ARRIVALS & BAGGAGE CLAIM on Honolulu airport

Arrivals & Baggage Claim at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

(Honolulu Airport – HNL)

Welcome to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, the primary aviation gateway to Oʻahu and the rest of Hawaiʻi. As the largest and busiest airport in the state, HNL blends island-inspired architecture with modern facilities to provide a smooth and welcoming arrival experience for visitors and residents alike. Clear signage, multilingual airport staff, and convenient transportation options ensure a seamless transition from aircraft to baggage claim and beyond.

Arrival Process at HNL

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is organized into three terminals (1, 2, and 3) connected by walkways and shuttle services. After disembarking, passengers follow posted signage to the baggage claim area in the Ground Level of their arrival terminal.

Digital display boards make it easy to locate your assigned carousel, and airport staff are available to offer guidance. Travelers arriving on mainland or international flights will pass through the jet bridges into the terminal, while some inter-island flights may use outdoor boarding ramps.

The airport’s layout is designed to keep walking distances manageable and passenger flow steady even during peak travel periods.

Baggage Claim Area at HNL

HNL’s baggage claim areas are located on the Ground Level of Terminals 1 and 2 and feature:

  • Designated carousels for each airline
  • Real-time baggage information on overhead monitors
  • Nearby restrooms, seating areas, and visitor assistance booths

A curbside pick-up zone is located just outside baggage claim, but it is limited to active loading only. Drivers picking up passengers must remain with their vehicles at all times.

Agriculture Declaration & Inspection

To protect Hawaiʻi’s fragile ecosystem, all arriving passengers — including those arriving from the U.S. mainland or neighboring islands — must complete an Agriculture Declaration Form.

The form is usually distributed during your flight and must be submitted before exiting the baggage claim area.

A Hawaii Department of Agriculture Inspection Station is located near baggage claim and may screen luggage for restricted agricultural items. Amnesty bins are provided for safe disposal of prohibited goods such as:

  • Certain fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Live plants or flowers
  • Seeds or soil
  • Insects or live animals (unless approved)

For questions, contact:

  • Hawaii Department of Agriculture: (808) 837-8413
  • Pet-related inquiries: (808) 837-8092

Visitor Information Assistance

A Visitor Information Program (VIP) booth near baggage claim provides:

  • Directions, maps, and brochures
  • Transportation information
  • Activity and attraction guidance
  • Multilingual support for international travelers

Staff are knowledgeable about lodging, dining, and sightseeing across Oʻahu and can assist with planning.

Ground Transportation at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Once you have your luggage, a wide selection of transportation services is available just outside the baggage claim area.

  • Rental Cars: A Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC) is located adjacent to the airport, connected by a 24-hour shuttle service. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak seasons.
  • Ride-Share Services: Uber and Lyft operate at HNL with dedicated pick-up zones at Terminals 1 and 2.
  • Taxis: Taxi stands are located immediately outside baggage claim and operate 24/7.
  • Airport & Hotel Shuttles: Many Waikiki hotels and private transfer services offer shuttle transportation.
  • Public Transportation: TheBus provides service between HNL and destinations across Oʻahu.

Special Assistance & Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and pathways
  • Reserved accessible parking
  • TTY phones and signage for visually impaired travelers
  • Courtesy wheelchair and mobility assistance (via airline request)

Airport Information Center

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Information Center
Phone: (808) 836-6411

For general inquiries, flight status questions, directions, transportation assistance, or lost-and-found guidance.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport provides a warm and memorable introduction to Oʻahu. With modern terminals, helpful staff, and easy access to ground transportation, travelers can begin their Hawaiian adventure the moment they arrive.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Learn more about Daniel K. Inouye International Airport by visiting our About page here.

Senator Daniel K. Inouye

Discover more about Senator Daniel K. Inouye and his legacy by visiting his dedicated page here.