Airport guides · Honolulu, HI

Flying into HNL: what to expect

Daniel K. Inouye International, Honolulu, HI. Live conditions in plain words, plus what's normal on arrival and departure.

Airport codeHNL / PHNL
Runways (FAA)6
Elevation13 ft
Longest runway12,360 ft
Flying to or from HNL?Get a free briefing: weather at both ends, the turbulence outlook and what to expect.Open My Flight

Weather at HNL right now

A few clouds around 2,500 ft; wind 23 mph, gusting 36 mph; 29°C / 85°F. That means good visibility and no low cloud deck.

Gusty wind can make takeoff and landing feel bumpier. That's routine for pilots.

Forecast: wind around 21 mph gusting 31; possible showers at times.

Source: NWS Aviation Weather Center METAR, TAF and pilot reports for PHNL. Updated every few minutes.

Runways and which way you'll land

HNL has 6 runways in FAA data: 04L/22R (6,955 ft), 04R/22L (9,002 ft), 04W/22W (3,000 ft), 08L/26R (12,360 ft), 08R/26L (12,000 ft), 08W/26W (5,090 ft).

Runway numbers are compass headings divided by ten (runway 27 points roughly west, 270°).6 Airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the direction you take off or land at HNL changes with the weather.5 That's normal.

Flying into HNL: common questions

Which runway will my flight use at HNL?

It depends mostly on the wind: airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the runway in use changes with the weather. FAA data lists 6 runways at HNL (04L/22R, 04R/22L, 04W/22W, 08L/26R, 08R/26L, 08W/26W); the longest is 08L/26R at about 12,360 ft.

Why might my flight circle before landing at HNL?

Holding is a normal way for air traffic control to space out arrivals when it's busy or the weather changes. Airplanes carry extra fuel for it. You can check current delay programs on the FAA's National Airspace System status page.

Is it normal for the landing at HNL to feel bumpy?

Yes. Low-level bumps are common on approach, especially on windy or gusty days, and a firm touchdown is often deliberate. The airplane is designed for it; keep your seat belt fastened while seated. Right now the latest weather report mentions gusty wind.

What can I bring through security at HNL?

TSA rules apply at every US airport: liquids in your carry-on must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all in one quart-sized bag. TSA's 'What can I bring?' tool covers specific items.

Before you go

  • Liquids in carry-on: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, in one quart-sized bag.1
  • Not sure about an item? Check TSA's "What can I bring?" tool.2
  • Need help at security because of a disability or medical condition? TSA Cares can help.3
  • Delays and ground stops across the US are shown on the FAA's airspace status page.4

Official HNL website

Calm reading for your trip

Nearby airport guides

SFO

San Francisco International

LAX

Los Angeles International

SAN

San Diego International

PDX

Portland International

Sources

  1. TSA, Liquids, aerosols and gels rule (3-1-1)
  2. TSA, What can I bring?
  3. TSA Cares / passenger support
  4. FAA National Airspace System status (delays and ground stops)
  5. FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (takeoff and landing into the wind)
  6. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (aircraft performance and density altitude)
  7. FAA airport data via the NWS Aviation Weather Center airport API
  8. Holding patterns, explained (SafelyAboard)

Runway and elevation data: FAA, via aviationweather.gov, baked 2026-10-17. SafelyAboard doesn't rate airports.