Honolulu Airport at a glance
The airport is officially called Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). It was formerly Honolulu International Airport, and the old name still turns up in many guides. The address is 300 Rodgers Boulevard, and about 22 million passengers use it each year.
Most visitors go to Waikiki. The cheapest way is the Skyline rail plus the W Line bus. The easiest way with luggage is a shuttle, taxi or rideshare. Older guides still mention bus route 20, which no longer serves the airport. Hawaii time is UTC-10 all year, with no daylight saving time.
Airport to Waikiki: five options compared
Prices are for 2026 and per person unless noted.
| Option | Cost | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyline and W Line | $3.00 for a 2-hour pass, plus $2.00 for a HOLO card | 45 to 70 minutes | Light luggage and the lowest price |
| Shuttle (Roberts Hawaii Express) | From $29 | Depends on hotel stops | Groups and heavy luggage |
| Taxi | About $40 to $55 plus extras | – | Door to door, no booking |
| Uber or Lyft | About $32 to $36 on average, higher at peak times | About 24 minutes for 9 miles | Speed and a fixed estimate |
| Rental car | – | – | North Shore, windward coast and Kualoa |
A simple rule: take the train and bus if you travel light and arrive between 4 am and 10 pm. Take a shuttle, taxi or rideshare if you arrive late, have large bags or travel with children.
Oahu tours and transfers
Pearl Harbor trips, circle-island tours, snorkeling and luaus, with live prices and availability.
By Skyline and W Line
The cheapest way, and what to know before you try it.
The station
The Skyline station is called Lelepaua Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and sits between the International parking garage and the Terminal 2 garage. Entrances are on the ground floor and the fourth floor of both garages. Every train has luggage racks.
Skyline hours
Trains run from 4 am, and the last full trip starts at 10 pm. They come every 10 minutes until 8:30 pm and every 15 minutes after that.
Change to the W Line
Skyline does not go to Waikiki. Change to the W Line bus at Lelepaua or Āhua Lagoon Drive. The W Line runs via Nimitz Highway, Kakaʻako and Ala Moana Center to Waikiki.
W Line frequency
On weekdays a bus comes every 10 minutes at peak times, every 15 minutes at other times and every 30 minutes after 7 pm. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays it runs every 15 minutes, and every 30 minutes after 7 pm.
Fares
A cash ride on TheBus costs $3.25, with no transfers and exact change only. A 2-hour pass costs $3.00 and covers TheBus and Skyline. Skyline accepts only the HOLO card ($2.00), which you can buy at the machines at Lelepaua station.
Late arrivals
After 10:30 pm Route 42 replaces the W Line, with only one trip a day toward Waikiki. For a late flight, plan a shuttle, taxi or rideshare.
Luggage
TheBus allows one medium suitcase plus a smaller carry-on bag or backpack, stowed at your seat, with aisles clear. With more luggage, a shuttle or taxi is easier.
Shuttle, taxi, rideshare and rental car
Where each one picks you up.
Shuttle
The shared shuttle starts at $29 per person to Waikiki, and the price depends on your hotel and group size. It includes two standard suitcases and one carry-on per person. Pickup is at baggage claim 11, between claim 17 and International Arrivals, and at claim 31 on the center island. Staff in yellow aloha shirts will help.
Taxi
Taxis load on the center island in front of the baggage claims, run by a dispatcher in a yellow shirt. Fares to Waikiki are usually quoted around $40 to $55 plus extras, so ask for an estimate before you get in.
Uber and Lyft
Pickup is on the ground floor. At Terminal 1 go to the curb on the mountain side of baggage claim 6. At Terminal 2 go to the center island opposite claims 19, 20 and 31. Prices rise at peak times.
Rental car
Ten companies share one rental car center: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty and Sixt. You walk to it from Terminal 2, and shuttles from the other terminals run from 4 am to midnight. You need a car for the North Shore and Kualoa, not for Waikiki.
Buses
Since the Skyline opening in October 2025 the bus stops are at ground level, opposite the lei stands on Ala Onaona Street.
Plan the rest of your trip
Useful pages after you land.
Honolulu Airport: frequently asked questions
Does the Skyline go to Waikiki?
No. Change to the W Line bus at Lelepaua station or Āhua Lagoon Drive. The W Line runs via downtown, Kakaʻako and Ala Moana Center to Waikiki.
Does bus route 20 still go to the airport?
No. The W Line has served the airport since 16 October 2025. Guides and timetables from before that date are out of date.
How much is the airport shuttle to Waikiki?
From $29 per person, depending on your hotel and group size. The price includes two standard suitcases and one carry-on.
Can I take a large suitcase on the bus?
One medium suitcase plus a smaller bag is allowed if it fits at your seat without blocking the aisle. With more luggage take a shuttle or taxi.
What is the airport officially called?
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). It was formerly Honolulu International Airport.