HDOT Airport Modernization Improvement Projects

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) Airports Division is working in partnership with DFS and global restaurateur HMSHost on more than $69 million worth of improvements at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) designed to add more retail and restaurant space and enhance the overall customer/passenger experience.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Courtesy photo.

Construction began in 2016 and included nearly $30 million in improvements to the Central Concourse and more than $39 million in total tenant improvements throughout the airport. The renovation project was themed around the Hawaiian value of hospitality, Ho‘okipa, with the goal of providing travelers a pleasant journey that embodies the Spirit of Aloha. More than 17,600 square feet of retail space was added and improved access and upgrades were made to the Japanese and Chinese Cultural Gardens.

“This public private partnership is a win for both sides because the State of Hawai‘i and taxpayers didn’t pay for the improvements,” said Gov. David Y. Ige “HMSHost and DFS were able to add more space while generating more revenue for the state. We thank HMSHost and DFS for funding the renovations and upgrades and their commitment to better serving the needs of our residents and the growing number of travelers to Hawai‘i.”

“We are grateful for the partnership of the HDOT, DBE partners, BKKM and Island Shoppers, and airport concessionaires,” said Megan Escamilla, Managing Director for DFS Hawai‘i. “DFS is committed to providing locals and travelers with world class shopping options as well as a lasting final impression before they depart the islands. Our new From Hawai‘i With Love concept stores illustrate this as they celebrate the best of locally sourced food and gift items and provide travelers the chance to take a piece of aloha home with them.”

“HMSHost is committed to providing high-quality dining experiences for travelers and we are proud of our contributions to this project,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Anthony Alessi. “We thank the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation for the opportunity to provide these upgrades for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport travelers to enjoy.”

“It is an honor to be part of this significant public-private project as an ACDBE partner with HMSHost at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and we thank the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation for the consideration when determining solutions for airport enhancements,” said HMSHost partner Garrett Lew.

The Terminal 2 Central Concourse sees approximately half of the airport’s annual 20 million passengers. Extensive upgrades to the infrastructure include enclosing TSA checkpoint 3 and installing air conditioning, a new roof, floor tile and lighting throughout the concourse. The walkway was expanded an additional 30 feet and extends over the Cultural Gardens providing more space for retail and customer movements. More than 17,600 square feet of retail space was added to the Central Concourse, which brings more options for customers and more revenue opportunities for the state.

DFS opened new duty free specialty boutiques for sprits, wine & tobacco and watches & jewelry, along with international favorites Prada, Burberry and Hermes. The concourse also features a new beauty store, Kate Spade, Coach and in partnership with the DBE, BKKM (formerly Tiare Enterprises), a From Hawai‘i With Love food and gift emporium featuring the best in locally sourced items. In all, DFS renovated 27 Duty-Free and Duty-Paid stores throughout the Central, Ewa, and Diamond Head concourses.

HMSHost opened The Local, an original full-service and grab-and-go food concept that uses the freshest ingredients from local farms to create a menu highlighting the region with culinary creations.

The Chinese and Japanese gardens located in Terminal 2, which were originally built in 1962, were renovated with upgrades to the aging water features, pavilions and landscaping. Pieces from local artist Satoru Abe can now be found amongst the koi and native plant life. Improved access and new elevators allow visitors easy access to a bit of serenity before their trip.

In a separate project, HDOT has completed modernization improvements in the Ewa Concourse which included refurbishing the restrooms with a modern new look. Additional improvements included expanding the interior areas for more air-conditioned space. Old chandeliers and lighting fixtures were removed and new ceiling panels and decorative etched glass were installed. The $14 million improvement project was funded by HDOT and completed in early 2017.

HMSHost expanded customer access to premium fresh food with Makai Plantation, a gourmet marketplace that features locally sourced and inspired dishes including Market Style Ahi Poke and Furikake Crusted Ahi Salad. The Ewa Concourse also features four new retail stores developed by DFS, in partnership with DBE’s Island Shoppers and BKKM, showcasing the latest brands and products from beauty, sunglasses, local food & gifts and duty-free spirits.