Honolulu International ( HNL ) is the airport that most people arrive and depart from. While HNL is the main airport of the State of Hawaii, domestic flights are now arriving and departing from Kona (KOA) on the Big Island, Maui (OGG) and Lihue (LIH) on Kauai. HNL is considered to be one of the busiest airports in the United States, which is quite impressive considering the island’s small size. A number of major airlines have regularly scheduled flights into Honolulu after a brief stop at inter-island locations. Here are some of the inter-island, domestic and international carriers.
Inter-island Carriers:
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Go Airlines
- Inter-island Commuters:
- Island Air
- Pacific Wings
- Domestic Carriers:
- Alaska Airlines
- America West
- American Airlines
- Continental Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Northwest Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- United Airlines
- International Carriers:
- Air Canada
- Air New Zealand
- All Nippon Airlines
- China Airlines
- Eva Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- Philipines Airlines
- Polynesian Airlines
- Royal Tongan Airlines
- Qantas Airlines
Charter Airlines:
- Evergreen Airlines
- JALWAYS
- Omni International
- Ryan International
The two airlines presently flying between the Hawaiian Islands are Hawaiian Airlines, and Go Airlines. Island Air and Pacific Wings are your commuters. The interisland flights are relatively short, and never take more than an hour. Aloha Airlines went into bankruptcy in April 2008.
Once having arrived at the airport, there are many options for getting to Waikiki, which include by shuttle, taxi, private limousine charter or rental car. Most visitors to Oahu choose to rent a car, as this allows much freedom and flexibility in exploring the island.
The Bus services the airport and routes 19 and 20 will get tourists to the Waikiki resort area. The cost is only $2.00 per person, but be sure that your luggage either fits under your seat or sits on your lap or risk getting overcrowded (or at least dirty looks).Cabs are also easy to get, but are considerably more costly (as taxis often are). A nice alternative are the Reliable Shuttles that run between hotels and the airport for about $8 per person. You will definitely be able to find cheap shuttles to the airport, especially if you look at the free brochures/magazines in the racks that line the streets in touristy areas. You can get a ride for as little as $5 if you look around, and it is well worth it for door-to-door service (especially at the end of your vacation when you're lugging all the souvenirs back home). You will often have to call ahead to schedule a pickup at least 24 hours before, so be sure to plan ahead! Always ask for extra charges before booking any transportation.
The Hawaii Superferry is now sailing to Maui only. Kauai will begin soon. One way fares to Maui at the present is $39.00 one way, $52.00 if you take a car along. . This service will eventually link the four islands of Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. Honolulu will be the homeport of Oahu.
