The regional Transportation Security Administration on Wednesday said it’s preparing for what is projected to be the busiest summer travel season ever — and so should you.
A record number of passengers will depart Daniel K. Inouye Honolulu International Airport between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, according to a press release.
Passengers “are encouraged” to arrive three hours prior to departure so there is time to park, check bags, go through screening and find their gate.
(Locally, the state Department of Transportation’s Airports Division has advised that getting dropped off might be wise, too.)
The busiest days for TSA at HNL will be Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while the busiest times will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Here’s some more tips:
- “By unpacking your bag fully and re-packing it before coming to the airport, you will avoid bringing items to the airport that are prohibited in carry-on luggage. This includes knives; stun guns; self-defense and martial arts items.”
- “Simplify your screening experience by wearing slip-on shoes. Avoid bulky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories and large belt buckles.”
- “Remember to remove all items from your pockets – including cell phones – and secure them in your carry-on bag.”
- “In the standard screening lanes (non-TSA Pre✓® lanes), organize your carry-on bag so electronics larger than a cell phone can be quickly and easily accessed when at the security checkpoint.”
- “In the standard screening lanes, remove bag of travel-size liquids, gels and aerosols. When screened through a TSA Pre✓® lane, keep all of these items in your carry- on luggage.”
- “It is not too late to enroll in TSA Pre✓® and enjoy the benefits of a streamlined security process at airports nationwide this summer.”
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About the Author
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Chad Blair is the politics editor for Civil Beat. You can reach him by email at cblair@civilbeat.org or follow him on X at @chadblairCB.