Wow, the renovations that took place since I moved from Oahu 13 years ago are incredible! I visited a few weeks ago and was blown away by how modern and beautiful everything was. Exciting to see all that construction finally come to an end. One of my favorite airports—the indoor/outdoor walking areas past security are one of a kind!

The airport was much larger than what I expected. There is a beautiful Japanese garden inside. There is plenty of shops and food. A food court with Panda Express, Burger King, California pizza kitchen, little fish poke, dunkin express… It was no problem You must fill the Hawaiian department of agriculture form. It takes just a minute. I did it at the boarding gate the airline provided a quare code to scan.

INTER-ISLAND TERMINAL: Well, we usually travel inter-island most of the time via Hawaiian Airlines, so we know this terminal pretty well. Departures are on the second level, arrivals on the first. The passenger traffic pattern flows smoothly going both ways. There's not a whole lot of dining options in this wing compared to what you'd find at bigger airports. There is Stinger Ray's which is pricey, serving bar food and alcohol. There are fast food choices like Burger King, Lahaina Chicken and Panda Express, and of course a Starbucks. Gates are fairly close and not requiring a ride on a monorail or shuttle. US MAINLAND & INTERNATIONAL TERMINALS: Haven't really used this terminal as we usually take direct flights out of Kahului. There are more food and retail options here. If you're coming from the inter-island terminal, prepare for a long walk, and it's not a straight shot either as we had to dodge dead ends resulting having to walk outside of the terminals. RENTAL CARS: All the companies are housed in one complex adjacent to the mainland/international terminals. Look for the generic rental car shuttle that circles the terminals. RIDE SHARE: The new pick up spot in the inter-island terminal is now located on level 1, which makes more sense. SKYLINE: Oahu's up and coming mass transit has a station here, but unless you're headed west, you're out of luck for a few more years. OVERALL: Not too hard, not too soft, just right.

If you have extra time at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu International Airport), head to the lower level of Terminal 2 near the E Gates to find the airport’s peaceful Cultural Gardens. This quiet area features koi ponds surrounded by tropical plants and traditional Hawaiian, Japanese, and Chinese garden elements. This peaceful area features several beautifully maintained ponds filled with colorful koi and other tropical fish, surrounded by lush greenery and quiet pathways. The soothing sound of water, the gentle movement of the fish, and the open-air design make it feel like you’ve stepped into a tranquil garden—not a busy airport. The gardens have been part of the airport since the 1960s, and they’re easy to miss unless you know where to look. Just follow signs for the gardens. It’s well worth the detour!

Organized and efficient but could use some modernizing. Gates are interesting to have an indoor and outdoor experience. Lots of food and stores. Not high tech charging stations all around. But overall nice and friendly and kind staff. It’s clean and not too big.