
Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is the largest airport in Hawaii. It is located on the island of O'ahu and offers inter-island, domestic, and international flights. The airport is open 24 hours a day, but security checkpoints close overnight based on flight schedules. While the airport does not close overnight, travellers are not allowed to stay in the lobbies overnight. Instead, they can go to a holding area before proceeding through TSA checkpoints.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Daniel K. Inouye International Airport |
| IATA | HNL |
| ICAO | PHNL |
| FAA LID | HNL |
| Location | 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Honolulu's central business district |
| Size | 4,220 acres (1,710 ha) |
| Terminals | 3 |
| 24-hour food options | No |
| 24-hour services | Yes |
| Hotels on-site | No |
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What You'll Learn
- The airport is open 24 hours a day, but most facilities close between 10 pm and 5 am
- The airport is named after Honolulu native and Medal of Honor recipient, Daniel Inouye
- There are no on-site accommodation options, but there are hotels in the vicinity
- The airport has three terminals, with a shuttle service available between them
- The airport offers nonstop flights to many places in North America, Asia, and Oceania

The airport is open 24 hours a day, but most facilities close between 10 pm and 5 am
Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is open 24 hours a day. However, most of the facilities within the airport close between 10 pm and 5 am. This includes the information desks, which are open from 5 am to 10:45 pm, and the currency exchange services, which vary by location but close at 1:30 pm at the latest. The airport's security checkpoints also close overnight based on flight schedules: T1 (11:00 pm–4:00 am), T2 (midnight–4:00 am), and T3 (10:00 pm–5:00 am).
If you're looking to grab a bite to eat, there are a few restaurants, bars, and kiosks offering food at the airport. However, these options have varying hours, and there are no 24-hour food options available. Local eateries include Lani Moo's Tropical Treats and the Lahaina Chicken Company, and there are also Western chains like Starbucks, Burger King, and California Pizza Kitchen.
For those with a long layover or an overnight stay at the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, spending the night is only allowed for those with a boarding pass, and you'll need to show it to be directed to a designated sleeping area. The airport staff will direct you to the second level of Terminal 2, in Lobby 4. While this area is secure, it's important to note that the seats have armrests and may not be very comfortable for sleeping. Additionally, it is an open-air area. It is recommended to bring earplugs, a mask, and warm clothes for a better rest.
If you'd prefer to stay in a hotel, there are a few options nearby, including the Airport Honolulu Hotel, which is 0.6 km or 0.4 miles away, and the Best Western The Plaza Hotel, which is 0.9 km or 0.6 miles away. The city centre also offers a wider range of choices.
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The airport is named after Honolulu native and Medal of Honor recipient, Daniel Inouye
Honolulu International Airport, also known as the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, is the largest airport in Hawaii. It is located on the island of O'ahu, 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Honolulu's central business district. The airport covers 4,220 acres (1,710 ha), more than 1% of O'ahu's land. The airport is named after Honolulu native and Medal of Honor recipient Daniel Inouye, who represented Hawaii in the United States Senate from 1963 until his death in 2012. Senator Inouye was the second-longest-serving member of the U.S. Senate prior to his death, with a tenure of more than 49 years. As president pro tempore from 2010 to 2012, he was the third in line of presidential succession and the highest-ranking public official of Asian descent in United States history.
The airport offers nonstop flights to many places in North America, Asia, and Oceania. It serves as the main hub of Hawaiian Airlines and is also a base for Aloha Air Cargo. The airport has three terminals that serve both domestic and international flights. Terminal 1 is used exclusively by Hawaiian Airlines, while Terminal 2 handles international flights from numerous carriers. The smaller Terminal 3 solely services inter-island flights on Kona-based Mokulele Airlines. The airport is easily accessible from downtown Honolulu, with several transportation options available, including public buses, charter services, taxis, and rental cars.
The airport underwent a $2.3 billion modernization program in 2006, which included improvements to passenger services, security, and operational efficiencies. The program involved upgrading flight display monitors, adding new food and beverage vendors, and constructing a new parking garage. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has also introduced a wayfinding app for the airport, available on the Google Play and Apple Store, to assist passengers with airport navigation. Additionally, the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) system has been implemented, allowing eligible travelers to expedite their entry into the United States using a mobile application.
The airport was officially renamed in honour of Daniel Inouye in a ceremony held on May 30, 2017. The new name first appeared in Federal Aviation Administration documentation on April 27, 2017, following a resolution passed by the Hawaii state legislature in 2016. The renaming ceremony was a significant event, recognising the contributions of the late Senator and Medal of Honor recipient, Daniel Inouye.
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There are no on-site accommodation options, but there are hotels in the vicinity
Honolulu International Airport, also known as Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), is the largest airport in Hawaii. It is located 4.3 miles (7 kilometres) from Honolulu city centre. The airport is named after the late Senator Daniel Inouye, a recipient of the Medal of Honor who represented Hawaii in the United States Senate from 1963 until his death in 2012.
Although there are no on-site accommodation options at the airport, there are several hotels in the vicinity. The Airport Honolulu Hotel is just 0.6 kilometres (0.4 miles) away, while the Best Western The Plaza Hotel is 0.9 kilometres (0.6 miles) away. The Pacific Marina Inn is also a popular choice, located 1.2 miles (2 kilometres) from the airport. This hotel offers free parking, free WiFi, a free airport shuttle, and spacious rooms. The Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel and AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu are slightly further afield, at 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometres) from the airport.
For travellers seeking a wider range of options, the city centre offers a variety of hotels to choose from. Waikiki, located near the airport, is a popular area for accommodation. The Prince Waikiki, Equus, Ilikai Hotel and Luxury Suites, and Pagoda Hotel are all situated in Waikiki. The Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa and the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort are also nearby.
In addition to accommodation, Honolulu International Airport provides a range of services and amenities for travellers. The airport offers duty-free shopping, ATMs, storage facilities, cultural gardens, and a variety of artwork and murals. Local buses connect the airport to the city, departing every 30 minutes. Alternatively, travellers can opt for the 'SpeediShuttle' bus, which provides door-to-door pickup service from Waikiki or Honolulu Harbor.
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The airport has three terminals, with a shuttle service available between them
Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, also known as Honolulu International Airport, is the largest airport in Hawaii. It is located 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Honolulu's central business district and covers an area of 4,220 acres (1,710 ha), which is more than 1% of Oahu's land. The airport is named after Honolulu native and Medal of Honor recipient Daniel Inouye, who represented Hawaii in the United States Senate from 1963 until his death in 2012.
The airport offers nonstop flights to many destinations in North America, Asia, and Oceania. It serves as the main hub for Hawaiian Airlines and is also a base for Aloha Air Cargo. In 2012, Hawaiian Airlines established Honolulu International Airport as a connecting hub between the United States mainland and the Asia-Pacific region. The airport is included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2017–2021 and is categorized as a large-hub primary commercial service facility.
In addition to the intra-airport shuttle, Honolulu Airport offers a range of transportation options to and from the airport, including shared shuttle experiences and private car services. SpeediShuttle, for example, provides daily airport shuttle services as well as private car services such as luxurious sedans, spacious SUVs, and exclusive Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. They also offer flower lei greetings as an additional service.
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The airport offers nonstop flights to many places in North America, Asia, and Oceania
Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the largest airport in Hawaii and is located on the island of O'ahu. The airport is named after Hawaii's late Senator Daniel K. Inouye, who was the second-longest-serving member of the U.S. Senate before his death. The airport offers a wide range of nonstop flights to various destinations in North America, Asia, and Oceania.
North America
There are several nonstop flights from Honolulu International Airport to different cities in North America. Some of the notable destinations include:
- Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary in Canada, with airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet offering year-round and seasonal options.
- Fukuoka, Osaka, and Tokyo in Japan, served by Hawaiian Airlines.
- Guam and Majuro, with United Airlines providing year-round service.
- Neighbouring Hawaiian islands, including Maui, Kaua'i, Hawai'i, Lana'i, and Molokai.
Asia
Honolulu International Airport also provides nonstop flight options to several destinations in Asia. Here are some examples:
- Manila, Philippines, is served by Philippine Airlines, the only carrier offering nonstop flights from Southeast Asia to Honolulu.
- Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, with airlines such as Hawaiian Airlines, Jetstar, and Qantas providing direct flights.
- Auckland, New Zealand, with year-round service by Air New Zealand.
Oceania
In addition to the destinations mentioned above, Honolulu International Airport offers nonstop flights to other locations within Oceania:
- Pago Pago, American Samoa, is the only city in American Samoa with direct flights to Honolulu, operated by Hawaiian Airlines.
- Rarotonga Island, Cook Islands, with direct flights offered by Hawaiian Airlines.
- Nadi, Fiji, is served by Fiji Airways, providing the only direct connection to Fiji from Honolulu.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the airport is not open 24/7. The airport is open 24 hours on the landside, but the security checkpoints close overnight based on flight schedules: T1 (11:00 PM–4:00 AM), T2 (midnight–4:00 AM), T3 (10:00 PM–5:00 AM). Most facilities close between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am.
Yes, you can sleep at the Honolulu airport. You will need to show your boarding pass to be allowed to sleep in a designated area on the second level of Terminal 2, in Lobby 4. The seats are not very comfortable, and it is an open-air area, so it is recommended to bring earplugs, a mask, and warm clothes.
Yes, there are several hotels near the Honolulu airport, including the Airport Honolulu Hotel, Best Western Plaza Hotel, and Pacific Marina Inn. These hotels offer free airport shuttle services.
During a layover at the Honolulu airport, you can explore the local art displayed throughout the airport, including paintings, large murals, and free-standing sculptures. You can also visit the garden in the International Terminal, which is landscaped in Chinese, Hawaiian, and Japanese traditions. In addition, the airport offers free WiFi, so you can stay connected and surf the internet. If you have a long layover, you can leave the airport and explore nearby attractions such as Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head.





























