Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
(Honolulu Airport - HNL)
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is located just minutes from downtown Honolulu on the south shore of Oʻahu. As Hawaiʻi’s primary commercial airport, it provides convenient access for travelers across the island—from Waikīkī and Kāneʻohe to Kapolei and the North Shore. Whether you’re a local resident flying inter-island or a visitor heading home, driving to HNL is direct and well-marked with signage for the terminals, parking structures, rental car return, and passenger drop-off areas.
1. Take Ala Wai Blvd. or Kalākaua Ave. to Ala Moana Blvd.
2. Continue onto Nimitz Highway westbound.
3. Stay on Nimitz Highway for ~7 miles.
4. Use the right lanes to merge onto H-1 West toward the airport.
5. Take Exit 16 / Airport.
6. Follow signs for Terminal 1, Terminal 2, parking, or rental car return.
Local Tip: Traffic leaving Waikīkī can be heavy in the afternoon and early evening—allow extra time.
1. Head west on Nimitz Highway.
2. Continue straight until reaching the Airport Viaduct.
3. Follow signs for Airport / Terminals 1 & 2.
Fastest during business hours because you avoid several freeway merges.
1. Take H-1 East toward Honolulu.
2. Continue for ~18 miles.
3. Take Exit 15 / Paiea Street / Airport.
4. Follow signs for departures, arrivals, or parking.
Traffic Note: Eastbound morning rush hour can add 10–20 minutes—plan accordingly.
1. Take H-3 West toward Pearl Harbor / Honolulu.
2. Continue through the tunnels.
3. Merge onto H-1 West.
4. Take Exit 16 / Airport and follow airport signage.
Alternate Route: From Kāneʻohe or Kailua via Pali Highway → Vineyard Blvd. → H-1 West → Airport exit.
1. Drive south on Kamehameha Highway (Hwy 99) to H-2.
2. Continue on H-2 South until it merges with H-1 East.
3. Follow H-1 East and take Exit 15 / Airport.
4. Follow posted signs to the terminals.
Scenic Tip: If time allows, a short detour through Pearl City offers oceanfront food and coffee stops before reaching the airport.
Parking is located within walking distance of the terminals and is available 24/7.
Short-Term Parking: Pick-ups, drop-offs, business meetings
Long-Term Parking: Multi-day travel
Accessible Parking: ADA-compliant stalls near elevators and walkways
Payment is available via credit/debit cards and parking kiosks.
Travel Tip: Keep valuables out of sight and lock your doors. Overnight parking is secure, but precautions are always recommended.
• Departures: Curbside drop-off available at Terminals 1 & 2 — drivers may not wait or leave vehicles unattended.
• Arrivals: Use the designated cell phone waiting lot until your passengers are ready for curbside pickup.
• Rental Car Return: Easily accessible — follow “Rental Car Return” signs before entering the terminal loop.
• GPS / Map Apps: Enter Daniel K. Inouye International Airport or HNL as destination.
• Follow Road Signage: Airport exits are clearly marked along H-1 and Nimitz Highway.
• Be Aware of Traffic Peaks: Honolulu traffic may affect travel time during rush hours.
• Check Flight Status Before Leaving: Knowing your airline and terminal simplifies drop-off and parking.
Driving to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is straightforward whether you’re coming from Waikīkī, West Oʻahu, Windward Oʻahu, or the North Shore. Clear freeway signage, multiple access points, and efficient curbside and parking layouts make it easy to arrive on time and stress-free.
For the smoothest travel experience:
• Check traffic, flight status, and parking availability before departure
• Allow additional time during peak hours, events, or holidays
For more information on airport parking, terminal maps, and airline listings, visit the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation – Airports Division website.