Have a short layover in Honolulu coming up? Don’t worry. The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is very passenger friendly and easy to navigate. The only problem you’re going to have is feeling sad for not having enough time to enjoy how amazing the airport is.
Domestic layovers over in Honolulu can be as short as 35 minutes. You’re going to want at least 1 hour to make a domestic to international connection, and probably 2 hours to make an international to domestic connection.
If that’s not enough to calm your fears, keep reading, as I’ll explain every possible situation in greater detail below. I can’t promise that I’ll make you feel any better about not spending enough time in Honolulu though. That’s on you.
Table of Contents
The reason why short layovers are ok in Honolulu
Short layovers are possible in Honolulu because of how simple the airport terminal design is. It’s not a small airport, but all concourses are connected airside and are accessible from one another once you pass the security checkpoint (no matter which security checkpoint you enter through).
Not only that, there is no designated international terminal at HNL. International flights tend to be grouped together with domestic flights of partner airlines, so it’s unlikely that you’re going to have to make a mad dash across the airport from one concourse to the next to make a connection.
For example, ANA international departures and arrivals are grouped together with United Airlines departures and arrivals (since both airlines are part of the Star Alliance).
What is the shortest recommended layover for domestic flights in Honolulu?
Layovers for domestic flights in Honolulu are a piece of cake, and can be made in as little as 35 minutes (see below). Since you won’t have to go through additional security checkpoints to move from one concourse to the next, it won’t take very long to get to your connecting gate.
Intra-island flights
Connecting to an intra-island flight from another domestic flight (whether it’s from the mainland or another island), is extremely simple. Having less than an hour to do it is plenty of time.
There are no additional security checks, and it’s just a matter of walking from one gate to the next. Since the Honolulu Airport is relatively organized and easy to navigate, it’s not going take long to reach your connection gate walking at a relatively normal pace.
Another reason why very short layovers are possible for inter-island flights is because of how small the aircraft typically are. It takes far less time to board an inter-island flight than it does for a flight to the mainland or an international destination. Speaking of which…
Mainland flights
You’re going to want at least 1 hour layover to connect to a US mainland flight from any other domestic flight at Honolulu. Not because you have to go through any additional security checks or anything, but simply because the aircraft are typically larger and they take longer to board.
What is the shortest recommended layover for international flights in Honolulu?
The layover time that you’ll need to make an international connection at Honolulu is a little longer than it is for domestic flights.
Connecting TO an international flight
Connecting to an international flight from a domestic flight at HNL is nearly the same as what you’ll need for a domestic to domestic connection.
However, since the aircraft are typically larger, and federal regulations require being onboard earlier than you would for a domestic flight, 1 hour and 20 minutes is what I would recommend for a domestic to international connection at HNL.
Connecting FROM an international flight
Connecting from an international flight to another flight (either domestic or international) is going to take 2 hours at least. Anything less than that would make me nervous, since you will be required to go through passport control and customs upon arrival.
Although the Honolulu Airport is well-equipped to handle international arrivals, getting through passport control and customs can take a while if you arrive at the same time as other international flights.
If it were me, I would want at least 3 hours to make this as stress-free as possible. Even if things go smoothly, it’s going to take the time to get through passport control and customs (and then to have to re-clear security), so the more time you have, the better.
A brief overview of the terminal layout at Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is one of my favorites. Unlike most other airports in the US, there are large portions of the airport that are exposed to the elements (meaning that you’ll get to go outside to walk between concourses).
The fact that you can go outside and get some fresh air between flights (without having to re-clear security) is one of the things that makes short layovers in Honolulu something that I wouldn’t reccomend. This is a nice airport to spend some time in!
Walking time between all terminals at HNL
The Honolulu Airport is fairly small as far as large international airports go. Walking from one end to the other shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes (assuming that you can do it without stopping to take in the sights of the surrounding landscape). And yes, all terminals / gates are connected airside.
I’ve spent a lot of time in the Honolulu Airport over the past 20 years, and I feel like I’ve gotten to know it pretty well. Here’s how long it typically takes me to walk from one part of the airport to the other:
Terminal 1 A gates to:
- Terminal 1 B gates: 5 minutes
- Terminal 2 C gates: 7 minutes
- Terminal 2 D gates: 8 minutes
- Terminal 2 E gates: 10 minutes
- Terminal 2 F gates: 11 minutes
- Terminal 2 G gates: 16 minutes
Terminal 1 B gates to:
- Terminal 1 A gates: 5 minutes
- Terminal 2 C gates: 2 minutes
- Terminal 2 D gates: 3 minutes
- Terminal 2 E gates: 5 minutes
- Terminal 2 F gates: 6 minutes
- Terminal 2 G gates: 11 minutes
Terminal 2 C gates (Ewa Concourse) to:
- Terminal 1 A gates: 7 minutes
- Terminal 1 B gates: 2 minutes
- Terminal 2 D gates: 2 minutes
- Terminal 2 E gates: 3 minutes
- Terminal 2 F gates: 4 minutes
- Terminal 2 G gates: 9 minutes
Terminal 2 D gates (Central Concourse) to:
- Terminal 1 A gates: 8 minutes
- Terminal 1 B gates: 3 minutes
- Terminal 2 C gates: 2 minutes
- Terminal 2 E gates: 2 minutes
- Terminal 2 F gates: 3 minutes
- Terminal 2 G gates: 8 minutes
Terminal 2 E gates (Central Concourse) to:
- Terminal 1 A gates: 10 minutes
- Terminal 1 B gates: 5 minutes
- Terminal 2 C gates: 3 minutes
- Terminal 2 D gates: 2 minutes
- Terminal 2 F gates: 12 minutes
- Terminal 2 G gates: 7 minutes
Terminal 2 F gates (Central Concourse) to:
- Terminal 1 A gates: 11 minutes
- Terminal 1 B gates: 6 minutes
- Terminal 2 C gates: 4 minutes
- Terminal 2 D gates: 2 minutes
- Terminal 2 E gates: 4 minutes
- Terminal 2 G gates: 5 minutes
Terminal 2 G gates (Diamond Head Concourse) to:
- Terminal 1 A gates: 16 minutes
- Terminal 1 B gates: 11 minutes
- Terminal 2 C gates: 9 minutes
- Terminal 2 D gates: 8 minutes
- Terminal 2 E gates: 7 minutes
- Terminal 2 F gates: 5 minutes
You should also note that (depending on what concourse your flight is departing from) you may have to pass through an agricultural checkpoint. It’s basically an x-ray machine for your bags, but you don’t have to go through a metal detector of any kind. Plan on a couple extra minutes if one of these agricultural inspection stations is in operation.
How long of a layover do you need in Honolulu for a no-stress connection?
Whenever I make a domestic to domestic connection in Honolulu, I want a layover of at least 2 hours. I never end up needing more than an hour, but there’s no harm in being extra cautious. Flight delays, bad weather, being mesmerized by the beauty of the landscape surrounding the airport… anything can happen and you’ll want to be prepared for it.
I would want 3 hours for an international connection at Honolulu (either to a domestic flight or another international flight). 4 hours might be even better, but depending on how quickly the passport control and customs line is moving, that may be a bit overkill. A 3 hour layover is my minimum for this kind of connection though. Anything less than that, and I’m starting to stress out.
Tips for making really short layovers at Honolulu
My biggest tip for making a short layover in Honolulu is to avoid short connection times altogether. Seriously, it’s one of the most interesting airports in the US, and not having the time to walk through it at a leisurely pace and soak it all in would be a travesty.
However, as a frequent flyer, I know that short layovers are impossible to avoid sometimes. Here’s how to handle them at HNL without stressing out:
- Have a plan before you go! Study the terminal map before you arrive, just to get a sense of where you need to go once you arrive.
- Extra patience will be necessary. I’d wager to bet that there are more in frequent fliers transiting through the Honolulu airport on a daily basis more than any other in the United States. Hawaii is a vacation destination after all, so be prepared to deal with large families with small kids and people who generally aren’t as familiar with the air travel process.
- Don’t stress out if you have to pass through an agricultural checkpoint before entering a concourse. Although the lines For these may look long, they move longevity quickly and you’ll be through it and just a matter of minutes.
Alfred
Hi Scott! This is Alfred aka Bay Area Traveler. I’m glad I found this blog of yours regarding layovers at HNL! This was super helpful in my decision as to what to do with my recent flight from Sydney Australia. I had to decide whether to do stopover at Honolulu on HA or just do a direct SYD to SFO flight on UA. In the end, I didn’t want to mess with having to clear customs at HNL and changing gates and then going through security all over again and so I decided to cancel my return HA flight and booked the UA flight direct to SFO and that ended up being the right decision!
Scott (SANspotter)
Glad you found this useful Alfred! I probably would have done the same thing, even though I much prefer HA over UA. Hope you had a nice trip!
Alfred
Hi Scott, I am planning on flying from Sydney to SFO with a short layover at HNL. Do you think 1.5 hour is enough? I do have Global Entry so maybe that’ll help expedite Passport control and custom? Thanks for your advice!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Alfred – yes, I think you’ll be fine. Having Global Entry is going to save you a lot of time (it’d be a tight connection to make without it IMHO). Too bad you’re not doing a longer stopover in Hawaii!
Diane
Hi Scott. Have a 9:20 am international flight from Honolulu to Auckland on Air NZ. The earliest we can get there is 7:10 am, coming from the Big Island on Southwest and Air NZ requires check in 2 hours in advance. Seems like we may need to come to Honolulu the night before instead but appreciate your advice and experience.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Diane – 2 hours and 10 minutes will be more than enough time to make a domestic to international connection at HNL (even if you have to retrieve your checked luggage and check in). Also, I’d assume that the 2 hour “requirement” is just their way of trying to get people there on time without any issues. I can’t see how they could possibly enforce that – but note that check in will probably close 30 minutes before departure.
I think you’ll be fine, but if it were me, I’d probably choose to stay in Honolulu the night before. I’m basically a worrywart (lol) and I’d much prefer not worrying about making that connection.
Diane
Hi Scott, Air NZ says check in and luggage drop off *closes* 2 hours before. I think they are doing what you say and won’t be strict about it, but we’ll likely stay the night before anyway in case of delays and to not feel stressed. (Added bonus of not having to be up at the crack of dawn to get the early flight!). Thanks for your advice. Really appreciate the info you have made available here in your article. Cheers, Diane
Marissa
Hi! I am traveling to Japan with a layover in Honolulu. I was debating between choosing a longer layover and staying in a hotel for a night or just doing a 4 hour layover. From your post I am guessing 4 hours is enough to connect international to my mainland flight. I guess it just depends if I want that overnight to sleep in a bed and relax and break up the trip a little.
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Marissa – yes, 4 hours will be more than enough time. You won’t have any issues at all. I would recommend taking an overnight layover if you can though! I mean, it’s Hawaii… 🙂
Kristian
Hi Scott. Thanks for your helpful guide. I am flying in from LAX to HNL and need to book a connecting flight to Maui (unfortunately can’t change the original ticket) and have the option of a 2h or 3h10m layover. I will have to collect and recheck bags but seems from your guide the 2h should be plentiful? Thanks
/Kristian
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Kristian – you’re very welcome! Yeah, 2 hours should be plenty of time. I’d go with that.
Keep in mind that if your inbound flight is delayed and you end up missing your connection, you won’t get compensated for it. They won’t even put you on the next flight since you were technically a no show for the first one.
Kat R
Hello Scott, I have a flight from LAX to Tokyo with a 1.5 hour layover in Honolulu. The airlines I am using are sister company’s (United & ANA). Trying to ease my mind regarding if I need to re-check my bags for the 2nd half of my flight and making it on time for my flight. Wondering if I’d be able to do everything within that time and be ok? Thank you
/Kat
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Kat! An hour and a half is going to be very easy. Your luggage will be checked all the way through to Tokyo, so you’re not going to have to deal with it in Honolulu. Simply walk from one gate to the next – no security checks required. Have a great trip!
Laura M
Hi Scott, Super glad I found your blog. We are booked on HA from LAX to Honolulu, then on to Auckland also on HA. We have a 2 hr connection time. Sounds like we’ll probably be ok, but would love to get your input. Any idea of what terminals we will be arriving and departing in? Thanks so much, Laura
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Laura! Yes, two hours will be perfectly ok if you have carryon bags only, since the only thing you are going to have to do is walk from one gate to the next (all terminals are connected behind security at HNL). Going through customs and/or passport control won’t be required.
Having to claim checked luggage (and then re-check with Air New Zealand) will make things a bit more complicated. You should still have enough time, but you’re going to have to hustle.
Hawaiian Airlines uses terminal 1 and Air New Zealand uses terminal 2. That’s about a 10 minute walk based on my experience.
Have a great trip!
Jenni M
Planning a trip of 6 adults next next summer to Kona (KOA) from the Bay Area. Are there any direct flights? HA doesn’t, and we’d need a connecting flight from either HNL or OGG. Which would be the best for lunch layover and smoothest connection? Any insights would be helpful. Thanks!
Scott (SANspotter)
Hi Jenni! At the time of this writing, United has 3 daily nonstops from SFO to Kona (KOA). Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines (maybe even Southwest) might add their own nonstops between now and then, but right now, United looks to be the only nonstop option.
Hawaiian Airlines will be your best option for the interisland flights IMHO (although you will have to purchase those flights separately). It’s also worth noting that the Kona airport is extremely small, so switching from United to Hawaiian Airlines will be quick and easy. Have a great trip!
Mike
Hi Scott love your blog. I have a short layover of 2 hr 10 minutes coming from Kona and then transferring to an International Qantas flight to Sydney .
I assume i will have to re-check bags coming from Hawaiian Air to Qantas and transit between terminal 1 and 2. In your experience will this be enough time to make the flight?
Thanks
Scott (SANspotter)
Thanks Mike! Yes, you will need to retrieve and then re-check your luggage with Qantas. Moving between Terminals is relatively quick and easy at the Honolulu Airport since it’s essentially one building (everything is connected). 2 hours and 10 minutes should be plenty of time assuming that your flight from Kona arrives relatively on schedule. Have a great trip!