HNL decoded: Honolulu airport code, terminals & travel guide
Use the correct airport code to book and travel smoothly through Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Find PHNL ICAO, 4-letter identifiers, Wiki Wiki shuttle tips, Waikiki transport, and parking details.
What is the Honolulu airport code?
HNL is the standard three-letter passenger (IATA) code for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, the primary aviation gateway to Honolulu and the island of Oahu in Hawaii. For pilots, flight simulators (such as MSFS), and aviation tracking systems, the 4-letter ICAO code is PHNL.
Used on airline tickets, luggage tags, and commercial bookings.
Airport live checks & travel tools
Use current local conditions, official live-status links and planning calculators before you travel. Airline gate, terminal and flight times can change; your carrier remains the final source for flight-specific details.
Live flight center
Check the airport's official flight board, then confirm any last-minute gate or timing change with the airline.
Current airport-area weather
Useful for planning your trip to the airport. This is model-based local weather, not an aviation METAR or an airline operational forecast.
Quick official checks
Open the source that matches the decision you are making right now.
When should I reach the airport?
A planning estimate based on flight type and common time buffers. Always increase the buffer for severe weather, major holidays, unusual airport alerts or airline instructions.
Connection-risk checker
This is a planning heuristic, not an airline minimum-connection-time rule. International arrivals that require U.S. entry processing, baggage claim and security can need substantially more time.
Parking cost estimator
Uses the airport-specific rates stored in this article's configuration. Rates can change; verify availability and final pricing on the official parking page before driving in.
Passenger pickup readiness
Landing time is not curb-ready time. Add time for taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, customs when applicable and walking to the correct pickup zone.
Used for flight planning, air traffic control, and flight simulators.
Located in Honolulu County, Oahu, Hawaii.
Renamed in 2017 to honor the late U.S. Senator.
Historically known as John Rodgers Airport and Honolulu International.
Five HNL details that prevent common airport mistakes
1. Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2
Terminal 1 primarily houses Hawaiian Airlines domestic flights. Terminal 2 handles most other major domestic and international carriers. Terminal 3 serves interisland commuter flights.
2. The Iconic Wiki Wiki Shuttle
HNL features open-air walkways alongside the famous Wiki Wiki shuttle buses to help passengers navigate between distant gates across sprawling concourses.
3. Agricultural Inspection
All baggage and passengers departing Hawaii are subject to USDA agricultural screening to protect mainland and local ecosystems from invasive species.
HNL Terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is structured across three passenger terminals. Knowing your airline before arriving saves significant time.
- Terminal 1: Home to Hawaiian Airlines (interisland and domestic operations). Gates A1 through A12, B1 through B4, and C1 through C6.
- Terminal 2: Handles international carriers and major U.S. airlines (such as Delta, United, American, Alaska, and Southwest). Gates D1 through D9, E1 through E10, and G1 through G6.
- Terminal 3: Located separately at the western end of the airport, serving small commuter interisland operators like Mokulele Airlines.
Transportation from HNL to Waikiki and Honolulu City Center
HNL is located about 9 miles (14 km) northwest of Waikiki. Travelers have several ground transportation options:
- TheBus: Honolulu’s public transit system (Routes 20 and 42) connects the airport to downtown and Waikiki. Luggage size restrictions apply (must fit under your seat).
- Rideshare (Uber / Lyft): Pickup zones are designated on the middle median curbside across from baggage claim.
- Taxis & Shuttles: Official taxi stands are located outside baggage claim areas on the ground level. Shared-ride shuttle desks are also available.
- Car Rentals: The Consolidated Rent-A-Car (CONRAC) facility is serviced by continuous shuttle buses operating from terminal lower levels.
HNL Parking Garages and Cell Phone Lot
HNL offers public parking across multi-level structures attached to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, as well as an economy lot.
- Terminal Garages: Hourly and daily rates apply for short-term and multi-day stays close to check-in counters.
- Cell Phone Lot: A free waiting area is available for motorists picking up arriving passengers, preventing curb congestion. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times.
Top FAQs about Honolulu airport code
What is the Honolulu airport code?
What is the 4-letter ICAO code for Honolulu airport?
What was the former name of HNL airport?
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How far is HNL airport from Waikiki?
Official sources and update policy
This page prioritizes data from the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) Airports Division. Official links guide you directly to state-managed resources.