Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oʻahu

This article was originally published on Oct. 16, 2008, and was updated Feb. 5, 2026.

Though one of the 20 busiest in the world, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), formerly known as the Honolulu International Airport, is surprisingly easy to navigate when you’re island-hopping or arriving in or departing from the islands.

HNL offers non-stop departures to many major locations, both internationally and in the continental United States, as well as inter-island flights to neighbor island airports, including:

• Kahului Airport and Hana Airport on Maui

• Lihu’e Airport on Kaua’i

• Kona International Airport at Keahole on Hawaiʻi Island

• Hilo International Airport on Hawaiʻi Island

• Lāna’i Airport on Lana’i

• Molokaʻi Airport and Kalaupapa Airport on Molokaʻi

Who Was Daniel K. Inouye?

Hawaiʻi’s largest airport is named after late Hawaiʻi Senator Daniel K. Inouye, who served as a senator for more than 49 years, until his death in 2012.

Inouye was president pro tempore from 2010-2012, making him third in line of presidential succession and the highest-ranking public official of Asian descent in United States history.

Honolulu International Airport was officially renamed in honor of Inouye in 2017.

The airport was built In 1927 and originally named the John Rodgers Airport, after a prominent local naval officer

To Waikīkī: 25 to 35 minutes

To Ko ʻOlina: 25 to 35 minutes

To North Shore: 1 hour, 15 minutes to 1 hour, 30 minutes

*Times may vary depending on traffic

Where to pick up your rental car

The entrance to the rental car facility is located across from Terminal 2, outside of Baggage Claims 26 and 31. From Terminal 1 Baggage Claims 6-11, Terminal 2 International Arrivals, Baggage Claims 16-18 and Terminal 3, take the rental car shuttle to the Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility. When you arrive, go to Level 2 to check in.

There are 10 rental car companies located at the airport including:

• Alamo

• Avis

• Budget

• Dollar

• Enterprise

• Hertz

• National

• Payless

• Thrifty

• Sixt

Heading to Waikīkī?

If you're heading to Waikīkī, we recommend taking a rideshare, taxi, bus or airport shuttle (ask your hotel if they provide this service). Waikīkī is super walkable (you can also rent a bike by the minute) and Honolulu has one of the best bus systems in the country. Rideshares, shuttles and tours are also available to take you anywhere.

While you wait...

This airport is partially open-air and includes several gardens where you can take a walk, eat or just be outside in nature while you wait for your flight.

• E Gates - Chinese, Hawaiian and Japanese Gardens designed by Richard C. Tongg.

• Terminal 1, ground level near walkway to Terminal 2 - C. B. Lansing Garden

Find airport restaurants here.

Find airport shopping here.

Also onsite: Business center, ATMs, jail, post office and travel agencies.

Airport Location: 300 Rodgers Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96819