The Essential Guide to Navigating the Honolulu Airport

Officially known as the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport — named after the Hawaii senator who was the highest-ranking Asian-American politician in U.S. history — the Honolulu International Airport is one of the busiest and most well-rated airports in America. Don't let travel stress regarding navigating the airport on your way to and from your tropical vacation sabotage the aloha spirit. This Honolulu airport guide, filled with Honolulu airport tips from frequent fliers and kamaʻāina (Hawaii residents), will help you breeze through the airport, agricultural checks, baggage claim, and transportation faster than you can say 'ekahi, 'elua, and 'ekolu (1-2-3 in Native Hawaiian).

 

How to Get to and from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki

As Oahu's hotel hub, most travelers are trying to get from Honolulu airport to and from Waikiki. Whether you're staying at the conveniently located Waikiki Resort Hotel or trying to get to another destination, you have many options:

  • Public Transit: TheBus operates a regular daily service — look for Route 20 on each bus — from the airport to Waikiki (simply pick up a HOLO Card for easy tap-and-go access to Oahu's public transit)
  • Rideshares and Taxis: There are numerous on-airport car rental agencies (you'll find brands like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise in the baggage claim area) and off-airport rental car companies like Alamo and Thrifty (head to the rental car curb for a shuttle to these companies). Meanwhile, Uber and other ridesharing companies are available (available on the second-level median outside Lobby 2, Lobby 5, and Lobby 8)
  • Taxis: Head to the center median in front of the terminal baggage claim areas and look for the taxi queue (make sure to follow the staff in taxi vests, as they help keep the lines organized and will hail you a taxi that fits the number of people and luggage in your party)

 

A Note on Parking at Honolulu International Airport

There are three main parking garages conveniently located next to domestic and international departures. If you have a friend dropping you off or picking you up, save money with the free 15-minute parking.

 

Honolulu Airport Tips For Arriving at Honolulu Airport

While you're still in America, Hawaii is a completely different ecosystem, which brings with it arrival details that are different from landing in, say, SFO or SEA:

  • Agricultural Forms: You're not in a foreign country, but the State of Hawaii has legal requirements for all arriving residents and guests. Everyone needs to fill out the Agricultural Declaration Form, which requires you to declare where you're coming from. You'll also need to report food, pets, and any agricultural materials in your possession (this is to help keep Hawaii's sensitive environmental system safe).
  • Customs: If you're coming from an international destination, you'll need to go through customs. After being processed, head towards baggage claim (you'll go through one last potential check, as Hawaii conducts random checks on luggage and agricultural declarations).

  • Baggage Claim: The baggage claim is easily walkable from most gates. But if you are traveling with young children or have mobility concerns, save time with the free Wiki Wiki shuttle bus that gets you from your terminal to baggage claim (it runs from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily).

  • Start Your Vacation with a Floral Lei (Flower Garland): Some airlines, such as Hawaiian Airlines, offer you a chance to be greeted with a lei. Or, you can pick up a lei yourself from the floral shops in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

 

Honolulu Airport Tips For Departing Honolulu Airport

If you're leaving Hawaii during peak travel season, arrive early to avoid having your luggage miss your departure. Save even more time with TSA PreCheck to get through security faster. All the normal airport guidelines apply here (e.g., remove your shoes before going through security) with some Honolulu airport-specific differences:

  • Agricultural Inspections: When you go to drop off your checked luggage, each bag will be scanned for agricultural items (e.g., fresh fruit or meat). Your carry-ons will also be scanned as you make your way to the gate — each of these processes adds time, emphasizing the need to arrive early. 
    • Avoid having items seized by USDA agents by checking the current restrictions from the USDA. Processed foods like Hawaii fruit jams and coffee are often fine, but many other items will be removed from your carry-on baggage if you try to take them from Hawaii to another state. 
  • Sneak in One Last Taste of Hawaii: After you arrive early, kill some time by getting in one last part of your Hawaii vacation. Much of the airport is open-aired, so don't miss the outdoor cultural gardens and the retail stores. You'll find things you can't find at any other U.S. airport, including Hawaiian fusion restaurants and a Kona Brewing pub.

 

The Waikiki Resort Hotel's Central Location Makes Transit to and From Honolulu Airport Easy

When you book your stay at the Waikiki Resort Hotel, it takes you just 30 minutes to get to your hotel. And because we're so centrally located near Honolulu's biggest attractions and beaches, many of our guests don't bother with a rental car or worry about transportation. Visit us online or call us at 1-800-367-5116 to see why our location, friendly staff, convenience, and amenities give us top ratings among our guests all Halloween season.