If you are travelling internationally, you will most likely arrive into and depart from Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Eventhough Honolulu (Hawaiian capital on Oahu) is the major airport, some domestic and charter airlines will also fly from North America into other island's smaller airports (see transportation for each island). Honolulu is served by these domestic, inter-island, commuter, and international airlines:

Visas are required for most foreign travelers entering the USA. Check with your local American Embassy or Consulate for further information. Located on the western end of Honolulu proper, Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is where you will clear customs and catch departing flights to other islands. Here is a map of the airport terminals layout to help you find your way around. It is a very modern airport with airline lounges, foreign exchange boothes, conference center, medical facilities, post office, shops, restaurants, and visitor information.

When you exit the airport for the first time, you are faced with many choices from car rentals, through resort or tour shuttles, to ground transportation. Primary car rental companies are listed above by whether they are located on or off the airport property. Resort shuttles will likely have been arranged in advance by you, the resort, or your travel operator. Ground transportation options are much more varied. Here are a few choices:

Cruise ships also dock and clear customs in Honolulu Harbor, and depart from here to the other islands. Cruises have come under considerable disfavor from tourist recently due to their ecological impacts from dumping sewage and garbage at sea. Ask for a copy of their environmental policy before you book a cruise. Here is a list of some of these cruise companies that service the Hawaiian market.