If you’re stuck with time to kill, these are the most realistic things to do at Honolulu Airport during a layover. Honolulu Airport (HNL) is functional but dated, and it doesn’t offer the same range of amenities as many large mainland hubs. For short layovers, the basics will get you through. For longer waits, it helps to keep expectations low and plan ahead. With limited late-night services and few standout facilities, knowing what is available — and what isn’t — can make your layover more manageable.
1. Grab a bite to eat
Food options at Honolulu Airport are limited but include a few local flavours worth trying if you’re passing through Hawaiʻi for the first time. You’ll find casual spots serving island-style comfort food such as plate lunches, teriyaki dishes, and rice bowls, along with lighter snacks and coffee. Local brands and concepts often feature tropical flavours like pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nut, and you may spot Hawaiian-style baked goods or shave-ice-inspired treats depending on the terminal.
There are also familiar mainland chains for travellers who prefer something predictable, but dining hours vary widely and most locations close in the evening. There are no confirmed 24-hour food outlets, so late-night or overnight travellers should eat early or bring snacks. Selection improves during daytime hours, but even then, choices are modest rather than memorable.
2. Lounge
Honolulu Airport has a small number of lounges, some of which allow access regardless of airline or class of service. Entry may be available through lounge membership programs or by purchasing a pass in advance. Lounges can offer a quieter place to sit, basic food and drinks, and charging outlets, though offerings vary. For current locations, hours, and access rules, see our our Honolulu Airport Guide provides locations and details.
3. Shop
Shopping at Honolulu Airport leans toward souvenirs, travel essentials, and duty-free items rather than serious retail therapy. Stores selling Hawaiian souvenirs are the most distinctive, offering items like locally themed apparel, beachwear, macadamia nuts, chocolates, coffee, and giftable island snacks. These can be an easy way to pick up something small without heading into the city.
You’ll also find bookstores, convenience shops, and duty-free outlets selling liquor, cosmetics, and fragrances. Most shops keep standard daytime hours, with many closing in the evening, so selection can be quite limited during late or overnight layovers.
4. Browse the art
Art and cultural displays are scattered throughout the airport, giving the terminals a distinct local feel. Exhibits include murals, sculptures, and installations that highlight Hawaiian history and artists. Some pieces are easy to miss when rushing to a gate, but if you have time, wandering the corridors can be a calm way to pass part of a layover.
5. Zen out in the gardens
Several landscaped garden areas offer a break from the terminal environment, with elements inspired by Hawaiian and Asian traditions. These spaces are popular with travellers looking for fresh air and a quieter setting during the day. Access and closing times vary by garden, and they are not all open late at night, so this is best enjoyed earlier in the day rather than during overnight layovers.
6. WiFi
Stay connected to friends and family, update your social media accounts or surf the internet using the airport’s free WiFi.
7. Check out Honolulu
If you have a long layover and meet entry requirements, leaving the airport to see a bit of Honolulu can be worthwhile — but only with careful timing. The airport is about six miles from downtown, and public buses, taxis, and rideshares connect the terminals with the city. Travel times can vary significantly due to traffic, so this option is best reserved for layovers of five hours or more.
Many travellers head straight to Waikīkī Beach for a short walk along the shoreline or a casual meal by the ocean. If you’re feeling energetic, the hike up Diamond Head offers sweeping views, but it requires advance planning, proper footwear, water, and enough buffer time to return through airport security. For a quieter, more reflective stop, Pearl Harbor is closer to the airport and allows visitors to see the USS Arizona Memorial, though lines and security procedures can still take time.
This option is best suited to travellers who are comfortable navigating transportation and watching the clock. If your layover is tight or late at night, staying at the airport is usually the safer choice.
There’s more to see in this booming beach town, so check out more tips and suggestions in our Honolulu Airport Layover Sightseeing Guide or visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Honolulu.
8. Sleep
Overnight layovers at Honolulu Airport are possible, but comfort is limited. Travellers report that airside seating areas are generally preferable, though quiet spots are scarce and lighting remains bright. Some garden areas can feel calmer, but they are not open overnight. Pre-security access is restricted late at night, and overnight sleepers are directed to specific public areas of the terminal. Expect cool temperatures, noise, and frequent foot traffic, and plan accordingly with layers and earplugs.
For more comfortable rest, several hotels are located near the airport, with shuttle service available; details are listed in our Honolulu Airport Guide.
Updated 09 January 2026
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Honolulu Airport. Visit our Honolulu Airport Guide for more information about services and facilities, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.