When traveling by private jet, most passengers arrive on the Hawaiian Islands at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. It’s by far the biggest and busiest hub in Hawaii and located only three miles from downtown Honolulu, the state capital.
Oahu is the third-biggest of the islands, and is very popular with tourists. The warm, sunny weather is one of the many reasons people spend time here. It’s also a magnet for surfers, who flock here from all over the world.
Oahu has plenty to offer. As well as spectacular beaches, there is a lush interior dotted with tropical plantations, towering cliffs, and a relaxed island vibe. There’s also lots of luxury accommodation and outdoor activities available, and sampling the local, tropical cuisine can also be a highlight.
If you want to spend time enjoying the charms of Oahu and the other Hawaiian islands, then Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is the main airport option. This guide outlines all you need to know about the facility, as well as Oahu itself.
IATA / ICAO Code: HNL / PHNL
Location: 3 miles northwest of central Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Opening times: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is open 24 hours a day
Terminals: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has two main terminals
Facilities & Other Services
Lounges: There are 15 lounges at Honolulu Airport. These include airline lounges operated by US, Canadian, Asian, and Australasian carriers. There are several other lounges, too, including a Four Seasons lounge.
Duty-Free Shopping: A DFS branch can be found at HNL airport for duty-free shopping. There are also a number of other stores at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. These sell a wide range of goods, including designer clothing and accessories.
Restaurants and Cafes: There are various places to eat and drink at terminals one and two at Honolulu airport. These include coffee shops, fast food outlets, grill restaurants, and pubs.
Airlines: Around 19 scheduled and charter airlines operate at HNL. Private jet charter companies also use the airport.
Currency Exchange: There are currency exchange services and ATMs located in terminals one and two at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
Medical Facilities: Honolulu Airport offers a paid medical clinic at terminal two, Automated Emergency Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the airport, trained volunteer staff, and access to emergency medical care.
Airlines: About 19 domestic and international carriers operate at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, as well as private charter companies.
About Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is the largest in Hawaii. Most domestic and international passengers arrive on the Hawaiian Islands at HNL. Many carriers have used the airport as a transpacific stopover point, too.
The name comes from Daniel Inouye, a Medal of Honor awardee and Honolulu native who represented Hawaii in the US Senate for almost 50 years.
The airport is just three miles from central Honolulu and Hawaiian Airlines’ main hub. It first opened in 1927 as John Rodgers Airport. In 1947, it was renamed as Honolulu Airport and is often still referred to as such due to its location. It was given its current name in 2016 in honor of Daniel Inouye, who died a few years previously.
The airport’s most recent expansion took place in 2021. This included the addition of the consolidated rental car center.
Oahu Travel Guide
Waikiki and Honolulu: Waikiki Beach, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops, is world-famous. It’s very popular with surfers in particular. There are also breathtaking views of Diamond Head from Waikiki.
The Honolulu area also offers hula shows at Kuhio Beach, Honolulu Zoo, and Waikiki Aquarium, plus luxury resorts catering to the most discerning guests.
North Shore: The famous North Shore of Oahu comprises a stretch of tropical coastline dotted with exotic beaches. This part of the island is much more laid-back than busy Waikiki.
The beaches of the North Shore are used for professional surf competitions, so it’s not surprising that the area is a mecca for board riders. Charming Haleiwa Town is also very charming, with lovely cafes and restaurants, a plethora of surf shops, and independent art galleries.
You can also take a tour of the Dole pineapple plantation while in this part of the island or go snorkeling among colorful sea creatures at Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District.
Pearl Harbor: Pearl Harbor National Memorial honors those who were lost while educating the public about the past. It is free to visit. However, reservations are recommended if you want to participate in specific programs.
Diamond Head: Diamond Head lies east of Waikiki and is a uniquely shaped volcanic tuff cone. Diamond Head State Monument is known for the moderate Diamond Head Summit Trail, a 1.5-mile hiking loop that takes around two hours to complete. There are panoramic views of Oahu’s coastline from the summit. Diamond Head is also significant in terms of military history.
Oahu Climate: Like the other Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is very often blessed with blue skies and sunshine. The island has a tropical wet and dry climate. The dry season, or summer, runs from May to October. Typical summer highs can be around 81°F to 86°F, with about three wet days per month. The winter - or wet - season is between November and April. This brings slightly cooler weather, with daytime highs reaching around 77°F to 81°F. There are around half a dozen storms per year in Oahu, and most will be during the wet season. At this time of year, the average rains are about five days per month. For visitors from other U.S. states and overseas, Oahu’s weather can feel hot and humid during any season.
Why not travel by private jet charter to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Oahu, Hawaii, where you can benefit from the convenience, comfort, and privacy of a private jet? Our team is available 24/7.
