About Honolulu Airport
Honolulu International Airport is the major international airline hub in the US State of Hawaii, located on the island of Oahu, and covers an area so large, it’s even bigger than Waikiki. This is where you’re likely to hear your first authentic “aloha”, which is the greeting for both “hello” and “goodbye” by the way! It is officially known as Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, after the long-serving Hawaiian-born US Senator, and is 5km from Oahu’s central business district. Honolulu Airport has four runways, including the 3.65-kilometre Reef Runway which was the world’s first major runway built entirely offshore.
What facilities are at Honolulu Airport?
From baby change rooms to a premium, car grooming Car Spa, Abu Dhabi International Airport has a comprehensive range of services and facilities, including the welcome US pre-clearance facility.
Check-in
If you’re departing from Honolulu Airport, it is recommended that you arrive at least two hours prior to international flights and 90 minutes before interisland flights unless otherwise advised by your airline. Terminal 1 is dedicated to Hawaiian Airlines flights, Terminal 3 is exclusively for Mokulele Airlines, and Terminal 2 is for all other airlines.
Baggage
Be sure to check with your airline regarding baggage restrictions on flights from Honolulu Airport, because interisland flights may not necessarily have the same luggage allowances as international flights.
Baggage claim at Honolulu Airport is located on the ground level of all terminals, and is clearly signposted.
Is there a currency exchange?
You’ll find several currency exchange outlets at Honolulu Airport, specifically in Terminal 2 and the international arrivals area. If you want to hit the ground running and get a great rate on US currency, you can order and pick up your American dollars before you leave home, at Travel Money Oz.
Transport and terminal transfers
What’s the best way to get to and from Honolulu Airport?
Taxi: Taxi is the most efficient way to get to and from Honolulu International Airport. If you’re arriving, you’ll find a taxi service right outside the baggage claim areas. Fares are metered, and the journey to Waikiki from the airport will cost you around US$45, plus a baggage charge of 50 cents per bag.
Rideshare: There are three rideshare pick-up locations at Honolulu International Airport. Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft are able to collect passengers from floor 2 outside Lobby 2, 5 and 8.
Shuttle: If you don’t mind a bit of a wait, there’s also a non-reservation shuttle service that allows you to share a ride with other arriving passengers. Though you’ll save a few dollars, these shuttles only depart when every seat is filled so it can add significant time to your trip.
Car rental: You'll find a similar range of major international car rental chains at Honolulu International Airport as you will find at most other major American airports. Though there’s never a short supply of cars available, you will likely get a better rate by booking in advance. Remember that central Honolulu is very close to the airport so it can be an idea to hire a car from the CBD and catch a taxi from the airport to pick it up. Your Flight Centre Travel Expert can give you the lowdown on how and where to get the best deal on car hire in Hawaii.
Bus: Located on the second level roadway, follow the signs as you leave the departure gates to find the bus platforms. Once you are there you will be greeted with ample options to get destinations in Honolulu. The Airport Waikiki Express is one of the best and offers connections to Waikiki every half an hour at most times of the day. For less than US$9 per person, the service includes hotel drop off. Just be wary that what can be a short twenty minute trip can take much longer if your hotel is one of the last stops along the way. If you are heading to the centre of Honolulu then public bus is a better option. Route numbers 19 and 20 will take you downtown, while route number 31 goes to the Kalihi Transit Centre, where you’ll find excellent connections to elsewhere on Oahu.
Parking: Honolulu International Airport has several options for car parking: the International Parking Garage; Terminal 2 Parking Garage and the Terminal 1 Parking Garage. All three are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Electric vehicle parking is also available.
How do I transfer between terminals?
At Honolulu Airport there is free bus transport between the gates and terminals. These buses operate between the hours of 6am and 10pm daily.
