It’s been almost two years since the much-anticipated 230,000-square-foot Mauka Concourse at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, pictured above, opened in August 2021. We were initially excited about it, but when we visited it last fall, we were left shaking our heads about exactly what the Hawaii Department of Transportation had created.
The new terminal, one of the most significant projects at HNL, was built to accommodate up to 12 aircraft and to alleviate congestion in the other terminals, especially in the morning and early afternoon. The terminal is so massive that it adds about 30% to the airport’s overall capacity.
While the gates are fine, the rest of the terminal is largely dysfunctional.
As pictured above, the space inside the terminal is cavernous and remains mostly unused. Other than at the gates, the terminal is also devoid of seating, or much of anything else for that matter, except for a few venues and a small number of seats along the “great room” far wall. It is just one very large and expensive space to maintain that serves little function until you reach the gates rather far from the terminal entry. That is with the exception of the concessions as shown in our photos. The one that greets you first upon terminal entry is Dunkin Doughnuts Express.
New Honolulu Airport concessions added recently.
A bar area has been added since we were last there; it was reasonably busy when we passed through last Sunday afternoon. There’s also a small grab-and-go store. Everything is what we’ll call unbranded since it uses the obscure name associated with the concourse. We have to wonder what happened to the branded concessions that long-term vendor HMS Host has been promising for the better part of two decades that never appeared. And the reason it took more than a year to add even these joints is reported to have been building permit issues.
A new restaurant has also opened in the concourse which has a bar seating area as well. The restaurant’s appearance was good, but the food looked less interesting. So much so that we ultimately decided not to eat there this time. The choices varied from a Mauka Burger at 22.75 to rice bowls from $23 to $25. There are also breakfast options in the morning, from $16 to $26. We’ll do a dining review there shortly, but we will stick to a broader look at the Mauka Concourse for today.
As pretty as the Mauka Concourse is, at least in some ways, being new and having a very high ceiling, we were left cold by the experience when we first visited last year, and once again when we were there this past weekend. We said before that the term “putting lipstick on a pig” may apply, and it still does. “For as much as it cost and the capacity and cosmetic uplift it gives to the appearance of the aging Honolulu airport, you’re in for some surprises, one of which is that you’d better still pack your lunch.”
The terminal is that of Hawaiian Airlines, which said in 2021, “The Mauka Concourse will offer an improved experience for Kama’aina travelers and visitors, our employees, and all other airport users.” Our take is that their statement remains only partially true.
The new “non-island vibe” for Honolulu Airport.
Gone are those unforgettable floral fragrances that many love to this day and that are unique to HNL. The design is all enclosed and fully air-conditioned. With something so intrinsic to Hawaii missing entirely there, the new terminal, whose appearance could place it anywhere in the world, had better live up to some other pretty high standards. But it doesn’t.
The last time we transited the Mauka Concourse was when flying to Los Angeles and offering a review of Hawaiian Airlines economy class. We’d been warned that there was no food in the terminal and that it is quite a long walk to the nearest and, might we add, terrible, food options in the next terminal, Terminal 1.
Speaking of Terminal 1: It is worn out and leaves a lot to be desired.
The new Mauka Concourse is at the far end of the airport. Walking towards the other end, you’ll first encounter 30-year-old Terminal 1, which we still call the interisland terminal. We are so accustomed to it, having been in that terminal literally hundreds of times, that we forget its appearance. Have a look above. The very low ceilings, and old everything are somewhat more shocking now, when walking out of the large and open new terminal.
Worst airport food in U.S. with Hawaii’s HMS Host.
Terrible food at Honolulu Airport results from the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation’s questionable choice of concessionaire, HMS Host. We believe that their current contract will expire in 2025. The airport has had the dubious distinction of being rated multiple times as having among the worst food options of any airport in the U.S. That according to J.D. Power’s North America Airport Satisfaction Study.
A pop-up Dunkins doughnut shop and a bar were the first to open in the Mauka Concourse. And that was followed by the one restaurant.
As we said previously, “The food at the airport has been rated the worst of all airports surveyed in the U.S., and it is understandable why. What doesn’t make sense is why Hawaii has allowed this situation to continue. Just letting our minds wander, countless possibilities could make the food at HNL a gastronomic and cultural standout. We’re reminded of the incredible food options at Singapore’s Changi Airport. Instead, the nearest food choices beyond the Mauka Terminal are the adjacent (but not nearby) Terminal 1. There you’ll find Burger King, which closed by 5:00 pm., and Stinger Ray’s. We last ended up at Starbucks.”
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No signage. Not all travelers are part of a group with a guide. I’ve gotten best info of where to go from custodial staff!
I feel sorry for the local residents who pay outrageous taxes here. The services does not measure up to what they pay for. We’ve traveled a lot and the interisland terminal is similar to most 3rd world countries. Again, someone other than the locals and visitors made a lot of “Kala” Thanks to the administration, politicians and contractors (Union, of course).
Our first impressions of the new terminal was bright, spacious, and clean, yet lacking in dining options. If the terminal were to add comfortable seating areas( couches, benches, chairs) and workspace areas similar to those offered at the San Francisco International Airport, terminals A,B, C , D, it would be a great improvement. Using local designers implementing native colors, prints, and flora would have a charming effect. I have positive hope for my hometown airport!!!🌴🐠🌸
Arrived last Friday afternoon. All I could smell was an airport filled with the smell of frying chicken in old oil. Made me literally sick. Miss the days of the smell of flowers!
Comparing HNL International to Singapore International is kind of dumb!
But, I must agree, that HNL needs a different vision. One thing that is huge is, families who go to the airport to say good bye to their family and friends as they leave the Islands Have No Where to even buy a snack or spend some quality time with them! Nothing for the people on this side of the airport! Shameful. Maybe next time, ask the people of Oahu what you would like to see done to the airport instead of having deal makers decide, what they want to see at the airport!
I agree, Airports like the ones in Japan have restaurants and shops open to the public Before security check point.
They even have an observation deck on the roof.
The closest thing to that at HNL is the Dunkin Donut/iHop area which is Not walking distance away…
Aloha,
We couldn’t agree more with your assessment of the food offerings in the new terminal and the airport in general. That being said, we continue to be pleased with the helpfulness and kindness of airport workers.
The airport can improve in regard to the retail/food space certainly in comparison to other airports in the continental US. However, keeping the Hawaiian feel is important.
We have been traveling to Oahu for the last 15 years from the Boston/New England market. Now that we are retired we finally have the time to reach out to the other Hawaiian islands. While Honolulu and Hilo airports are massively different in size, little Hilo presents an island “feel”. Maybe some consideration should be given to this when a new vendor is selected in the upcoming years.
Mahalo and thank you for your writings!
Marty
Hi Marty.
Thanks. And welcome.
Aloha.
I had such high hopes for this terminal! Sadly, it has completely disappointed me; really I am in disbelief at how bad it is. Little tiny Boise, Idaho Airport has far more concessions of a much better quality, just for example. Many other small airports come to mind that have far better terminals. This new terminal should be iconic of everything Hawaii, instead all I get are seats, gates and toilets. That’s pretty much all it is.
Who makes the decisions the designs buildings and concessions? Ummm could it be some of the people that do not what tourist coming to Hawaii. Just a thought.
HNL definitely shows signs that it was designed by a committee, and a committee that had never been to an airport!
Thanks for the info.
We haven’t been flying Hawaaian as we had before exclusively, mostly due to their $$ airfare..outer islands..cheaper to use Southwest..but, the last time we were in the new section, it wasn’t impressive.
We hope that they (those in charge) will take comments/suggestions to heart.
I was at the new terminal in June ’23 and thought it was gorgeous. The rest of HNL airport is a mess, old and dilapidated. I’d gladly travel via that new terminal but will do everything in my power to stay away from HNL airport. It’s old, dirty, chaotic, unfriendly employees
Flying home from HNL to PDX last October I talked to an architect.
He said, ” It is the worst airport terminal design he has ever seen!”
The company i worked for helped build it. When i went on a flight last year, initially i liked it. Modern and spacious. Then i went to look for a beer, and something to eat, like I usually do. I was amazed there was nothing, i couldnt beleive it. I ended up getting a snack at the lone convenience store. So at least they have a bar and an expensive restaurant now.
I don’t get this part. Why doesnt the state plan to have vendors, retail, etc in any projects they do. Like the rail, for example, no vendors, no retail, not even bathroom. They could have offered hawaii businesses a chance to have locations and new and popular venues. Hawaaii businesses can add hawaiian culture. Vendors provide income to help fund the project. Vendors provide custimers with something they may need.
One of the main problems is HDOT, they make no effort to hire anyone with an aviation background , from management to engineering and architecture. So many beautiful airports improvement projects popping up all over the country and HDOT hires the same company that produced the failed interisland terminal. Too much nepotism and good old boy politics.
We came through the new terminal in April and agree with your observations. We had some time before boarding our flight, so we back tracked to the garden area on the other end of T1. It is showing its age as well, and there are not enough seats for the number of people wanting to use the garden. I have always felt that the two garden areas are the jewels of HNL! More gardens, less AC, please!
No boarding lane markers at gates . Boarding agent had to line passengers up in chaotic manner because she said airport management didn’t allow airlines to have line markers to guide passengers for boarding. Very unusual.
When the state ran the private developers out in the 80s….they then thought they can develop!
Well, it’s the state…hence, highly over budĝet train to no where, roads falling apart, wooden walls to ‘protect’ them at the capital, no dragstrip for a highly motor head city, (outer islands have dragstrips on state land), Hilo hotels being over charged and falling apart on state land, cement freeways with potholes, and wait. U haven’t seen anything yet,,,close our stadium with no plans or money for a new one. Lots of big ideas. But it will not be done in our lifetimes. I love our islands, but we really need better leadership. Wait….someone needs a gold star for starting the freeway rescue trucks!!! (Mexico had them in the 70s……) thank you!!
This is par for the course when the state builds anything for HNL. Construction companies, unions and politicians are usually the only people who benefit from the inflated costs associated with state projects. These fiascos always lack appropriate planning. Through decades of history, HNL’s constant “additions and improvements” have backfired and caused confusion for residents and visitors. It’s no wonder that HNL has always rated poorly when compared with other U.S. airports. Auwe!
Big Government is always the problem, never the solution. Astronomical waste of money and another sad example of the decline.
No signs for rental cars. my husband and I wandered around for an hour trying to find our rental car. repeat No signs showing you where rental cars are. awful experience need to fix the problem
The food options at All the airports in the State are pitiful.
My wife and I traveled to HNL just before Christmas 2022 and your report is spot on. We both have bad knees and the distance between our gate and baggage claim was unacceptable. Returning to LAS on 9 am flight without any real food options wasn’t what we expected in a new terminal. I used travel to Hawaii every three months and I would use the original terminal.
Aloha! I recently had a bowl of ramen at the new restaurant in this terminal and I really enjoyed it. Great customer service too. I find it to be a nice addition to the terminal.
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Latest contact with Hawaiian Air making reservations. Total Nightmare. I had completed an itinerary for December 2023 and realized that I had booked an incorrect return date. Website said I could view my “trips” and there I would be able to cancel or change my booking. No link to that function could be found anywhere! I finally got through to “reservations” and after a mostly incoherent conversation the correction I needed was complete. I was asked for my credit card info for a charge of $40/passenger to do the change. I did get an e-mail confirming the changes but the new booking did not include our seat selections that I had made and paid for for upgraded seats. I changed the seats but was charged again the $10/passenger per flight. On top of all this I received no receipt showing the charges for my flight. I looked on line for “my receipts” and was informed that that function is unavailable. Lesson Learned….stay away from Hawaiian Airlines!!!
Aloha Rob+Jeff Mahalo for the interesting story on the concourse. Wasted space and then the rail line seems to have not the ridership they imagined. This overspending on projects not being utilized to their peak efficiency is astounding. So many in need of housing with the cost of living there, There is something definitely missing with the govt. there. Hope you are having a great travelling summer. Warm regards Deb
Hi Debra.
Thank you. Yes, that’s right. The rail line doesn’t go to the airport at this time and will probably never go to anywhere visitors would find it useful.
Aloha.
Spot on article gentlemen. I have been through that terminal many times. I often wondered why the heck the space as you enter the concourse is so huge. It is really a lot of useless space. It does not look like a space that could be converted to say, a decent sized restaurant.
The space where the gates are located are spacious. Makes for easy boarding.
Airport is really underutilized in the evening hours. Getting food after 6 pm is not easy.
Hopefully a new concessionaire will bring better fare throughout the airport.
Aloha, Kelly
Hi Kelly.
Thank you. We appreciate your many comments. And yes getting food anywhere in T1 or the Mauka Concourse is tough later in the day.
Aloha.
Mahalo BOH for keeping your readers up to date. With the slow rollout of the Mauka concourse, I guess I shouldn’t hold my breath for a remodel of T1 (which if memory serves turns 30 years old this month). It would seem that T1 is pretty much frozen in time despite handling some Mainland flights since 2000.
Hi Peter.
Thanks. It looks a lot older than 30 to be honest, and you’re right it is just 30.
Aloha.
As someone that flew back to the mainland from the “new” terminal I can find nothing to disagree with you about relative to all of the statements about the terminal. One can only wonder about the reasons why no real concessions have shown up there but I suspect that the cost per square foot for space in that area is probably pretty horrendous. Maybe the people that came up with this terminal design had the “field of dreams” idea that if we build it they will come, except they were wrong.
And when you look at the sheer size of the terminal when it comes to dead space, the waste on utility costs has got to be significant too.
With all that Hawaii has to offer as to vacations with HNL being the primary gateway to the Islands, it just does not appear that anyone was really serious about the design and implementation of the new terminal and that is sad commentary for the many thousands of travelers that pass through that terminal.