HNL – Reflections on Hawaii’s Largest Airport
My relationship with Honolulu Airport goes back many years. From hopping inter-island flights for neighbor island weekend getaways to memories of walking out on the tarmac to climb the stairs to a plane larger than any other that was to whisk me away to Disneyland.
The airport has changed much since those days of the open-air concourses that had posted signed warning of jet blasts from departing aircraft and meeting loved ones at the gate with fresh flower lei and film cartridge cameras.
Today the airport has three terminals, five parking areas, sixty gates and five security checkpoints. It is as busy as ever with international flights drawing most of the attention in the early morning while the mainland flights are first up for mid-day departures and arrivals. Operating all day long, inter-island flights are a whirlwind of activiy all day.
Passengers must now wait until they reach the baggage claim areas to meet family and friends. Transiting passengers still have the option of walking to connecting gates or take the Wiki Wiki Shuttle bus.
The open-air concept was a wonderful thing when the airport was first built. The thought was to eliminate the need for central air-conditioning and allow the island breezes to cool the departing passengers. Today, in a post 9/11 world, every effort is being made to enclose the airport to increase security. Construction crews have been spending months installing windows on the walkways between the Diamond Head and Ewa gull wings.
Although the airport has many amenities like currency exchange, shops, restaurants and even two meditation gardens it lacks internet connectivity. Many arriving passengers are observed stepping off airplanes, and checking their voice mail and Hawaii travel apps only to be disappointed that there is no possibility of an internet connection.
One of the more interesting features of the Honolulu International Airport is the lei stands. Many iPhone travel apps and Android Hawaii apps list the location of the lei stands as being in the main terminal building. This is not correct. The stands are actually located across the road from the inter-island terminal and the Post Office. Hidden behind what is now a snarl of concrete ramps and roadways, the lei stands are the perfect spot to buy a fresh orchid or plumeria lei while waiting in the parking lot for that anticipated cell call that announces the arrival of friends, family and loved ones.
One of the more unique features of HNL is the Japanese and Chinese gardens located at the very heart of the airport complex. Lush vegetation, Asian koi ponds, large shady monkey pod trees promote cooler temperatures and encourage peace and serenity while strolling the meandering walkways.
Although the airport has changed over the years, it is still filled with charm and uniqueness.
Lottie Tagupa is a native Hawaiian, born and raised on the island of Oahu. She has been writing about Hawaii for over 10 years and currently lives in Waimea on the Big Island.
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