Getting to Waikiki
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is roughly nine miles from central Waikiki. Depending on traffic, the drive takes about 25 to 45 minutes; weekday rush hours on the H-1 are the slowest.
By car from the airport
- Follow signs for Honolulu and take the H-1 freeway eastbound, or exit to the Nimitz Highway.
- Nimitz Highway becomes Ala Moana Boulevard as it passes downtown Honolulu and the harbor.
- Continue past Ala Moana Center and over the Ala Wai Canal into Waikiki, where Ala Moana Boulevard meets Kalakaua Avenue.
- Kalakaua Avenue runs along the beach toward Diamond Head; Kuhio Avenue runs parallel one block inland.
Without a car
- Taxi and rideshare from the marked pick-up areas outside baggage claim.
- Shared shuttles stop at most Waikiki hotels; they are cheaper for solo travelers.
- TheBus serves the airport; luggage must fit on your lap or under your seat.
Distances from central Waikiki
| Destination | Approximate distance |
|---|---|
| Waikiki Beach | A block or two from anywhere in Waikiki |
| Kapiolani Park and Waikiki Aquarium | About 1 mile |
| Ala Moana Center | About 1.5 miles |
| Hawaii Convention Center | About 1 mile |
| Diamond Head trailhead | About 2–3 miles |
| Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown | About 4 miles |
| Honolulu airport (HNL) | About 9 miles |
| Pearl Harbor National Memorial | About 12 miles |
| Hanauma Bay | About 10 miles |
| North Shore (Haleiwa) | About 35 miles |
Flying on
HNL is also the starting point for interisland flights and for the nonstop routes to the mainland. Among the busiest for locals is the flight to Las Vegas, the casino city islanders call their ninth island.
Distances are rounded and for planning only. This site is an independent guide and does not run transport or take reservations.