Daniel K. Inouye International Airport [HNL] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu offers inter-island, domestic, and international flights, with modern terminals and various dining and shopping options.
• The airport features a tranquil landscaped garden court area, reflecting Hawaii’s unique surroundings.
• Amenities include free Wi-Fi, 13 lounges, and rental car facilities, making it a convenient gateway to the Hawaiian Islands.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) serves 21 million passengers annually and is based on the island of O‘ahu — the busiest of the Hawaiian Islands.

Also known as Honolulu International Airport, HNL is the main hub for Hawaiian Airlines and is also home to many U.S. and international airlines.

HNL was the first airport to build a major runway completely off-shore, and passengers can enjoy spectacular views of the turquoise waters when taking off or landing on this reef runway.

Quick Info

Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Terminals: 3 terminals — 1, 2, and 3
Airport Address: 300 Rodgers Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96819
Distance From Downtown Honolulu: 5 miles (8 km)
Website: airports.hawaii.gov
Phone Number: 808-836-6411
Annual Passengers: 21 million
Flight Information: Departures and arrivals info can be found online

Airlines Operating From HNL

Terminal 1

• Hawaiian Airlines

Terminal 2

• Air Asia
• Air Canada
• Air Japan
• Air New Zealand
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• All Nippon Aiways (ANA)
• Asiana Airlines
• China Airlines
• Fiji Airways
• Jetstar
• Jin Air
• Korean Air
• Omni Air International
• Delta Air Lines
• Philippine Airlines
• Japan Airlines
• Qantas
• Southwest Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• United Airlines
• WestJet

Terminal 3

• Mokulele Airlines

HNL Airport Terminals

HNL consists of 3 terminals and 5 departure concourses interlinked by a series of split-level roads and walkways.

Terminal 2 is the largest of the 3 terminals, operating domestic and international flights, while the other 2 terminals operate interisland flights and flights to the U.S. mainland. Terminal 3 is located 0.6 miles from the other terminals and operates flights for Mokulele Airlines only.

Parking can be found outside the terminals, and the on-airport rental car offices are located on the ground level of the Terminal 2 parking garage.

Terminal 1 and Concourse A

Terminal 1 is on the west side of the airport, where Hawaiian Airlines operates interisland flights and flights to the U.S. mainland. Terminal facilities are split across 3 levels, with baggage claim on level 1, ticketing and departure concourses on level 2, and the Hawaiian Airlines Plumeria Lounge on level 3 (inside the secure area).

Levels 1 and 2 have curbside access for picking up and dropping off passengers and some ground transportation services are based here. There are 2 security checkpoints on level 2, providing access to the secure area and Concourse A, with gates numbered A1 o A12 and A13 to A20.

There’s a good selection of shops and restaurants and the Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club lounge can be found on the second level and Hawaiian Airlines Plumeria Lounge is on the third level. Passengers connecting to Terminal 2 can take the inter-terminal shuttle bus to their departure concourse from the third level.

Concourse B

Concourse B is located south of Terminal 1 and has 5 gates numbered B1 to B5. Passengers can walk within the secure area from Terminal 1, and there’s a small selection of shops and restaurants.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is the main terminal at HNL and operates both domestic and international flights, including international arrivals for Hawaiian Airlines. The terminal is located in the central area of the airport and has 3 departure concourses.

Level 1 — Baggage Claim

International arrivals is located on level 1 with 5 baggage claim areas labeled D, E, F, G, and H. Ground transportation services are outside baggage claim, as is a consolidated car rental facility, and Terminal 2 parking garage.

Once you have cleared security, you can access the garden court area on level 1, which has several cultural gardens and access to the following lounges:

Level 2 — Ticketing

Airline ticketing is split across 5 lobby areas numbered 4 to 8. There are 4 security checkpoints that lead through to the concessions area of the terminal with lots of shops and restaurants.

Gates D1, D2, F1, F2, and Concourses C, E, and G are accessible from level 2, and the food court and airline lounges are located on level 3. The Four Seasons Resort Lanai Guest Lounge is located near gate D1.

Concourse C

To reach Concourse C, passengers can walk from Terminal 2 or take the airside shuttle bus from level 3. Concourse C has 9 gates numbered C1 to C9 and a good selection of restaurants. The ANA Suite Lounge is located on level 3 above gate C4.

E Gates

Concourse E is centrally located in the departures area, and passengers can reach the concourse on foot along the walkways after clearing security. Concourse E has 10 gates numbered E1 to E10 and a good selection of shops and restaurants.

Concourse G

Concourse G is at the east end of the airport, and passengers can walk from Terminal 2 or ride the shuttle bus from level 3. The concourse has 10 gates numbered G1 to G10 and a United Club lounge. There’s a small selection of shops and restaurants.

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is the smallest terminal at HNL, located at 3073 Aolele St., Honolulu, HI 96819. The terminal consists of just 1 departure gate (H1) and 1 baggage claim area. Only Mokulele Airlines operates from Terminal 3 using small aircraft. Passengers can connect to Terminals 2 and 3 by riding the courtesy shuttle bus.

Hot Tip: If you’re planning a trip to one of the islands, check out our article on the best times to visit Hawaii (by seasons and islands) and our ultimate travel guide to Maui and Kauai!

Inter-terminal Transport

Airside Shuttle Bus

Shuttle buses operate inside the secure area to transport passengers between the terminals and concourses without the need to re-clear security. Most shuttle stops are located on level 3, excluding Concourses C and G, where the shuttle stops on level 2. Shuttles operate daily between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Landside Terminal Shuttle Bus

Shuttle buses operate outside of the secure area between Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Shuttles pick up and drop off from the center median of Terminal 1 and curbside for Terminals 2 and 3 on level 1. Shuttle buses operate daily from 3 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Walking

Passengers can walk between Terminals 1 and 2 in 5 to 15 minutes, depending on what airline lobby or concourse you need to reach. It’s not possible to walk to Terminal 3, and passengers must ride the terminal shuttle bus.

Security and Customs at HNL

There are 7 security checkpoints at HNL, with 2 located in Terminal 1, 4 in Terminal 2, and 1 in Terminal 3.

TSA PreCheck

HNL has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at some of the security checkpoints. Hours can vary, so check the TSA website for more information.

There’s no TSA Enrollment Center at HNL, with the nearest location 4 miles away at 810 Richards St., Ste. 310, Honolulu, HI 96813-4735.

Global Entry

HNL has Global Entry kiosks in Terminal 2 for passengers that have been approved in the program.

There’s a Global Entry Enrollment Center on the ground floor of the international arrivals area. The office is open Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

HNL Airport Lounges

There are 13 lounges at HNL with some offering day pass access (for a fee) to all passengers, regardless of travel class.

Most airline lounges are open exclusively to their premium cabin passengers or frequent flyers, and some have shared access with other airlines.

* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
** Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Find out how to avoid lounge entry fees by reading our article on the best credit cards for lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

The Hawaiian Airlines Plumeria Lounge and IASS Hawaii Lounge accept Priority Pass entry but are subject to capacity allowance.

Find out more about Priority Pass memberships and the best credit cards for Priority Pass.

Dining and Drinks at HNL

HNL has 23 restaurants, cafes, and fast-food options for those looking to grab a meal before their flight. Terminals 1 and 2 have a Starbucks pre-security, and all other restaurants are located within the secure area.

HNL Wi-Fi and Charging Points

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Terminals 1 and 2, and passengers have the option to upgrade to a 1-day or monthly Boingo subscription for faster connections.

Charging Points: Charging points can be found throughout the airport.

Hot Tip:
Not every airport offers free Wi-Fi, so check out our guide to the best portable and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots to ensure you don’t get caught out.

HNL Airport Lost and Found

The Lost and Found office is located on the ground level of the Terminal 2 parking garage, and passengers may visit or contact the office at 808-836-6683 if they lost an item in the terminal. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you lose an item at a security checkpoint, contact TSA at 808-831-2312.

If you lose an item on board an aircraft, you need to contact the relevant airline.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

HNL has information counters located throughout the airport, staffed daily from 5 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. These are located at:

Terminal 1

• Level 1: Near baggage claims 8 and 11
• Level 2: Across from Burger King

Terminal 2

• Level 1: Outside of the international arrivals exit and near baggage claims 18, 20, 25, 27/28, and 29/31
• Level 2: Near gates D1 and D2, Concourse E, ticketing lobby, and near gates F1 and F2

Baby Facilities

HNL does not have any dedicated nursing rooms, but there are 7 accessible family restrooms.

Traveling With a Pet

HNL has 4 pet relief areas located:

• Between the international parking garage and terminal 2 parking garage (pre-security)
• Terminal 1, level 1, in the C.B. Lansing Garden
• Terminal 2, level 1, in the Hawaiian Garden
• Terminal 3 (specific location undisclosed)

Smoking Areas

Smoking is prohibited anywhere inside the airport and is only permitted in the following areas:

Terminal 1

• Level 1 between Terminal 1 and the Terminal 2 international arrivals building
• Parking garage, seventh floor, 20 feet away from entrances

Terminal 2

• Level 1 in the uncovered area near the Diamond Head Group Tour area
• Level 1 near the Concourse C public accessible sidewalk, 20 feet away from entrances
• Level 2 at the roadway median in front of the ticket lobbies
• Parking garage, fifth floor, 20 feet away from entrances
• Uncovered parking lots

Money

Banks and ATMs are located at:

Terminal 1

• Level 2, across from gate A16

Terminal 2

• Level 1 between baggage claims 19 and 20 and near baggage claim 31
• Level 2, across from gates D2, E2, F1, and F2
• Outside foreign arrivals
• Rental car facility

Luggage Storage

Baggage Storage by Smarte Carte provides short- and long-term luggage storage at Terminal 2 in front of baggage claim 18.

Important HNL Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 808-836-6411

Parking Services: 808-861-1260

Lost and Found: 808-836-6683

Travel to and From HNL

Transport Options

Bus

• The Bus: Buses operate approximately every 30 minutes and depart from the center median on the level 2 roadway. A single journey costs $2.75, or a daily pass can be purchased for $5.
  • Bus route 20: Eastbound route stops at Kalihi, downtown Honolulu, the Honolulu Civic Center, and Ala Moana Shopping Center, and terminates at Waikiki. The westbound route runs from the airport to Arizona Memorial, Aloha Stadium, and Aiea, terminating at Pearlridge Shopping Center.
  • Bus Route 303: The westbound route starts at the airport and runs to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Eastbound travels from the airport to the Kalihi Transit Center.

Shuttles

The Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle provides shared-ride shuttles to destinations throughout the island. Transfers to all Ohaha locations, Waikiki Resort, or Honolulu Pier cost $17 one-way.

Shuttles operate from level 1 of the ground transportation area outside of baggage claims 11, 17, and 31.

Taxi

Taxis are available from the center median in front of the baggage claim area on level 1. Taxi fares from the airport to downtown are around $45, excluding tip.

Rideshare

Rideshare operators like Uber and Lyft pick up on level 2 outside lobby 2 of Terminal 1 and lobbies 5 and 8 of Terminal 2.

Directions by Car to HNL

Arriving From Downtown Honolulu

Take HI-92 W and use the left 3 lanes to take the interstate H1 sliproad to Airport/Pearl Harbor. Merge onto H-1 W and then take the exit towards the airport.

Arriving From Kailua

Take the H-3 and use the left lane to take the H-1 E exit towards Pearl Harbor/Airport/Hickam AFB. Merge onto H-1 E and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 16 towards the airport.

HNL Airport Parking Information

Terminal 1 Parking Garage

The Terminal 1 parking garage is adjacent to Terminal 1, and vehicles can enter the garage from the level 1 or 2 access roads.

If the parking lot is full, vehicles can drive across a bridge from the top level to the international parking garage. Vehicle clearance is 7 feet.

International Parking Garage

The international parking garage is located across from the international arrivals area at Terminal 2. Vehicles can enter the parking garage from the airport access road or the vehicle bridge across from the Terminal 1 parking garage.

As well as being close to Terminal 2, passengers can also walk across a bridge from level 6 to Terminal 1. Vehicle clearance is 8 feet.

Hot Tip: Electric vehicle charging points are located on levels 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 and cost $7 for 24 hours of use.

Terminal 2 Parking Garage

The Terminal 2 parking garage is located directly across from Terminal 2, and vehicles can enter the parking lot from the level 2 access road.

To reach the terminal on foot, there are walkways on level 4 positioned at either end of the parking lot and in the center. Vehicle clearance is 6 foot 6 inches.

Parking Fees

Parking fees are the same across all 3 parking lots:

Pick-up and Drop-off Parking

HNL has 2 cell phone waiting lots that vehicles can wait in for free for up to 1 hour before picking up passengers. The Diamond Head cell phone waiting lot is located on Aolele Street, near the intersection with Lagoon Drive. The Ewa cell phone waiting lot is located near the airport post office.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Accessible parking spaces are located in all airport parking lots in the following locations:

• Terminal 1 parking lot on all levels at each end of the building and in the center
• Terminal 2 parking lot at each end of the building and on the ground level
• International arrivals parking lot at ground level

Parking Contact Number

General Inquiries: 808-861-1260

Car Rental at HNL Airport

The rental car center is located on the lower level of the Terminal 2 parking garage.

The following rental companies are available on-airport property:

Hot Tip: Register for a credit card with rental car insurance and avoid paying expensive insurance fees directly with the rental company.

HNL Airport Hotels

There are no hotels located on airport property; however, the closest is only 0.4 miles from the terminal. Further out, there’s a choice of 2- to 5-star hotels with many providing courtesy shuttle buses to and from the airport.

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

Best Western The Plaza Hotel is the perfect HNL hotel to call home while visiting O’ahu. The hotel offers a free hot breakfast to all guests each morning, an outdoor pool, an on-site laundromat, and a complimentary airport shuttle that runs from 4 a.m. to midnight each day. Guests looking to book an award night at the hotel can do so for 28,000 Best Western Rewards points.

Wyndham loyalists will love the Ramada Plaza‘s location and affordable price points. Guests will enjoy the hotel’s outdoor pool, fitness center, laundry center, on-site restaurant, and complimentary airport shuttle. Better yet, award nights at the hotel start at 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night.

For those looking for a more luxurious stay, The Royal Hawaiian is the perfect option. Known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” the hotel promises a truly 5-star experience while visiting Honolulu. This beachfront property offers an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, live entertainment, a complimentary shuttle bus, on-site dining, and a day spa. Award nights start at 50,000 to 70,000 points per night.

Hot Tip:If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Best Western Rewards points, Wyndham Rewards points, or Marriott Bonvoy points.

Final Thoughts

Located on the southern coast of O‘ahu, passengers get a taste of the island’s lush surroundings and azure waters from the moment they land.

The airport is beautifully landscaped with trees and island flowers, and passengers can relax in the garden court area of Terminal B with Hawaiian, Chinese, and Japanese-inspired gardens.

Despite its horticultural delights, HNL has consistently ranked poorly in the annual J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study. In an attempt to improve customer satisfaction, the airport recently underwent a huge modernization project that expanded gate capacity at Terminal 1 and the new consolidated rental car facility.