Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is the largest airport in the state of Hawai’i. Located on the island of Oahu, just a few miles from downtown Honolulu,
Honolulu International Airport
is a major hub for interisland flights, flights to the mainland, and international operations.
The airport was opened in 1927 and has grown significantly in its nearly 100-year history. Today, there are three terminals: the Daniel K. Inouye Terminal (which was previously named the Main Terminal), the Interisland Terminal, and the commuter terminal. Honolulu is connected to several destinations in the Pacific, Asia, and the United States.
According to data from the
United States Department of Transportation
(USDOT), more than 10.2 million passengers flew through HNL last year. More than 13 million seats were available throughout the year, with an average of 210.2 flights per day.
HNL is an airport that pays tribute to local culture and heritage, with outdoor areas and cultural exhibits. As one would expect at any airport, HNL has several dining options, retail shops, and lounges. According to the Hawai’i government website, HNL has 13 lounges, including one operated by the Four Seasons hotel.
Below is a full list of the lounges:
- ANA Suite Lounge
- ANA Lounge
- Delta Sky Club
- Four Seasons Resort Lana’i Guest Lounge
- Ko Olina Lounge
- KAL Lounge
- Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club
- Hawaiian Airlines Plumeria Lounge
- UC Member Lounge
- Lea Lea Lounge
- Sakura Lounge / American Airlines Admirals Club
- Qantas Business Lounge
- United Club
ANA Suite Lounge
The ANA Suite Lounge boasts a refined, yet understated interior. The lounge is available to travelers in First Class on ANA Group and/or Star Alliance-operated flights. Additionally, those with Diamond Service status and ANA Million Miler Program “Lounge Access Card” holders, can enter the lounge. The lounge is open from 08:30 until the final ANA flight of the day.
According to the airline, there are no showers available in this lounge. Dining includes salads and appetizers, as well as Hawaiian-style light meals.
ANA Lounge
This lounge is more accessible than the Suite Lounge. According to ANA, passengers traveling in Premium Economy or higher can access the lounge. Also, those with the following statuses can enter:
- Diamond Service
- Platinum Service
- Super Flyers
- Star Alliance Gold
- Star Alliance Member Carriers’ Paid Lounge Membership
- ANA Million Miler Program “Lounge Access Card” holders
Dining options seem limited, just like the SUITE lounge. Food includes salads and soups and Hawaiian-style light meals. The ANA lounge offers a family area and a nursing room. Operating hours are from 08:30 to the final ANA flight.
Delta Sky Club
The Delta Sky Club is located in Terminal 2 at HNL, across from gate F1. The lounge is open daily from 05:45 to 22:00. According to a recent review from Suites and Lobbies, the Sky Club has the best food offering of any airline lounge in the entire airport.
Several beverage options are available, from Mai Thais at the bar, to coffee, lemonade, and a digital coffee machine. Additionally, the Sky Club has a shave ice machine. The lounge also has sandwiches, charcuterie boards, soups, and other foods.
Four Seasons Resort Lana’i Guest Lounge
Not much updated information about the Four Seasons lounge is available online. According to One Mile At A Time in 2017, the lounge is only accessible to those staying at the Four Seasons in Lana’i, despite the company having four resorts across the islands. One of the unique features of this lounge is that hotel check-in can be done ait the airport, instead of on arrival at the hotel.
The Four Seasons has a resort ambassador that works at the lounge to assist with check-in and anything else related to the resort. The food options are limited but the space does have free WiFi and a quiet place to be before boarding.
Ko Olina Lounge
The Ko Olina Lounge is a reservation-based lounge for those staying at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club, Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu and the Beach Villas at Ko Olina. The space is small and only offers soft drinks and snacks for purchase. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance.
Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club
Hawaiian Airlines has Premier Clubs on Oahu, Maui, Hawai’i Island, and Kaui. IN HNL, the lounge is located on the second floor near gate A18. The Premier Clubs are accessible to North American and Neighbor Island First Class Hawaiian Airlines guests, Pualani Platinum and Gold members, and Premier Club members.
These are the amenities offered at the clubs:
- Pau Hana Snacks
- Coffee and Hot Tea
- Soda and Juice
- Dedicated Customer Service Agent for lounge guests
- High speed Wi-Fi
- AC & USB charging outlets
- Men & Women restroom (only in Honolulu)
Hawaiian Airlines Plumeria Lounge
The Plumeria Lounge is available for select Business Class and East Coast First class passengers, as well as Pualani Platinums flying internationally. Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines offers day passes, ranging from $25 to $40. The lounge is open daily from 06:30 to 22:00 in Terminal 1.
The lounge amenities are:
- Hot food
- Beer and Wines
- Coffee and Hot Tea
- Soda and Juice
- Assortment of Snacks
- Dedicated Customer Service Agent for lounge guests
- High speed Wi-Fi
- AC & USB charging outlets
- Men & Women restroom
IASS UC Member Lounge
The I.A.S.S. lounge is operated by the International Airport Service Systems, which is a company that handles chartered, other unscheduled flights, and diplomatic flights. The company is based in Japan and has lounges at Narita International Airport and one in Honolulu.
The lounge in Honolulu is small, with space for only 60 guests. Priority Pass members can access this lounge, which is located near the Garden Court Area in Terminal 2. Operating hours are from 07:30 to 13:30 and 14:00 to 18:00.
Lea Lea Lounge
The Lea Lea lounge is available regardless of airline or ticket class. As of April, the charge to access the space is $43. Open daily from 07:00 to 17:00, the lounge offers snacks and drinks, but no meals. Reservations can be made ahead of time through the company website.
Photo: Lea Lea Lounge
Sakura Lounge / American Airlines Admirals Club
The Sakura Lounge by Japan Airlines also serves as the American Airlines Admirals Club. Located near gate C1, the lounge opens three hours before the first JAL flight of the day and closes half an hour before the final departure.
The lounge offers hot meals (buffet style), snacks, alcohol (not draft beer), and has free WiFi. THe Sakura lounge is accessible based on the ticketed fare and airline status. Admirals Club members can also access the lounge and day passes are available.
Qantas Business Lounge
The Qantas lounge at HNL is open just five days a week, and closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The lounge is accessible for first and business class travelers, as well as Platinum One, PLatinum, and Gold members with Qantas. Qantas Club members and ANnual Guest Card holders can also access the lounge. The Qantas Business lounge is located in Terminal 2 and has the following amenities:
- Buffet breakfast food
- Business services
- Mimosa and Bloody Mary stations
- Premium local beers and wine
United Club
The United Club in Honolulu is primarily for Club members, United Club credit card holders, and Star Alliance Gold Travelers. Gold members from other Star Alliance programs can access the lounge even if flying United in economy. The lounge offers a buffet with varying options throughout the day, including soups, sandwiches, and salads.