Panda Express part of new improvements made at HNL
The Hawai'i Department of Transportation highlighted new improvements to Terminal 1 as part of a continuing effort to enhance the passenger experience for the traveling public.
HNL takes off: Upgrades to modernize Honolulu's aging airport
HDOT partnered with Hawaiian Airlines to unveil new restroom facilities and a breakroom for TSA employees.
'This project is more than just a construction milestone, it's a testament to the power of partnership,' said Monica Kobayashi, managing director for airport operations, Hawaiian Airlines. 'By working together, Hawaiian Airlines and the HDOT were able to pool resources, share expertise and deliver a project that benefits everyone who passes through this terminal. It's a model of collaboration that allows us to move faster, work smarter and achieve more than we could alone.'
Check out more news from around Hawaii
Hawaiian Airlines' total investment in this project was $14 million.
Kobayashi also added, 'Everybody here knows that our budget is focused on our runways and taxiways. We wanna make sure those areas are safe first before we start pushing money in different areas. But everybody's been seeing those small improvements that we've been making to the terminals to make sure the visitor experience is highlighted as well.'
Additionally, HDOT and its food and beverage concessionaire partner, HMSHost, celebrated the opening of the first of two new Panda Express restaurants at HNL, with the second to be located in the food court in Terminal 2.
The second location is set to open in August.
HMSHost is also upgrading furniture at its food and beverage outlets in Terminal 1 and expects to open Waialua Café and Bar in the Mauka Terminal by the end of this year.
'We are extremely excited to bring our travelers a well-recognized and sought-after brand in Panda Express, delivering flavors that are a combination of Chinese roots with an American taste, serving dishes that are authentically American Chinese,' said Chris Kadohiro, director of operations for HMSHost. 'The addition of Panda Express in the interisland terminal, as well as the Terminal 2 location coming in August, will allow us to increase passenger satisfaction and provide them great comfort food as they travel.'
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Along with these improvements, additional dining experiences are also on the way. Details for the new restaurants will be provided at a later date.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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