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Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL/PHNL) is Hawaii's primary international gateway, located about three miles northwest of downtown Honolulu on Oahu. Formerly Honolulu International Airport, it was renamed in 2017 for U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye and serves as a major hub for Hawaiian Airlines. The airport is known for its open-air, garden-like terminals and a reef runway built partly on offshore coral fill.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know that Terminal 1 (interisland) and Terminal 2 (overseas/international) are not connected airside, so if you are connecting between Hawaiian Airlines interisland and a mainland/international flight, you must exit and re-clear security-allow at least 90 minutes.
🚖 Getting There
Ride-hailing and taxis pick up outside baggage claim; confirm the pickup zone because HNL has separate terminal areas. TheBus is the cheapest option, but allow extra time with luggage and traffic. If driving, follow signs for H-1 east to Waikiki or west to Pearl Harbor; parking garages fill during peak travel.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What terminals are at HNL?
A: HNL has three main terminal areas: Terminal 1 for interisland flights, Terminal 2 for overseas and international flights, and Terminal 3 for commuter/regional operators. A free Wiki Wiki shuttle connects them.
Q: How long does it take to get from HNL to Waikiki?
A: By car or taxi, it typically takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic; TheBus routes 19, 20, and 31 also serve the airport, though the ride can take about an hour.
Q: Is there public transportation from the airport?
A: Yes, TheBus routes 19, 20, and 31 stop at HNL, and ride-hailing/taxis are available at designated pickup areas. The Honolulu rail system does not currently serve the airport directly.
Q: Does HNL have international customs?
A: Yes, HNL has U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities in Terminal 2 for international arrivals, and it is a major transpacific gateway.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash