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

Key Takeaways

• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu offers interisland, domestic, and international flights, with modern terminals and a variety of dining and shopping.
• The airport features a tranquil landscaped garden court area, reflecting Hawaii’s unique surroundings.
• Amenities include free Wi-Fi, 11 lounges, and rental car facilities, making it a convenient gateway to the Hawaiian Islands.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) serves almost 22 million passengers annually and is 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 offshore, and passengers can take in spectacular views of the turquoise waters as they take off or land 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: 21.9 million
Flight Information: Departures and arrivals info can be found online

Airlines Operating From HNL

Terminal 1

• Hawaiian Airlines

Terminal 2

• Air Canada
• Air New Zealand
• Air Premia
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• All Nippon Airways (ANA)
• Asiana Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Fiji Airways
• Japan Airlines
• Korean Air
• Philippine Airlines
• Qantas
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines
• WestJet
• Zipair

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 and operates domestic and international flights. Terminal 1, primarily handles Hawaiian Airlines interisland and U.S. mainland flights, and Terminal 3 serves only Mokulele Airlines.

Parking is available outside the terminals, and on-airport rental car offices are on level 2 in the building next to 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.

Level 1: Arrivals

Baggage claim is on level 1, along with a Starbucks, and access to ground transportation and parking outside the building.

Level 2: Check-In and Concourse A, Gates A13 to A20

Ticketing and the departure concourses are on level 2. Hawaiian Airlines passengers traveling to the U.S. mainland check in at lobby 2, and those traveling to neighboring islands or international destinations check in at lobby 3.

Security checkpoints are at the north and south ends of the terminal, leading through to the departure concourses. Gates A13 to A20 are in the main concourse straight after security, and the Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club Lounge is at the south end of the gate area.

Concourse A, Gates A1 to A12

After clearing security, gates A1 to A12 are at the north end of Concourse A. There are shops and restaurants in this gate area, with more near gates A13 to A20.

Level 3 has the Hawaiian Airlines Plumeria Lounge and access to the Wiki Wiki shuttles for terminal transfers.

Concourse B

Concourse B is south of Terminal 1 and has 5 gates, numbered B1 to B5. Passengers can walk within the secure area from Concourse B to all the other concourses in terminals 1 and 2. There’s a small selection of shops and restaurants in Concourse B.

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 in the central area of the airport and has 3 departure concourses.

Level 1: Baggage Claim

International arrivals is on level 1 with 5 baggage claim areas, numbered 1 to 5. Ground transportation services are outside baggage claim, as is a consolidated car rental facility and the 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:

• HIS Lea Lea Airport Lounge
• IASS Hawaii Lounge
• Ko Olina Traveler’s Lounge
• Korean Air KAL Lounge
• Qantas Business Lounge

Level 2: Ticketing

Airline ticketing is split across 5 lobby areas, numbered 4 to 8. There are 4 security checkpoints leading to the terminal’s concessions area, with many 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 on level 3. The Four Seasons Resort Lanai Guest Lounge is near gate D1, and the Delta Sky Club is near gate F1.

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 on level 3 above gate C4.

E Gates

Concourse E is centrally located in the departures area, and passengers can reach it on foot via the walkways after clearing security. Concourse E has 11 gates, numbered E1 to E7, E8A, E8B, E9, and E10, and several 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, at 3073 Aolele St. 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 1 and 2 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 season and islands) and our ultimate travel guide to Maui and Kauai.

Interterminal Transport

Airside Shuttle Bus

Shuttle buses operate within the secure area to transport passengers between the terminals and concourses without requiring reclearance of security. Most shuttle stops are on level 3, except for 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 for 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 11:15 p.m.

Walking

Passengers can walk between terminals 1 and 2 in 5 to 15 minutes, depending on which airline lobby or concourse they need to reach. It’s not possible to walk to Terminal 3; passengers must take the terminal shuttle bus.

Security and Customs at HNL

There are 7 security checkpoints at HNL, with 2 in Terminal 1, 4 in Terminal 2, and 1 in Terminal 3. Checkpoints are open during these hours:

• Terminal 1A: 6:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
• Terminal 1B: 4:15 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Terminal 2:
  • Checkpoint 2: Open when needed between 10:15 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  • Checkpoint 3: 4:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Checkpoint 4: 5:15 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Checkpoint 5: 10:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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.

TSA PreCheck enrollment is through CLEAR+, available at Terminal 1, checkpoint 1B (6 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Terminal 2, checkpoint 3 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

CLEAR+

CLEAR+ lanes and enrollment centers are at Terminal 1, checkpoint 1B (5 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Terminal 2, checkpoint 3 (5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

To use this expedited security service, passengers must first enroll and complete a brief interview that includes biometric verification. The process typically takes only a few minutes and can be completed before proceeding through security.

Global Entry

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

There’s a Global Entry enrollment center on level 2 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 11 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 Premier Club 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 19 restaurants, cafes, and fast-food places for those looking to grab a meal before their flight. Terminals 1 and 2 have a Starbucks presecurity, and there’s a Royal Kona Coffee in the arrivals area of Terminal 2.

HNL Wi-Fi and Charging Points

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

Charging points are available 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 hot spots 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. Passengers may visit or contact the office at 808-836-6683 if they have 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 throughout the airport, staffed daily from 5 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.:

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 has pods for nursing mothers:

• Terminal 1: level 2, across from gate A15
• Terminal 2: near gates C4 and G4 and after security checkpoint 3

Traveling With a Pet

HNL has 4 pet relief areas:

• Between the international parking garage and Terminal 2 parking garage (presecurity)
• Terminal 1, level 1, in the C.B. Lansing Garden
• Terminal 2, level 1, in the Hawaiian Garden
• Terminal 3, outside the building

Smoking Areas

Smoking is prohibited anywhere inside the airport and is only permitted outside 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, on the median between the International Arrivals building and Terminal 1
• 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 at:

Terminal 1

• Level 1, between baggage claims 8 and 9
• Level 2, across from gate A16

Terminal 2

• Level 1 between baggage claims 19 and 20 and 28 and 29
• Level 2, across from security checkpoint 3
• Level 2, across from gates D2, E2, F1, and F2
• 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

At Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, ground transportation includes taxis, ride-sharing services, shuttles, rental cars, and public buses. The nearby Skyline rail also provides rail connections linking the airport with West O‘ahu communities.

Transport Options

Train

Honolulu’s Skyline rail provides rail access between the airport and West O‘ahu. Lelepaua Station at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is between the international parking garage and the Terminal 2 parking garage, with access from level 1 or the fourth floor of either garage.

Trains operate daily, every 10 to 15 minutes, from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. A single journey costs $3, or a daily pass costs $7.50. Fares can only be purchased with a HALO card.

To reach Kalihi, Downtown, Ala Moana, or Waikiki, travelers can take the train to Kahauiki, then connect to a bus at Kalihi Transit Center.

Bus

The Bus: Buses operate from Ala Onaona Street, near the Lelepaua Station. A single journey costs $3, and a daily pass costs $7.50. Fees can be paid in exact cash or with a HALO card.

• W Line: The W Line operates eastbound from the airport to downtown Honolulu, Kakaako, Ala Moana Shopping Center, and Waikiki. Buses run every 10 minutes during peak hours, every 15 minutes off-peak, and every 30 minutes after 7 p.m.
• Bus Route 42: This service runs westbound to Ewa Beach and eastbound to Waikiki after 10:30 p.m.

Shuttles

The Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle provides shared and private shuttles to destinations throughout the island. Shared shuttles to Waikiki Resorts cost $27.50 one-way and $41 to Kahala Resorts, Ko Olina, or Kapolei Hotels & Resorts.

Shuttles operate from level 1 of the ground transportation area, outside baggage claim areas 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.

Ride-Sharing Services

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, pick up at level 1, outside baggage claim 6 of Terminal 1, and outside baggage claims 19, 20, and 31 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 H1 sliproad to Airport/Pearl Harbor. Merge onto H-1 W and then take the exit toward the airport.

Arriving From Kailua

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

HNL Airport Parking Information

Terminal 1 Parking Garage

The Terminal 1 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 sixth level to the international parking garage. Vehicle clearance is 7 feet.

International Parking Garage

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

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 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 directly across from Terminal 2, and vehicles can enter the garage from the level 2 access road.

To reach the terminal on foot, there are walkways on level 4 at either end of the parking lot and in the center. Vehicle clearance for the entrance opposite baggage claim 19 is 9 feet, 9 inches, and 6 feet, 2 inches for the entrance across from the Administration Tower.

Parking Fees

Parking fees are the same across all 3 parking lots:

Pickup 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 on Aolele Street, near the intersection with Lagoon Drive. The Ewa cell phone waiting lot is near the airport post office.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

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

• Terminal 1 parking lot, on all levels, at each end of the building near the elevators
• Terminal 2 parking lot, at each end of the building near the elevators
• International Terminal Parking lot, on the ground level, closest to the International Arrivals Building and Terminal 1

Parking Contact Number

General inquiries: 808-861-1260

Car Rental at HNL Airport

The consolidated rental car center is opposite baggage claim areas 22 through 31 in Terminal 2. Passengers can access the facility by walking from Terminal 2 or by taking the rental car shuttle bus from terminals 1 or 3.

The following rental companies are available on level 2 of the consolidated rental car center:

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 on airport property, but the the closest is only 0.4 miles from the terminal. Farther out, there are 2- to 5-star hotels, many of which offer 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, a laundromat, and a complimentary airport shuttle that runs from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day. Guests looking to book an award night at the hotel can do so for 32,000 Best Western Rewards points.

Wyndham loyalists should appreciate the Ramada Plaza’s location and affordable price points. Guests can use the hotel’s outdoor pool, fitness center, laundry center, 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 an attractive possibility. Known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific, the hotel offers a 5-star experience in Honolulu. This beachfront property offers 2 outdoor pools, live entertainment, a complimentary shuttle bus, on-site dining, and a day spa. Award nights start at 76,000 points per night.

Hot Tip:

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

Final Thoughts

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 2 with Hawaiian-, Chinese-, and Japanese-inspired gardens.

While it has never ranked particularly highly in the annual J.D. Power airport satisfaction study, the airport climbed a few places in 2025, reflecting recent terminal upgrades, improved passenger facilities, and ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience.