Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), often called Honolulu International Airport, is in Honolulu on Oʻahu, 10 miles from Waikīkī. You can travel between them by taxi, shuttle, pre-arranged ground transport, ride app, rental car or public transit.
- Airport to Waikīkī: 10 miles.
- Bus connection: The W Line runs eastbound from HNL toward Waikīkī.
- Hotel reference: HNL is about a 38-minute drive from Halekulani - NO RESORT FEE.
Where HNL is in relation to Waikīkī
HNL is in Honolulu, and Waikīkī lies 10 miles from the airport. The route places the airport west of central Honolulu and Waikīkī; the W Line bus travels through downtown and Kakaʻako before reaching Ala Moana Shopping Center and Waikīkī.
For your arrival plan, first decide whether you want a direct ground transfer or a public-transit connection. If you are heading to Halekulani -, the airport is about a 38-minute drive from the hotel.
Ground transportation options
The airport says HNL ground-transport choices include taxis, on-demand shuttles, pre-arranged transportation, ride apps, rental cars and TheBus.
Ride-app pickup zones are on the ground level at Terminals 1 and 2. At Terminal 1, the marked pickup is outside Baggage Claim 6.
At Terminal 2, pickups are at the median between Baggage Claims 19 and 20, or at the median across from Baggage Claim 31. Airport pickup arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
For a rental car, the airport’s Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility, or CONRAC, houses 10 on-airport rental-car companies. It is directly across from Terminal 2, outside Baggage Claims 26 and 31; passengers arriving at Terminal 2 Baggage Claims 19–31 can walk to its entrances.
Rental-car shuttles serve designated pickup points for passengers arriving at Terminal 1 Baggage Claims 6–11, Terminal 2 International Arrivals or Baggage Claims 16–18, and Terminal 3. Shuttle service runs during CONRAC’s daily operating hours, 4:00 a.m. to midnight, though individual rental-company hours may differ.
If you booked with an off-airport rental company, arrange pickup with it in advance; the airport directs customers to the pre-arranged area at the west end of CONRAC’s ground level.
How do you take public transit from HNL to Waikīkī?
The W Line is the bus route connecting HNL with Waikīkī. Its eastbound route travels via Nimitz Highway, Downtown Honolulu, Kakaʻako and Ala Moana Shopping Center before reaching Waikīkī.
The W Line stop is east of the lei stands on Ala Onaona Street, in front of Lelepaua Station. On weekdays, service runs every 10 minutes during peak hours, every 15 minutes off-peak and every 30 minutes after 7:00 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, service runs every 15 minutes and every 30 minutes after 7:00 p.m.
Route 42 is a limited late-night alternative: service is available only after 10:30 p.m., with one eastbound airport-to-Waikīkī trip daily.
Skyline serves the airport, but its airport station is not the same as a direct bus ride to Waikīkī. Lelepaua Station is between the International Parking Garage and Terminal 2 Parking Garage, with entrances at ground level and on the fourth floors of both garages.
A free Wiki Wiki bus connects Terminals 1, 2 and 3 with the Skyline station. Its ground-level stops are at the Terminal 1 center median and curbside at Terminals 2 and 3; it operates daily from 3:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Skyline service runs from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. as the start of the last full trip. Trains run every 10 minutes from 4:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Additional trips run in both directions after 10:00 p.m., but those late-night trips do not serve the entire route. All Skyline trains have dedicated luggage racks.
Planning for luggage and arrival time
Check your baggage and arrival time before choosing a transit connection. TheBus allows each passenger one standard medium suitcase and one smaller carry-on-size bag, or a carry-on-size backpack without a metal frame. You must carry and stow your items without blocking aisles or taking extra seats.
Cash or a HOLO card is accepted on TheBus; Skyline requires a HOLO card. Free transfers between Skyline and TheBus are allowed within two hours of the initial paid tap, while cash fares do not include transfers.
For late arrivals, compare your landing time with the bus, shuttle and Skyline service periods. Rental-car company hours may vary, and the airport’s pickup details and operating information are time-sensitive.
FAQs
How far is Honolulu International Airport from Waikīkī?
HNL is 10 miles from Waikīkī, according to the airport’s FAQ.
Which bus goes from HNL to Waikīkī?
The W Line connects the airport with Waikīkī, traveling east via Downtown Honolulu, Kakaʻako and Ala Moana Shopping Center.
Can you take luggage on TheBus?
Each passenger may bring one standard medium suitcase and one smaller carry-on-size bag, or a carry-on-size backpack without a metal frame. Items must be carried and stowed without blocking aisles or taking extra seats.
Does Skyline connect directly with the airport terminals?
A free Wiki Wiki bus connects Terminals 1, 2 and 3 with Lelepaua Station. All Skyline trains have dedicated luggage racks.