HNL

Honolulu Airport (HNL) Flights & Information

Search for one-way and round-trip flights departing to and from Honolulu Airport (HNL). After clicking find deals, you’ll be taken to a page where you can modify your flight criteria if needed, and then proceed to selecting travel providers offering Honolulu Airport flight deals.
— HNL
1
We work with more than 300 partners to bring you better travel deals

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

4,487

Daily arrivals

4,601

Most popular destination

LAX (Los Angeles)

Cheapest destination

LNY (Lanai City)

Average flight price

$1,268
Average number of daily flights departing from HNL
Average number of daily flights to HNL
Average for round-trip flights in November 2024

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 more perspectives in our user reviews below.

Cheap flights to Honolulu Airport in November and December 2024

Find deals on flights to Honolulu Airport (HNL) in November and December 2024. Deals are based on recent searches Cheapflights users made over the past 12 months. Click “Pick Dates” to customize your flight criteria, and browse current flight deals from travel providers.
Mon 12/911:30 amLAX - HNL
1 stop9h 29mHawaiian Airlines
Thu 12/122:45 pmHNL - LAX
1 stop7h 10mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 11/18$178
Wed 12/115:20 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 54mUnited Airlines
Thu 12/129:00 amHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 38mUnited Airlines
Deal found 11/18$215
Tue 12/105:55 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 52mDelta
Tue 12/2412:00 pmHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 32mDelta
Deal found 11/20$221
Tue 12/106:45 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop6h 06mAmerican Airlines
Wed 12/1111:35 pmHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 29mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 11/19$222
Tue 12/107:10 amSFO - HNL
Nonstop5h 45mHawaiian Airlines
Tue 12/1710:00 pmHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 15mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 11/19$234
Tue 12/109:55 amSFO - HNL
1 stop8h 31mMultiple Airlines
Tue 12/172:59 pmHNL - SFO
1 stop16h 37mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 11/19$235
Tue 12/104:55 pmSFO - HNL
Nonstop5h 45mUnited Airlines
Thu 12/1211:30 pmHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 07mUnited Airlines
Deal found 11/19$237
Tue 12/1010:12 amSFO - HNL
Nonstop5h 47mAlaska Airlines
Tue 12/244:46 pmHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 13mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 11/19$242
Tue 12/109:44 amSFO - HNL
1 stop12h 57mDelta
Thu 12/1211:30 pmHNL - SFO
1 stop10h 35mDelta
Deal found 11/19$256
Wed 12/47:00 amLAX - HNL
Nonstop6h 15mAlaska Airlines
Wed 12/112:59 pmHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 32mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 11/20$269
Tue 12/1010:05 amONT - HNL
Nonstop6h 10mAlaska Airlines
Fri 12/132:35 pmHNL - ONT
Nonstop5h 35mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 11/19$312
Wed 12/119:25 amSEA - HNL
2 stops13h 49mUnited Airlines
Sun 12/1511:30 pmHNL - SEA
1 stop9h 16mUnited Airlines
Deal found 11/19$314

Round-trip flights to Honolulu Airport (HNL)

Find deals on round-trip flights to Honolulu Airport. Deals are based on recent searches made by Cheapflights users over the past 12 months. Click “Pick Dates” to customize your flight criteria, and browse current flight deals from travel providers.
Sun 1/268:30 amLAX - HNL
1 stop8h 33mHawaiian Airlines
Mon 2/310:58 amHNL - LAX
1 stop7h 27mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 11/19$174
Wed 1/87:15 amLAX - HNL
Nonstop6h 00mDelta
Tue 1/1411:25 pmHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 20mDelta
Deal found 11/19$211
Wed 1/158:00 amLAX - HNL
Nonstop6h 28mAlaska Airlines
Tue 1/284:24 pmHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 35mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 11/19$215
Mon 1/139:45 amSFO - HNL
1 stop7h 19mMultiple Airlines
Wed 1/2211:15 pmHNL - SFO
1 stop20h 21mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 11/19$221
Tue 12/106:45 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop6h 06mAmerican Airlines
Wed 12/1111:35 pmHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 29mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 11/19$222
Tue 12/1011:10 amSFO - HNL
Nonstop5h 49mUnited Airlines
Tue 12/174:30 pmHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 18mUnited Airlines
Deal found 11/19$237
Mon 1/66:20 amPDX - HNL
1 stop8h 35mSouthwest
Mon 1/139:00 amHNL - PDX
1 stop11h 00mSouthwest
Deal found 11/19$341
Mon 1/137:45 amSFO - HNL
Nonstop5h 45mHawaiian Airlines
Wed 1/2212:40 pmHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 05mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 11/20$222
Thu 1/98:00 amLAX - HNL
Nonstop6h 28mMultiple Airlines
Thu 1/1610:58 amHNL - LAX
1 stop7h 27mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 11/19$228
Sun 1/267:45 amSFO - HNL
Nonstop5h 45mAlaska Airlines
Wed 2/1212:35 pmHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 10mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 11/19$238
Sun 1/121:30 pmSFO - HNL
1 stop10h 31mDelta
Thu 1/168:15 amHNL - SFO
1 stop9h 37mDelta
Deal found 11/20$256
Wed 12/41:20 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop6h 07mUnited Airlines
Wed 12/1110:55 pmHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 28mUnited Airlines
Deal found 11/20$264

Flights departing from Honolulu Airport (HNL)

Find deals on round-trip flights from Honolulu Airport (HNL). Deals are based on recent searches made by Cheapflights users over the past 12 months. Click “Pick Dates” to customize your flight criteria, and browse current flight deals from travel providers.
Tue 12/103:30 pmHNL - OGG
Nonstop0h 43mAlaska Airlines
Wed 12/186:51 pmOGG - HNL
Nonstop0h 42mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 11/20$120
Tue 12/106:05 amHNL - OGG
Nonstop0h 41mHawaiian Airlines
Sun 12/155:00 pmOGG - HNL
Nonstop0h 45mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 11/18$129
Thu 12/59:35 amHNL - KOA
1 stop6h 10mSouthwest
Tue 12/102:15 pmKOA - HNL
1 stop4h 05mSouthwest
Deal found 11/19$129
Tue 1/74:15 pmHNL - OGG
Nonstop0h 41mMultiple Airlines
Thu 1/98:20 amOGG - HNL
1 stop1h 55mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 11/19$164
Thu 12/510:05 amHNL - OGG
1 stop9h 12mSouthern / Mokulele
Mon 12/98:20 amOGG - HNL
1 stop10h 00mSouthern / Mokulele
Deal found 11/19$186
Wed 12/1110:55 pmHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 28mUnited Airlines
Thu 12/125:20 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 54mUnited Airlines
Deal found 11/20$215
Tue 1/2110:40 pmHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 32mAmerican Airlines
Wed 1/294:25 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop6h 05mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 11/19$221
Fri 1/1711:34 pmHNL - LAX
1 stop11h 31mDelta
Sat 1/257:15 amLAX - HNL
Nonstop6h 00mDelta
Deal found 11/19$230
Sat 12/79:30 amHNL - KOA
Nonstop0h 48mAlaska Airlines
Sat 12/76:10 pmKOA - HNL
Nonstop0h 49mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 11/20$134
Mon 2/39:40 amHNL - OGG
1 stop5h 35mSouthwest
Mon 2/35:35 pmOGG - HNL
Nonstop0h 45mSouthwest
Deal found 11/19$139
Thu 12/58:10 pmHNL - KOA
Nonstop0h 45mHawaiian Airlines
Mon 12/92:55 pmKOA - HNL
Nonstop0h 53mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 11/20$140
Fri 1/249:40 pmHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 20mHawaiian Airlines
Thu 1/308:30 amLAX - HNL
1 stop7h 53mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 11/20$186

Flights to Honolulu Airport (HNL) departing soon

Find deals on flights to Honolulu Airport (HNL) leaving in the next seven days. Deals are based on recent searches made by Cheapflights users over the past 12 months. Click “Pick Dates” to customize your flight criteria, and browse current flight deals from travel providers.
Fri 11/291:15 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 55mDelta
Tue 12/1011:30 pmHNL - LAX
1 stop13h 12mDelta
Deal found 11/18$253
Sat 11/3011:55 amSFO - HNL
Nonstop5h 40mAlaska Airlines
Wed 12/114:44 pmHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 15mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 11/20$257
Fri 11/291:00 pmSFO - HNL
1 stop8h 37mAmerican Airlines
Fri 12/137:05 amHNL - SFO
1 stop9h 49mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 11/19$271
Fri 11/295:05 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop6h 00mHawaiian Airlines
Tue 12/108:00 amHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 25mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 11/18$272
Sat 11/308:35 amLAX - HNL
Nonstop5h 54mUnited Airlines
Thu 12/59:00 amHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 38mUnited Airlines
Deal found 11/20$277
Fri 11/299:20 amSFO - HNL
1 stop9h 50mDelta
Wed 12/1111:30 pmHNL - SFO
1 stop14h 21mDelta
Deal found 11/20$279
Wed 11/2711:30 amLAX - HNL
1 stop9h 04mAlaska Airlines
Wed 12/410:40 amHNL - LAX
1 stop9h 25mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 11/19$287
Fri 11/296:14 pmLAX - HNL
Nonstop6h 01mAmerican Airlines
Wed 12/42:41 pmHNL - LAX
Nonstop5h 33mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 11/19$322
Fri 11/297:05 amSFO - HNL
Nonstop5h 40mHawaiian Airlines
Fri 12/131:15 pmHNL - SFO
Nonstop5h 10mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 11/19$322
Mon 11/2511:18 amONT - HNL
1 stop11h 01mDelta
Mon 12/911:15 pmHNL - ONT
1 stop11h 10mDelta
Deal found 11/19$348
Thu 11/2810:05 amONT - HNL
Nonstop6h 10mAlaska Airlines
Thu 12/52:35 pmHNL - ONT
Nonstop5h 35mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 11/20$352
Fri 11/292:20 pmSFO - HNL
1 stop8h 54mUnited Airlines
Thu 12/51:00 pmHNL - SFO
1 stop9h 04mUnited Airlines
Deal found 11/20$361

Honolulu Airport (HNL) flight status

Find the status of flights flying to and from Honolulu Airport (HNL). Search by flight number or origin/destination and date/time to find the specific flight(s) you’re interested in.
Utilize the flight tracker to see the current status of flights flying to and from Honolulu Airport.
or
Fri 11/22
6:00 pm

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 November 20, 2024.
8.1
Very good
5,014 reviews

Boarding

8.2

Comfort

8.1

Crew

8.7

Overall

8.1

Entertainment

7.7

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

Great service throughout our flight. Easy boarding with early bird check in

8.1
Very good
5,014 reviews
8.1
Very good
5,014 reviews

Boarding

8.2

Comfort

8.1

Crew

8.7

Overall

8.1

Entertainment

7.7

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

Great service throughout our flight. Easy boarding with early bird check in

8.0
Very good
9,461 reviews
8.1
Very good
5,014 reviews

Boarding

8.2

Comfort

8.1

Crew

8.7

Overall

8.1

Entertainment

7.7

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

Great service throughout our flight. Easy boarding with early bird check in

8.0
Very good
8,756 reviews
8.1
Very good
5,014 reviews

Boarding

8.2

Comfort

8.1

Crew

8.7

Overall

8.1

Entertainment

7.7

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

Great service throughout our flight. Easy boarding with early bird check in

7.9
Good
2,287 reviews
8.1
Very good
5,014 reviews

Boarding

8.2

Comfort

8.1

Crew

8.7

Overall

8.1

Entertainment

7.7

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

Great service throughout our flight. Easy boarding with early bird check in

7.5
Good
3,831 reviews
8.1
Very good
5,014 reviews

Boarding

8.2

Comfort

8.1

Crew

8.7

Overall

8.1

Entertainment

7.7

Food

7.2

Reviews

1 / 10

Great service throughout our flight. Easy boarding with early bird check in

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip