Oahu Airport Parking Fees to Rise Amid Planned Airport Upgrades

Key Takeaways

• Daily parking rates at Daniel K. Inouye Airport increase from $25 to $27 on July 1, 2025.
• New fees fund airport modernization: fiber optics, cameras, automated payments, and LED signs.
• First hour parking remains $3; long-term parking costs rise, with further hikes through 2027.

Travelers using Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu will soon face higher parking fees, as the Hawaii Department of Transportation continues its multi-year plan to modernize airport facilities. Starting July 1, 2025, the maximum daily parking rate at the airport will rise from $25 to $27. This change marks the third phase of a series of scheduled increases, which began in January 2023, and will continue through at least 2027. The goal is to fund much-needed upgrades and improvements at Hawaii’s busiest airport.

Who is affected? Anyone parking at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport—whether for a quick drop-off, a day trip, or a long vacation—will see changes in parking fees. The new rates will impact local residents, tourists, business travelers, and even people picking up friends or family.

What is changing? The most important change is the increase in the maximum daily parking fee, but several hourly rates will also go up. The first hour of parking and the free 15-minute grace period will remain unchanged, helping those who only need to drop off or pick up passengers.

When does this happen? The new rates take effect on July 1, 2025. Additional increases are already scheduled for July 1, 2026, and July 1, 2027.

Where does this apply? The changes affect all official parking facilities at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, including Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the International Parking Garage.

Why are rates going up? The Hawaii Department of Transportation says the increases are needed to pay for airport modernization projects. These include new technology, better security, and improved parking management systems.

How will this affect travelers? People who park for several days will pay more, and the airport hopes the higher fees will encourage travelers to consider other options, such as drop-off, ride-sharing, or off-site parking.

Let’s look at the details of these changes, what’s driving them, and how they might affect different groups of travelers.

Details of the New Parking Fee Structure

The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced the new rates on June 10, 2025, giving travelers about three weeks’ notice before the changes take effect. Here’s a breakdown of the new parking fees at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport:

Key points:
– First hour rates stay the same: The airport will keep the first hour of parking at $3, and the first 15 minutes will remain free. This helps people who are just dropping off or picking up passengers.
– Longer stays cost more: The biggest increases are for people parking for several hours or overnight. For example, parking for 2-3 hours will go from $7 to $9, and the daily maximum will rise to $27.
– All official airport garages are included: The new rates apply to Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the International Parking Garage.

Why Are Parking Fees Increasing?

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is raising parking fees to pay for a series of airport improvements. These upgrades are part of a long-term agreement made in 2018, which aims to modernize the airport’s parking system and improve the overall experience for travelers.

Some of the improvements include:
– Fiber optic cables: These allow for faster and more reliable communication between parking systems.
– Camera tracking: New cameras help track vehicles as they enter and leave, making it easier to manage parking and improve security.
– Automated fee calculation: New systems automatically calculate parking fees, reducing errors and speeding up payment.
– LED displays: Signs show drivers where parking spaces are available, making it easier to find a spot.

These upgrades are expensive, and the HDOT says the only way to pay for them is through higher parking fees. The department also hopes that higher rates will reduce demand for long-term parking, freeing up spaces for people who need them most.

Parking Facilities at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

The airport offers several parking options, each with its own features and restrictions. All of these will be subject to the new rate structure.

Terminal 1 Parking Garage

• Location: Right next to Terminal 1, making it convenient for travelers using this terminal.
• Size: Seven stories tall, with entrances on the ground and second levels.
• Height limit: Vehicles must be under 7 feet tall.
• Hours: Open 24 hours a day.
• Parking limit: Maximum stay is 30 days.

Terminal 2 Parking Garage

• Location: Near Terminal 2.
• Size: Five stories.
• Rates: Same as other airport garages.

International Parking Garage

• Location: Across from the International Arrivals Building.
• Size: Eight stories, with 1,800 parking spaces.
• Special features: Connected to Terminal 1 Garage by a bridge on the 6th level.
• Electric vehicle (EV) parking: Spaces on levels 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
• EV charging station: Located on level 1, can charge two vehicles at once. The cost is $7.00 for 24 hours.

Special Parking Options

Electric Vehicle Parking

• Designated spaces: Available in the International Parking Garage.
• Charging station: On level 1, $7.00 for 24 hours.

Motorcycle Parking

• Short-term: $1.00 for two hours.
• Daily maximum: $5.00 per day, paid at a payment box.
• Monthly rate: $50.00.

Free Cell Phone Waiting Areas

• Locations: Two areas—Ewa Cell Phone Waiting Area (near the Airport Post Office on Service Road A) and Diamond Head Cell Phone Waiting Area (on Aolele Street).
• Cost: Free for up to one hour.
• Rules: Drivers must stay with their vehicles.

These options are especially helpful for people picking up arriving passengers, as they allow drivers to wait without paying for parking.

Future Parking Rate Increases

The July 1, 2025, increase is not the last. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has already scheduled additional increases:

• July 1, 2026: Maximum daily rate will rise to $29.
• July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028: Maximum daily rate will reach $30.

This means that by 2028, parking for a week at the airport could cost up to $210, not including taxes or fees.

How Will These Changes Affect Travelers?

The new parking fees at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport will have different effects on different groups of people.

Local Residents

Many Oahu residents use the airport for family trips, business travel, or to pick up and drop off loved ones. The unchanged first-hour rate and free 15-minute grace period will help those who only need short-term parking. However, anyone leaving their car for several days will see costs add up quickly.

Tourists

Visitors to Hawaii 🇺🇸 often rent cars and may need to park at the airport before catching inter-island flights or returning home. The higher daily rates could make airport parking less attractive, especially for longer stays. Some tourists may look for off-site parking or use hotel shuttles to save money.

Business Travelers

People traveling for work often need to park for several days. The increased rates will raise travel costs for companies and individuals. Some may switch to ride-sharing or taxis to avoid parking fees.

People Picking Up or Dropping Off

The airport’s decision to keep the first hour of parking at $3 and the free 15-minute period is good news for those who just need to pick up or drop off passengers. The free cell phone waiting areas also provide a no-cost option for waiting.

Long-Term Parkers

Anyone leaving a car at the airport for a week or more will feel the biggest impact. For example, a 7-day trip will cost $189 at the new daily rate of $27, compared to $175 under the old rate.

No Reservation System

Unlike some major airports, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport does not offer a parking reservation system. All parking is first-come, first-served. This means travelers should plan to arrive early, especially during busy travel seasons or holidays, to make sure they find a spot.

Payment Options

The airport accepts cash and major credit cards for parking payments. Checks are not accepted. This makes it easy for most travelers to pay, but it’s important to have a backup payment method in case one doesn’t work.

Alternatives to Airport Parking

With higher parking fees, some travelers may look for other options:

• Free cell phone waiting areas: Ideal for those picking up passengers.
• Nearby hotels and private lots: Some offer parking and shuttle service to the airport, often at lower rates than the airport itself.
• Ride-sharing and taxis: These can be more cost-effective for short trips or if you don’t want to worry about parking.
• Public transportation: The city bus and other transit options can help avoid parking fees altogether.

Official Information and Resources

For the most up-to-date information on parking rates, garage locations, and rules at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, travelers should visit the official Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports Division website.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of a larger trend at airports across the United States 🇺🇸, where rising costs and modernization projects are leading to higher parking fees and new technology.

What Should Travelers Do Next?

If you plan to use Daniel K. Inouye International Airport after July 1, 2025, here are some steps you can take:

• Check the latest rates: Visit the official airport website before your trip.
• Plan ahead: Arrive early to secure a parking spot, especially during busy times.
• Consider alternatives: Look into off-site parking, ride-sharing, or public transportation if you want to save money.
• Use the free waiting areas: If you’re picking someone up, take advantage of the cell phone waiting lots.
• Budget for higher costs: If you need to park for several days, factor the new rates into your travel budget.

Conclusion

The upcoming parking fee increases at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport are part of a long-term plan to improve the airport’s facilities and services. While the higher rates may be frustrating for some, they help pay for important upgrades that benefit all travelers. By understanding the new rates, planning ahead, and considering alternative options, travelers can make the best choices for their needs and avoid surprises when they arrive at the airport.

For more details and the latest updates, always check the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s official airport parking page.

Learn Today

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport → Hawaii’s main airport located on Oahu, serving local and international flights.
Parking Fee → Cost charged to park a vehicle at the airport for a set duration.
Fiber Optic Cables → High-speed communication cables improving data transfer for airport parking systems.
Automated Fee Calculation → Technology that automatically determines parking cost based on duration without manual input.
Cell Phone Waiting Areas → Free parking zones where drivers wait for arriving passengers without paying fees.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting July 1, 2025, parking rates at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport will rise to fund upgrades. Short-term parking stays affordable, but long-term parking becomes costlier, encouraging alternatives like ride-sharing or off-site parking to improve traveler experience at Oahu’s busiest airport.
— By VisaVerge.com