Introduction
The main and largest airport in Hawaii, officially Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, is Honolulu Airport. No doubt, it is just 3 miles northwest of downtown Honolulu, providing millions of passengers with the entry point to and exit from Hawaii's populous islands. Photo by: Lester Balajadia. Vast metropolitan city and airport hub for Asia-Pacific, Honolulu Airport seamlessly blends cultural heritage with modern amenities against a backdrop of beautiful flora.
Airlines and Destinations
Honolulu Airport is a major hub for Hawaiian Airlines and also serves as a base for Aloha Air Cargo. In addition to these regional airlines, the airport is served by a variety of domestic and international carriers such as United, Delta, American, Japan Airlines (JAL), Korean Air (KE), Alaska, and JetBlue Airways. Combined, these carriers fly nonstop to more than 50 destinations in North America, Asia, and Oceania.
Passengers & Flights
With 21 million passengers a year, Honolulu Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States. An average of 500 flights take off throughout the day at this airport, serving nearly 30,000 departing passengers. The heavy volume represents the critical transportation role that Honolulu plays for all of Hawaii and beyond into the Asia/Pacific market.
How to Get Here
Honolulu Airport is situated just 5 miles from downtown Honolulu. There are many ways to reach the airport for its travelers, such as:
- Driving: The airport is accessible via the H-1 Freeway and Nimitz Highway. There are many rental cars, Uber, and Lyft in the area.
- Taxi: Metered taxis are available on the center median fronting the terminal baggage claim areas and average approximately $40-$60 to Waikiki.
- TheBus: Honolulu's public transportation system provides bus lines that link the airport to multiple locations along the island, such as Waikiki.
- Shuttle: Multiple private shuttle services provide pre-arranged transportation to and from the airport, sometimes with a fixed fare.
Parking
The Honolulu Airport provides multiple parking options for travelers. The main terminal is a short walk to the on-site parking garage, which offers both covered and uncovered spaces for overnight or long-term stays. Rates begin at $18 per day for the first three hours and can go up to a maximum of $25 in that 24-hour period. Third-party partners offer discounted off-airport parking as well.
Transportation Prices
The cost of transportation to and from Honolulu Airport depends on the type of travel. Taxis usually run between $40-$60 to Waikiki, while TheBus is a cheaper option at only $0.50 for children or yourself with an Adult Fare Card and costs around $3 per adult fare. Normally, private shuttle services use a zonal system and will charge you about $20 to Waikiki, while prices start at around $38 per person for this type of service.
Terminal Layout
Honolulu Airport is split into six separate terminals, each having its distinctive quirks and catering to unique airlines for different destinations:
- 1. Central Concourse
- 2. Commuter Terminal
- 3. Diamond Head Concourse
- 4. Ewa Concourse
- 5. Interisland Terminal
- 6. International Terminal (largest and the busiest)
The free Wiki Wiki Shuttle is also offered 24/7 with a bus running every 5-10 minutes, making it convenient for passengers to move around the different parts of the airport terminals.
Navigate the Airport
Honolulu Airport Signage & Wayfinding: There is a comprehensive amount of signage and wayfinding information located throughout the Honolulu airport for you to find your way around. Also available for travelers are interactive maps of the airport, which show where various amenities, services, and gates are located. There are also airport personnel available for any questions or assistance on how to get places.
Getting Between Terminals
Wiki Wiki Shuttle - A quick way to transport passengers between terminals at Honolulu Airport. A 24-hour bus service that is free of charge, linking all terminals and operating every few minutes. Passengers must follow the signs to transfer between terminals and board a shuttle.
Services and Amenities
There are lots of services for travelers to make use of in Honolulu Airport, such as:
- Lounges: There are some airline-affiliated and independent lounges (H.I.S. LeaLea Lounge, Korean Air KAL Lounge) available for passengers who need a place to unwind before their next flight.
- WiFi: Unlimited free high-speed wireless internet is available in all airport terminals.
- ATMs may offer foreign exchange, although services are also provided in the Main Terminal premises.
- Medical Facilities: A first aid station and nursing room in the Main Terminal.
- Pet Relief Zones: There are specific pet relief areas outside the terminals.
Restaurants and Shops
Food and beverage are a big deal here - no surprises that Honolulu Airport is home to one of the best dining scenes in US airports, with over 80 unique options featuring flavors inspired by Hawaii's diverse culinary culture. Here, travelers can enjoy the local flavor of Hawaiian-style barbecue, fresh poke, and tropical smoothies, as well as prominent national brands. The airport also has plenty of themed stores, ranging from tropical gifts to news and convenience outlets.
Security and Customs
Honolulu Airport has seven security checkpoints around the terminals that passengers must pass through before making departures. These checkpoints, which are run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), are operated just like a normal security checkpoint. Upon arrival, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office for International Arrivals is located on the ground floor of the Main Terminal.
Accessibility
When all is said and done, Honolulu Airport promises to make your trip an enjoyable one that has you returning happy as a traveler. The airport features:
- Wheelchair and power cart assistance
- Spaces reserved for people with disabilities
- Accessible toilets and family facilities
- Audio announcements and Braille signage
- Aid for hearing or visually impaired guests
Travel Tips
Below are some travel tips for making the most out of your experience at Honolulu Airport:
- Be at the airport 2 hours prior to departure, with international flights requiring even more time.
- Visit the website of your airline closer to departure for terminal assignments, gate numbers, and flight status.
- Use the free Wi-Fi in case you need to communicate or be entertained.
- Dive into the menus, shops, and activities to experience a taste of Hawaii.
- A long connection allows a day to visit something like Waikiki Beach or Diamond Head.
Hawaii's premier airport and the gateway to both Honolulu Airport or Daniel K. Inouye International Airport located on Oahu, the broad selection of airlines, destinations, and on-site options available at the airport provides a seamless travel experience for millions who pass through each year. No matter if you are on your way to sunnier climes or simply transiting through the Asia-Pacific region, Honolulu Airport will make a lasting impression with its infusion of local aloha spirit and westernized efficiency.