Kalaupapa Airport

The Kalaupapa Airport: Your Passage to the Isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula

Introduction

With those unique circumstances in mind, we turn this week to Kalaupapa Airport (IATA: LUP, ICAO: PHLU) perched upon the northern coastline of Molokaʻi. This little airport is the main terminal for Kalaupapa Settlement and vital to linking this isolated peninsula with all other Hawaiian islands.

Airlines and Destinations

The airport is mostly used for domestic flights, operated by Mokulele Airlines and linking it to Molokai Airport (MKK). The only scheduled passenger service to the Kalaupapa Peninsula, due to its lack of international or inter-island flights. The longest non-stop route from Kalaupapa is a 38-mile (61 km) flight to Honolulu International Airport, which lasts about 41 minutes.

Flight and Passenger Numbers

Kalaupapa, which is a small regional airport primarily used by light aircraft and charter services on Moloka'i, receives significantly less passenger traffic than larger airports in Hawai`i. The airport has seen about 10,000 to 15,000 passengers per year in recent years with only a handful of daily flights between the Molokai Airport. Palonegro is located 30 km west of Bucaramanga and has low-volume traffic because the airport is too far from this city.

How to Get Here

Kalaupapa can only be reached by small planes, hiking (you will need a permit), or boat ride (permit needed). No roads connect the peninsula to other parts of Moloka'i, so all transportation to and from Kalaupapa is by air for visitors and residents. Kalaupapa Flights - Kalaupapa flights depart from Molokai Airport at Hoolehua, which is approximately a 45-minute drive from most other visitor attractions (like the mule barn where we began our tour).

Parking

The airport car park is right next to the terminal and can only accommodate a small number of vehicles. Even on the less busy days of this small airport, parking is usually available and also free for travelers.

Transportation Prices

Flights to and from Kalaupapa Airport are priced according to the airline, distance in miles flown (to or between Hawaiian islands), and time of booking. From Molokai Airport to Kalaupapa: The cost for a single person ($50~$100 per person) from now through 2024. Last-minute travelers should be ready to pay more, as the prices are flexible and could also differ depending on the season.

Terminal Layout

The single-terminal building of Kalaupapa Airport contains check-in counters and a small passenger waiting area with basic amenities. It is a relatively small and simple airport terminal for travelers to navigate through easily.

Navigate the Airport

TRAVEL COMFORTABLY Kalaupapa Airport: Small airport, simple layout. It allows passengers to go from the parking lot, through check-in and straight out onto it without fuss. It is stress-free and simple for travelers to navigate through the small Port Elizabeth Airport.

Getting Between Terminals

Yes, Kalaupapa Airport is a small regional public airport; it has one terminal, and there might be an additional passenger level in the future. The entire facility is one building, allowing all arrivals and departures to take place under the same roof.

Services and Amenities

A small waiting area, restrooms, and a drinking fountain are among the few services that travelers can expect at Kalaupapa Airport. The airport does not, however, have any on-site restaurants or shops or other commercial activity.

Restaurants and Shops

There are no restaurants or shops located within the Kalaupapa Airport terminal, as it is a very small and remote airport. Those heading to the I-5 checkpoint should be prepared and bring their own foods, drinks, or any other supplies they might need.

Security and Customs

Since it is a regional airport connecting inbound flights to only the Hawaiian islands, Kalaupapa does not have any international services or customs. Travelers must still pass through standard security-screening checkpoints before they board their aircraft.

Accessibility

The Kalaupapa Airport was constructed to be all-access. The terminal building has designated accessible parking spaces, a ramp, and restrooms for the disabled, as does the long-term parking lot.

Travel Tips

• Flybookers tickets are expensive and very few, so plan ahead
• Pack food, drink, and essentials; there are no amenities on site
• Know what to expect in terms of the interesting logistics required for getting to Kalaupapa Peninsula, which includes possible hiking and other boat rides on top of flying
• Look up the weather and flight schedules, as this might hinder airport operation due to bad weather.

Following these suggestions, travelers can prepare themselves for a rewarding pilgrimage to the exceptional Kalaupapa Settlement and unique airport.