# Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

> Honolulu, Oahu, US · 5 mi (8 km) northwest of downtown Honolulu

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/hnl
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/hnl.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: HNL
- **ICAO**: PHNL
- **Timezone**: Pacific/Honolulu
- **Runways**: 4
- **Terminals**: 3
- **Passengers**: 21.9M/yr
- **Hub for**: Hawaiian Airlines
- **Official site**: https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/

## Overview

## Welcome

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is uniquely positioned as a resort-like hub in the U.S., where you can stroll through open-air tropical gardens with koi ponds post-security, indulging in a rare, island-style transit experience. It’s this outdoor serenity coupled with niche lounges like those for Ko Olina and Four Seasons Lana‘i that transforms the airport from a simple transit hub to a tranquil passage. With Hawaiian Airlines stationed as the main airline, this airport functions as both a domestic and an international transfer point, featuring three main terminals for its 21.9 million annual passengers.

## At a glance

Sitting just 5 miles northwest of downtown Honolulu, HNL serves not only as a critical junction for Hawaiian interisland flights but also a gateway to the Pacific and the U.S. mainland. The airport comprises three terminals: Terminal 1 for Hawaiian Airlines’ interisland operations, the sprawling Terminal 2 for international and larger domestic carriers like Air Canada and American Airlines, and Terminal 3 for regional carrier Mokulele Airlines.

## Terminals & layout

Terminal 1 is dedicated to Hawaiian Airlines' interisland flights, which benefits from the nearby Plumeria Lounge, praised for its superior food offerings. However, Terminal 2 is where most action happens; hosting a broad array of airlines and numerous lounges, from the ANA Suite Lounge at $40 to the exclusive Four Seasons Resort Lana‘i Guest Lounge near gate D1. Terminal 3, primarily used by Mokulele Airlines, is more low-key but vital for regional connections. Despite the open-air charm of the airport, navigating between these terminals can involve long walks, although the airside Wiki Wiki shuttle provides a helpful shortcut.

## Getting to and from the city

The airport is accessible by several transportation methods. Taxis typically take 20-35 minutes to Waikiki, priced between $35 and $45. Budget travelers can opt for TheBus Route 20 or Bus Route No. 42, both priced at $3, though they take 50-80 minutes to reach central areas. Ride shares like Uber range from $25 to $50 depending on demand and time of day. For those staying at resorts, dedicated hotel shuttles offer a more expensive but direct option, typically priced between $15 and $30 per person.

## Traveller essentials

HNL's parking options cost around $27 per day, while electric and accessible parking are slightly cheaper at $24 daily. The airport provides a Cell Phone Waiting Lot free of charge, easing the pickup process. For those renting cars, rental car shuttle services are quick and complimentary. Travellers should note consistent security line backups, especially during morning influx or cruise ship arrivals—plan on 90 minutes pre-departure for interisland flights and closer to two hours for connections.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Food options abound in Terminal 2, from chain outlets like Burger King and Dunkin' Donuts — popular for predictability — to local-caliber spots like Kona Brewery. Nonetheless, frequent travelers often prefer grabbing local eats before arriving at the airport, as options airside tend to close early, particularly impacting late-night flyers. Shopping-wise, there are outlets like Maui Divers Jewelry and PGA Tour, catering to impulse buys before boarding.

## Lounges

In addition to the major airline lounges such as United Club and Delta Sky Club in Terminal 2, the Garden Court's cluster — IASS, LeaLea, and Ko Olina lounges — provide a peaceful hideaway amidst airport hustle, especially when larger lounges are crowded. These smaller spaces offer basics like Wi-Fi and drinks, often a welcome respite for those with access via travel programs or Priority Pass.

## Insider tips

- **Insider**: Spend time in the cultural gardens between Terminals 1 and 2 for a nature break; shaded paths offer a serene experience just minutes from most gates.

- **Time**: During a transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, the Wiki Wiki shuttle can save you 10-15 minutes—pick it up at level 3 by the Plumeria Lounge.

- **Avoid**: Evening flights from Terminal 2 often see overcrowded power outlets; carry a small power strip and use outlets by the garden-seating areas.

- **Local**: Before heading to the airport, grab island snacks from town for a more authentic taste than the chain-heavy options post-security.

- **Quiet**: Garden Court contract lounges, such as the IASS, often have better availability than the major airline clubs.

- **Money**: The Plumeria Lounge in Terminal 1 offers better meals and drinks compared to the food courts. Time your arrival early to catch their offerings.

- **Insider**: For military travelers, the USO near baggage claim is praised for its showers and service, making it a superior pit stop before red-eye flights.

- **Quiet**: Visit the lanai-style areas between Terminals 1 and 2 for excellent plane-spotting opportunities.

## Terminals (3)

- **Terminal 1** — Hawaiian Airlines
- **Terminal 2** — Air Canada, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines
- **Terminal 3** — Mokulele Airlines

## Dining (49)

- **A Shack 4 Ewa** — 2
- **Atrium Bar** — 2
- **Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen** — 2
- **Burger King** — 2 · Fast Food · American · $
- **California Pizza Kitchen** — 1
- **California Pizza Kitchen** — 2 · Casual Dining · Italian · $$
- **Chili’s Grill & Bar** — 2
- **Chow Mein Express** — 2
- **Coach House Restaurant** — 2
- **Dunkin' Donuts** — 2 · Coffee · Bakery · $
- **Flowers & Leis** — 1 · Gifts
- **Gift Shop (Clothing)** — 2 · Gifts
- **Gordon Biersch** — 2
- **Hawaii Market** — 2 · Grocery
- **Hawaiian Isle Memories** — 2 · Gifts
- **Hawaiian Market** — 2
- **HNL Life Quick Market** — 2 · Grocery
- **HNL Style** — 2 · Gifts
- **Island Brews & Torn Basil** — 2 · Bar · Local · $$
- **Island Vintage Coffee** — 2
- **iStore** — 2 · Electronics
- **Kona Brewery** — 2 · Brewery · $$$
- **Kona Brewing Co** — 2
- **Lahaina Chicken Company** — 2 · Casual Dining · American · $$
- **Lani Wok** — 2
- **Makai Plantation** — 2 · Casual Dining · American · $
- **Maui Divers Jewelry** — 2 · Gifts
- **Mauka Market** — 2 · Grocery
- **Nani Kore** — 2
- **Newsstand** — 2 · Gifts
- **Nijiya** — 2
- **Pages & Pages** — 2 · Gifts
- **Pages & Pages - Mauka Terminal** — 2 · Gifts
- **Panda Express** — 2 · Fast Food · Asian · $
- **PGA Tour** — 2 · Healthy · American · $$
- **Pinkberry** — 2
- **Quiznos** — 1
- **Quiznos Subs** — 2 · Fast Food · American · $
- **Rip Curl** — 2 · Gifts
- **Royal Kona Coffee** — 2 · Coffee
- **Sammy's Bar & Grill** — 2 · Bar · American · $$
- **Starbucks** — 1
- **Starbucks** — 2
- **Starbucks Coffee** — 1 · Coffee · Bakery · $
- **Stinger Ray’s Tropical Bar & Grill** — 1
- **Stinger Ray's Tropical Bar & Grill** — 2 · Bar · American · $$
- **Take A Little Aloha With You** — 2 · Gifts
- **Take Home The Aloha** — 2 · Gifts
- **The Local @ HNL** — 2 · Casual Dining · Local · $$

## Lounges (26)

- **Admirals Club** — 2 · .null
- **Air Canada United Club** — 2 · .null
- **Air New Zealand United Club** — 2 · .null
- **ANA Suite Lounge / ANA Lounge** — 2 · Star Alliance Gold · $40
- **Delta Sky Club** — 2 · .null
- **Four Seasons Resort Lana’i Guest Lounge** — 2 · .null
- **Four Seasons Resort Lanai Guest Lounge** — 2 · Terminal 2, hotel guests · .null
- **Hawaii Lounge** — 2 · .null
- **Hawaiian Airlines Plumeria Lounge** — 1 · Terminal 1, Business Class and elites · .null
- **Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club** — 1 · Terminal 1, Hawaiian elites · .null
- **HIS LeaLea Airport Lounge** — 2 · Terminal 2, tour guests · .null
- **IASS Hawaii Lounge** — 2 · Terminal 2, Priority Pass · .null
- **KAL Lounge** — 2 · Terminal 2, Korean Air and partners · .null
- **Ko Olina Lounge** — 2 · Terminal 2, resort guests · .null
- **Ko Olina Traveler’s Lounge** — 2 · .null
- **Korean Air Lounge** — 2 · .null
- **LeaLea Lounge** — 2 · .null
- **Plumeria Lounge** — 1 · .null
- **Premier Club** — 1 · .null
- **Qantas Business Lounge** — 2 · .null
- **Sakura Lounge** — 2 · .null
- **Sakura Lounge Hale** — 2 · .null
- **United Club** — 2 · Star Alliance Gold · .null
- **United Club (Asiana Airlines)** — 2 · .null
- **USO Hawaii Lounge** — 2 · Terminal 2, military · .null
- **USO Lounge** — .null · Active military, arrivals level · .null

## Shops (37)

- **A Shack 4 Ewa** — 2 · Food
- **ABC Stores** — 2
- **Burger King** — 2 · Dining
- **California Pizza Kitchen** — 2 · Dining
- **DFS Beauty** — 2
- **DFS Duty Free** — 2
- **DFS Galleria** — 2
- **DFS Sunglasses** — 2
- **DFS Wines & Spirits** — 2
- **Dunkin' Donuts** — 2 · Dining
- **Flowers & Leis** — 1 · Souvenirs
- **Gift Shop (Clothing)** — 2 · Souvenirs
- **Hawaii Market** — 1
- **Hawaii Market** — 2 · Souvenirs
- **Hawaiian Gifts** — 2
- **Hawaiian Isle Memories** — 2 · Souvenirs
- **HNL Life QUick Market** — 2 · Travel Essentials
- **HNL Style** — 2 · Fashion
- **Honolulu Cookie Company** — 2
- **Island Brews & Torn Basil** — 2 · Dining
- **Island Culture** — 2
- **iStore** — 2 · Electronics
- **Kona Brewery** — 2 · Dining
- **Lahaina Chicken Company** — 2 · Dining
- **Mango** — 2
- **Maui Divers Jewelry** — 2 · Souvenirs
- **Mauka Market** — 1
- **Na Hoku** — 2
- **Newsstand** — 1
- **Newsstand** — 2 · Travel Essentials
- **Pages & Pages** — 2
- **Panda Express** — 2 · Dining
- **Quiznos Subs** — 2 · Dining
- **Rip Curl** — 2 · Fashion
- **Royal Kona Coffee** — 2 · Souvenirs
- **Starbucks Coffee** — 1 · Dining
- **The Local @ HNL** — 2 · Dining

## Parking (13)

- **Accessible Parking** — Specialty · $24/day · next to terminal
- **Cell Phone Waiting Lot** — Short stay · $0/day
- **Electric Vehicle Parking** — Specialty · $24/day · next to terminal
- **Employee Parking Lot** — Staff parking
- **International Parking Garage** — Long stay · $27/day, $3 - $30/hr · next to terminal
- **Long-Term Parking Area** — Extended stay · $27/day
- **Offsite Airport Parking Shuttle Lot** — Economy with shuttle
- **Overflow Parking** — Economy
- **Rental Car Facility Garage** — Rental car parking
- **Short-Term Parking Area** — Hourly parking · $27/day, 1/hr
- **Terminal 1 Parking** — Long stay · $27/day, $3 - $27/hr · next to terminal
- **Terminal 2 Parking** — Long stay · $27/day, $3 - $27/hr · next to terminal
- **Valet Parking Service** — Terminal curbside

## Ground transport (13)

- **Charter Bus Services** — Private coach · definitely more expensive
- **Hotel Shuttles** — Private hotel bus · 30-60 min (with multiple stops) · $15-30 per person (varies by hotel/third-party) · may run only during daytime
- **Rental Car Shuttles** — Courtesy bus · 5-10 min shuttle ride · $0 (included with rental) · Every 5-15 min · typical daytime; may thin late night
- **Ride Share Pickup** — TNC · 20-40 min · $25-50 · On-demand · 24/7, but driver availability varies
- **Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle** — Airport shuttle · 30-60 min (depending on hotel stop order) · $20-25 per person (airport–Waikiki typical range in reviews) · frequency reduced late-night
- **Skyline** — Other · 4:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. · Every 10 minutes during peak hours, every 15 minutes in off-peak hours, every 30 minutes after 7 p.m.
  HOLO card required for Skyline.
- **Skyline Rail Station** — Rail line
- **Taxi Stand** — Metered taxi · 20-35 min · $35-45 to Waikiki (typical flat-range reported by visitors) · On-demand · 24/7
- **Bus Route No. 42** — Bus · 60-80 min · $3 · Service available only after 10:30 p.m.
  Limited service; only 1 eastbound trip daily.
- **W Line** — Bus · slow · dirt cheap · Every 10 minutes during peak hours, every 15 minutes in off-peak hours, every 30 minutes after 7 p.m. on weekdays; every 15 minutes on weekends.
  Bus Stop located east of the lei stands on Ala Onaona Street.
- **TheBus Route 19** — City bus · 50-70 min · $3 · Every 20-30 min · roughly 5am–midnight
- **TheBus Route 20** — City bus · 50-70 min · $3 · Every 20-30 min · roughly 5am–midnight
- **TheBus Route 303** — City bus · $3 · sporadic outside peak shifts

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: Spend time in the cultural gardens between Terminals 1 and 2 for a nature break; shaded paths offer a serene experience just minutes from most gates.
- _Time_: During a transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, the Wiki Wiki shuttle can save you 10-15 minutes—pick it up at level 3 by the Plumeria Lounge.
- _Avoid_: Evening flights from Terminal 2 often see overcrowded power outlets; carry a small power strip and use outlets by the garden-seating areas.
- _Local_: Before heading to the airport, grab island snacks from town for a more authentic taste than the chain-heavy options post-security.
- _Quiet_: Garden Court contract lounges, such as the IASS, often have better availability than the major airline clubs.
- _Money_: The Plumeria Lounge in Terminal 1 offers better meals and drinks compared to the food courts. Time your arrival early to catch their offerings.
- _Insider_: For military travelers, the USO near baggage claim is praised for its showers and service, making it a superior pit stop before red-eye flights.
- _Quiet_: Visit the lanai-style areas between Terminals 1 and 2 for excellent plane-spotting opportunities.