As part of a multi-year program designed to increase funding for airport facilities improvement projects, HNL parking rate increases begin today. I’m sure we can all agree that HNL desperately needs all the help it can get, but having to pay more for, well, anything, sucks. At least this increase is a relatively small one.
In 2022, the Hawai’i Department of Transportation announced a whole series of annual parking rate increases spanning from 2023 to 2027. That initial increase, which went into effect last year, saw prices increase by $1/hour for those parking their car for more than three hours, but less than a day, and $2 for the daily rate. Well, another year means another round of changes, and that change is now, as HNL parking rate increases begin today. This year, they’re both similar and different from the first set.
HNL Parking Rate Increases Begin Today
Year two of five kicks off as HNL parking rate increases begin today. This time, the rates for the two tiers are increasing by $1 each, making parking for three to four hours $10, four to five hours is $15, five to six hours is $19, six to seven hours is $21, 7 to 8 hours is $23, and anything over 8 hours is now assessed a daily rate of $25. A 15-minute grace period still applies, and parking for 30 minutes still costs $1, while one hour remains at $3.
Next year, we’ll see a larger increase to the daily rate again, as it jumps to $27. The daily rate before the first increase was $22.
While parking in Honolulu is getting more expensive, it’s still cheaper than other airports around the country. For example, SEA charges $37 per day. However, unlike most other airports, HNL doesn’t have an economy lot or other off-site options, so you’re kind of stuck. Moreover, you can’t take TheBus to the airport, as luggage is prohibited onboard. This means your only options are to get dropped off by a friend/family, take a ride share, or park. Depending on how long you plan on being away for, the ride share option could be more expensive than parking.
Silver Lining
While parking is getting more expensive and there are no great alternatives, there’s at least a silver lining to the fact that HNL parking rate increases begin today. And that is Chase Sapphire cardholders earn 3x points on parking, which falls under Chase’s “travel” category. However, Sapphire Reserve cardholders will also want to remember that parking fees will use your $300 in annual travel statement credits. So, if you have another use for it in mind, maybe don’t use that card to pay for any kind of parking.
During my recent trip to Maui, I limited my use of my Sapphire Reserve for travel purchases until after the trip, as I wanted to use my travel statement credits to pay for my rental car and the airport parking. Naturally, it worked out, and I didn’t have to pay out of pocket for either.
HNL Parking Rate Increases Begin Today, Final Thoughts
Again, parking rates at HNL are going up, and they will continue to do so for the next few years. I do wish the Hawai’i Department of Transportation would provide alternatives, especially since mass transit isn’t going to be an option for most travelers, but we have what we have. At least our parking arrangement isn’t as confusing as other places. For example, the time I needed to go to urgent care at LAS, I got SO LOST in their parking structure.
I will say, though, that I find it disappointing that parking fees are being used a vehicle to generate revenue to make airport improvements when only residents use parking. If the fund are going only to make improvements to parking, then that’s fine. But if it’s for overall airport improvements? Then, that’s not cool.