Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

International travellers arriving at Terminal 2 disembark and proceed through US Federal immigration processing before collecting baggage and completing agricultural biosecurity clearance.

• Follow overhead signage along the concourse corridors towards US Customs and Border Protection immigration clearance.
• Present a valid passport, approved ESTA authorization or visa, and any required entry paperwork to US immigration officials.
• Collect all checked baggage from the assigned carousel in the international baggage reclaim hall.
• Pass through US Customs clearance and mandatory State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture biosecurity inspection.
• Exit into the public arrivals greeting area to access ground transportation, taxis, or inter-terminal connections.

• Bus

  Public Bus (TheBus)

  Municipal public bus service serving Honolulu and the wider island of Oahu.

  Time:

  roughly 45–60 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically $3.00 single fare

• Taxi

  Licensed Taxi

  Official metered taxis available at curbside stands directly outside baggage claim.

  Time:

  roughly 20–30 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically $35–$50 plus tip

• Ride-hailing

  Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)

  App-based private vehicles picking up from specific designated airport locations.

  Time:

  roughly 20–30 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically $25–$45 depending on demand

• Bus

  Shared Airport Shuttle

  Authorized door-to-door shuttle vans operating transfers to Waikiki accommodation.

  Time:

  roughly 30–50 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically $16–$22 per person

Transferring between inter-island and overseas flights requires moving between terminals using walkway corridors or the airport shuttle.

• The free Wiki Wiki Shuttle bus runs frequently between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 concourses.
• International passengers arriving at HNL must collect all checked bags and clear US immigration and customs before transferring to an inter-island flight.
• Terminal 3 commuter flights require a separate road transport shuttle or taxi, as the building is physically separate from Terminals 1 and 2.
• Passing back through TSA security screening is required when moving between non-secure public areas.

Free public Wi-Fi coverage is provided across main passenger areas in Terminals 1 and 2.

• Select the official airport Wi-Fi network from your device wireless settings.
• Accept the standard terms and conditions on the portal splash screen that appears.
• No payment or local telephone number registration is required for basic internet access.

Financial services, automated teller machines (ATMs), and foreign currency exchange counters operate inside the terminals.

• ATMs dispensing US Dollars (USD) are situated near major boarding gates and baggage reclaim areas.
• Foreign currency exchange booths operate in Terminal 2 near the international arrivals area.
• Major credit cards and contactless mobile payments are accepted at almost all retail and dining outlets.

Dining choices range from quick-service fast food to local Hawaiian outlets located primarily post-security.

• Terminal 2 features central food court areas serving local specialities, coffee, and American fast-food brands.
• Terminal 1 contains local cafes, grab-and-go snack kiosks, and seated dining options.
• Dining venues landside (before security screening) are limited, so eating airside after security is recommended.

Airline membership lounges and private spaces are located in Terminals 1 and 2.

• Hawaiian Airlines operates the Premier Club and Plumeria Lounge within Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 concourses.
• Major domestic US carriers and international airlines maintain dedicated lounges near international gates.
• Independent lounge access programs or single-use day passes are available at select partner lounges.

There are no hotels located inside the terminal buildings, but several commercial hotels operate nearby.

• Off-airport hotels located within a 5-minute drive run complimentary shuttle buses from the arrivals curb.
• Waikiki Beach, located roughly 25–35 minutes away by vehicle, holds the largest selection of hotel accommodations.
• Direct-dial courtesy boards for local hotel reservations and shuttle pickups are located in baggage reclaim areas.

Baggage claim carousels are located on the ground floor level of Terminals 1 and 2.

• Self-service luggage carts are available for hire near baggage carousels for a minor fee.
• Left-luggage and bag storage facilities are operated by private concessions near Terminal 2 baggage claim.
• Report any lost, delayed, or damaged luggage directly to your arriving airline baggage desk before leaving the terminal.

Amenities for travellers with children include private nursing rooms and accessible family restrooms.

• Dedicated lactation rooms and nursing suites are situated in the main concourses of Terminals 1 and 2.
• Baby changing facilities are available in all main public restroom areas.
• Children should be closely monitored around escalators, moving walkways, and shuttle bus boarding zones.

• Free Airport Wi-Fi
• ATMs & Currency Exchange
• Luggage Storage Services
• Private Lactation Suites
• Medical First-Aid Station
• Designated Outdoor Smoking Areas
• Service Animal Relief Areas

Local emergency number: National Emergency: 911

• Dial 911 from any mobile phone or landline for immediate police, fire, or ambulance assistance.
• Contact any airport employee, security guard, or uniformed law enforcement officer for urgent on-site help.
• If you lose your foreign passport, contact your national embassy or consulate based in Honolulu or Washington D.C.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Official SiteOfficial airport source
• U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionGovernment source
• TheBus Official SiteOfficial transit source
• City and County of Honolulu Official SiteGovernment source