HNL takes off: Upgrades to modernize Honolulu's aging airport
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Honolulu's airport is set to undergo a wave of upgrades, promising travelers a more comfortable and cultural experience.
It's the gateway to paradise, but plans are underway to make Honolulu's airport feel like part of the vacation.
Facial recognition at airports: 9 things to know before you get in line
'Whether it's inter-island, or whether you're going to trans Pacific, you gotta fly. You want to make sure that our experiences, our collective experiences, here are better for everybody,' said Ed Sniffen, Hawaii Department of Transportation Director.
Likely one of the first and biggest changes you will see in the mauka terminal is the expansion of the Hawaiian Airlines lounge, which will be five times the size of the old lounge.
The new premium lounge is set to open in 2027 and is part of Alaska Air Group's strategic plan to consolidate lobby space following the merger with Hawaiian Airlines.
Beyond the terminals, Lobbies 5 through 8 will be undergoing $60 million in renovations, including relocating the baggage handling system to the back of the ticketing area.
'It gives us a better, spacious feel in the front side, more of a better operation for the airlines themselves, and just better experience overall,' said Sniffen.And new artwork on the walls will tell the story of Hawaii, addressing critics who say the airport lacks any strong cultural identity.
A line up of recognized restaurants and bars are touching down, including Panda Express at the end of May, Alan Wong's, MW, Aloha Plate and Waialua Bar and Cafe next year.
Also coming soon, a build-out of the Diamond Head concourse to match the improvements at the mauka concourse.
Behind the scenes, critical systems are getting attention, too. About half of the $1.78 billion in the capital improvement budget the state legislature earmarked for airports next year, will go towards airfield improvements.
'They've done a lot of emergency repairs that we had to do because of the failing pavements, and we want to make sure that for the next 35 to 50 years, we don't have to worry about it anymore,' said Sniffen.
Ten million dollars will be used to upgrade airport rescue and firefighting operations, that can be used to support local firefighters in an emergency.
Check out more news from around Hawaii
'There's bigger planes coming in with more fuel. We got to make sure we're ready to be safe in these areas. and that's statewide,' said Sniffen.
The DOT is also looking into ways to improve technology at the airport to stop it from feeling like a layover from the past.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNBC
an hour ago
- CNBC
European markets set to start the week lower as Middle East crisis worsens
London at dawn. Dukas | Universal Images Group | Getty Images Good morning from London, and welcome to CNBC's live blog covering European financial markets and the latest regional and global business news, data and earnings. Futures data from IG suggests a choppy start for European markets, with London's FTSE looking set to open 0.3% lower at 8,747, Germany's DAX down 0.4% 23,222, France's CAC 40 0.5% lower at 7,536 and Italy's FTSE MIB 0.6% lower. Global market sentiment could plummet further this week after the United States entered Israel's war against Iran over the weekend, launching strikes against three nuclear sites in Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz. The move by U.S. President Donald Trump surprised investors because he had said last Friday that he would make a decision to attack Iran "within the next two weeks," according to the White House. The latest attacks caused oil prices to rise further and have stoked fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Asia-Pacific markets declined overnight, while U.S. stock futures fell ahead of Monday's session. — Holly Ellyatt Global markets will be on edge, given the escalation in the Middle East over the weekend, as a further spike in oil prices could be on the cards. In Europe, flash purchasing managers' index data, showing business activity in the services and manufacturing sectors, is due Monday morning. There are no other major earnings or data releases. — Holly Ellyatt
CNBC
6 hours ago
- CNBC
Asia-Pacific markets set to open lower as U.S. bombing of Iran escalates Middle East crisis
Peter Adams | Stone | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets are set to plunge Monday, after the United States' attack on three nuclear sites in Iran raised oil prices and investors' fears of an escalation in the Middle East conflict. Oil prices have spiked in recent weeks following the increased tensions in the Middle East. Brent Crude was trading at $78.88 per barrel after surging 2.48%, as of 7.30 a.m. Singapore time, while the West Texas Intermediate crude added 2.48% to $75.65. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 was set to open lower, with the futures contract in Chicago at 38,310, while its counterpart in Osaka last traded at 38,370, against the index's Friday close of 39,403.23. Futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng index stood at 23,396, pointing to a weaker open compared to the HSI's last close of 23,530.48. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 is also slated to open lower, with futures tied to the benchmark at 8,469, compared to its last close of 8,505.50. U.S. equity futures fell in early Asia hours following the U.S. strikes in Iran. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 109 points, or 0.3%. S&P 500 futures shed 0.3% and Nasdaq 100 futures lost 0.4%. Two of the three key benchmarks on Wall Street fell last Friday as investors kept watch on the Middle East conflict while contemplating the Federal Reserve's plans for interest rate cuts. The S&P 500 declined 0.22% to end at 5,967.84, making it the broad-based index's third consecutive losing session. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.51% and settled at 19,447.41, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average ticked up 35.16 points, or 0.08%, closing at 42,206.82. — CNBC's Lisa Kailan Han, Sean Conlon, Brian Evans contributed to this report.
Time Business News
9 hours ago
- Time Business News
The Rise of forex hong kong: Why This Asian Financial Hub Attracts Global Currency Traders
As one of Asia's most dynamic cities, Hong Kong has long stood at the intersection of finance, innovation, and global commerce. Among its many economic pillars, forex hong kong trading has emerged as a key area of growth. With a favorable regulatory environment, access to global liquidity, and advanced technology, Hong Kong continues to evolve into a strategic center for foreign exchange traders around the world. This article explores the factors that make forex hong kong a compelling destination for currency traders and why its influence continues to rise on the global forex map. A Snapshot of the Forex Market Before diving into Hong Kong's role, it's worth noting the scale of the forex market itself. Foreign exchange trading involves the simultaneous buying and selling of currencies. It is the most liquid market globally, with a daily turnover exceeding $7.5 trillion as of 2025. Unlike stock markets, forex trading occurs 24 hours a day, five days a week, across major financial centers including London, New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. This 'follow-the-sun' structure allows for round-the-clock trading activity. Why Hong Kong? Hong Kong's unique position in the global financial ecosystem makes it an ideal environment for forex trading. Let's examine the critical factors: 1. Strategic Geographic Location Hong Kong operates in the GMT+8 timezone, making it a critical link between the closing of the U.S. session and the opening of the Asian markets. Traders in forex hong kong benefit from overlapping sessions that increase liquidity and trading opportunities. 2. Free Capital Flow Unlike mainland China, Hong Kong enjoys unrestricted capital movement, which is crucial for active forex traders. This openness allows investors to deposit, withdraw, and convert currencies without excessive regulatory friction. 3. Regulatory Integrity The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) oversees financial markets in Hong Kong. Its strict but fair regulatory framework enhances the reputation of forex hong kong as a safe and reliable trading environment. 4. Institutional Presence Most major global banks, brokerage firms, and hedge funds operate from Hong Kong. Their presence increases liquidity, fosters competition, and provides retail traders access to institutional-level services. The Most Traded Currency Pairs in Hong Kong Traders in forex hong kong tend to focus on a mix of global majors and Asia-Pacific pairs. Some popular choices include: USD/HKD : Heavily monitored due to the Hong Kong dollar's peg to the U.S. dollar. : Heavily monitored due to the Hong Kong dollar's peg to the U.S. dollar. USD/CNH : Offers access to the offshore Chinese yuan. : Offers access to the offshore Chinese yuan. EUR/USD , GBP/USD , and USD/JPY : Widely traded with tight spreads. , , and : Widely traded with tight spreads. AUD/USD and NZD/USD: Favorable among traders watching Asia-Pacific economic indicators. Regulation and Safety for Traders The SFC enforces strict regulations to maintain the integrity of forex hong kong. All authorized forex brokers must: Be licensed under the Type 3 'leveraged foreign exchange trading' license. Maintain segregated client accounts to protect trader funds. Submit to regular audits and financial disclosures. Adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) policies. This regulatory oversight protects both retail and institutional traders from fraud, ensuring a level playing field. Best Forex Brokers in Hong Kong Several brokers, both local and international, operate in Hong Kong under SFC regulation. Some well-regarded names include: Saxo Markets – Known for deep liquidity and institutional-grade tools. – Known for deep liquidity and institutional-grade tools. IG Markets – Offers user-friendly platforms and reliable trade execution. – Offers user-friendly platforms and reliable trade execution. Interactive Brokers – A favorite among professional traders and high-frequency investors. – A favorite among professional traders and high-frequency investors. FXCM Asia – Tailored services for Hong Kong residents, including Chinese-language support. Always check the broker's license status on the SFC website before opening an account. How to Start Forex Trading in Hong Kong Getting started in forex hong kong doesn't require a massive investment, but it does demand education and risk awareness. Here's a step-by-step outline: Step 1: Learn the Basics Familiarize yourself with forex concepts like pips, leverage, margin, lot size, and spread. Many brokers offer free educational material and demo accounts. Step 2: Choose a Licensed Broker Pick a reputable broker regulated by the SFC. Consider fees, platform features, customer service, and ease of withdrawals. Step 3: Open a Live or Demo Account Start with a demo account to practice. Once confident, transition to a live account with small capital. Step 4: Develop a Trading Strategy Whether it's scalping, swing trading, or algorithmic trading, build a plan with clear entry/exit rules, risk limits, and position sizes. Step 5: Monitor the Market Use tools like economic calendars, price charts, and trading signals to stay informed and make strategic decisions. Challenges Facing Forex Traders in Hong Kong While the forex hong kong market is thriving, it's not without hurdles: 🔺 Volatility Global news, political events, or economic data releases can cause sudden market movements. Traders must always use stop-loss orders to mitigate risk. 🧾 Tax Considerations Forex profits may be considered personal income or capital gains. Though Hong Kong has a low tax regime, traders should keep clear records and consult with tax advisors. 🔍 Broker Scams Though most brokers are safe, unregulated firms operating from abroad may target Hong Kong residents. Avoid 'too good to be true' offers, and always verify credentials. Final Thoughts: Why Choose forex hong kong? Whether you're a beginner looking to understand currency trading or a hedge fund seeking strategic access to Asia, forex hong kong offers an attractive mix of regulation, infrastructure, and global connectivity. Its close proximity to China, commitment to financial freedom, and cutting-edge technology platforms make Hong Kong not just a local hub—but a global force in forex. If you're serious about exploring opportunities in currency trading, start by exploring regulated brokers, learning technical and fundamental skills, and always prioritizing risk management. The future of forex hong kong is bright—and it's open for those ready to trade smart. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
