Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Honolulu Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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we tried sleeping on benches around the luggage carousels, but were told to leave by security. – otta86
HNL Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Honolulu Inouye International Airport (Code: HNL).
What to Expect
Honolulu Airport operates three terminals: T1, which houses Hawaiian Airlines (interisland and U.S. Mainland flights); T2, which caters to all International flights; and T3, which houses Mokulele Airlines only. All three terminals are inter-connected by regular “Wiki-Wiki” (quick-quick) bus service (departs every 15-20 minutes) and airside walkways between T1 and T2. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and services in the Overseas (main) terminal, but such options are extremely limited in the other two terminals. Free WiFi is available, though travellers report that the service is only available in a limited area in the main terminal. For additional comfort, economy-class passengers can pay to use one of the first-class airport lounges.
Sleeping in Honolulu Airport
Airside access at Honolulu Airport is restricted overnight. Travellers will be directed to a designated area on the landside where security patrols until checkpoints open in the morning (approx. 4:00AM). Those planning to stay overnight must have a boarding pass and itinerary. Most seats here are hard and have armrests, both landside and airside, so finding a comfortable position for sleeping isn’t easy. In the designated landside overnight area, you may luck out and find one of the few benches, but only if you arrive early enough. You may want to plan on sleeping on the floor; bring extra layers for cushion and warmth to combat the cold ground.
Sleep hindrances include bright lights, noise and cold temperatures, so pack eyeshades, earplugs/noise-cancelling headphones, and a sweater or travel blanket.
For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels are just a quick shuttle ride away. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Honolulu Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours. HowRegular travellers cannot stay in the lobbies overnight. Instead, travellers with boarding passes and itineraries can go to a holding area off of lobby four before they are allowed to go through TSA checkpoints.
The airport is open 24 hours on the landside. 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).
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
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Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Honolulu Airport:
- Airport Honolulu Hotel – Free airport shuttle is available 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM. For airport pick-up, use the courtesy phone at baggage claim to call the hotel. » Check Rates
- Best Western Plaza Hotel – Free airport shuttle is available. Day rooms are available. » Check Rates
- Pacific Marina Inn – Free 24-hour airport shuttle is available. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Honolulu Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
Terminal 1
- Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, 2nd Floor, near Gate A18. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- The Plumeria Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, 3rd Floor. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
Terminal 2
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, 3rd Floor. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
- IASS Hawaii Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, near Gates 14-23. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- Qantas Club – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, EWA Concourse, above Gate 26. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- United Club – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, near Gate G3. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • United Club Membership.
Airline Lounges (members only)
Other airlines that have (or share) lounges are: Air Canada/United Club Lounge (Terminal 2) • Air New Zealand/United Club Lounge (Terminal 2) • ANA/Air Japan (Terminal 2) • Asiana Airlines/United Club Lounge (Terminal 2) • Delta Sky Club (Terminal 2) • Four Seasons Resort (Terminal 2) • Korean Air Kal Lounge (Terminal 2) • Lea Lea Lounge (Terminal 2) • Qantas Airways International Business Lounge (Terminal 2) • JAL Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge/American Airlines Admirals Club (Terminal 2).
Military Lounges
USO Center – The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Terminal 2, between Baggage Claims 19 and 20.
Related Pages: Honolulu Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Food & Drinks
With no 24-hour food concessions available, you should stock up on food and water before the eateries close for the night, around 10:00 PM.
- Terminal 1, A Gates – Burger King • Chowmein Express • Dunkin’ Donuts • E Komo Mai • Island Brews & Torn Basil • Kona Brewery • Lahaina Chicken Company • Makai Plantation • Starbucks • Stinger Rays Tropical Bar & Grill.
- Terminal 2, C Gates – A Shack 4 EWA • Starbucks
- Terminal 2, Main – Atrium Bar • Burger King • California Pizza Kitchen • Chowmein Express • Jose Cuervo Tequileria • Pinkberry • Samurai Sushi & Bento • Starbucks • The Local • Umaizushi.
- Terminal 2, E Gates – Cold Stone Creamery • Kona Brewery • Lahaina Chicken Company • PGA Tour Grill • Starbucks.
- Terminal 2, G Gates – E Komo Mai Wagon • Kona Brewery • Quiznos Sub • Starbucks.
Vending machines are also available throughout the above-mentioned gate areas.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Baggage Storage Hawaii offers short-term storage for fees ranging from $15 – $20 per day per item. They also rent beach chairs, strollers, boogie boards and more. Location: Terminal 2, Arrivals level, Baggage Claim E.
Mobile Charging
Mobile charging stations are located throughout the terminals.
Showers
(Temporarily closed) Showers for freshening up are available to members of the U.S. military and their families in the USO Military Lounge, located in Terminal 2. [ see Airport Lounges above ].
WiFi / Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available at Honolulu Airport. Connect to the “HNL Free WiFi” network.
Security & Safety
With the airport closing nightly from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM, you’ll likely have to relocate to a designated landside area on Level 2, Lobby 4. Security guards patrol the area and may ask travellers here for their ID and boarding passes. Many reviewers said this contributed to a general feeling of safety, but some said the nearest bathrooms are a bit far. The guards start waking sleepers around 4:00 AM, as the airport opens and gets busy again.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Business Center – Flight Deck Business Center used to offer WiFi, computer stations, postal services, fax and copy services, and more. We could not confirm this at the time of our October 2023 Update. If you know whether it’s still there, click here to update this airport guide.
Conference Rooms – The Garden Conference Center consists of 4 conference rooms that can be rented for 1 – 8 hours. Location: Terminal 1, 7th Floor. Rates from $50 – $550.
Information Desk – There are 15 Information Desks located throughout the terminals. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:45 PM.
Luggage
- Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available free of charge in the International Arrivals area. There is a fee charged for use elsewhere in the airport.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
Medical Services
- Medical Services – Medical Clinic. Location: Terminal 2, Ground floor, next to the Japanese Garden. Fees are charged. Hours: unknown; however, paramedics are on-site 24 hours a day.
- Defibrillators – Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are located about every 90 seconds (walking distance) through the airport’s public areas.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside in Terminals 1 and 2. At the time of this update, there are no ATMS in Terminal 3.
- Currency Exchange – ICE Currency Services provides foreign currency services. Locations: Terminal 2 (Central Lobby • near Gate F2 • near Gate D2) • International Arrivals Area (inside U.S. Customs) • International Tour Group Arrivals (2nd Floor). Hours: vary by location, but some open at 6:00 AM, and the last closes at 1:30 PM. And finally, the Central Lobby Business Center (Terminal 2) offers currency exchange (Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM).
Postal Services – Drop boxes can be found at Terminal 2, on the 1st floor, near USO.
Shopping – Duty-Free shops are available near Gate 26, Gates 12-13, Gates 24-25, and in the Central Lobby. In addition, there are plenty of other shops to pass the time.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking – Smoking is permitted in designated areas only outside the terminals.
Things to do & see
- Art in the Airport – You will find art exhibits in various areas of the airport.
- Gardens – Enjoy your last moments of Hawaiian sun before departing this beautiful island. Relax in the beautifully landscaped gardens, including a Chinese, Japanese and Hawaiian garden.
- Lei Greetings – You can pre-arrange a Lei greeting for yourself or pick up a Lei to greet your arriving visitors. Lei are available at kiosks and shops in the terminal, or Lei stands to the left side of the airport entrance near Terminal 1. (Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM).
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport for sightseeing? Check out our Honolulu Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Honolulu on Tripadvisor.
Airport Shuttles
Roberts Hawaii Speed Shuttle
Shuttle service is available from HNL airport to various destinations throughout the city. Sample one-way adult rates for arrivals are: US$25.00 (Waikiki District • The Kahala District(US $37.50). Luggage (two standard pieces and one carry-on per person) is included; extra fees will apply for additional luggage. Shuttle services have a minimum occupancy of two people, so if you are travelling alone, you will be charged for two. For more information, visit the Roberts Hawaii Speed Shuttle website.
SpeediShuttle
SpeediShuttle provides affordable on-demand door-to-door service from the airport to your hotel. Shuttles depart within 20 minutes of check-in with a Shuttle Attendant at the pickup zone. Fees: Waikiki from $20.28 (one way) per person based on two people travelling. For more information, visit the SpeediShuttle website.
Bus
TheBus public transportation system serves the airport via routes #20 (Eastbound to Kalihi – downtown Honolulu – Honolulu Civic Center – Ala Moana Shopping Center – Waikiki / Westbound to Arizona Memorial – Aloha Stadium – Aiea – Pearlridge Shopping Center) and #303 (Westbound to Joint Base Pearl Harbor / Eastbound to Kalihi Transit Center).
The buses stop at the Departure (upper) Level of the airport. Baggage size limit is 22″ x 14″ x 9″. The Handi-Van is a TheBus service for mobility-impaired passengers who can’t use regular TheBus service. For schedules, routes and fares for all TheBus services, go to the TheBus website.
Car Rentals
Ten car rental companies can be found in the 5-story Consolidated Rent-a-Car (CONRAC) facility: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Thrifty • Sixt. The entrance to the facility is directly across from Terminal 2, outside baggage claim 26 and 31. Passengers arriving at Terminal 1 (Baggage Claim 6-11), Terminal 2 (International Arrivals, Baggage Claim 16-18) and Terminal 3 can take the shuttle bus. A shuttle bus operates from 4:00 AM – 12:00 AM.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels offer airport shuttle service: Airport Honolulu Hotel • Best Western The Plaza Hotel • Pacific Marina Inn.
Use the free courtesy phone at airport baggage claim to call the hotel for a pick-up once you arrive. Shuttles depart from the centre island on the arrivals level.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Shuttle
There are shuttle buses that operate between Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Signs are posted curbside on the Ground Level. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Ride App
Lyft and Uber pick up from Terminal 1 (Lobby 2, Floor 2) • Terminal 2 (Lobby 5/6, Floor 2) • Terminal 2 (Lobby 8, Floor 2). A ride to the city centre costs approximately $32.
Taxis
Taxis are available on the centre median fronting the terminal baggage claim areas. The fare from the airport to Waikiki during non-rush hour periods is about $40.00-$45.00. Fare is by metre only.
Last updated: 2025-03-06
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.