Originally Posted by
mstraveler
It was not an elegant solution, but the last time this situation presented itself I just got a couple of drinks on the flight and took them off in my carry on. At least I could get there and relax after check in with a glass of wine. Worked pretty well in my case because the hotel was quite nice and there was nothing around.
Along the same line, the Airport Trade Center strip mall is nearby. They have a mini-grocery that no doubt sells some kind of alcoholic beverages.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/airport-trade-center-honolulu