Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) Guide, Facilities & Hotels, Cafes, and Restaurants

When you are traveling to and from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport before known as Honolulu Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.

Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.

Brief Overview of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Oahu

Situated on the east coast of the island of Oahu, lies the Honolulu International Airport. The city of Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii that serves as a prominent holiday destination for tourists who visit the place from around the world. Hawaii is a group of islands (in the territory of the United States) and Oahu is just one of them.

The airport’s name was changed from Honolulu International Airport to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. It was named after Daniel K. Inouye, who served as Hawaii’s Senator for more than four decades.

Thus, for the purpose of this guide, we will refer to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in place of its former name, Honolulu International Airport.

IATA: HNL

Address:
300 Rodgers Boulevard,
Honolulu,
HI 96819

Contact: (808) 836-6411

Website: http://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/

Operation Hours: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, and car rental services may not offer their services 24 hours. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may also vary with the flight schedule. Hence, it is advised that you check with the airport.

Terminals at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has three terminals, Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The main Terminal T1 services Hawaiian Airlines (interisland and U.S. Mainland flights), Terminal T2 services all international and continental flights, and Terminal T3 services only Mokulele Airlines.

All terminals are well-connected via concourses. Travelers easily find various amenities at the airport, such as shops, food concessions, ATMs, lounges, business conference centers, and more.

Parking Facilities at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport offers affordable parking options to travelers. One can choose from four on-airport parking options, and a couple of off-site car parks and garages located near the airport. Parking at the airport can cost from $1 for 30 minutes of parking to $12 per day in the Economy Parking Lot. Parking for up to 15 minutes is free. The airport provides short-term and long-term parking to passengers.

Short-term Parking:
There are hourly and daily parking areas near the terminals. Parking Lot D (Overseas Parking Garage) is located right next to the Overseas Terminal. Parking Lot M (Interisland Terminal Parking) is connected to the Commuter Terminal. Parking Lot A (International Parking Garage) is located between Lots D and M. The parking fee for up to 30 minutes is $1, and for up to 1 hour is $3. The fee is incremented by $2 for each hour of parking.

If you are at the airport to simply pick up or drop off someone, the Cell Phone Lot is the perfect option. However, if you want options for overnight parking, then you should choose either the Daily Parking or Economy Parking areas.

Long-term Parking:
There are four options for long-term parking at the airport, which include Parking Lot A (International Parking Garage), Lot B (Economy Parking), Lot D (Overseas Parking Garage), and Lot M (Interisland Terminal). The Economy Parking Lot is located next to the Commuter Terminal.

Oahu Airport Express provides shuttle services to and from the airport. The shuttle serves a wide area of the island and that too even in little waiting time. Park Air Express Honolulu is another shuttle service provider that is located about 5 minutes from the airport. The company offers airport parking off-site as a discounted alternative. The parking lot provides complimentary shuttle services for your convenience.

Airlines Served by Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport serves many domestic, international, and cargo airlines. Airlines that are served by the airport include Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, AirAsia, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Airlines, ANA, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, China Eastern, Delta Airlines, Fiji Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines, Jetstar, Jin Air, Korean Air, Makani Kai Air, Omni Air, Philippines Airlines, Qantas Airways, Southwest, United Airlines, Virgin America and WestJet.

Facilities and Services Available at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The airport has a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.

Security Check-points

There are security checks at the airport’s terminal. All passengers are required to pass through the security checks.

Help Desk

When you are at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and need help, there is an information desk to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport. There are a total of 17 Information Desks located throughout the airport. These are open from 5 am until 10:45 pm.

Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Points

Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout all terminals at the airport, in case you need to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet.

In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your phone’s battery. There are a total of 15 mobile charging points located throughout the airport. You can find them on walls where erstwhile telephone areas once were.

The airport also has a total of 23 computer stations that are offered to travelers to access the internet. These computer stations are located in various areas of the airport. You can find them in Terminal 1 (total 4 computer stations near Gate B5 and 6 near Gates A15-19), and Terminal 2 (total of 5 computer stations near Gate F2 and 8 computer stations near Gate E3).

The Business Center also offers computer stations at Terminal 1, across from Starbucks, and at Terminal 2, near Checkpoint 4. The service fee charged is $3 for 15 minutes of accessing the internet.

Baggage Handling and Storage

Baggage Carts:
Baggage carts are available free of charge and can be found in the International Arrivals area. There is, however, a small fee charged for use elsewhere in the airport.

Luggage Storage and Lockers:
Baggage Storage Hawaii offers short-term storage services for fees ranging from $12 to $20 per day, per item. They also provide rentals of beach chairs, strollers, boogie boards, and more. It is located at Terminal 2, Baggage Claim, in front of carousel 18. It is open from 8 am to 10 am.

Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.

Lounge and Business Conference Rooms

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport provides premium lounges that passengers can use by either paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or via lounge membership programs.

Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club Lounge:
The premium lounge is located in Terminal 1, Airside, 2nd Floor, near Gate A18. Access to the lounge is available via lounge membership programs.

Passes The Plumeria Lounge:
The premium lounge is located in Terminal 1, Airside, 3rd Floor. Access to the lounge is available via prepaid lounge passes and lounge membership programs.

American Airlines Admirals Club:
The premium lounge is located in Terminal 2, Airside, 3rd Floor. Access to the lounge is available via paying at the door (with proof of American Airlines ticket) and lounge membership programs.

Passes IASS Hawaii Lounge:
The premium lounge is located in Terminal 2, Airside, near Gates 14 – 23. Access to the lounge is available via prepaid lounge passes and lounge membership programs.

Qantas Club:
The premium lounge is located in Terminal 2, Airside, EWA Concourse, above Gate 26. Access to the lounge is available via lounge membership programs.

United Club:
The premium lounge is the location: at Terminal 2, Airside, Diamond Head Gulf Wing, above Gate 10. Access to the lounge is available via paying at the door (with proof of United Airlines ticket) and United Club Membership.

Flight Deck Business Center:
It offers many amenities, like Wi-Fi, computer stations, postal services, fax and copy services, and more. It can be found located at Terminal 1, Central Lobby. It is open from 7:30 am until 7 pm (Mon-Sat) and 7:30 am until 6:30 pm (Sun). Other locations are at Terminal 2, Ewa Shop, airside, Departures, Gate D1 (open from 7 am until 2 pm and 4:15 pm until 6:30 pm), Business Center next to Security Check-point 4 (open from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm), Diamond Head Store, airside, across from Gate F1 (open from 8:30 am until 7:45 pm) and Main Store, airside, between Gates G1 and F2, opposite Burger King (open from 7:30 am until 8:45 pm).

Military Lounges:
USO Center: Access to the lounge is free to active members of the US military and their families only. It is located in Terminal 2.

Other Members-Only Lounges

There are many airlines that offer lounges to members only. These include Air New Zealand/United Club Lounge (located in Terminal 2), China Airlines Dynasty Lounge (located in Terminal 2), Delta Sky Club, Korean Air Kal Lounge (located in Terminal 2), Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club Lounge (located in Terminal 1), Qantas Airways International Business Lounge (located in Terminal 2), JAL Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge/American Airlines Admirals Club (located in Terminal 2), Philippines Airlines/Delta Airlines Lounge and ANA/United Club Lounge (located in Terminal 2).

Shops and Duty-Free Stores

You will find many stores throughout the airport’s terminals and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items – from children’s toys to fashion accessories. You can also buy books, magazines, etc., to help pass time.

Duty-free stores are available at the airport, as well as a good selection of shops selling everything from leather goods and souvenirs. Duty-free shops can be found near Gates 12, 13, 24, 25, and 26 and in the Central Lobby area.

Cafes, Bar, and Restaurants

Finding fast food options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. These fast-food restaurants are located throughout the terminals and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.

Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at both the landside and the airside. There are several food courts at the airport.

Other Amenities at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

The other amenities that are available to travelers at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport include:

Clinic:

There is a healthcare facility available at the airport. The clinic is located at Terminal 2, Ground floor, next to the Japanese Garden. Paramedics are available on-site 24 hours a day. Fees may be charged.

Defibrillators:

For travelers with heart problems, there are Automated External Defibrillators (AED) available that are located within walking distance of the airport’s public areas.

Post Office:

The Business Center lounge offers postal services at the airport. It can be found in the Center Lobby of Terminal 2. It is open from 7:30 am until 7 pm (Mon-Sat) and 7:30 am until 6:30 pm (Sun).

ATM:

ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATM if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located at Terminals 1 and 2. However, there are no ATMs at Terminal 3.

Currency Exchange Desk:

The currency used in Oahu is US Dollars. Currency exchange desks are available at the airport. ICE Currency Services is the provider of foreign currency services at the airport. It is located at Terminal 2, Central Lobby, near Gate F2 and Gate D2, International Arrivals Area, inside U.S. Customs and International Tour Group Arrivals, 2nd Floor. Their operation hours may vary by location, but a few open at 6 am and close at 1:30 pm. There is also the Central Lobby Business Center at Terminal 2 which offers currency exchange services. It is open from 7:30 am until 5 pm.

Bank:

Banking facilities are available at the airport.

Hotels On-site and Nearby Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Finding accommodations on-site at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport or nearby should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find comfortable places to stay during your visit to Oahu, in the State of Hawaii.

A few hotels that are located not very far from the airport are:

Airport Honolulu Hotel:
The hotel is located just a 3-minute walk from the airport. There is a free 24-hour airport shuttle available. For airport pick-up, use the courtesy phone located in the Baggage Claim area to call the hotel.

Best Western Plaza Hotel:
The hotel is located about 5 minutes from the airport. There is a free 24-hour airport shuttle available.

Pacific Marina Inn:
The hotel is located about 5 minutes from the airport. There is a free 24-hour airport shuttle available.

Transport Options To and From Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Getting to and from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable.

Airport/Hotel Shuttle Services

Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to the hotel and/or airport. A free shuttle bus provides travelers with easy connectivity. There are many hotels in Honolulu city that offer free airport shuttle services as a convenience for their guests. Travelers can use the courtesy phones available for free at the airport’s Baggage Claim area to call the hotel for pick-up upon arrival. Their shuttles depart from the central island on the Arrivals level.

Roberts Hawaii Speed Shuttle:
Shuttle service is available from the airport to other destinations throughout the city. One-way fare for adults may cost around $17 US (Waikiki Resorts or Honolulu Pier), $28 US (The Kahala Resort & Hotel). Luggage (2 standard pieces and 1 carry-on per person) is included and extra fees may apply for additional luggage.

SpeediShuttle:
SpeediShuttle provides affordable on-demand door-to-door shuttle service from the airport to your hotel. Shuttles depart within 20 minutes of check-in, with Shuttle Attendant stationed at the pick-up zone. The fare may cost around $16 US for a one-way trip to Waikiki/Honolulu Harbor and $28.80 US for a round-trip per person, based on two persons traveling.

Shuttle stops are located on the ground level, adjacent to Baggage Claim C (Interisland Terminal), as well as curbside, at the Overseas Terminal (between Baggage Claim D and E), in front of the Commuter Terminal and on the median curb outside Baggage Claim H.

Bus Services

TheBus serves as public transportation system at the airport via routes 19, 20, and 31, with stops on the Departure Level (upper) of the airport. These routes transport passengers to downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana Center, Waikiki, Pearlridge Center (route 20 only), Hickam AFB (route 19 only), and Tripler Army Medical Center via Kalihi Transit Center (Route 31). Routes 9, 40, 40A, 42, and 62 runs along Nimitz Highway, which is just a walking distance from the airport. TheBus also provides service for mobility-impaired passengers who cannot use regular bus service. The Handi-van service is offered to such persons.

Train Services

There is presently no train service available to and from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Taxi Services

Metered taxis are available at terminals, Baggage Claim areas. An average taxi fare from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Waikiki during non-rush hours may cost around $40 to $45, plus a baggage charge of 50 cents per bag. All fares are charged by meter only.

Car Hire/Rental Services

You can hire a car at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several car rental companies that provide cars-to-hire services to travelers on-site and off-site. The companies or agencies that offer car rental services on-site include Advantage, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. Their registration counters are located in the Baggage Claim area. The on-site offices are located on the ground level, opposite Baggage Claim G.

Traveling to and from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find a lot of attractions to enjoy your holidays. You will find captivating art exhibitions in various areas of the airport. Also, you can relax in the airport’s beautifully landscaped gardens, which include Hawaiian, Japanese and Chinese gardens.