Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye Layover Guide (HNL)

What are you looking for in HNL?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Honolulu Airport (HNL) is an international airport located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It’s situated about 10 km (6 miles) from downtown Honolulu. The airport officially opened in 1927. Honolulu is the capital and largest city in Hawaii, known for its tropical climate and cultural diversity. It’s considered a top destination for both relaxation and adventure. The city is famous for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant local traditions.

Can you leave Honolulu Airport (HNL) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers with layovers at Honolulu International Airport can exit the terminal after clearing U.S. Customs and Immigration, provided ample connection time. Non-U.S. citizens require a valid entry permit (ESTA or visa) to reenter. Plan and verify requirements before travel. Short layovers may lack adequate processing time. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Waikiki Beach Relax on Waikiki Beach, enjoy gentle waves, stunning views, and bustling beachfront vibe. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or paddleboarding with Diamond Head crater backdrop and tropical shaved ice vendors. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 minutes / TheBus Route 19 ~45–60 minutes.)
• Diamond Head Summit Trail Ascend Diamond Head Summit Trail for panoramic and Pacific Ocean vistas. This moderate hike features paths, historic military bunkers, and rewarding sunrise panoramas. Book permit online via State Parks website. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 minutes / TheBus Route 23 ~60 minutes.)
• Pearl Harbor – USS Arizona Memorial Visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor to honor WWII history. Explore museum exhibits, watch film, board shuttle. Reserve free tickets in advance at official National Park Service site. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes / TheBus Route 20 ~45 minutes.)
• Iolani Palace Tour Iolani Palace, America’s only royal residence, to discover Hawaiian monarchy’s history. Marvel at ornate throne room, restored state chambers, and guided interactive exhibits detailing cultural traditions and political legacies. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes / TheBus Route 20 ~40 minutes.)
• Ala Moana Center Browse Ala Moana Center, world’s largest open-air shopping mall, featuring over 350 stores, local boutiques, and diverse eateries. Enjoy oceanfront walking paths, daily free live Hawaiian music under palm-shaded courtyards. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~10 minutes / TheBus Route 19 ~30 minutes.)
• Honolulu Museum of Art Discover Honolulu Museum of Art’s diverse collections spanning Asian, European, and contemporary works. Wander elegant galleries, see rotating exhibitions, and take part in occasional film screenings or interactive workshops. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes / TheBus Route 20 ~45 minutes.)
• Manoa Falls Trail Embark on Manoa Falls Trail through lush rainforest leading to a 150-foot cascading waterfall. Enjoy tropical flora, birdwatching, the iconic bamboo forest, and serene ambiance perfect for quick nature escape. (Time required: 2–2.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 minutes / TheBus Route 5 ~60 minutes.)
• Kakaako Street Art Stroll Kakaako’s vibrant street murals in the “Pow! Wow!” outdoor gallery, showcasing local and international artists. Grab coffee at hip cafes, admire colorful blocks, and photograph urban creativity on self-guided tours. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 minutes / TheBus Routes 20 & 2 ~50 minutes.)

Things to Do in Honolulu Airport (HNL)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport offers a selection of airline lounges where eligible travelers can unwind. Amenities include comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi and charging stations. Available lounges include Hawaiian Airlines’ Plumeria Lounge, Delta Sky Club, United Club, ANA Lounge and American Admirals Club, each conveniently located in Terminal 2. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Travelers seeking rest near HNL can book rooms at the on-airport property adjacent to Terminal 2 or choose nearby hotels such as the Best Western The Plaza, Embassy Suites and Ala Moana Hotel. Complimentary shuttle services, day-use rooms and flexible check-in options cater to layovers, early arrivals and late departures. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
HNL does not provide designated sleep pods or quiet lounges. Passengers may recline in seating areas near gates, though cushions and space are limited. Terminals remain open 24/7 with periodic cleaning and security patrols. For enhanced comfort consider airport hotels or day-rooms rather than sleeping directly on chairs or floors.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at HNL. Simply connect to the “Boingo Hotspot” network for free access sponsored by advertisers. For faster speeds or extended usage, passengers can purchase premium one-day or monthly Boingo passes via the airport’s portal on any device during layovers.

SIM/eSIM Card: Arriving passengers can purchase local SIM cards and eSIM plans at kiosks and convenience shops in the terminals. Providers such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Vodafone offer pay-as-you-go packages with data, voice and texting. Alternatively, travelers can download and install eSIM plans online prior to arrival for immediate global use. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis queue at the center median outside each terminal’s baggage claim. Dispatchers wearing yellow shirts coordinate flat-rate and metered fares. Credit cards, cash and ride-share drop-off areas are available. Typical fares to Waikiki range around $35–$45. Operating 24/7, taxis provide curbside pickup with minimal wait times, daily luggage assistance included.

Train: HNL currently has no direct rail connection. Honolulu’s Skyline rail project will eventually link the airport to Downtown and other centers once extended to the campus station. Until then, travelers rely on buses, shuttles and taxis for transit. Expected extension timeline by 2031, subject to funding. (more info)

Bus: TheBus operates routes serving HNL at the curbside stops outside Terminals 1 and 2. Key routes include 19 to Waikiki, 20 to Downtown Honolulu and 303 to Aloha Stadium. Standard fares apply with single-ride, day and multi-day passes available. Schedules and route maps are online via website. (more info)

Shuttle: Numerous airport shuttles and shared-ride vans operate between HNL and major hotels, resorts and neighborhoods. Reservations can be made online or at ground transportation desks. Fares are fixed per person and vary by destination, averaging $15–$25. Shuttles run on demand 24/7 with curbside pickup outside baggage claim, luggage assistance available.

Car rentals: Car rental counters and the consolidated rental facility (CONRAC) are located across from the terminal and accessible via free shuttle. Major brands include Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National and Budget. Rentals require driver’s license, credit card and proof of insurance. Operating desks match flight schedules, typically open from 5 a.m. to midnight. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking garages are located directly across from the terminal complex. Hourly rates start at $3 for the first hour and daily rates are $27. Reserved spaces and accessible parking are available. Electric vehicle charging stations cost $7 per 24 hours. Payment options include credit card and mobile app.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

SmarteCarte’s Baggage Storage service operates on the arrivals level near baggage claim 18. Attended storage options include hourly, daily and weekly rates starting from $5.89. Present valid ID and collect receipts for retrieval. The facility is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Lockers are not available at the airport currently. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Honolulu Airport (HNL) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks