O‘AHU
Daniel K Inouye International Airport [HNL/PHNL]
This is an unofficial guide to aircraft spotting locations around the Daniel K Inouye International Airport (fka Honolulu International Airport) [HNL]. HNL RareBirds™ will never accept any responsibility for any negative (and/or illegal) conduct or actions taken by individuals (and/or groups) while engaging in planespotting and/or photography. Each person assumes responsibility for their own actions and conduct while engaging in aircraft spotting and/or photography in and around HNL (or any other Hawai‘i airport).
FIVE CAVEATS
1) You may be subject to questioning, or an identification check by either deputies from the Hawai‘i State Sheriff's Department (the governing law enforcement agency of HNL), or by Airport Police officers from Allied Universal, the private security firm that also guards HNL (and Neighbor Island airports). Please be courteous, cooperative and compliant with them.
2) A 2016 ruling says that amateur photography is legal around public areas of HNL. Please do not encroach on any private property to do any spotting, unless you obtain their permission, otherwise it will be construed as trespassing.
3) The spotting locations have little, or no shaded areas. It can get quite warm, sunny, and humid, therefore, sunblock and drinks are strongly recommended. A jacket is recommended if the weather is cloudy and windy; it could rain, and there is no shelter. Alcohol and drug consumption is prohibited. There are no public rest facilities, nor water fountains at either Lagoon Drive spotting locations. The nearest public lavatory is located at Ke‘ehi Park, past the tennis courts, near the baseball diamond. There are a good number of take-out eateries along Nimitz Highway, Koapaka Street, and ‘Ualena Street (between Lagoon Drive and Paiea Street). If you have the Yelp! app, that will assist you in viewing the eateries, the variety of foods that are available, and their hours of operation. Lastly, do not litter, there are trash receptacles in the parking lots.
4) It is recommended you have a rental car when spotting on the Lagoon Drive side of HNL. The municipal bus line, The Bus, no longer has bus service down Lagoon Drive. The nearest bus stop is along Nimitz Highway, or outside HNL's Main Terminal (Departure Level). Taxi fares can run over US$50 between Waikīkī (and metro Honolulu) and HNL each way. We are unsure how much ride-sharing services like Über and Lyft charge, please check the apps for rates.
5) There also are no public pay phones in the area, so it is recommended that you carry a mobile phone. There is also no public wifi in the spotting areas, and cellular data reception is slow, but smartphones can access flight tracking apps through your own mobile data plan.
INSIDE HNL
If you have a boarding pass, or are an arriving passenger on a domestic flight, HNL offers a few open-air locations in Terminal 2, between the three concourses, that offers clear views of aircraft. Terminal 1's walkways have been enclosed with glass. Most of the gates also provide excellent viewing spots as well.
Daniel K Inouye International Airport [HNL/PHNL]
This is an unofficial guide to aircraft spotting locations around the Daniel K Inouye International Airport (fka Honolulu International Airport) [HNL]. HNL RareBirds™ will never accept any responsibility for any negative (and/or illegal) conduct or actions taken by individuals (and/or groups) while engaging in planespotting and/or photography. Each person assumes responsibility for their own actions and conduct while engaging in aircraft spotting and/or photography in and around HNL (or any other Hawai‘i airport).
FIVE CAVEATS
1) You may be subject to questioning, or an identification check by either deputies from the Hawai‘i State Sheriff's Department (the governing law enforcement agency of HNL), or by Airport Police officers from Allied Universal, the private security firm that also guards HNL (and Neighbor Island airports). Please be courteous, cooperative and compliant with them.
2) A 2016 ruling says that amateur photography is legal around public areas of HNL. Please do not encroach on any private property to do any spotting, unless you obtain their permission, otherwise it will be construed as trespassing.
3) The spotting locations have little, or no shaded areas. It can get quite warm, sunny, and humid, therefore, sunblock and drinks are strongly recommended. A jacket is recommended if the weather is cloudy and windy; it could rain, and there is no shelter. Alcohol and drug consumption is prohibited. There are no public rest facilities, nor water fountains at either Lagoon Drive spotting locations. The nearest public lavatory is located at Ke‘ehi Park, past the tennis courts, near the baseball diamond. There are a good number of take-out eateries along Nimitz Highway, Koapaka Street, and ‘Ualena Street (between Lagoon Drive and Paiea Street). If you have the Yelp! app, that will assist you in viewing the eateries, the variety of foods that are available, and their hours of operation. Lastly, do not litter, there are trash receptacles in the parking lots.
4) It is recommended you have a rental car when spotting on the Lagoon Drive side of HNL. The municipal bus line, The Bus, no longer has bus service down Lagoon Drive. The nearest bus stop is along Nimitz Highway, or outside HNL's Main Terminal (Departure Level). Taxi fares can run over US$50 between Waikīkī (and metro Honolulu) and HNL each way. We are unsure how much ride-sharing services like Über and Lyft charge, please check the apps for rates.
5) There also are no public pay phones in the area, so it is recommended that you carry a mobile phone. There is also no public wifi in the spotting areas, and cellular data reception is slow, but smartphones can access flight tracking apps through your own mobile data plan.
INSIDE HNL
If you have a boarding pass, or are an arriving passenger on a domestic flight, HNL offers a few open-air locations in Terminal 2, between the three concourses, that offers clear views of aircraft. Terminal 1's walkways have been enclosed with glass. Most of the gates also provide excellent viewing spots as well.
Terminal 3 (H Gates) is on the Diamond Head (east) side of the airport near the United Airlines Cargo and Delta Air Lines Cargo facilities. Mokulele Airlines / Southern Airways Express are the sole occupants of buildings. From Terminal 3, there is no real spotting locations, as the building is behind a chainlink fence, and passengers are escorted to Gate H1 for boarding and deplaning. That is the only real opportunity, though it would be limited what is parked on Hardstand 1B.
OUTSIDE HNL
There are two locations on the southeast side of HNL, on Lagoon Drive, where spotting is possible. The first is at the extreme south end of Lagoon Drive, in the General Aviation parking lot. This location is excellent for watching traffic depart from the Runway 8R, “the Reef Runway”, and arrivals to both Runways 4L & 4R, during tradewind weather (which is about 90% of the time). There is a fence to contend with, and standing on one’s car, or through the the sun roof, are ways to overcome that. Do not park in the turn area of the lot. There are a few concrete barriers that you can stand on, however, you assume all responsibility when standing on them. Step-ladders are ok, as long as they are not close to the fence.
The second location, has a parking lot on Palekona Street in the square lot, is a good location to watch Runway 22L departures, or Runway 4R arrivals. You will need something to stand on to get photos over the fence line.
The length of Lagoon Drive southward of Aolele Street is a No Parking Zone, and none of the side streets, except Kalewa Street have public street parking. The section before the General Aviation parking lot has about a dozen street parking stalls.
There are several times during the course of the year when the winds shift from the northeast tradewinds to the southerly / southwesterly winds, known as "Kona Winds". When these winds occur, the traffic pattern is reversed. Landing traffic will make their final approach abeam the world-famous Lēʻahi (or Diamond Head), Waikīkī Beach, and O‘ahu's south shoreline for Runway 26L. Departing traffic will take-off west-bound from Runway 26R. Runways 22L and 22R is primarily used for general aviation and Cessna Grand Caravan operators, though some commercial and military flights will occasionally be assigned to depart from 22L.
The top floor of the Inter-Island Terminal’s parking structure offer great views of the ‘Ewa end of the main terminal (Terminals C, D, and E). While the 6th level offers a view of the Inter-Island Terminal (Terminals A and B) gates. The top floors of the newer International Terminal Parking structure does offer some view of the main ramp area, mostly of the Center and ʻEwa Concourses. However, loitering is not advised.
HNL is served by Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha Air Cargo, Mokulele Airlines, Southern Airways Express, Kamaka Air, Trans Air, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, UPS, FedEx, Asia Pacific Airlines, Kalitta Air, Atlas Air (for QantasFreight), Air Canada, WestJet Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, ZipAir Tokyo, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Qantas Airways, JetStar Airlines, Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways, Philippine Airlines, and Singapore Airlines (for DHL). Amazon Prime Air flights are operated by Air Transport International. There are also charter flights operated by Air Transport International, Atlas Air, Omni Air International, and Sun Country Airlines.
Since the covid pandemic, China Airlines suspended its TPE-HNL service, and has yet to restart it.
Kalaeloa Airport (John Rodgers Field) [JRF/PHJR]
Located in Kapolei on O‘ahu's west side, the former Naval Air Station Barbers Point is primarily used for general aviation, since it was deactivated in 1999, and handed over to the State of Hawaiʻi. Occasionally, there are airliner delivery flights to Asia, or ferry flights that transit through JRF going to or from the US mainland.
Located in Kapolei on O‘ahu's west side, the former Naval Air Station Barbers Point is primarily used for general aviation, since it was deactivated in 1999, and handed over to the State of Hawaiʻi. Occasionally, there are airliner delivery flights to Asia, or ferry flights that transit through JRF going to or from the US mainland.
Fixed Base Operator, Million Air, constructed a fuel farm, west of the former air museum, and is the sole FBO for JRF. Million Air has an FBO facility that is scheduled for construction.
On the south end of JRF, is the Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, which houses the 14th District's aircraft that comprises of HC-130Js and HH-65s.
The northeast end of JRF houses the Hawai‘i Air National Guard CH-47F squadron, the 211th Aviation Regiment. There is also traffic from US Army / Army Guard helicopters from HHI that will stop on the Guard ramp.
There are also times when US military transports use JRF as an overflow parking whenever the Hickam ramp is full. When the RIMPAC exercise is going on, the RON ramp can get quite full with military transports.
The Hawai‘i Air National Guard occasionally performs touch-and-go landings by their KC-135Rs and C-17As. Antonov An-124s have been at JRF for cargo charter flights on behalf of the Hawai‘i Army National Guard.
Coral Sea Road, is located along the departure end of Runways 4L, 4R, and 11, has some areas on the side of the road that are viewable for 4R and 11 departures, and 22L arrivals.
The Naval Air Museum at Barbers Point, featured a former ATI DC-8-62, N799AL; along with several retired US Navy, US Marine Corps, and US Coast Guard aircraft associated with the former Naval Air Station Barbers Point, and naval aviation in Hawai‘i, was closed and evicted by HDOT-A in 2019.
N799AL has been moved to the Kalaeloa Soundstage.
Most of the aircraft have been scrapped by HDOT-A.
The Kalaeloa Soundstage is right outside of the airport, and does use the JRF ramp and hangars for film and TV productions. "NCIS Hawai‘i" used parts of the soundstage. Up until 2023, the soundstage had been the primary production facility for "Magnum, P.I.", with the Island Hoppers helipad outside the building.
Kawaihāpai Airfield [HDH/PHDH]
Formerly known as Dillingham Airfield, in Mokulēʻia, on O‘ahu's northwest coastline. Kawaihāpai Airfield is the island's primary airport for skydiving, ultralight aircraft, and glider activities. It is also leased from the US Army, whose lease has been extended through 2074. On occasion, HDH is also used for Film and TV productions.
US Armed Forces Bases
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM [HIK/PHIK]
There are no public spotting areas for JBPHH, though arriving and departing traffic can be seen from the same HNL spotting locations. JBPHH is the home of the US Air Force's 15th Wing, and the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Wing. It is also the main air base for RIMPAC exercises. Transient military aircraft uses JBPHH as their main stopover point.
WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD [HHI/PHHI]
Located in Wahiawā, in Central Oʻahu, this airfield has no spotting areas, and stopping along Kamehameha Highway or the Interstate H2 is not advised. The US Army's 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, and three Hawai‘i Army National Guard units are based at HHI. There is occasional C-17 traffic when there are joint branch exercises.
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KĀNEʻOHE BAY [NGF/PHNG]
Located on the Mokapu Peninsula, on O‘ahu's Windward coastline between Kāneʻohe and Kailua, itʻs the home of the 3rd Marine Air Wing's Marine Air Group 24, along with a couple of US Navy aviation assets. The best spotting area outside the base is the He‘eia Kea Boat Harbor, which is on the approach path to NGF's Runway 4. Another option is the roadside lookout on Interstate H3 (eastbound) just after the Kāneʻohe Bay Drive on-ramp, but a long lens is recommended for this location.
O‘ahu Revised: 14 June 2024
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
OGG has mainland service by Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, United, and Southwest; along with Air Canada and WestJet from Canada. UPS Airlines and Amazon Prime Air have cargo flights.
Outside of OGG, Hansen Road, that runs between Hāna Highway and Mokulele Highway is a possible location, though it is a bit far, and requires a long lens. The new Pu‘unene Shopping Center runs along the landing path of Runway 2, that parking lot should provide some arrival shots. The Courtyard by Marriott, outside OGG, has some views of arrivals, but best from the north end high floors facing Haleakalā. Another spotting location is along the beach on Sprecklesville Road, off of Hāna Highway. It's near the departure end of Runway 2, and it requires an air band receiver, since that end is at a higher elevation that the approach end.
Other roads around OGG are subject to security patrols, and spotting is not advised there.
Outside KOA, there is a location at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Authority (NELHA), south of KOA, as well as Wawaioli Beach Park, both on Makako Bay Drive. It offers arrival views to Runway 35.
Hilo International Airport [ITO/PHTO]
Most of the passenger air traffic at Hilo are inter-island service by Hawaiian Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Cargo flights are flown into ITO by Aloha Air Cargo, Kamaka Air and FedEx Feeder.
Outside ITO, the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Silva Street offers views of Runways 8/26 and 3/21.
Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility Airport [BKH/PHBK]
Located near Kekaha, is Kaua‘i's only military airfield, owned by the US Navy as a missile launch test site, and is closed to the public.
LĀNA‘I
Lāna‘i Airport [LNY/PHNY]
The one spotting location outside LNY, is the bus loading lot fronting the general aviation parking ramp. From the terminal, it may be better to get photos while boarding or exiting your flight. LNY is served by Lāna‘i Air, Mokulele Airlines, Southern Airways Express, Kamaka Air, TransAir, and FedEx Feeder.
MOLOKA‘I
Ho‘olehua Airport [MKK/PHMK]
Ho‘olehua Airport is currently has service by Mokulele Airlines, Southern Airways Express, Kamaka Air, and TransAir. With the open-air boarding, one is able to get photos while walking to (and from) the aircraft.
At the present time, this is the best spotting information we have for the Neighbor Island airports. As with the five caveats listed for HNL, HNL RareBirds™ will never accept any responsibility for any actions (and/or conduct) taken by individuals while engaging in planespotting and/or photography. Each person is responsible for their own actions while spotting and/or photographing in and around Neighbor Island Airports. We will update any new information as it comes available.
MAUI
Kahului Airport [OGG/PHOG]
Kahului Airport [OGG/PHOG]
OGG is the second busiest airport in Hawai‘i. Within the main terminal, there are quite a number of windows that look out toward the ramp at every gate. On a clear day, Mount Haleakalā makes a perfect backdrop. An empty gate can get you clear shots of taxiing aircraft on Taxiway A, and some movements on Runway 2/20. The quality of the view depends on the cleanliness of the windows.
OGG has inter-island service by Hawaiian, Southwest, Aloha Air Cargo, Kamaka Air, Mokulele, FedEx Feeder, and TransAir. Mokulele operates out of the Commuter Terminal, and their flights primarily use Runway 5/23.
OGG has mainland service by Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, United, and Southwest; along with Air Canada and WestJet from Canada. UPS Airlines and Amazon Prime Air have cargo flights.
Outside of OGG, Hansen Road, that runs between Hāna Highway and Mokulele Highway is a possible location, though it is a bit far, and requires a long lens. The new Pu‘unene Shopping Center runs along the landing path of Runway 2, that parking lot should provide some arrival shots. The Courtyard by Marriott, outside OGG, has some views of arrivals, but best from the north end high floors facing Haleakalā. Another spotting location is along the beach on Sprecklesville Road, off of Hāna Highway. It's near the departure end of Runway 2, and it requires an air band receiver, since that end is at a higher elevation that the approach end.
Other roads around OGG are subject to security patrols, and spotting is not advised there.
In 2016, HDOT-A revised the OGG Master Plan, which would include lengthening and resurfacing Runway 2/20 and 5/23, and building a temporary parallel runway for 2/20 for the duration of the project. However, this has yet to come to fruition.
Kapalua Airport [JHM/PHJH]
The Kapalua Airport, located on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, is served by Mokulele Airlines. Kamaka Air and FedEx Feeder flights makes occasional cargo flights there as well.
Kapalua Airport [JHM/PHJH]
The Kapalua Airport, located on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, is served by Mokulele Airlines. Kamaka Air and FedEx Feeder flights makes occasional cargo flights there as well.
Hāna Airport [HNM/PHHN]
The Hāna Airport, located on the northeast side of Maui, is mainly a general aviation airport, though it does have a few daily flights by Mokulele Airlines.
HAWAI‘I
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole [KOA/PHKO]
Named after the Kona-born Space Shuttle astronaut, Ellison Onizuka, who perished in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger accident, KOA is the third busiest airport in Hawai‘i. KOA's Runway 17/35 is the third longest runway (11,000') in Hawai‘i. Gates at KOA provide great views and photo opportunities, as all boarding is done by stairs, and an open-air walk to the terminals or the aircraft. Of course, there will be fellow passengers and ground service equipment in your photos.
HAWAI‘I
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole [KOA/PHKO]
Named after the Kona-born Space Shuttle astronaut, Ellison Onizuka, who perished in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger accident, KOA is the third busiest airport in Hawai‘i. KOA's Runway 17/35 is the third longest runway (11,000') in Hawai‘i. Gates at KOA provide great views and photo opportunities, as all boarding is done by stairs, and an open-air walk to the terminals or the aircraft. Of course, there will be fellow passengers and ground service equipment in your photos.
KOA has inter-island service by Hawaiian, Southwest, Kamaka, Aloha Air Cargo, and TransAir.
KOA has US mainland service by Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest, and United; Air Canada and WestJet Airlines from Canada; and a Japan Airlines flight from NRT.
KOA's FBO ramp area on the south end, is also used for Nok Air and Virgin Australia 737 delivery flight stopovers.
KOA has US mainland service by Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest, and United; Air Canada and WestJet Airlines from Canada; and a Japan Airlines flight from NRT.
KOA's FBO ramp area on the south end, is also used for Nok Air and Virgin Australia 737 delivery flight stopovers.
Outside KOA, there is a location at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Authority (NELHA), south of KOA, as well as Wawaioli Beach Park, both on Makako Bay Drive. It offers arrival views to Runway 35.
Hilo International Airport [ITO/PHTO]
Most of the passenger air traffic at Hilo are inter-island service by Hawaiian Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Cargo flights are flown into ITO by Aloha Air Cargo, Kamaka Air and FedEx Feeder.
Outside ITO, the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Silva Street offers views of Runways 8/26 and 3/21.
The Hawai‘i Army National Guard has a UH-60M detachment based at ITO.
On occasion, some delivery and ferry flights will stop through ITO.
Waimea-Kohala Airport (Kamuela) [MUE/PHMU]
Commonly referred to as the Kamuela Airport, MUE's airline service is limited to Mokulele Airlines and TransAir, along with general aviation traffic.
Waimea-Kohala Airport (Kamuela) [MUE/PHMU]
Commonly referred to as the Kamuela Airport, MUE's airline service is limited to Mokulele Airlines and TransAir, along with general aviation traffic.
Upolu Point (Hawi) [UPP/PHUP]
Located on Hawai‘i Island's northern tip, this is a general aviation airport.
KAUA‘I
Līhuʻe Airport [LIH/PHLI]
LIH is the fourth busiest Hawai‘i airport. Other than from the gates, we do not have much spotting information available for this airport. LIH does have US mainland service by Alaska, American, Hawaiian, Delta, Southwest, and United, though most of the flights arrive in the afternoon. WestJet Airlines provides service from YVR. Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines inter-island flights run throughout the day.
Virgin Australia uses LIH as their primary Hawai‘i stopover point for their 737 delivery flights.
Outside LIH, it appears Ninini Point Street offers arrival views to both Runways 3/21 and 35/17. There is a state park on the north end of Runway 17, but we are unsure of the view form there. With the on-going construction to Runway 3/21, access to the area may be limited.
KAUA‘I
Līhuʻe Airport [LIH/PHLI]
LIH is the fourth busiest Hawai‘i airport. Other than from the gates, we do not have much spotting information available for this airport. LIH does have US mainland service by Alaska, American, Hawaiian, Delta, Southwest, and United, though most of the flights arrive in the afternoon. WestJet Airlines provides service from YVR. Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines inter-island flights run throughout the day.
Virgin Australia uses LIH as their primary Hawai‘i stopover point for their 737 delivery flights.
Outside LIH, it appears Ninini Point Street offers arrival views to both Runways 3/21 and 35/17. There is a state park on the north end of Runway 17, but we are unsure of the view form there. With the on-going construction to Runway 3/21, access to the area may be limited.
Princeville Airport [HI01]
Located near Hanalei, near the Princeville resort, this is a private airport, not part of HDOT-A system.
Port Allen Airport [PAK/PHPA]
Port Allen Airport, located near Hānapēpē, is a general aviation airport used by skydiving groups.
Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility Airport [BKH/PHBK]
Located near Kekaha, is Kaua‘i's only military airfield, owned by the US Navy as a missile launch test site, and is closed to the public.
LĀNA‘I
Lāna‘i Airport [LNY/PHNY]
The one spotting location outside LNY, is the bus loading lot fronting the general aviation parking ramp. From the terminal, it may be better to get photos while boarding or exiting your flight. LNY is served by Lāna‘i Air, Mokulele Airlines, Southern Airways Express, Kamaka Air, TransAir, and FedEx Feeder.
MOLOKA‘I
Ho‘olehua Airport [MKK/PHMK]
Ho‘olehua Airport is currently has service by Mokulele Airlines, Southern Airways Express, Kamaka Air, and TransAir. With the open-air boarding, one is able to get photos while walking to (and from) the aircraft.
Brandt Field Airport [18HI]
Brandt Field is a small private airport on the east of northeast end Moloka‘i, not part of HDOT.
Kalaupapa Airport [LUP/PHLU]
Kalaupapa is served by Mokulele Airlines and Kamaka Air, but are restricted to flights servicing the Hansen's Disease patients, US Dept of Interior staff, and state medical staff.
Neighbor Islands Revised: 14 June 2024
Neighbor Islands Revised: 14 June 2024
