Partnership projects enhance passenger experience at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) today highlighted new improvements to Terminal 1 at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) as part of a continuing effort to collaborate with partners to enhance the passenger experience for the traveling public.

In partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, HDOT unveiled new restroom facilities in Terminal 1 that were constructed by Hawaiian, as part of an agreement that involved relocating the central Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint in 2022, to what is now checkpoint 1B located on the makai side of the terminal. In addition to replacing the terminal restroom facilities that were displaced during the checkpoint construction, Hawaiian Airlines also committed to delivering a new breakroom for TSA employees. Hawaiian Airlines’ total investment in this project was $14 million.

“This project is more than just a construction milestone, it’s a testament to the power of partnership,” said Monica Kobayashi, managing director for airport operations, Hawaiian Airlines. “By working together, Hawaiian Airlines and the HDOT were able to pool resources, share expertise and deliver a project that benefits everyone who passes through this terminal. It’s a model of collaboration that allows us to move faster, work smarter and achieve more than we could alone.”

Also today, HDOT and its food and beverage concessionaire partner HMSHost celebrated the opening of the first of two new Panda Express restaurants at HNL. Panda Express in Terminal 1 began serving its popular American Chinese cuisine, including Kung Pao chicken, Beijing beef, orange chicken, black pepper Angus steak, and honey walnut shrimp, with a soft opening on May 27, and conducted a grand opening and blessing today. A second Panda Express, which will be located in the food court in Terminal 2, is slated to open in August. HMSHost is also upgrading furniture at its food and beverage outlets in Terminal 1 and expects to open Waialua Café and Bar in the Mauka Terminal by the end of this year.

“We are extremely excited to bring our travelers a well-recognized and sought-after brand in Panda Express, delivering flavors that are a combination of Chinese roots with an American taste, serving dishes that are authentically American Chinese,” said Chris Kadohiro, director of operations for HMSHost. “The addition of Panda Express in the interisland terminal, as well as the Terminal 2 location coming in August will allow us to increase passenger satisfaction and provide them great comfort food as they travel.”

HDOT and HMSHost are also collaborating with popular local chefs and restauranteurs to bring additional new dining experiences to HNL. Details for the new restaurants will be provided as plans are finalized.

“Our commitment to modernizing airport facilities, upgrading infrastructure and improving operational efficiencies is dependent on many outstanding partners like Hawaiian Airlines and HMSHost who are also dedicated to making Hawai‘i’s airports inviting and comforting for travelers,” said Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. “These projects are important components that add to the overall experience for residents and visitors who use our airports.”

 

Photos can be found at the links below. Please credit Hawai‘i Department of Transportation:

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen deliver remarks during the grand opening of Panda Express at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Terminal 1 – https://hidot.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_0831-scaled.jpg

Kahu Makani Tabura blesses new restrooms at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Terminal 1 – https://hidot.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_0849-scaled.jpg

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