A $600 Million HNL airport renovation is about to commence. The proposal for work expected to start in June 2013 includes the following:
- A new eleven-gate L-shaped “Mauka concourse” which will support larger planes located next to the inter-island terminal.
- Demolition and relocation of the commuter terminal (used primarily by Go!Mokelele and Island Air) to the opposite site of the airport (adjacent to UAL). The current HNL commuter terminal is not directly connected with the other terminals and is only accessible via a long walk and escalator/stairs from the adjacent Hawaiian Air terminal.
- A new multi-story car rental facility. The five-level 2,250 stall operation will replace the current single level car rental area and will increase car rental space by more than double.
We’re excited to see these significant improvements coming to HNL, the state’s primary transportation hub which last year handled nearly 20 million passengers. The current commuter terminal (not to be confused with the inter-island terminal) is isolated and ineffective. Increasing the car rental capacity should also help in eliminating the shortage of vehicles during high season periods.
HNL upgrades which have already taken place include new Wiki-Wiki buses, and a sorely needed, air-conditioned international arrivals corridor with moving walkways.
In addition, more changes would be helpful including new food choices. Is there anything else you’d like to see in terms of changes to Honolulu Airport?
Iconic Honolulu Airport opened in 1927 and was named John Rodgers Airport until 1947. The Hawaii airport ranks 10th in the nation for the number of international passengers due to its strategic mid-Pacific location.
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Most definitely I vote for increasing restroom cleaning services, and have a spirit of Aloha/music upon arriving/departing. After taking some first time relatives, their first comment was; where the Hawaiian music? Also a coffee house outside security as well! :). :). Thanks for listening!!
I so hope you don’t enclose the international arrival area. The wonderful Hawaiian air is why all those international customers come!! Not for more air conditioning. Honolulu air is always just perfect and it would be a shame not to have that ‘blast’ of air as we exit the planes.
Mahalo!
Cheryl
Whistler Canada and frequent HNL visitor 🙂
IT’S ABOUT TIME!
Honolulu International Airport is old and tired. It is in dire need of a facelift.
I would also suggest tearing down the old main terminal parking structure…and replacing it with a taller one, to match the height of the “new” eight-story parking structure near the Interisland Terminal that opened in February 2009.
It took about 18 months to build that parking structure, but the long-term benefits, etc., would be worth it.
Please also add an American Airlines Admirals Club, and place it near its three departure gates (17, 18, 19).
I have been flying into HNL almost yearly since 1978. The last ten years on Hawaiian Air…their terminal was located so far from the hub with no food or refreshment places except for a lone stand or two. This month we were so surprised to see that they relocated HA hate to the main terminal…what a relief. Since we are supposed to be there 2 hrs early it makes the waiting so much better. The other change I noticed was that they streamlined the once Agricultural check-in and now it’s all in one.
The only thing I would suggest is that there should be wonderful Hawaiian music to greet passengers when they arrive & music for those having to leave your beautiful state. Those coming here in the past have been disappointed by the lack of Aloha when they touch down.
Please leave an open air international corridor as is. 🙂 It is one of distinct features of HNL.
Sure would be nice to have a restaurant or coffee shop OUTSIDE of security so you could visit with and enjoy a meal with your friends before going thru security.
Please. Increase cleanliness services, ie, bathrooms, walkways, etc. very embarrassing for everything to look SO DIRTY!!!!!
Mahalo Nui Loa from a Hawaii Resident
Linda Appel