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TSA Wait Times at Honolulu International Airport (HNL)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Honolulu International Airport security checkpoints. The data below shows historical maximum wait times by day and hour to help you choose the best time to arrive.

Peak Wait Time

46 min

Fridays at 10 AM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

15 time slots with minimal wait

Morning Wait Times (AM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Honolulu International Airport for morning hours (12 AM - 11 AM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 AM 3m 1m - - - - -
1 AM - 1m - - - - -
2 AM - - - - 1m - -
3 AM - - - - 8m - -
4 AM 9m 12m 15m 15m 9m 11m 8m
5 AM 14m 15m 12m 44m 12m 9m 6m
6 AM 25m 20m 14m 30m 13m 40m 10m
7 AM 13m 7m 12m 20m 10m 7m 10m
8 AM 15m 11m 9m 5m 12m 11m 10m
9 AM 22m 15m 9m 15m 18m 19m 19m
10 AM 14m 20m 25m 18m 46m 29m 22m
11 AM 14m 25m 17m 22m 27m 18m 23m

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Honolulu International Airport for afternoon and evening hours (12 PM - 11 PM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 PM 22m 15m 10m 20m 25m 11m 12m
1 PM 20m 36m 17m 10m 20m 8m 9m
2 PM 33m 38m 12m 25m 27m 8m 15m
3 PM 15m 20m 10m 22m 19m 6m 13m
4 PM 12m 12m 10m 11m 19m 6m 18m
5 PM 21m 14m 12m 14m 19m 15m 18m
6 PM 15m 15m 11m 28m 24m 28m 22m
7 PM 18m 16m 15m 15m 32m 19m 18m
8 PM 25m 15m 13m 23m 33m 23m 14m
9 PM 19m 13m 9m 28m 22m 8m 6m
10 PM 5m 8m 6m 6m 6m 3m 5m
11 PM 2m 2m 1m 1m 1m 1m 4m

Wait Time Legend

- No data ≤5 min 6-10 min 11-15 min 16-20 min 21-30 min 30+ min

Tips for HNL Security

  • Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights
  • Consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for expedited screening
  • Check peak times above and plan to arrive during lower-traffic periods when possible
  • Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the checkpoint
  • Remove laptops and liquids from bags if you don't have TSA PreCheck

HNL TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at Honolulu International Airport?

TSA wait times at HNL vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 46 minutes on Fridays around 10 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 15 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.

What is the best time to go through security at HNL?

The best times to go through TSA security at HNL are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 15 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Fridays around 10 AM when waits are longest.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for HNL?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Honolulu International Airport. PreCheck members enjoy expedited screening with shorter lines, and don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. If you fly more than twice a year, the $78 fee (valid for 5 years) is usually worth it.

How early should I arrive at HNL airport?

For domestic flights at Honolulu International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Fridays at 10 AM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 46 minutes.