Parking at HNL Is About to Get More Expensive — Here’s What You Need to Know (and How to Save)
Parking at HNL Is About to Get More Expensive — Here’s What You Need to Know (and How to Save)
Hey friends — just a quick heads-up for all my fellow Hawaii travelers. If you’ve got a trip planned this summer (or even just dropping off family at the airport), get ready: parking at Honolulu Airport (HNL) is going up starting July 1, 2025.
Let’s break it down and talk story about what’s changing, how it affects you, and a few travel hacker tips to help you avoid those rising costs.
What’s Changing at HNL?
The State Department of Transportation just announced that daily parking rates at HNL will increase for the first time in over 10 years. Here's the breakdown:
Current max daily rate: $25
New max daily rate (starting July 1): $27
Short-term hourly rates: Also going up, see chart below.
Khon2.com
So if you’re used to parking at the airport for your weekend getaways or longer interisland trips, it’s going to cost you a bit more.
Why the Increase?
Honestly, this hike has been a long time coming. The state says it’s needed to fund ongoing maintenance and upgrades to parking and airport infrastructure. Think lighting, elevators, signage, and security — all stuff we kinda take for granted until it breaks.
Still, for us locals who travel often (or fly interisland regularly), every dollar counts.
Scott’s Travel Tips: How to Save on HNL Parking
1. Get Dropped Off (if you can)
Yeah, I know this one’s obvious. But if you’ve got ʻohana or a friend willing to drop you off and pick you up, that’s a quick $40+ saved on a weekend trip.
2. Use Credit Cards With Parking Perks
Some travel credit cards (especially premium ones) come with annual travel credits that include airport parking. Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Amex Platinum are a few examples.
3. Park at Nearby Offsite Lots
There are a few offsite lots near HNL that offer cheaper daily rates than the airport — especially for longer trips. Some even offer shuttle service. See options here.
What This Means for Hawaii-Based Travelers
For those of us flying often — whether it’s for work, family visits, or mainland trips — this is a reminder that even the “small stuff” like parking can add up. It's more important than ever to maximize points, use travel rewards smartly, and stack every savings opportunity.
If you need help building your points game, that's what I'm here for. Let's get you flying for less — and spending less before you even step on the plane.
Let’s Chat 👇
Got questions about using points for flights, hotels, or even airport parking perks? Leave a comment or reach out! And if you haven’t already, join my free Hawaii Reward Travel consultation to start stacking points smarter.