⚠️ On 16 October 2025 all rideshare pickup at HNL moved from the **second floor to the first floor** — Uber's and Lyft's own directions may still say 'second-level departures median,' which is now outdated. Terminal 1: curbside mauka of Baggage Claim 6. Terminal 2: ground-level median across from Baggage Claims 19/20 and 31.
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
Honolulu, United States
As of October 2025, rideshare pickup is on the **first floor**, not the second. At Terminal 1 it's curbside mauka (toward the mountains) of Baggage Claim 6; at Terminal 2 it's the ground-level median across from Baggage Claims 19/20 and 31. The new Skyline rail stops at Lelepaua Station on the mauka side of Terminal 2. TheBus Route 20 to Waikiki stops on the ground level — carry-on luggage only.
Ride Options
Skyline Rail
transitNew traffic-proof rail link, growing as the line extends toward town
Uber
rideshareDoor-to-door to Waikiki and beyond
Lyft
rideshareAlternative rideshare option
TheBus Route 20
transitLowest-cost route to Waikiki if travelling very light
Honolulu Licensed Taxi
taxiNo app needed
SIXT Ride — Pre-booked Airport Transfer
Private TransferFixed-rate pre-booked door-to-door transfer
Pickup Guidance
Rideshare
First floor, as of 16 Oct 2025. Terminal 1 — curbside, mauka (mountain-side) of Baggage Claim 6. Terminal 2 — two zones on the ground-level median, across from Baggage Claims 19/20 and across from 31. Collect your bags before requesting; ignore older second-floor instructions.
Taxi
Taxi stands on the first level outside baggage claim at both terminals, marked and staffed.
Shuttle
Roberts Hawaii and other shared shuttles serve Waikiki hotels from the ground-level ground-transportation area. The Wiki Wiki shuttle connects terminals airside.
Transit
Skyline rail — Lelepaua Station, mauka side of Terminal 2, connected to the Terminal 2 and International Parking Garages (4th floor) by walkway, with ground-level entry on Ala Onaona and Ala ʻAuana Streets. Also TheBus Routes 20 and 19 to Waikiki, from the ground-level stop (temporary stop near the lei stands during station construction). TheBus enforces a strict luggage rule — bags must fit under the seat or on your lap.
Private Transfer
Pre-booked cars and SpeediShuttle/holoholo-style services use the ground-level ground-transportation area; confirm the terminal, as T1 and T2 are separate.
Travel Extras
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Local Tips
- Rideshare moved to the first floor on 16 October 2025 — if your app still says 'second-level departures median,' it's out of date. Go down, not up.
- TheBus is the lowest-cost ride to Waikiki, but the luggage rule is strictly enforced: bags must fit under the seat or on your lap. With a big suitcase, it's not an option.
- The Skyline rail reached the airport in October 2025 but the line is still being extended toward downtown and (later) Ala Moana — check how far it currently runs before relying on it for your destination.
- 'Mauka' means toward the mountains and 'makai' toward the sea — HNL's signage uses these directions, so it helps to know which way you're heading.
- The Wiki Wiki shuttle connects the terminals airside; landside, the two terminals are a walk or short drive apart, so tell your driver which terminal.
Tarmyq local tip
The single most important HNL fact right now: rideshare is on the first floor, not the second — that changed in October 2025 and most apps haven't caught up. Collect your bags, head down to the marked first-floor zone for your terminal, and only then request.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get an Uber or Lyft at Honolulu Airport (HNL)?
As of 16 October 2025, rideshare pickup moved to the first floor. At Terminal 1 it's curbside on the mauka (mountain) side of Baggage Claim 6; at Terminal 2 it's the ground-level median across from Baggage Claims 19/20 and 31. If your app still shows a second-level 'departures median,' that instruction is outdated.
Does the Skyline rail go to the airport now?
Yes. Skyline reached HNL on 16 October 2025 with Lelepaua Station on the mauka side of Terminal 2. It's reached by walkway from the Terminal 2 and International parking garages (4th floor), or from the ground level on Ala Onaona and Ala ʻAuana Streets. The line is still being extended toward downtown, so check how far it runs for your destination.
Can I take TheBus from HNL to Waikiki with my luggage?
Only if it's small. TheBus Route 20 is the lowest-cost way to Waikiki, but it enforces a strict luggage rule — bags must fit under the seat or on your lap. Large suitcases aren't allowed, so with checked bags a rideshare, taxi or shuttle is the practical choice.
Is there a taxi stand at HNL?
Yes, marked and staffed taxi stands are on the first level outside baggage claim at both terminals — no app needed.