Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) — Terminals, Lounges & Travel Tips
Honolulu, HI, United States · HNL
Terminal Guide
| Terminal | Airlines |
|---|---|
| Overseas Terminal (Gates 1–32) | Hawaiian Airlines international, United, Delta, American, Japan Airlines |
| Interisland Terminal (Gates G1–G20) | Hawaiian Airlines interisland, Southwest interisland |
| Commuter Terminal | Mokulele Airlines, Ohana by Hawaiian, small island carriers |
Getting There — Ground Transportation
- TheBus: Oahu Transit Services (TheBus) routes 19 and 20 serve the airport to Waikiki and downtown Honolulu for $3 (30–50 min). No rail link to the airport yet.
- Rideshare: Uber/Lyft from designated pickup areas in front of baggage claim. Expect $25–40 to Waikiki.
- Taxi: Metered. Expect $35–45 to Waikiki or $25 to downtown Honolulu.
- Roberts Hawaii Shuttle: Shared shuttle service to Waikiki hotels runs from the baggage claim area.
- Car Rental: Multiple rental agencies on-site adjacent to the baggage claim.
Airport Lounge Directory
| Lounge | Location | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club | Overseas Terminal | Hawaiian Premier Club membership, First Class on international routes |
| United Club | Overseas Terminal | United Club membership, United MileagePlus Club card |
| The Plumeria Lounge (Priority Pass) | Overseas Terminal | Priority Pass, Lounge Key, LoungeBuddy |
Pro Tips for HNL Travelers
- HNL's open-air design is beautiful but noisy — the smells and sounds of Honolulu are genuinely welcoming on arrival.
- Interisland connections require moving between terminals — allow at least 90 minutes if connecting to a Neighbor Island flight.
- TheBus is the cheapest way to Waikiki but can be slow with luggage; rideshare is worth it for most travelers.
- Agricultural inspection is required for items leaving Hawaii — declare all food items to avoid fines.
- Peak summer (June–August) and winter holiday (Dec 20–Jan 5) flights are extremely crowded; book seats and check in early.
- Lei greeting services are available at baggage claim — a unique and genuinely wonderful welcome experience.
- Pacific crossing flights often arrive early morning; the airport has good options for a fresh breakfast before heading to your hotel.
Know Before You Land — HNL Checklist
Review these before your flight so you hit the ground running at Honolulu.
- Confirm which terminal your airline uses — Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has 3 terminals and inter-terminal transfers may take 15–30 minutes.
- No direct rail link — rideshare is the most flexible option. Uber/Lyft from designated pickup areas in front of baggage claim. Expect $25–40 to Waikiki.
- Renting a car? Multiple rental agencies on-site adjacent to the baggage claim.
- Priority Pass accepted at The Plumeria Lounge (Priority Pass) — verify your card's visit policy before traveling.
- Hawaiian Airlines hub: expect higher flight frequency and stronger upgrade/standby availability for Hawaiian Airlines elite members.
- Pacific crossing flights often arrive early morning; the airport has good options for a fresh breakfast before heading to your hotel.