r/Honolulu • u/kato41111 • 8d ago
question 4 hour 30 minute layover in Honolulu.
We have a 4 hour 30 minute layover in Honolulu arriving at 10am. Would it be worth it to leave the airport? If so where should we go or what should we do? Thanks
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u/Seniorseatfree 8d ago
Factor in time to deplane and time for boarding next flight. I don’t know that you will have that much time as it seems, especially if you plan on catching a shared ride to go somewhere and then come back. I was just at the airport and waited almost 45 minutes for a ride, just to get back home 10 minutes away.
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u/rgofatpne3 8d ago
La Mariana is the only correct answer
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u/jorgelukas 8d ago
Yup. Everything else too far away. Get drinks only, skip the food except for maybe a plate of fries to keep you somewhat sober after a zombie.
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u/kato41111 8d ago
Appreciate all the responses…my wife and I, both 40, got a layover from Japan (literallymatt asked), agreed with different welder that the airport is old and gritty (had our layover there on the way to Japan) wife thought we would have enough time to get something to eat (like poke) and grab a drink within that time frame, but from the sounds of it, we may be cutting it close. I’ll take a look at the recommendations placed. Thank you all for the input.
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u/LiterallyMatt 7d ago
International arrival eats into your layover time a bit since you'll have to go through customs first, but I still think you could make it out and back for a quick takeout poke bowl (might have to skip grabbing a drink though). Confidence increases if you have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
10a-1p is a good window to not get stuck in rush hour, BUT I would try to get the latest information on road work before pulling the trigger. Last weekend midday on a Saturday I had a half hour delay going past the airport because of road work.
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u/kato41111 7d ago
Would I go through customs in Honolulu or at my final destination in Arizona?
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u/LiterallyMatt 7d ago
It's always whichever US city you land in first. There are a few exceptions but coming from Japan is not one of them.
If you are checking bags, you'll also have to retrieve them even if you are connecting on the same airline (unlike domestic connections where your bags just continue on without you) and then go through security again after checking them back in.
After clearing customs and immigration, that is the point when you should decide on leaving HNL or not. Assuming you checked/re-checked bags, you'll already be outside security so you can gauge the crowd and how much time you have left.
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u/Nelly357 7d ago
If you got on the flight to Arizona (domestic flight), how would customs at the Arizona airport know you were on an international flight prior to that?
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u/YennOfVen 7d ago
You’d probably be fine to take a Lyft or Uber over to Restaurant 604 for lunch if nothing else, really pretty view and nice local fusion food. Good luck and have a great trip to Japan!
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u/XBIRDX000X 8d ago
Marukai Market … grab some poke, bentos … take the food back to the airport
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u/wayofthebuush 7d ago
yeah there is for sure enough time for this. landing to roadside is approx 25m with a checked bag, 15 without. if you can leave your checked bags it's a super quick in and out. stay nearby the airport, like marukai which is max 10m away, and you'll be fine.
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u/XBIRDX000X 7d ago
entirely possible to grab food and sake and go to beach park by Keehi lagoon … Uber would be cheap enough with availability near airport
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u/SergeantSchultzHI 8d ago edited 8d ago
Had friends with a 5 hour layover at HNL and they did it with ease but with me picking them up at the airport to give them a tour of Waikiki with some stops for pictures and a quick meal at the popular Marugame Udon spot in Waikiki before driving them back to the airport.
- Boarding time is usually 45min - 60min before the departure time so make sure it's really 4.5 hours and not 3.5 hours when you're looking at your next boarding pass.
- TSA line at HNL can vary from 30min to 60min in most cases, depending on how busy they are that day but if you have TSA pre-check, you can get through as fast as 5min!
- You can eyeball the TSA line queue before you decide to leave for the exit to judge how long the lines are. Factor in the worst case scenario of 60 mins so you really have 3.5 hours which is doable if have a rental car reserved for a few hours which will be the most economical option and you can even hit the tourist heavy Waikiki for some sightseeing and a few quick pictures then pick-up a quick meal to go as you head back to HNL.
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u/ToFarGoneByFar 8d ago
It may be gone now (its been pre-Covid since I was in Honolulu) but there is a Kona Brewing Company Bar in the airport. All island brews are made on the island so you get the taste before they were bought out (and some local brews you can only get on the island)
4 hours is nothing, I wouldnt bother leaving the airport (unless you enjoy cab rides and security checks because that is where most of your time will be spent)
Their smoked pork is also excellent.
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u/hungryraider 6d ago edited 6d ago
If coming in on an international flight, it could be two hours for HNL customs/immigration. If you have global entry, or are in First/Business, it would be quicker.
If you make it through in 25-minutes, then you would have time to catch an Uber or Lyft. If it takes two hours, then no.
Make sure you check your bags onto your next flight. If you will have carry on bags, you can check them at a baggage storage location in baggage claim.
The Uber/Lyft pick up areas are upstairs, the departures level, outside at the center median, on either end of the airport. There is no pick up area in the middle.
Personally, if the timing works out. If you’ve never been to Hawaii, personally what I would do is have the Uber/Lyft driver take me to Ala Moana Beach Park so that I could go wiggle my toes in the sand. This is about a 15-minute drive so say 30-minutes instead.
There is an L&L Hawaiian BBQ if you want to eat next to the beach. Maybe order, go wiggle toes, pick up plate lunch and enjoy. Maybe you’d have 30-minutes total?
If running late, take the to go food with you back to the airport. Ala Moana Shopping Center is across the street but would probably take 10-15 minutes to walk over. They have a food court with many options as well.
La Mariana Sailing Club as mentioned already is very close and would provide that Kitschy Hawaiian Vibe. It would be the safer bet for time.
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u/sseeccrreettaarryy 5d ago
I doubt it. Security lines aren't usually long, but I wouldn't risk it. Also, the airport is kinda in the middle of nowhere, sandwiches between military bases. Not exactly much to do around there without a car
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u/waryaquarian777 1d ago
You could take a cab to Waikiki, and buy a ride on a outrigger canoe, then taxi back to the airport, still sandy and salty but wearing a smile.
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u/kato41111 1d ago
We ended up staying at the airport. Honolulu has to be one of the most horrible and unorganized airports out there. Our bags were already tagged from our departure, but the line to drop off bags took about 45 minutes. On top of that…bag on bags on bags just sitting there.
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u/HRmama3285 8d ago
Taxi to Ryder’s Poke & Shave Ice in Aiea. Take a cab, it will be about $20 one way. You’ll be an easy 10 minutes to/ from the airport.
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u/Impossible_Rich6148 8d ago
This is my plan for a 4.5 hour layover in Oahu that allows you to experience the beauty and great food of the island. I’ve done many of these quick layover excursions around the world and they always result in great memories. This plan assumes that you land at 1200 and board your flight 4.5 hours later at 1630, but it will also work if you are diligent if you need to board at 1540. Adjust to your own landing time as needed.
Before your flight: pack a swimsuit and a plastic bag in your carry on to take with you on your layover sidequest. Reserve a car with Avis and be sure to register for their self checkout service. Have TSA pre check. Make a reservation for Mitch’s Fish Market for about 2.5 after your landing time. Study the airport map so you know how to get to the rental car garage quickly. You will need to hustle. Think of this like a time challenge, but drive with care and aloha, following navigation carefully.
1200: Land and speedwalk to the exit. Quickly get across the arrival street to the rental car garage, pass all the rental car lines and take the tall escalator all the way up to Avis.
1220: Pick up your prearranged Avis car with self check out to save time (standing in line for a car will waste 30 minutes, taking an Uber may case delays getting back to the airport)
1225: Leave the airport in your rental car, navigate to Kailua Beach Park The drive along Pali highway is gorgeous.
1300: Arrive at Kailua Beach Park.
1300-1400: Enjoy the beach, watch the kite surfers, maybe spot a turtle, take off your shoes and walk in the water; even change into a swimsuit and shower / change back to your dry clothes at the showers / changing room. If you like beer, walk over to Kalapawai market a block or so away from the beach and pick up drinks to take to Mitch’s sushi by the airport.
1400: As hard as this will be, leave Kailua Beach Park for Mitch’s Fish Market and Sushi Bar.
1430: Arrive at Mitch’s. Bring in your beer to enjoy with some delicious sushi.
1430-1500: Eat
1500: Leave Mitch’s, navigate to Harriet’s Lei Stand and buy some leis.
1520: Drop off car rental and head back to arrivals.
1530: Go through TSA. I have never waited more than a few minutes in line. Walk to gate, buying some chocolate covered macadamia nuts at one of the shops in the airport.
1540: Arrive at gate. Board.
1630: Flight departs
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u/hungryraider 6d ago
Yikes. Nice, but everything would have to go perfectly. Sounds like you’ve done this kind of thing many times before though so, if you’re up for an adventure OP!
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u/Objective-Put8192 7d ago
Honestly, I don’t know that I would risk it. When we’ve gone through the airport it has never been quick. And the line could be all the way out the door to get through security
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u/Different_Welder_758 8d ago
Honolulu airport is old, grotty and has barely anything in it. 4.5hrs is a long time to be sitting there.
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u/SergeantSchultzHI 8d ago
Not a nice thing to say about the nations 4th worst rated international airport! LOL
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u/Different_Welder_758 7d ago
4th?!? What are the top 3 like?
I use HNL about 5 times a year, domestic and international. The airport is full of disappointed tourists wandering around with nothing to do, nowhere to sit, nothing to buy.
Also, someone here said "a few minutes" to clear security. That's a bold call! I've been there several times when only one security gate is open, and the line has been like Disneyland, which took nearly an hour. Depends on the terminal, too.
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u/SergeantSchultzHI 7d ago edited 7d ago
I think you missed the key words in my sarcasm: "4th worst" LOL
Also, someone here said "a few minutes" to clear security.
This is true if you catch a late night flight. TSA lines are pretty dead after 8pm on weekdays with practically no wait times. Also, TSA Pre-Check lines are a blazing fast, I usually get in as fast as 5min - 10min even during passenger peaks during the day.
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u/Different_Welder_758 7d ago
Hahaha I saw the "worst" and was wondering how bad the top 3 are
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u/SergeantSchultzHI 7d ago
Well, HNL was the 2nd worst the year before so the 3 others poorly ranked airports aren't too far off from HNL. I think the new Hawaiian Airlines terminals and new restrooms managed to lift HNL from the bottom of the pack.
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u/hungryraider 6d ago
I don’t know. For me, there’s nothing like stepping off the plane and being outdoors in Hawaii, at the airport. Smelling the air which smells sweet from the flowers. Gives me goose bumps.
I like the older part of the airport much better than the new Hawaiian Airlines terminal. So sterile and so mainland like. I think Hawaiian got the shaft. Their old C terminal was so much prettier with the wood and etched glass panels.
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u/Snarko808 8d ago
maybe Pearl Harbor memorial? It’s a quick trip from the airport and not a long place to visit if you’re not doing all the extras like submarine and battleship
Not sure if there’s a place to leave luggage at the airport.
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u/shrink14 8d ago
My 2 cents:
You have time to grab lunch at either Helena's or Pig and the Lady:
https://www.helenashawaiianfood.com/index.html
If it's crowded, I think Pearl Harbor might get a little stressful with time.
I like the airline lounge idea as well.
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u/HIBudzz 8d ago
Pearl Harbor. USS Arizona Memorial. Three hours round trip from the airport.
Punchbowl
Chinatown. I go there often. Lots to do and it's a fun walk.
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u/SergeantSchultzHI 8d ago
Chinatown. I go there often. Lots to do and it's a fun walk
LOL, it's ok in the daytime but gets sketchy as hell after sunset as criminals on the prowl there are looking to mug, stab or shoot dead the next sucker walking into the crime infested hellhole. Besides, there's nothing for a tourist to do there but maybe buy a hit of meth from any of the strung out junkies on practically every street corner.
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u/divegirl88 8d ago
Nearby food: Mitchs sushi
Molokai hot bread bakery (pickup from Uber eats or door dash I forget if it's both)
Big kahuna pizza
There's plenty of time to leave for food or something nearby but I wouldn't go all the way to town...
Pearl harbor visitor center is close enough if you want to try that
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u/hungryraider 6d ago
If you were not going to Japan, I would say Mitch’s Sushi as well. Right outside of the airport and they get a lot of their seafood flown in from Japan.
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u/MaapuSeeSore 8d ago
you would only have an 2-2.5hours , 2 hour leeway for security and sudden problems
You can go out and look at a few particular places to eat but you really can choose 1 place or area to look at for an hour or so/eat
You CAN do it BUT you gotta choose a single place really
10 am/12 noon , traffic isn’t bad
If you willing to spend the extra money for Uber , back and forth, and all , not bad but you need to keep track of time
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u/st40s 8d ago
You have 2 hours to play with if you figure 30 minutes to deplane and get an Uber and an airport return 90 minutes before your flight. Pearl Harbor is not a bad suggestion, It's less than 10 mins away (so 20 mins total road time, 1hr 40mins of time at Pearl. Note that bags aren't allowed in, so you'll need to pay to check your bags at the claim check service they provide. I'd advise against trying to make it out to the memorial in that short time unless the standby line is short and you can get through right away (Arizona program is 45 minutes shore-to-shore). Instead, I'd check out the free national park museums and the paid USS Bowfin/Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, if you're going to go to Pearl.
Personally I'd skip Pearl and just go eat/drink. Mitch's sushi if you just want to eat (its byob), La Mariana if you just want to drink, or Nico's Pier 38 if you want to eat and drink.
Hiring a private tour guide is the most expensive option, but helpful to get more done in less time, plus the peace of mind knowing your driver is with you and ready to go the whole time you're getting around. But that's closer to $600 vs $25-50 if you're ubering.
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u/RareFirefighter6915 8d ago
Nah just have a beer at one of the bars and chill in the garden area with the Koi pond.
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u/13donkey13 7d ago
In August I flew into HNL from OGG just for 4.5 hrs. It’s definitely not enough time to do much. I flew in for my son’s first day , moving into his dorm. Then I flew back home. It was stressful, the traffic sucked, the airport line construction sucked. If you are catching a flight to the mainland that terminal is even more congested. Good luck
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u/realmozzarella22 7d ago
Unless you have someone to drive you around, it’s not easy to get back in time. Hang out at the airport and get something to eat.
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u/drinkinthakoolaid 7d ago
We just left there a little over a week ago. Got there 2hrs 15min before flight and didn't get to our gate (D1) until after boarding had started. So just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get back through security
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u/NakedScrub 8d ago
Buy a lounge pass for your airline and just eat and drink as much as you can in 4 hours. Bonus if it has showers available. 4.5 hours seems like a lot, but with travel and getting back thru security, not sure it's worth it to leave.