From:
http://hnlrarebirds.blogspot.tw/p/spotting.html
O‘ahu
Honolulu International Airport [HNL/PHNL]
This is an unofficial guide to aircraft spotting locations around the Honolulu International Airport (HNL). HNL RareBirds will not accept any responsibility for any conduct or actions taken by individuals (or groups) while engaging in planespotting and/or photography. Each person assumes responsibility for their own actions and conduct while engaging in aircraft spotting and/or photography around HNL (or any other Hawai‘i airport).
If you have a boarding pass, or are an arriving passenger on a domestic flight, HNL offers a few open air locations in the Main Terminal, between the three concourses, that offers clear views of aircraft. The Inter-Island Terminal's walkways have been enclosed with glass. Most of the gates also provide excellent viewing spots as well.
The Commuter Terminal has large windows facing the flight line, but ground support equipment may obstruct your photos. During the morning hours, it is possible to get photos of aircraft parked on the Elliott Street ramp. This terminal is slated to move to the Diamond Head end, in a few years as the Inter-Island Terminal will expand.
There are two locations on the southeast side of HNL, on Lagoon Drive, where spotting is possible. The first is at the extreme south end of Lagoon Drive, in the General Aviation parking lot. This location is excellent for watching traffic depart from the Runway 8R, “the Reef Runway”, and arrivals to both Runways 4L & 4R, during tradewind weather (which is 90-95% of the time). There is a fence to contend with, and standing on one’s car, or through the the sun roof, are ways to overcome that. Step-ladders are ill-advised.
The second location, a parking lot on Palekona Street, is a good location to watch Runway 22L departures, or Runway 4R arrivals.
The length of Lagoon Drive past Aolele Street is a No Parking Zone, none of the side streets, except Palekona Street and Kalewa Street have public parking.
It's not advised to do any spotting along Elliott Street as well, since the entire length of the street is a No Parking Zone.
Please do not encroach on any private property to do any spotting, unless you obtain their permission.
There are several times during the course of the year when the winds shift from the northeast tradewinds to the southwesterly “Kona” winds. When these winds occur, the traffic is reversed. Landing traffic will make their final approach abeam the world-famous Waikīkī Beach for both Runways 26L & 26R. Departing traffic will take-off west-bound from Runway 26L (heavy jet) & 26R (inter-island), or south-bound on Runway 22L (heavy jet). Runway 22R is primarily used for light aircraft.
The top floor of the Inter-Island Terminal’s parking structure offer great views of the ‘Ewa end of the main terminal. While the 6th level offers a view of the Inter-Island and Commuter Terminals. However, loitering is not advised.
Four Caveats
1) You may be subject to questioning, or an identification check by either deputies from the Hawai‘i State Sheriff's Department (the governing law enforcement agency of HNL), or by airport police officers from Securitas, the private security firm that also guards HNL, especially if they see you with any kind of camera in any of these spotting locations. Please be courteous, and cooperative with them, and comply.
2) If you plan an extended stay in Honolulu, you may want to contact the airport manager’s office to apply for a hobby photographers permit. It’s free, and it will allow you to take photos around HNL, as long it is for personal use, and non-commercial purposes.
3) The spotting locations can get quite warm and sunny, therefore, sunblock and drinks are strongly recommended. There are no public rest facilities, nor water fountains at either Lagoon Drive spotting locations. The nearest public lavatory is at Ke‘ehi Park, past the tennis courts. There are a number of take-out eateries along Nimitz Highway, Koapaka Street, and Ualena Street (between Lagoon Drive and Paiea Street). These locations also have little, or no shade areas. Do not litter. Also, alcohol consumption is prohibited.
4) It is recommended to have a rental car when spotting on the Lagoon Drive side of HNL. The municipal bus line, The Bus, no longer has bus service down Lagoon Drive. The nearest bus stop is along Nimitz Highway, or outside HNL's Main Terminal (Departure Level). Taxi fares can run as high as US$50 between Waikīkī and HNL, each way. There also are no pay phones in the area, so it is recommended that you carry a mobile phone.
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