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

Transit to Waikiki
60 min

TheBus W Line, $3

Taxi
25–45 min

about $45–$60 to Waikiki

Connecting here
50 min

Domestic to domestic, same terminal

Leave on a layover
3 h 30 min+

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 HNL

Lounges

  • •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.

  1. Off the plane and out of the airport20 min
  2. To Waikiki and back, the fastest way50 min
  3. Time in town worth the trip1 h
  4. Back through security to your gate1 h
  5. 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.

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.

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