HNL

Honolulu Airport (HNL) Flights & Information

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Honolulu Airport (HNL) Flight Information

Find helpful information about Honolulu Airport (HNL) to aid in your flight search on Cheapflights.

Airport code

HNL

Daily departures

4,485

Daily arrivals

4,575

Most popular destination

LAX (Los Angeles)

Cheapest destination

KOA (Kailua-Kona)

Average flight price

$1,857
Average number of daily flights departing from HNL
Average number of daily flights to HNL
Average for round-trip flights in April 2025

Honolulu Airport Guide

Yulia Denisyuk
September 9, 2024

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, also known as Honolulu Airport (HNL), is the largest airport in Hawai’i. It’s located on the island of O’ahu, connecting travelers to over 50 destinations in Asia and Oceania, the mainland US and the rest of Hawai’i islands. Although parts of HNL can feel dated, there are features like open-air breezeways or cultural gardens that make flying through this ~ 100-year-old airport a unique experience.

Navigating terminals

Honolulu Airport has 3 terminals.

Terminal 1 is reserved primarily for Hawaiian Airlines. It’s often referred to as the ‘interisland’ terminal, because you’d use it to fly to places like Kaua’i, Maui or Hawai’i Island. It’s also where you’d arrive from the mainland US if you’re traveling with Hawaiian Airlines. The terminal’s new, fully-air conditioned Mauka Concourse looks like a standard modern terminal; the remaining renovations are expected to finish in the next few years.

Terminal 2 is where airlines like United, Qantas and others connect to the mainland US and international destinations. It’s the airport’s largest terminal, still maintaining the original concrete-heavy design from the 50’s and 60’s. Expect lots of outdoor access with island breeze entering into the terminal spaces (no air-conditioning). While some may find it inconvenient, I love this feature of Terminal 2 - it feels the most authentic to Hawai’i.

Terminal 3 is the smallest, located to the left of Terminal 2. It services the local Mokulele Airline, which flies to Moloka’i, Maui, Lana’i and the Hawai’i Island. It feels less like a terminal and more like a temporary arrangement, with only 1 departure gate and 1 baggage claim line.

Intra-terminal transportation

If you’re connecting in Honolulu to the other islands, you’ll need to transfer terminals (unless you’re flying Hawaiian Airlines throughout, in which case you’ll most likely stay in Terminal 1). A free shuttle called Wiki Wiki connects all 3 terminals.

It can be a bit confusing, but Wiki Wiki operates 2 routes: pre-security and post-security.

The pre-security route connects all 3 terminals on the ground floor’s curbside level, departing roughly every 20 minutes.

The post-security route connects passengers between Terminals 1 and 2 without the need for repeat security screening. There is an exception: if you have checked bags and are flying on separate tickets (for example, United to Honolulu and Hawaiian to Maui), you’d need to claim bags in Terminal 2, transfer to Terminal 1, and go through security again.

The Wiki Wiki also shuttles between both ends of Terminal 2. Look for Wiki Wiki signs, which are located on Level 2 or 3 of Terminal 2, depending on your location. In Terminal 1, Wiki Wiki operates the post-security route on Level 3.

From Terminal 2, you can also walk to Terminal 1 in about 10-15 minutes, but be aware that you’d need to clear security again.

Check in and security

There are a couple of things worth noting if this is your first-time going through check in and security at HNL.

First, Terminal 2 Departures area has no walls to the street and it can get humid. Thankfully, O’ahu has year-long trade winds which provide circulation. Still, I make sure to always have my baby wipes on hand for instant refreshment.

Second, all passengers leaving Hawai’i need to take their checked and carry-on bags through the agricultural inspection at the USDA inspection stations located throughout Terminal 2. The USDA website has a list of prohibited items. Most fresh fruits and vegetables are not allowed but there are exceptions like coffee beans and pineapple, which I often bring back from Hawai’i.

General security screening at HNL, particularly at Terminal 2, can get up to 1 hour long, so I recommend using Clear or TSA pre-check, which can help shave off some time. At Terminal 1, both checkpoints 1A and 1B on the opposite sides have a Clear biometrics station; 1B also has a TSA pre-check line. At Terminal 2, there’s a TSA pre-check line at checkpoint 4.

HNL public transport options

HNL is located only 5 miles to downtown Honolulu and 10 miles to Waikiki, a popular beach spot. To get there, you can take The Bus, O’ahu’s public transport system, but be aware that large luggage is not allowed on board. Bags must be stored under the seats, which fits the carry-on size only.

If you’re headed toward Waikiki, you’ll catch bus No. 20 leaving every 20 minutes from the Departures levels of Terminal 1 (Lobby 3) and 2 (Lobby 4). The Bus takes about an hour and it’s the cheapest option, costing less than a cup of coffee. Still, I prefer to book a ride through a rideshare app or rent a car instead.

First, I don’t want to spend an hour on a bus to Waikiki, which is only a 15-minute car ride away. And second, the public transport system isn’t a convenient way to see the rest of the island. If you want to visit spots like the stunning Lanikai Beach in Kailua or the world-famous Pipeline surf reef break on the North Shore, you’d be better served by renting a car.

Getting to and from HNL by car

Both taxis and rideshare apps offer a convenient way to get to Waikiki and downtown Honolulu.

Rideshare costs vary depending on surge times. They tend to be on the lower side of typical app prices due to the airport’s proximity to the city. Lyft is sometimes cheaper than Uber (on a recent trip, it set me back ~ 4 cups of coffee) and that’s the app I use the most.

At ~ 10 cups of coffee, taxi rides are comparable to rideshares. I usually check both Uber and Lyft first, and request a taxi if either app is giving me a surge price.

Rideshare pick-up is located on the Departures levels at Terminal 1 (Lobby 5-6) and 2 (Lobby 8). The taxi stands are on the Arrivals levels - near baggage claim 6-8 at Terminal 1 and baggage claim 16-17 at Terminal 2.

You can also book a shared shuttle, Roberts Hawai’i, which costs about half of the taxi fare but is a longer commute. Finally, check with your hotel if you’re staying in Waikiki as some properties offer airport transfer at a comparable cost.

Renting a car at HNL

For travelers who plan on seeing O’ahu beyond Waikiki, I recommend renting a car. If you’re staying in Waikiki at the beginning of your trip, it’s a good option to get to your hotel first, then rent a car in town when you’re ready to leave.

There are 3 reasons for this. First, many hotels in Waikiki charge a steep daily parking rate that can cost more than the daily rental, so you want to avoid parking your car there. Second, Waikiki is quite walkable; a car is warranted only when you leave the area. Finally, renting a car in town can be cheaper.

If you’re going directly to other areas of O’ahu, then renting a car at the airport is the way to go. You’ll save time and hassle of going into Waikiki to rent one, and be on your way as soon as you land. It can cost a bit more but I find the convenience worth it.

The new 5-floor car rental center at HNL hosts all major national car rental agencies. It’s located directly across Terminal 2 baggage claim areas 26-31, on the Arrivals level. From all other locations, you can catch the free car rental shuttle. The car rental center closes at midnight, so be sure to contact your company if you’re arriving after hours.

Passenger experience at HNL

The airport food options are lacking at best. There are several fast food chains, small grab-and-go shops and a few sit-down restaurants. I typically opt for Kona Brewing (available at Terminals 1 and 2) to try local beers on tap. If you’re traveling late, expect to find restaurants and shops closed and bring your own snacks.

Be sure to visit the Hawaiian, Chinese and Japanese cultural gardens located on the ground level of Terminal 2, post-security. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and greenery in before a long flight. Several of Terminal 2’s 15 lounges are located by the gardens too, including Korean Air Lounge and Qantas Business Lounge.

For Priority Pass users, the modest Hawai’i Lounge at Terminal 2 is the only lounge with access - but it’s not worth it. If I have enough time, I go to the Plumeria Lounge at Terminal 1 instead, then make my way back to Terminal 2 for departure. Guests at certain hotels like the Four Seasons O’ahu or Ko Olina Beach Club can also enjoy 2 hotel lounges at Terminal 2.

If you’re traveling with checked bags, storage service by baggage claim 18 at Terminal 2 is convenient. While visiting Waikiki or doing a day trip to another island, you can store your carry-on or luggage for a decent daily price and even rent a beach chair or a surfboard to make the most of O’ahu’s waves.

This Cheapflights-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.

Find flight deals to Honolulu

Cheapest flights to Honolulu
Explore the most affordable flight options available to Honolulu. Find the lowest fares based on data from user searches, with prices last updated on April 2, 2025.

Wed 4/305:10 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 48mUnited Airlines
Wed 5/79:40 pmHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 28mUnited Airlines
Deal found 3/31$255
Tue 4/2910:10 amLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 45mHawaiian Airlines
Sun 5/47:40 amHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 25mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 3/31$267
Mon 4/75:55 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 46mDelta
Mon 4/144:05 pmHNL - LAX
1 stop14h 00mDelta
Deal found 3/31$274
Wed 4/307:44 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 59mAmerican Airlines
Sun 5/46:20 amHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 36mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/31$275
Sun 4/277:50 pmSFO - HNL
Nonstop5h 50mAlaska Airlines
Tue 5/1311:15 pmHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 05mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 4/2$278
Tue 4/227:10 pmSFO - HNL
Nonstop5h 48mUnited Airlines
Tue 5/1312:30 pmHNL - SFO
1 stop8h 37mUnited Airlines
Deal found 3/31$282
Sat 4/267:50 pmSFO - HNL
Nonstop5h 50mMultiple Airlines
Mon 5/1211:15 pmHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 05mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 4/2$285
Mon 4/288:30 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 59mAlaska Airlines
Thu 5/16:30 amHNL - LAX
1 stop14h 00mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 3/31$286
Mon 4/287:50 pmSFO - HNL
Nonstop5h 50mHawaiian Airlines
Mon 5/1211:15 pmHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 05mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 4/2$292
Mon 5/510:53 amSAN - HNL
1 stop8h 41mAlaska Airlines
Mon 5/1211:45 pmHNL - SAN
1 stop11h 49mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 4/1$313
Fri 5/96:27 pmSAN - HNL
Nonstop6h 27mMultiple Airlines
Tue 5/1311:15 pmHNL - SAN
1 stop7h 50mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 4/1$315
Mon 4/2810:16 amSAN - HNL
2 stops12h 05mUnited Airlines
Mon 5/59:40 pmHNL - SAN
1 stop8h 55mUnited Airlines
Deal found 4/1$316

Search for flights from Honolulu

Cheapest flights from Honolulu
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Honolulu. Find the lowest fares based on data from user searches, with prices last updated on April 2, 2025.

Thu 5/111:15 pmHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 05mHawaiian Airlines
Wed 5/77:00 amSFO - HNL
Nonstop5h 40mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 3/31$254
Tue 5/611:15 pmHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 05mAlaska Airlines
Mon 5/127:50 pmSFO - HNL
Nonstop5h 50mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 4/1$258
Thu 5/17:00 amHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 04mUnited Airlines
Wed 5/71:30 pmSFO - HNL
1 stop9h 28mUnited Airlines
Deal found 3/31$268
Thu 5/16:15 amHNL - SFO
1 stop7h 53mAmerican Airlines
Tue 5/62:25 pmSFO - HNL
1 stop9h 46mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/31$277
Thu 5/16:15 amHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 36mAmerican Airlines
Wed 5/78:55 amLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 52mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 4/1$288
Wed 4/1610:35 pmHNL - LAX
1 stop13h 09mDelta
Wed 4/309:36 amLAX - HNL
1 stop12h 43mDelta
Deal found 4/1$291
Mon 5/510:35 pmHNL - SFO
1 stop14h 11mDelta
Mon 5/1210:00 amSFO - HNL
1 stop12h 03mDelta
Deal found 4/1$297
Tue 4/158:50 amHNL - LAX
1 stop12h 00mAlaska Airlines
Sun 4/208:30 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 59mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 4/1$298
Thu 5/17:11 amHNL - LAX
1 stop9h 04mHawaiian Airlines
Tue 5/610:10 amLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 45mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 4/1$300
Thu 5/18:55 amHNL - LAX
1 stop7h 20mMultiple Airlines
Wed 5/710:10 amLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 45mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 4/1$315
Fri 5/99:40 pmHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 28mUnited Airlines
Mon 5/125:10 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 48mUnited Airlines
Deal found 4/1$325
Sun 5/411:15 pmHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 05mMultiple Airlines
Sun 5/116:40 amSFO - HNL
1 stop18h 14mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 4/1$334

Honolulu Airport (HNL) flight status

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Reviews of airlines servicing Honolulu Airport (HNL)

Read reviews of airlines servicing Honolulu Airport (HNL). Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to or from Honolulu Airport (HNL). Reviews last updated April 2, 2025.
8.0
Very good
9,820 reviews

Crew

8.5

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

7.9

Food

7.1

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 10
Very friendly. I really liked that they had water for us in cartons not plastic. Impressed with Alaska Airlines, First time I had flown them
8.0
Very good
9,820 reviews
8.0
Very good
9,820 reviews

Crew

8.5

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

7.9

Food

7.1

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 10
Very friendly. I really liked that they had water for us in cartons not plastic. Impressed with Alaska Airlines, First time I had flown them
8.0
Very good
4,272 reviews
8.0
Very good
9,820 reviews

Crew

8.5

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

7.9

Food

7.1

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 10
Very friendly. I really liked that they had water for us in cartons not plastic. Impressed with Alaska Airlines, First time I had flown them
8.0
Very good
7,898 reviews
8.0
Very good
9,820 reviews

Crew

8.5

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

7.9

Food

7.1

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 10
Very friendly. I really liked that they had water for us in cartons not plastic. Impressed with Alaska Airlines, First time I had flown them
7.9
Good
2,345 reviews
8.0
Very good
9,820 reviews

Crew

8.5

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

7.9

Food

7.1

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 10
Very friendly. I really liked that they had water for us in cartons not plastic. Impressed with Alaska Airlines, First time I had flown them
7.4
Good
8,616 reviews
8.0
Very good
9,820 reviews

Crew

8.5

Entertainment

7.1

Comfort

7.9

Food

7.1

Boarding

8.2

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 10
Very friendly. I really liked that they had water for us in cartons not plastic. Impressed with Alaska Airlines, First time I had flown them

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