This airport felt like a step back in time into the 80s. The carpets, the wall tiles, everything…read morefelt like the 80s. Despite being in a tropical climate, only parts of the airport are air conditioned. We walked for an incredibly long distance from the gate to the baggage claim, and we honestly were not sure if we were going the right way since signage was so poor. This airport is a step back in time but definitely needs some updating!

I've been to HNL airport a couple times in the past month, and depending on which terminal you are…read morein, it can either feel like a time warp or a newer up and coming modern airport. On the most recent trip, I flew United in the F gate area, and the food options were mediocre at best. Two burger kings, panda express, CPK, and mainland style poke spot, and none of the options were great. I definitely feel like it's a miss opportunity to have more local spots be featured at the airport (SFO is a great example of this) so those are craving one last local meal can get a taste one last time. While expected, the food is grossly overpriced and food quality isn't the best. The gates definitely feel dark and dingy at times, but hopefully when the renovation project is completed, it comes out to be more of a more enjoyable airport experience that matches the magic of the Hawaiian islands!

I have been to this airport a total of 6 times in my life, 4 of which I was just a teenager. Many…read morethings have changed since the last time I was here to this trip. There is quite a distance from the gates to baggage check. With the storm being fully active when we landed (late due to delay) with part of the airport passage ways being open air, there was flooding in certain areas between the gates and baggage claim. Our baggage came down rather quickly and we were greeted with Leis & a shuttle to our hotel. Though some of the areas were wet and flooded, this airport is really well run. Even upon our return to head back to the mainland, TSA lines were not outrageous and fairly quick to get through security. One thing we did notice when flying out of this airport was that all carry on baggage must go through an additional xray machine right before boarding, this is an agriculture check - which takes boarding the plane take slightly longer than other airports. Even with the added step getting through the airport was a breeze.

Hawaiian Airlines is the worst airline organization I have ever seen in my entire life. I will…read morestand by that statement until the day I die. I have traveled across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. I have flown to more countries than I can count. I've gone through airports with insecure systems, airports where absolutely zero English was spoken, and somehow still managed to check my bags and get my items where they needed to go. This is not a personal opinion. This is a fact based on experience. Hawaiian Airlines is the most disorganized airline I have ever seen in my life, and honestly, I could see them going out of business. As you can see from the pictures, there is absolutely nobody assisting customers. I don't know if they are short-staffed because they refuse to hire people or refuse to pay decent wages, but nobody is there to help because the employees themselves appear overwhelmed with responsibility. Secondly, you have to wait in a completely separate line just to get your bags tagged. If the system fails and doesn't allow you to check in properly, you have to restart the entire process from the beginning. Then, after finally tagging your bags, there is another completely separate line just to drop the bags off. If something goes wrong again, you are sent all the way back to the beginning. It makes absolutely no sense. You know the system where you get your bag tag and boarding pass, then drop your bags? The system used by 99.9% of airlines? I assume Hawaiian Airlines leadership said, "I have an idea. I'm going to make this whole system complicated and confusing for my customers." There are multiple breakdowns in this entire process. You have five employees running back and forth trying to help move bags, but only one main line that splits into two checkpoints for customers trying to check in. Instead of having workers properly stationed at counters assisting customers with bag weighing and bag drop, they have thousands of kiosks with nobody available to help anyone use them. Customers are left standing around trying to figure out broken computer systems that do not scan properly, do not recognize confirmation codes, and constantly fail during check-in. It is a complete mess. I will say this: the flight attendants were very nice, the plane itself was wonderful, and the staff assisting once I finally made it to the front were helpful. But the entire experience beforehand was unnecessarily complicated for absolutely no reason. There are actual classes and professional systems dedicated to organization and customer flow, and Hawaiian Airlines would greatly benefit from them because they are completely failing in this aspect. Lastly, Hawaiian Airlines needs to get its shit together.

A Peaceful Walk Back to the Parking Garage…read more After a long day of work off-island, the walk from Security Checkpoint to the Terminal 2 Parking Garage at Honolulu International Airport (Daniel K. Inouye International Airport) was a surprisingly relaxing way to end the day. Clean, Bright, and Well-Maintained The pedestrian bridge is clean, spacious, and beautifully illuminated. The modern design and open-air feel create a welcoming atmosphere, making the walk more enjoyable than expected. Beautiful Night Sky Views One of the highlights was the view of the Honolulu night sky. Looking out through the glass panels while crossing the bridge provided a peaceful moment to decompress after a busy day of travel and work. Plan Ahead and Give Yourself Extra Time Whether you're parking in the Terminal 2 Parking Garage or connecting to Skyline rail, I highly recommend planning ahead and mapping out your route. The walk is longer than it appears, and knowing where you're going can help minimize stress, avoid rushing, and ensure you arrive on time. Stay Alert and Aware While the area felt clean and safe during my visit, travelers should remain aware of their surroundings, especially during early morning and late evening hours. Being cautious and alert is always a good travel practice. Accessibility Considerations The distance between Gate E, Security Checkpoint 3, and the Terminal 2 Parking Garage may be challenging for elderly travelers, individuals with disabilities, or those carrying multiple bags. Additional seating, moving walkways, or transportation assistance would make the experience more accessible and comfortable. Opportunity for Enhanced Security For added peace of mind, I would recommend: * More visible security patrols * Additional surveillance cameras * Emergency call buttons along the bridge and parking garage These improvements would benefit both travelers and working residents who regularly use the facility. Final Thoughts The Terminal 2 bridge offers a clean, convenient, and scenic connection between the airport and parking facilities. The beautiful nighttime views and peaceful atmosphere made for a pleasant end to a long day. With a few accessibility and security enhancements, it could be even better. A smooth walk, a beautiful night sky, and a welcoming return home.

(Traveled 04/30/26 TH @ 6:00pm and many times before): Terminal 2 at this small international…read moreairport was your primary passage to and from the mainland! I recently traveled through Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) Terminal 2 on a red-eye Southwest Airlines to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). I've gone through this airport's specific terminal numerous times over the years for vacations. But recently, it's been under the guise of business aloha style! The airport's namesake was a Japanese American former WWII vet who later became a lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Hawaii between 1963 until his death in 2012. Here was a brief experience with this airport during this recent trip as I flew in and eventually flew out. PURCHASE(S) Kapua Channel - Aloha Beer Co. Hop Lei IPA Beer 6.75% ABV 20floz Draft + Maui Style Potato Chips 1.25oz Bag ($15.99 + $4.99): I grabbed a beer and chips while I waited for my flight (please see my review of this business for more details). SERVICE Upon arrival, Customs and Security were a breeze especially since I only had one carry-on and a backpack, my digital ticket was safely on my phone, and all directional signage was straightforward. Upon departure, it was pretty much the same. The only people I actually dealt with were the usually stoic Customs Agents; otherwise, I was self-sufficient and didn't need any assistance. Getting in and out of the terminals was a very pleasant experience - mahalo! PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance). There were parking structures with both short- and long-term options. However, this airport had a very good transit system that consisted of buses, taxi cab service, and Lyft or Uber stations. So, why would you park!? ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A medium-sized spacious airport terminal with parking structures, two terminals and an aforementioned convenient transit system! Once inside, easily marked directional escalators, stairs, bright electric lighting, a nice mix of natural lighting as you made your way through parts of the airport, duty-free shops and reasonably-priced eateries followed you everywhere. Various advertisements and decorations hung from the walls which gave the place some color. Once you made it into the heart of the airport, several soothing cultural gardens caught your attention for a possible stroll either through the Chinese Garden, the Hawaiian Garden, and the Japanese Garden, or the C.B. Lansing Garden. Specifically in Terminal 2, there was the "A.E. "Toots" Minvielle Memorial Statue, a cool children's art exhibit https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=JgNN7o4ZuI9H4tzxBHaUqA to support the arts, and a fun photo op stop https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=6mTPfXJQg-xqROmJmi28yw for tourists. And of course, you had the somewhat scenic tarmac with swaying trees and sitting airplanes. The walking aisles were wide and had signage in various languages. There were TV monitors throughout while announcements over the loudspeakers and the chatter of fellow travelers served as your background music. ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. I liked to be unencumbered and unfettered, so the least amount of clothing, especially while I traveled through an airport the better! OVERALL Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) Terminal 2 was perfectly fine due to easy navigation, all helpful smiling employees, and my love for all-things Hawaiian. This was the only major airport on the island of Oahu, so it also served as your gateway if you were hopping on a cruise out of Honolulu. The dining and shopping options were a tad limited mainly due to the size of the airport and this particular terminal, but what you had was more than sufficient. Generally-speaking, the less time I spent at an airport the better. I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $22.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, most if not all businesses accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS

Very pleased with the service. Van was clean, driver was friendly and we were greeted with fresh…read moreleis. They do not hold a sign at baggage claim for pick up but easy to find once I have them a call. At pick up we were running late and the driver waited for us. I would book again!

A nice taxi way to be stranded on highly recommend if you need to be evacuated this is the place to…read morebe

Aloha! We booked Hawaiian Airport Transport to pick us up and drop us off at the airport for our…read morefirst time in Hawaii, and like everything in Hawaii it was a very pleasant experience! I would 100% recommend everyone to book their transportation with them! Dale was very friendly from the beginning to the very end. Amazing experience! Thank you so very much Dale! Mahalo!

Absolutely loved the service from this company! Dale was extremely accommodating throughout our…read moretrip, despite my family making several changes in our plans. The car rides were comfortable and friendly, with Dale easily making conversations and having us feel relaxed after our late night flight. Due to traveling as a large party, we had to take two cars but all of our drivers were courteous and definitely deserve 5+ stars! I highly recommend traveling with this company! Best service ever!

I reached assistance and decided to call this business at +18556574900. The response time was…read moredecent and the person on the line tried to help as much as possible. I had to be transferred once, but the second representative handled things better and gave me the correct information. It wasn't perfect, but it was still a workable experience. I'm leaving this review to share how things went for me personally.

*(I ) connect assistance and decided to call this business at 19292245000.the response time was…read moredecent and the person on the line tried to help as much as possible. I had to be transferred once, but the second representative handled things better and gave me the correct information. it wasn't perfect, but I was still a workable experience. I'm leaving this review to share how things went for me personally.

At night this area looks very dark and creepy, most of the street lights are inoperable. I saw a…read morehomeless guy nearby. A Google search says this area is managed by the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT). With the amount of street lights out, it is obvious they are not maintained. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) needs to take accountability and maintain this area better. I wouldn't recommend this waiting area at night, especially if you are alone.

Waiting "area" at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. There used to be a cell phone "parking lot", but now, it's just a strip of curbing where family and friends can wait to pick up family and friends from the formerly named Honolulu International Airport. I guess I haven't used this waiting area recently. I usually leave for the airport at the arrival time of the flight. By the time I get to the airport, the person has already collected their luggage at the carousel and is on the sidewalk. They just have to tell me the pillar number that's next to them. Note: currently, Terminal 1 is Hawaiian Airlines and Terminal 2 is basically everyone else except Mokulele Airlines. Also: For Terminal 1 Arrivals area, International flights are first and United Airlines is at the end - about pillar number 61. Welcome to the Aloha State!

I fly a lot and many times use United. Their First Class is hit or miss and is really outdated on…read moremany of their planes. There's precious few flights that offer the full lay down "pods". But even what's offered is much more comfortable than coach...! The service seems to be decent. I occasionally get a truculent stewardess that seems to feel they need to exercise their irrational rage on unsuspecting travelers. It rankles. But mostly the service has been decent. Their partner ANA is much more fancy and takes service & in-flight meals to a whole new level...! Consider ANA if it's an option! I have noticed that the menu choices have greatly expanded when offered to pick your meal pre-flight. This is good and now fits a litany of different dietary needs.

Flights, transparency, and communication within considerate reasonable timing …read more I had booked a flight months prior to date of when I'm supposed to leave. My son's graduation was the filling day late afternoon in LasVegas. Timing was set perfectly. My daughter and I sat at our gate 2 hours before departure planned. An hour before scheduled time to leave I got a text for delayed flight for 16 hours!!! No United worker was there at the gate or desk to speak with, phone calls had me on wait for more than 45 min. I walked to every airline looking for a flight and it was all too late to book. I took the earliest available flight and missed my son's graduation! thanks United!

April 22, 2026 was the day the Alaska Eskimo and the Hawaiian Pualani officially married.... and…read morethis here is an update to my skimpy review of yesterday. Continuing on, the transition has not been the easiest I'm sure for the traveler, the airline employees and all others who were involved however slight in this marriage of Pualani and the Eskimo. The backhouse infrastructure is in full force and effect, and very noticeable starting with the reservation and check in processes. The combination of backhouse staffing was in the works over the past few years and has now come full circle. The jury is out still and all we can do is cross our fingers and hope for the best. The front of the house still uses the Pualani logo and designs in the terminal and on the flights (my first review outlines this) Gate and boarding area for interisland and domestic flights remain the same (so far). For the Hawaiian traveler, you will have many more options with Alaska especially on the domestic front. For the Alaska traveler, it's much easier now for you to visit the land of Aloha.! Happy Traveling (ps- 4th star for the unending dedication by the remaining Hawaiian Employee Alumi)

I'm not usually one to complain, but I felt this experience was worth sharing…read more While flying from Portland to Honolulu, I listened to a presentation about the Atmos credit card. The offer sounded very attractive: sign up for the card and receive 85,000 bonus points after meeting what was described as a relatively small spending requirement. Based on that information, I applied for the card when I got home. About two weeks later, I called customer service to ask about the bonus points. The first representative told me I needed to spend $4,000 to qualify. Later, another representative gave me different information, saying I should wait one or two billing cycles, or two to four weeks, for the points to appear. What makes this especially frustrating is that I previously had a Hawaiian Airlines credit card and membership and never had any issues. Everything was straightforward, and the benefits were delivered as promised. At this point, I'm confused about the requirements and timeline. I hope the bonus points arrive soon, but the information presented on the airplane does not seem to match the information I received afterward from customer service. I'm sharing this experience so others can carefully review the terms and conditions and know exactly what is required before applying.

I like this airport lounge. There is usually a hot food choice or two, Fruit and some sort of…read morevegetarian dish (tofu poke). There are always croissants, cinnamon roles, ramen noodles with hot water. There is a bar. The lounge has a lot of seating area and it is all comfortable seating. The staff here is very polite. The travelers are a mix but usually tend to have a lot more Japanese travelers. The restrooms have the are very clean and have bidet toilets. I don't drink caffeine and there is no decaf options for coffee. The view into the garden is excellent. Good space for an airport lounge.

Food is meh. They have a pancake maker that was interesting. Very spacious with a nice view of…read morethe garden. Alcohol choices were decent. Staff were friendly and the lounge was very clean. Bathrooms are dated. Bidets in each stall.