait for their passengers to arrive and then proceed to the curbside for pick-up.
For those picking up passengers, it's recommended to use the cell-phone waiting areas located near the airport terminals. These areas are free to use and provide a convenient way to avoid circling around the airport while waiting for your passengers to arrive. Once your passengers have retrieved their luggage and are ready for pick-up, you can proceed to the curbside for pick-up.
Overall, HNL Airport provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers, including curbside pick-up, cell-phone waiting areas, and parking lots. It's important to follow the airport's rules and regulations to ensure a safe and efficient experience for everyone.
Parking Facilities & Options
Traveling can be stressful, but finding a parking spot at the airport doesn't have to be. The airport offers a variety of parking options to suit your needs.
If you're looking for convenience, the airport has several parking garages located in close proximity to the terminals. The Central Concourse, Diamond Head Concourse, and EWA Concourse garages are all connected to the main terminal via covered walkways. The Interisland garage is located near the Interisland Terminal, while the Commuter Terminal garage is located next to the Commuter Terminal.
For those who want to save a little money, off-airport parking is a great option. Several off-airport parking lots are located near the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminals. These lots can be a more economical choice for longer trips.
If you're waiting for someone to arrive, the airport has a cell phone waiting area located on the corner of Aolele Street and Lagoon Drive. This area allows you to wait in your car until your party arrives, at no charge.
Handicapped parking is available in all airport parking garages and lots. Designated spaces are located near elevators and shuttle stops for easy access.
Get details about Honolulu Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
When arriving at Honolulu Airport, there are various transportation options available to get you to your destination.
If you prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental companies located at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. You can find their rental counters in the Baggage Claim area of the terminal.
For those who prefer to take a taxi, there are taxi stands located outside of Baggage Claim in the center median. The fare to Waikiki is a flat rate of $38, and the fare to downtown Honolulu is approximately $30.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are also available. The pickup area for these services is located outside of Baggage Claim in the center median. Keep in mind that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed.
Airport shuttles are another option for transportation. These shuttles provide service to various locations on the island and can be found outside of Baggage Claim in the center median. Fares vary depending on the destination.
Lastly, public transportation is available through TheBus. TheBus provides service to various locations on the island and can be found outside of Baggage Claim in the center median. Fares start at $2.75 and vary depending on the destination.
Passenger Services
If you are traveling through HNL, you can expect a range of passenger services to make your journey as comfortable and convenient as possible. Here are some of the key services available:
For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Simply connect to the network and follow the instructions to get online.
If you lose something during your travels, the lost and found department at HNL Airport can help. You can contact them by phone or email to report a lost item or to inquire about a lost item that has been found.
Traveling with children? There are several areas throughout the airport where kids can play and burn off some energy. These include the Children's Play Area in the Main Terminal and the Keiki Lounge in the Interisland Terminal.
For those with special needs, the airport offers a range of services to make your journey as smooth as possible. These include wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and TTY phones for the hearing impaired. If you require any special assistance, be sure to contact your airline before your flight.
If you need to do some banking during your travels, there are ATMs located throughout the airport, including in the Main Terminal and the Interisland Terminal.
If you require medical attention during your travels, there is a medical clinic located in the Main Terminal. The clinic is staffed by licensed medical professionals and is open daily from 6am to 10pm.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it is important to stay up-to-date on the status of your flight departure. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status information at Honolulu Airport.
One of the most reliable ways to check for flight status is by using the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can simply locate their flight number on the FIDS and check for any changes or updates.
In addition to the FIDS, many airlines offer mobile phone apps that allow passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes. These alerts can be sent via text, email, or push notifications, depending on the passenger's preference. It is recommended that passengers download their airline's mobile app prior to their flight to ensure they receive any necessary updates.
Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Honolulu Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
If you're planning a trip to Hawaii, chances are you'll be flying into HNL. This airport is the largest in the state of Hawaii and serves as a hub for many airlines, making it a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.
HNL Airport has a total of six terminals, including the Central Concourse, Commuter Terminal, Diamond Head Concourse, EWA Concourse, Interisland, and Main Terminal. With so many terminals, it's easy to navigate the airport and find your way to your gate.
There are several airlines that operate daily flights out of the airport, including Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. On average, there are about 500 daily flights departing from the airport, with an average of 30,000 passengers passing through the airport each day.
Despite its location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu Airport is well-connected to destinations all over the world. The airport serves more than 30 domestic and international destinations, including Tokyo, Sydney, Los Angeles, and New York City.
Some of the top destinations served by Honolulu Airport include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Tokyo, and Las Vegas. These destinations are popular with both business and leisure travelers, and offer a wide range of attractions and activities to suit every taste.
Finally, it's worth noting that several airlines use HNL as a hub, including Hawaiian Airlines, which has its headquarters in Honolulu. Other airlines that use the airport as a hub include Mokulele Airlines and Island Air.
Airport History
HNL Airport, also known as Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, is the largest airport in Hawaii and serves as the main gateway to the state. The airport has a rich history dating back to the 1920s, when it was first established as John Rodgers Airport.
Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1927: John Rodgers Airport is established on the site of a former dairy farm.
- 1947: The airport is renamed the airport.
- 1950s: The airport undergoes a major expansion to accommodate the growing number of visitors to Hawaii.
- 1962: The first jet service to Honolulu Airport begins with the arrival of a Pan Am Boeing 707.
- 1970s: The airport continues to expand, with the addition of a new international terminal and a second runway.
- 1980s: Honolulu Airport becomes a hub for Hawaiian Airlines and a focus city for United Airlines.
- 2006: The airport is renamed in honor of Daniel K. Inouye, a former U.S. Senator from Hawaii.
- 2017: The airport completes a major renovation project, which includes a new concourse and updated facilities.
Today, HNL serves over 20 million passengers annually and is a vital part of Hawaii's tourism industry.
Airport Contact Info
- HNL Airport Website
- Phone: (808) 836-6411
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: 300 Rodgers Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96819, United States