Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) — Complete Airport Guide 2026
Honolulu, Hawaii · ICAO PHNL
Hawaii's primary gateway and Hawaiian Airlines' main hub, HNL features a unique open-air design with three terminals and is the primary entry point for millions of visitors to the Hawaiian Islands. The airport has an interisland terminal for flights between Hawaii's islands.
HNL Airport Overview
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (IATA: HNL / ICAO: PHNL) is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hawaii's primary gateway and Hawaiian Airlines' main hub, HNL features a unique open-air design with three terminals and is the primary entry point for millions of visitors to the Hawaiian Islands. The airport has an interisland terminal for flights between Hawaii's islands.
Hub for: Hawaiian Airlines
airports.hawaii.gov/hnl ↗ · Wikipedia ↗
💡 HNL Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures from HNL, especially during peak hours when TSA waits can reach 32 minutes.
- Know your terminal: Use our Terminal Finder tool to look up your airline's terminal before you leave home.
- Hub airport: HNL is a hub for Hawaiian Airlines, so expect busy connecting traffic. If you're connecting, use the walkways to move between terminals.
- Check live conditions: Download the MyTSA app and check the FAA delay map before heading to the airport.
HNL TSA Security Wait Times
Typical security waits at HNL average about 13 minutes in standard screening. The quietest window is usually Monday around 11 PM and the busiest is Friday around 6 AM. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally 60–80% faster.
Estimated wait right now
~2 min
TSA Checkpoint Locations at HNL
- Terminal 1 (Lobby 1–4): Lobby 3 and Lobby 4 Checkpoints — TSA PreCheck
- Terminal 2 (Lobby 5–8): Lobby 5 and Lobby 8 Checkpoints — TSA PreCheck and CLEAR
HNL Terminals, Gates & Checkpoints — Complete Guide
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has 2 terminal areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of each, including airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim locations, and dining. Always confirm your terminal with your airline.
Terminal 1 (Lobby 1–4)
Terminal 2 (Lobby 5–8)
Airlines at HNL — Terminal & Gate Directory
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is served by 9+ airlines. The table below shows which terminal and gates each airline uses. Gate assignments can change — confirm with your airline on the day of travel.
| Airline | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Airlines (Domestic & Interisland) | Terminal 1 (Lobby 1–4) | Gates 14–30 |
| Mokulele Airlines | Terminal 1 (Lobby 1–4) | Gates 14–30 |
| American Airlines | Terminal 2 (Lobby 5–8) | Gates 31–60 |
| Delta Air Lines | Terminal 2 (Lobby 5–8) | Gates 31–60 |
| United Airlines | Terminal 2 (Lobby 5–8) | Gates 31–60 |
| Southwest Airlines | Terminal 2 (Lobby 5–8) | Gates 31–60 |
| Alaska Airlines | Terminal 2 (Lobby 5–8) | Gates 31–60 |
| Japan Airlines | Terminal 2 (Lobby 5–8) | Gates 31–60 |
| Korean Air | Terminal 2 (Lobby 5–8) | Gates 31–60 |
| All Nippon Airways | Terminal 2 (Lobby 5–8) | Gates 31–60 |
| Other international carriers | Terminal 2 (Lobby 5–8) | Gates 31–60 |
Airline Guides
Read our detailed guides for airlines that serve HNL:
Where to Eat at HNL — Dining & Food Guide
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has 6+ dining options across its terminals, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of what's available:
Getting To & From HNL — Ground Transportation Guide
Here are all the ground transportation options for reaching Honolulu from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport:
- TheBus — Oahu public transit, routes 19, 20 to Waikiki (~45 min)
- SkyGate Shuttle — inter-terminal shuttle between Terminals 1 and 2
- Ride-share & taxi — Ground Transportation outside baggage claim
- Rental cars — consolidated facility across the street
HNL Parking Options, Rates & Tips
Here are the current parking options at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Rates are subject to change — confirm on the official website ↗ before you travel.
Terminal Parking
Multi-level garages at each terminal
Economy Lot
Free shuttle
Airport Lounges at HNL
The following airline clubs and independent lounges are available at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Access is typically through airline elite status, premium tickets, Priority Pass, or day passes.
- Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club (Terminal 1)
- United Club (Terminal 2)
- IASS Lounge (Terminal 2)
HNL Layover Guide — What to Do During a Connection
If you have a layover at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, here's how to make the most of your time:
Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)
- Stay near your gate. Check departure boards for your next gate assignment — it may change.
- Grab a quick bite at one of the terminal restaurants. Popular options include Stinger Ray's Tropical Bar, Kai Coffee, McDonald's.
- Charge your devices at charging stations found throughout the terminals.
Long Layover (3+ Hours)
- Visit an airport lounge for a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks. HNL has 3 lounge options.
- Explore the terminals. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has shops, restaurants, and amenities across 2 terminal areas.
- Use free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment — most U.S. airports offer complimentary wireless internet.
HNL Map & Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are TSA wait times at HNL?
Typical TSA security wait times at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) average around 13 minutes in standard screening, but they swing widely by time of day. The lines are usually shortest monday around 11 pm and longest friday around 6 am. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally much faster. See the full hour-by-hour breakdown on our HNL TSA wait times page.
How early should I arrive at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)?
As a general rule, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight from HNL. Add extra buffer during early-morning and Friday/Sunday peaks, when security lines at HNL are at their busiest, or if you are checking bags.
What airlines fly out of HNL?
HNL is served by carriers including Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines and others. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is a hub for Hawaiian Airlines.
How many terminals does HNL have?
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has 2 terminal areas: Terminal 1 (Lobby 1–4); Terminal 2 (Lobby 5–8). Always confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get from HNL to downtown Honolulu?
Popular ways to reach downtown Honolulu from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport include TheBus; SkyGate Shuttle; Ride-share & taxi. Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
Does HNL have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited screening, and most large U.S. hubs like HNL also have CLEAR lanes. PreCheck lets eligible travelers keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.
Where can I eat at HNL?
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Popular spots include Stinger Ray's Tropical Bar, Kai Coffee, Lava Tube Bar, Starbucks. Options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is HNL located?
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is in Honolulu, Hawaii (HI). Its IATA code is HNL and its ICAO code is PHNL. See the embedded Google Map on this page for exact location and driving directions.