The Bustling Honolulu Airport: A Travel Hub's Business

Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is one of the world's largest, busiest, and most beautiful airports. It is the largest airport in the State of Hawaii, covering 4,520 acres of land and water, and plays host to more than 21 million passengers each year. The airport has four runways, including the 12,000-foot Reef Runway, the world's first major runway built entirely offshore. With efficient security checks, digital displays providing real-time wait information, and a range of amenities, HNL ensures a smooth travel experience for its many visitors.

Security wait times

The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu is recognised for its efficient security checks. The airport is one of the world's largest, busiest, and most beautiful airports, covering 4,520 acres of land and playing host to more than 21 million passengers each year. Despite its large volume of travellers, the airport ensures a smooth security process.

The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) advises that the hours for TSA PreCheck may vary depending on operational requirements. With PreCheck, passengers typically wait less than 5 minutes in security lines. The cost for TSA PreCheck is $85 for five years.

HNL has implemented Mobile Passport Control (MPC), allowing eligible travellers to expedite their entry into the United States using a mobile application. This innovative technology was developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

TSA PreCheck

The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu is the largest airport in Hawaii. TSA PreCheck® is available at this airport. TSA PreCheck® is an expedited screening program that enables low-risk travellers to have a more efficient screening experience. About 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers wait for less than 10 minutes.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, you can either walk into any enrolment location or follow these three steps: first, select an enrolment provider with enrolment locations near you; second, submit your TSA PreCheck application online; and third, complete your enrolment in person, which includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment. The cost of enrolment varies by provider.

CLEAR Plus is another option to speed up your security process at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. CLEAR Plus members can access dedicated lanes at 59 airports nationwide. You can pre-enrol in TSA PreCheck® through CLEAR and complete your application at the airport.

Additionally, the Hawai'i Department of Transportation has implemented Mobile Passport Control (MPC) at the airport, allowing eligible travellers to expedite their entry into the United States using a mobile application.

Airport facilities

Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is the largest airport in the State of Hawaii. It is located on the island of O'ahu and is named after Hawaii's late Senator Inouye, who was the second-longest-serving member of the U.S. Senate. The airport consists of three terminals, with regular "Wiki-Wiki" bus services and airside walkways connecting them. Terminal 1 serves Hawaiian Airlines, Terminal 2 caters to all international flights, and Terminal 3 houses Mokulele Airlines.

The airport offers a range of facilities and services for travellers, including shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, primarily in the Overseas (main) terminal. There are also a few restaurants and bars in the other two terminals, although options are limited. Free WiFi is available, but travellers report that it is accessible only in a limited area in the main terminal. Economy-class passengers can pay to access first-class airport lounges for additional comfort. The airport also features local art, including paintings, murals, sculptures, and the Statehood Mosaic, a collaborative piece by Honolulu schoolchildren. The International Terminal boasts a garden landscaped in Chinese, Hawaiian, and Japanese styles.

For business travellers, the Flight Deck Business Center previously offered WiFi, computer stations, postal services, fax, and copy services. However, the availability of these services could not be confirmed as of October 2023. The Garden Conference Center, located on the 7th floor of Terminal 1, offers four conference rooms that can be rented for various durations at rates ranging from $50 to $550.

The airport provides luggage storage in Terminal 2, enabling passengers to explore the area unencumbered. Honolulu's city centre is about 6 miles east of the airport, and several bus lines connect the airport to various points of interest, including Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor. The Handi-Van, a service of TheBus, caters to mobility-impaired passengers. Additionally, ten car rental companies are present in the 5-story Consolidated Rent-a-Car (CONRAC) facility, located directly across from Terminal 2.

Passenger numbers

The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu is one of the world's largest, busiest, and most beautiful airports. It is the largest airport in the State of Hawaii and formerly known as Honolulu International Airport. The airport covers 4,520 acres of land and is larger than Waikiki, a major resort destination located 10 miles to the south. HNL has four active runways, including the 12,000-foot Reef Runway, the world's first major runway built entirely offshore.

HNL is a bustling airport, serving more than 21 million passengers (enplaned/deplaned) annually. On average, an estimated 10,000 people are in the airport complex at any given time, including passengers, employees, and visitors. The airport is a major hub, with a wide range of facilities and services to accommodate its many passengers. It has its own retail stores, restaurants, bars, business centres, ATMs, car rental agencies, and other travel-related businesses.

The airport is served by a variety of airlines, including international and domestic carriers, interisland airlines, and commuter airlines. It offers flights to various destinations within Hawaii, such as Maui, Kaua'i, the island of Hawai'i, Lana'i, and Molokai. With such a high volume of passengers and a diverse range of services, the airport plays a crucial role in Hawaii's transportation system and contributes significantly to the state's economy.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, HNL advises passengers to arrive 2 to 3 hours before their flight departure, especially during peak travel periods when wait times can fluctuate. The airport provides digital displays with real-time wait information at each checkpoint, helping passengers plan their time efficiently. Additionally, passengers can take advantage of the TSA PreCheck programme, which offers expedited security screening for a small fee, further reducing wait times.

The efficient management of passenger traffic at HNL is a testament to the airport's commitment to providing a seamless travel experience. With its combination of beauty, size, and functionality, the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport stands out as a remarkable gateway to the island of O'ahu and beyond.

Airport employees

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is one of the world's largest, busiest, and most beautiful airports. It is located in Honolulu, on the island of O'ahu, and covers 4,520 acres of land and water. The airport is owned and operated by the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation and is served by international and domestic carriers, interisland airlines, and commuter airlines. With four active runways, including the 12,000-foot Reef Runway—the world's first major runway built entirely offshore—HNL plays host to more than 21 million passengers each year.

The airport is a bustling hub of activity, with an estimated 10,000 people passing through the complex daily as passengers, employees, or visitors. It is a significant source of employment, with approximately 15,000 people working at the airport and another 20,000 depending on it for their livelihood. The airport employs a workforce of 790, with 250 custodians, and houses eight Federal Government agencies.

The airport offers a range of amenities and services for both passengers and employees, including retail stores, restaurants, bars, a business center, automated teller machines, a jail, a freeway, traffic lights, a post office, car rental agencies, and other travel-related businesses. The State Department of Transportation Airports Division employs a workforce of over 1,200 employees statewide, ensuring the smooth operation of the airport and providing support to its employees and tenants.

HNL is recognized for its efficient security checks, with wait times generally manageable and digital displays providing real-time wait information at each checkpoint. The airport has also implemented Mobile Passport Control (MPC), allowing eligible travelers to expedite their entry into the United States using a mobile application. In addition, TSA PreCheck lanes are available for passengers to expedite the security process further, with wait times typically less than 5 minutes.

The airport encourages travelers to arrive well in advance of their flights, typically 2 to 3 hours before departure, to accommodate security screening and check-in procedures. With its efficient security processes, HNL ensures a smooth and seamless experience for both passengers and employees, even during peak travel periods.

Frequently asked questions