Accessibility
Honolulu (HNL) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services
Wheelchair assistance at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is provided free by your airline — request it at booking for best results. For security screening help, call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel to have a Passenger Support Specialist waiting at the checkpoint. Family lanes, service animal relief areas, and sensory rooms are covered below.
Airline-provided service
Wheelchair assistance
Request at booking or at your airline's counter; HNL's open-air multi-concourse design and separate interisland terminal require coordinated handoffs between ground teams.
Tip: request at booking rather than at the airport — airline wheelchair assistants are in higher demand at peak times and early requests are filled first.
TSA Cares
Free security screening assistance
TSA Cares is a free helpline and on-site assistance program for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other circumstances that may affect the security screening process.
How to use: Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the HNL security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.
A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the checkpoint. Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel; specify your departure concourse (overseas terminal or interisland) when calling.
Security lanes
HNL does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints. Ask any TSA agent at the checkpoint for assistance — agents are trained to help travelers with special needs and can route you around standard queue lines.
Service animal relief areas
Before security at curbside areas throughout the airport; after security, service animal relief areas are in the overseas terminal concourse and the interisland terminal — ask any HNL staff member for the nearest location.
Note: service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow individual airline policies — check with your carrier before travel.
Quiet and sensory room
HNL does not currently have a confirmed public sensory room. Contact HNL Guest Services (808-836-6547) for quiet space availability.
Wheelchair and mobility device rentals
Available from Guest Services at baggage claim in the overseas terminal and domestic concourses.
Motorized scooters and power wheelchairs are generally available from airlines for gate-to-gate use; contact your carrier directly if you need a motorized device beyond a standard transport chair.
Pro Tip
HNL's open-air design is unique among major US airports — the lack of enclosed corridors between concourses means wheelchair escorts cover outdoor distances in tropical heat. Confirm that your escort covers the full walk between your arrival concourse and connecting concourse; for interisland connections, this can be a significant uncovered segment.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheelchair assistance free at HNL airport?
Yes — wheelchair assistance at HNL is provided free of charge by your airline or their contracted ground handler. Request it at booking or check-in. The airline arranges and covers the cost; no tipping is required, though it is appreciated.
How do I contact TSA Cares before my flight from HNL?
Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight. The helpline is open weekdays 8 a.m.–11 p.m. ET and weekends/holidays 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET. You can also submit a request online at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the HNL security checkpoint at no cost.
Does HNL airport have a family security lane?
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints, but TSA officers are trained to accommodate travelers who need extra time. Ask any TSA officer at the checkpoint for assistance; HNL agents are trained to accommodate travelers with special needs across multiple concourse areas.
Where is the service animal relief area at HNL airport?
Before security at curbside areas throughout the airport; after security, service animal relief areas are in the overseas terminal concourse and the interisland terminal — ask any HNL staff member for the nearest location. Service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow your individual airline's policies.
See also: HNL TSA PreCheck lanes · Flying with disabilities guide · HNL security tips
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