Honolulu · airport guide
Honolulu Airport guide
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has Terminal 1 (mostly Hawaiian Airlines) and Terminal 2 (other airlines and international arrivals). The quickest way from HNL to Waikiki is the TheBus W Line (about 60 minutes, $3).
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
TheBus W Line, $3
about $45–$60 to Waikiki
Domestic to domestic, same terminal
Layover you need to visit the city
Quick answer
The quickest way from HNL to Waikiki is the TheBus W Line (about 60 minutes, $3). Connecting here, allow at least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include Hawaiian, American, Delta, United and Alaska.
- Terminals
- Terminal 1 (mostly Hawaiian Airlines) and Terminal 2 (other airlines and international arrivals)
- Taxi
- 25–45 min, about $45–$60 to Waikiki
- Distance
- About 3 miles to Waikiki
- Connecting
- At least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal
- Lounges
- Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club and Plumeria Lounge (Terminal 1); United Club and Delta Sky Club (Terminal 2) and more
Getting from HNL to Waikiki
Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.
- TheBus W Lineto downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana and Waikikiabout 60 min$3
- Taxi or rideshare25–45 minabout $45–$60 to Waikiki
TheBus only takes luggage you can hold on your lap or keep under your seat, so travelers with big suitcases usually take a taxi or shuttle.
Inside HNL
Terminals and connections
Terminals 1 and 2 are connected inside security by walkways and the free Wiki Wiki Shuttle. On the way between them, carry-on bags pass a USDA agriculture check.
How long a layover you need at HNLLounges
- •Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club and Plumeria Lounge (Terminal 1)
- •United Club and Delta Sky Club (Terminal 2)
- •IASS Hawaii Lounge (Terminal 2, Priority Pass)
Sleep, showers and hotels
- •No hotel inside the terminals; hotels along Nimitz Highway run shuttles
Parking at HNL
- •Parking garages across from Terminals 1 and 2
- •International parking garage, next to the Skyline station
Rates change with demand and booking ahead is usually cheaper: check HNL's official site.
HNL tips
- •Flying to the mainland, bags go through a USDA agriculture inspection: most fresh fruit and plants can't come with you.
- •The Skyline rail station opened in October 2025 between Terminals 1 and 2.
Can you leave HNL on a layover?
With at least 3 h 30 min between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.
- Off the plane and out of the airport20 min
- To Waikiki and back, the fastest way50 min
- Time in town worth the trip1 h
- Back through security to your gate1 h
- Layover you need3 h 30 min
Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.
Airlines at HNL
Major airlines that fly from HNL (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.
- Hawaiian Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
- American Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
- Delta Air Lines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
- United Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
- Alaska Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
- Southwest Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
- Air Canada Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
- WestJet Carry-on 53 × 38 × 23 cm Bag fees
- ANA (All Nippon Airways) Carry-on 55 × 40 × 25 cm Bag fees
- Japan Airlines Carry-on 55 × 40 × 25 cm Bag fees
- Korean Air Carry-on 55 × 40 × 20 cm Bag fees
- Philippine Airlines Carry-on 56 × 36 × 23 cm
- Qantas Carry-on 56 × 36 × 23 cm Bag fees
- Air New Zealand Carry-on 118 cm total Bag fees
HNL airport FAQ
The quickest option is the TheBus W Line to downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana and Waikiki: about 60 minutes for $3. A taxi takes 25–45 min (about $45–$60 to Waikiki). TheBus only takes luggage you can hold on your lap or keep under your seat, so travelers with big suitcases usually take a taxi or shuttle.
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fares, lounges, airlines and parking change; check with the operator or airport before you travel.
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport official website
- Wikipedia: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (airlines, terminals and ground transportation)
- TheBus W Line: official site
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
Cheap flights from Honolulu
Pick your home airports and we'll email you when fares drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.
Free plan available · 14-day free Premium+ trial · Cancel anytime
