Key Highlights
Here is a quick overview of what you need to know for your trip through Honolulu:
- The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is the largest airport in the state of Hawaii.
- It is a main hub for big airlines. These include Hawaiian, United, Southwest, and Japan Airlines.
- You can get nonstop flights from here to places in North America, Asia, and the Pacific.
- The airport gives you different choices for ground transportation. You can use rental car shuttles, taxis, or public transit.
- There are many dining spots, shops, and lounges you can explore in the terminals.
- This airport is only a few miles from Honolulu’s central business district.
Introduction
Aloha and welcome to your simple guide for the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)! This place used to be called Honolulu International Airport. It is the biggest airport in Hawaii and the main airport on the beautiful island of O’ahu. The airport is named after Daniel K. Inouye. He was a long-time member of the United States Senate. This guide will help you get around the Honolulu airport. We want your trip to be smooth, easy, and free of stress.
Key Airlines and Destinations at Daniel K Inouye International Airport
HNL is the largest airport in the state of Hawaii. The airport is busy with many big airlines such as Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines. They fly to lots of places in Hawaii and around the world.
If you need to fly to another island in Hawaii or you’re going far away, you will find many options to help you get where you want to go. The airport has a big network of flights, so your trip can be easy and smooth. Soon, you will see more about which airlines fly at HNL and the routes that people use most often.
Major Airlines Operating from Honolulu
Many big airlines fly from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. This gives you a lot of options for your trips. The airport is the main hub for Hawaiian Airlines. They have a lot of flights to the other Hawaiian islands and to the U.S. mainland.
You can also find major U.S. airlines at HNL. United Airlines and Southwest Airlines have flights all around the country. If you are going to Asia, Japan Airlines flies direct to there.
Other main airlines you will see at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport are:
- Alaska Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- American Airlines
- Qantas
- Air Canada
With all these airlines at HNL, you will find it easier to get a flight that works for your plans and what you want to spend. It does not matter if you are going for work or just to have fun.
Popular Domestic and International Destinations
From Honolulu, you can fly nonstop to many exciting destinations across North America and Asia. Domestically, some of the most popular routes include flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. These cities offer great connections for further travel within the United States. Other key domestic destinations include Seattle, Dallas-Fort Worth, and New York.
Internationally, the airport provides direct access to major hubs in the Asia-Pacific region. You can catch a flight to Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports or head down under to Sydney, Australia. These routes make HNL a critical link between the U.S. and the Pacific.
| Popular Domestic Routes | Popular International Routes |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Tokyo (NRT/HND) |
| San Francisco (SFO) | Sydney (SYD) |
| Las Vegas (LAS) | Seoul (ICN) |
| Seattle (SEA) | Vancouver (YVR) |
| Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) | Manila (MNL) |
Terminals, Facilities, and Services Overview
Navigating the terminals at Honolulu Airport is easy and nice. The open-air design lets you enjoy fresh air and see the lovely cultural gardens all around. The airport in the state of Hawaii has three terminals—Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Each terminal has its own airlines and places it flies to. As the main airport in Hawaii, HNL has the latest services for all who travel.
You will see many things at Honolulu Airport to make your trip better. There are places to eat, shop, and take a break. You will also find important things like airport lounges and places to exchange currency. HNL wants to help you have a smooth visit. Let’s take a closer look at how this airport in Honolulu is set up and what you can find in each terminal.
Terminal Guide and Lounge Access
The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, also called HNL, has three main terminals. Terminal 1 is mostly used by Hawaiian Airlines, and you will find their neighbor island and mainland flights here. Terminal 2 is the biggest international terminal. It has most of the international airlines and some U.S. flights, like those from Southwest. Terminal 3 is a small terminal for commuter flights.
If you want to relax before your flight in Hawaii, this airport has a few airline lounges. You can use these lounges depending on which airline you fly, your seat class—such as business or first class—or your frequent flyer level. Some may even let you buy a pass for the day.
There are several nice places at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport where people can unwind. These lounges at HNL include:
- Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club
- United Club
- Delta Sky Club
- Airline lounges for different international airlines
Make sure to ask your airline about where their lounge is, and what you need to go in. That way, you can have a quiet spot at the airport in Hawaii before your flight.
Dining, Shopping, and Essential Services
There are many places to eat and shop at Honolulu Airport. You can stop for a quick snack or sit down for a meal. If you want to buy some last-minute souvenirs, there are lots of good options in the terminals. You will find local Hawaiian food and also national brands.
Shopping is great at Honolulu Airport too. You can check out duty-free shops and buy luxury items, or look for real Hawaiian crafts and clothes. These shops are nice if you want a gift or want to remember your trip.
The airport in Honolulu also has a lot of services to help you on your way. These include:
- Visitor information booths
- Currency exchange counters
- ATM machines
- A new wayfinding app (HNL Airport app) to help you get around the terminals
Ground Transportation and Getting Around
When you land at Honolulu Airport, you can choose from different ways to reach your next stop. The airport is right off the Nimitz Highway. This makes it simple to go to downtown Honolulu or Waikiki. If you like to drive, you can get a rental car. If you want something quicker, you can take a shuttle. There is a way of travel for everyone.
The airport has made some new changes. These changes help people use the city’s new Skyline rail line from Honolulu Airport. Now, there are more choices to get around. The next parts will talk about how you can rent a car, use public buses, and other services you may need.
Rental Cars, Taxis, and Rideshare Options
Many people choose to get a rental car so they can explore O’ahu in their own way. The rental car companies at Honolulu International Airport are not right inside the terminal. But, you do not need to worry. There are special shuttles that take you from the baggage claim to the rental car spots. This helps you get your car fast and without any problems.
If you do not want to drive, you have other choices at Honolulu International Airport. Taxis and rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, are easy to find. They wait at marked pickup places right outside the baggage claim. You can use them to go straight to your hotel or any other spot in Honolulu that you need to get to.
Your top options for getting around include:
- Rental car (via shuttle)
- Taxis
- Rideshare services (e.g., Uber, Lyft)
- Pre-arranged shuttles
- TheBus (public transportation)
Public Transit and Shuttle Services
If you want to save money, you can use public transit from HNL. TheBus is the public bus system in Honolulu. It goes to the airport and many other spots on the island. This is a good way to see the city like a Honolulu native. But keep in mind, you may not be able to bring big luggage on the bus.
You can also take a private shuttle to and from the airport. These shuttles usually take you straight to hotels and resorts in Waikiki and other well-known places. You can choose to book the shuttle before you arrive or right when you get there at marked counters.
Here are the main public transit and shuttle choices:
- TheBus (City & County of Honolulu public bus service)
- The Skyline rail service, with a station at the airport
- Private shuttle companies offering service to major tourist areas
These are good options for people who want a cost-friendly and steady way to move around O’ahu.
Parking and Arrival Tips
If you plan to drive to HNL, you will find many parking options. The airport has parking buildings close to each terminal. This makes it easy to go from your car to your check-in counter. The parking spots that are open are shared online. But, it is smart to double-check for open spaces when you get there.
If you know more about parking and how early to be at the airport, your trip will be less stressful. The tips below on parking prices and when to arrive will help you get ready for a good start at HNL.
Parking Options and Rates
The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport provides several parking garages for travelers. You can find parking at the Terminal 1 (Interisland) Garage, Terminal 2 (International) Garage, and an economy lot. Recently, the Hawai’i Department of Transportation also opened 20 public EV charging stations on the ground floor of the International Parking Structure for electric vehicles.
Parking rates have been updated, so it’s important to be aware of the current costs. The Hawai’i Department of Transportation has implemented incremental rate increases. As of July 1, 2025, the new maximum daily rate increased.
Here’s a general idea of the parking rates, which are subject to change:
| Parking Duration | Sample Rate |
|---|---|
| 0-30 Minutes | $1.00 |
| 31-60 Minutes | $3.00 |
| Per Hour | Varies |
| Daily Maximum | $27.00 |
Always check the official airport website for the most up-to-date parking rates before you travel.
How Early to Arrive for Your Flight
To make sure you are not stressed before you fly, it is smart to get to the airport early. For flights in the country, it is a good idea to be there two hours before your flight leaves. You will need this time for things like checking your bags, the tsa security check, and to walk to your gate without hurry.
For flights going out of the country, you should get to the airport even earlier. Try to be there at least three hours before your flight time. You will need more time because airline check-in, checks for packed bags, and U.S. customs and border steps may take more time.
Key tips for when to get to the airport:
- Domestic Flights: come 2 hours before the flight
- International Flights: come 3 hours before the flight
- Give yourself even more time in busy seasons or if you need special help.
Remember, the waits at tsa can be different each day. It is always smart to give yourself a little extra time, just in case.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is not just the main way in or out of Hawaii. It is a place where you can have a good time before your trip even starts. You will find many airlines, flights, and places to eat and shop at this airport. There are also easy ways to get around once you land. This makes the start of your trip smooth and fun. You can enjoy a meal, shop, or just look around while you wait for your plane. Every part of your time here can add excitement to your travel plan. Make sure to come early and use all the services that are there. That can help make your travel better. Safe travels to you! If there is anything you need or questions you have, feel free to ask someone for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport?
The airport code for the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu is HNL. People use this three-letter code to talk about the Honolulu airport. Airlines, travel agents, and passengers use HNL all over the world. You use HNL when you book flights or check your bags at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
Are there on-site rental car services at Honolulu Airport?
Yes, you can get a rental car at Honolulu Airport. The rental car places are not far from the terminals. There are special shuttles that pick you up at the baggage claim area and take you right to the rental car centers. These shuttles are free. This helps you get your rental car fast and with no trouble when you arrive in Honolulu.
What are the meal options for travelers at the airport?
When you are at Honolulu’s international airport, you will see many food choices. There are fast food places and coffee shops for quick bites. There are also sit-down places where you can try local Hawaiian food or food from different parts of the world. You can find something good to eat before your flight.