Owais Crawford
Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) offers a variety of options for passengers with long layovers or those waiting to check in. The airport is located about six miles from central Honolulu and ten miles from Waikiki, with several bus lines and taxi services connecting the airport to the city. Inside the airport, passengers can enjoy free Hawaiian entertainment in the lobby, stroll through the Cultural Gardens, or admire the various art and exhibits located throughout the terminal, including the Statehood Mosaic and the Gallery of Legends. Outside the airport, passengers can visit the Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu Zoo, Keehi Lagoon Beach Park, or Kuhio and Waikiki Beach, located adjacent to each other. For those interested in history, Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial are also nearby. Honolulu Airport Transfer offers flat rates to nearby shopping malls such as Ala Moana Center and Pearlridge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Honolulu Airport Location | 6 miles from central Honolulu and 10 miles from Waikiki |
| Honolulu Airport Services | Restaurants, bars, to-go kiosks, free WiFi, luggage storage, shuttle service, art and exhibits, cultural gardens |
| Honolulu Airport Attractions | The Statehood Mosaic, Gallery of Legends, C.B. Lansing Memorial Garden, Pacific Asia Travel Association |
| Nearby Attractions | Waikiki Beach, Kuhio Beach, Keehi Lagoon Beach Park, Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu Zoo, Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial, Pearlridge shopping center |
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What You'll Learn
Visit the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo
If you're looking for things to do around Honolulu Airport, why not visit the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo? The Waikiki Aquarium, located at 2777 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu, is a great place to learn about and see sea life endemic to Hawaii. It's open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (with the facility closing at 5:00 p.m.), and general admission is just $12, making it a relatively inexpensive attraction. The indoor exhibits are well-curated and the docents are engaging and knowledgeable. You can expect to spend about 1.5 hours exploring the aquarium.
After visiting the Waikiki Aquarium, you can head over to the Honolulu Zoo, which is home to many intriguing animals. The zoo offers a unique opportunity to join a two-hour walking tour on Saturday evenings to learn about and visit some of the zoo's most fascinating creatures. You'll get to see the animals as they prepare to sleep or wake up, offering a different perspective on the typical zoo experience.
If you're looking for some last-minute gifts or simply want to do some shopping while waiting for check-in at your hotel, the Ala Moana Center, Oahu's best shopping mall, is just a 20-35 minute drive from Honolulu Airport. Honolulu Airport Transfer offers a flat rate of $30 for transportation between the airport and the mall.
For a quick break between flights, head to Keehi Lagoon Beach Park, which is just a 5-10 minute ride or a 30-minute walk from the airport. Here, you can feel the sand between your toes and enjoy a glimpse of the ocean before your next flight.
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Explore the Cultural Gardens and art exhibits in the airport
Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is home to several beautiful garden sites and art exhibits, offering travellers a pleasant break from their journeys. The Cultural Gardens, located in Terminal 2 Ticketing Lobby and the E Gates, showcase the influence of Hawaiian, Chinese, and Japanese heritage on 'island living' in Hawaii. Designed by Richard C. Tongg in the early 1960s, the gardens feature pathways, bridges, stepping stones, and water features that connect the three themed gardens. The Chinese Garden boasts a striking red pavilion with a curved roof crafted by Hong Kong artisans, while the Hawaiian Garden features an arching bridge representing world peace. Koi ponds, waterfalls, bamboo, and flowering trees add to the tranquil atmosphere.
The C.B. Lansing Garden, located on the ground level of Terminal 1, was constructed in memory of Clarabell Lansing, a flight attendant who died in the line of duty in 1988. This garden provides a serene space for travellers to relax or take a break. Additionally, art enthusiasts can admire pieces by local artists, such as Satoru Abe, displayed in the main lobby terminal near the Cultural Gardens.
If you're looking for a quiet spot to eat, bring your meal from the food court or airport shops to the Cultural Gardens. Enjoy your food surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of water features. It's a magical setting for a quick bite or a peaceful lunch break.
For those seeking a final glimpse of Hawaii's natural beauty before departing, the Cultural Gardens offer a unique and relaxing experience within the airport. Take advantage of this hidden oasis to unwind and immerse yourself in the cultural influences that make Hawaii so captivating. Whether you're passing through or waiting for your flight, the gardens and art exhibits at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport are definitely worth exploring.
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Head to Waikiki Beach for a swim and a bite to eat
Waikiki Beach is a must-visit destination, offering two miles of stunning coastline with crystal-blue waters and white sandy shores. It is divided into eight distinct sections, each with its unique atmosphere and attractions. The beach is easily accessible and offers a range of activities for those seeking relaxation or adventure.
One of the most popular sections of Waikiki Beach is Duke Kahanamoku Beach, named after Hawaii's legendary surfer and Olympic swimming champion. This beach offers a calm swimming area with a protected seawall, making it perfect for families and those looking for fun in the sun. It is also home to a man-made swimming lagoon, providing a tranquil spot for a dip.
For those seeking a more adventurous swim, the Waikiki Roughwater Swim is an annual open-water swimming race held on Labor Day, attracting over 600 swimmers. It is a challenging course, and proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for participants.
After a refreshing swim, there are plenty of dining options to choose from. Duke's Waikiki, located oceanfront, offers a delicious breakfast buffet and the famous Kimo's Original Hula Pie. Hau Tree at Kaimana Beach Hotel provides beachfront dining with a higher price tag but is worth it for their eggs benedict and lemon ricotta pancakes. For a more affordable option, try Marugame Udon for curry udon and shrimp tempura, or Musubi Cafe Iyasume for a cheap, grab-and-go meal.
So, whether you're looking to swim, kayak, surf, or simply relax on the beach, Waikiki Beach has something for everyone. And with a variety of dining options nearby, you can easily spend the whole day enjoying the beach and the surrounding area.
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Take a hike up to Diamond Head for panoramic views
Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) is one of Hawaii's most iconic landmarks, and a hike up to the summit promises breathtaking panoramic views of Honolulu and beyond. The Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater, which was formed around 300,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption.
The 0.8-mile hike from the trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet in elevation as it ascends from the crater floor. The trail, built in 1908, is part of Oahu's coastal defence system. Along the way, you'll encounter a concrete walkway to reduce erosion, which shifts to a natural tuff surface about 0.2 miles up the trail. The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel to the Fire Control Station, built in 1911.
At the summit, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the shoreline from Koko Head to Waiʻanae. During the winter months, you may even spot humpback whales. The summit also features bunkers and a large navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The hike typically takes a minimum of two hours, and it is recommended to start early in the day to avoid the crowds and the heat.
To enhance your experience, consider purchasing an audio guide from the Diamond Head Interpretive Kiosk & Gift Shop, which provides insights into the history, culture, geography, plant and animal life, and scenery of Diamond Head. Don't forget to bring plenty of water, wear proper hiking shoes, and protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
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Explore Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a must-see destination for anyone coming to Oahu, drawing nearly two million visitors each year from all over the world. The memorial, built in 1962, marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and marines killed on the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and commemorates the events of that day. The attack on Pearl Harbor led to the United States' involvement in World War II.
The memorial is accessible only by boat and straddles the sunken hull of the battleship without touching it. The visitor centre operated by the National Park Service is free to the public and has a museum with exhibits about the Pearl Harbor attack, such as the ship's bell from Arizona. There are also two exhibit galleries that bring visitors closer to the sights and sounds of the events leading up to the attack and its aftermath. The galleries display personal memorabilia, dramatic photographs, artefacts of the battle, and other exhibits. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm, and there are free tours to the USS Arizona Memorial every 15 minutes from 7:30 am to 3 pm. The 45-minute tour includes a brief introduction, a Navy-operated shuttle boat ride to the memorial, and time to experience the memorial itself.
The USS Arizona Memorial is one of several sites in Hawaii that are part of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The National Memorial was designed by Honolulu architect Alfred Preis, who was detained at Sand Island at the start of the war as an enemy of the country due to his Austrian birth. The United States Navy specified that the memorial be in the form of a bridge floating above the ship and accommodating 200 people. The 184-foot-long structure has two peaks at each end, connected by a sag in the centre, which Preis explained as "wherein the structure sags in the centre but stands strong and vigorous at its ends, expresses initial defeat and ultimate victory".
The pairing of the USS Arizona and the battleship USS Missouri, which was moved to Pearl Harbor in 1999, has become an evocative symbol of the beginning and end of the United States' participation in the war. The decision to have Missouri's bow face the Memorial conveys that Missouri now watches over the remains of Arizona so that those interred within may rest in peace.
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Frequently asked questions
Honolulu Airport offers a variety of options for passengers with a layover. You can check out the Statehood Mosaic, a collaborative piece by Honolulu school kids, or visit the gallery featuring Hawaiian artist Satoru Abe's laser-engraved wood etchings and paintings. The airport also has a garden landscaped in Chinese, Hawaiian, and Japanese traditions, which is the perfect spot to catch an island sunset. If you have at least 5 hours, you can head to downtown Honolulu, which is about 6 miles west of the airport, and explore the city.
One of the most popular destinations in Hawaii, the USS Arizona Memorial, is not far from Honolulu Airport. You can explore the grounds of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center or take a free tour of the memorial. The Visitor Center is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm and offers free tours every 15 minutes from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. The tour includes a 23-minute documentary, followed by a boat tour, and takes about 75 minutes in total.
Waikiki Beach is a great place to visit if you want to dip your toes in the warm Pacific waters and enjoy the sun and sea breeze. Surf and boogie board rentals are available, and there are plenty of restaurants along the shoreline. For those craving exercise, a hike up to Diamond Head will provide panoramic views and take about 2 hours. Kuhio Beach, located adjacent to Waikiki Beach, is another great option with change rooms and restaurants.
Yes, Pearlridge is the second-largest shopping centre in Hawaii and is located just 20-35 minutes from Honolulu Airport. It is the largest enclosed shopping centre in the island chain, making it a great escape for those who want to do some last-minute shopping.
