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Lihue Airport

Welcome to Lihue Airport! Located on the southeast side of Kauaʻi, Hawaii. Just two nautical miles from downtown Līhuʻe, the Lihue Airport is a primary point of entry to Kauaʻi for travelers. There are daily inter-island flights on Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines. This is also where the major US and Canadian airlines fly into. It's an open-air airport, and check-in is done outside. It is easy to hire a car here for exploring the raw beauty of this island. Lihue Airport has been a movie location too, for films such as Blue Hawaii and The Descendants. Sit back, relax and safe travels to this tropical paradise!

Live Air Traffic

However, Lihue Airport (IATA: LIH) is an open-air airport and greets visitors to Kauaʻi. Check-in takes place outdoors where one already gets a hit of the island's fresh air. Inter-island daily flights are operated by Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines. It is also serviced by the larger US and Canadian airlines to take you to cities on the mainland. Lihue Airport is the main entry point for tourists to Kauaʻi, and it is possible to rent a car from here. Best of all, this airport has been in five films, from "Blue Hawaii" to "The Descendants." Happy travels, and good luck passing through Lihue Airport!

air Arrivals
air Departures

Basic information about airport

Airport code: PHLI
Type: medium
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City Lihue
IATA: LIH
Longitude: -159.33900451660156
Latitude: 21.97599983215332

Lihue Airport on Google Maps

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Today 24 °C / 75.2 °F
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24 C / 75.2 °F

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Lihue Airport - Kauai Island Gateway

Introduction

Lihue Airport (IATA: LIH, ICAO: PHLI, FAA LID: LIH) is the main airport serving the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Located on the southeastern shore of Kauai, this state-owned public-use airport is also known as Lihue Airport, and it prides itself in serving many visitors who come to enjoy Paradise. Lihue Airport immediately captures the experience of visiting Kauai by reaching travelers with an island-themed look and unobstructed views of its landscape.

Airlines and Destinations

None of the airlines consider Lihue Airport to be their hub. It does, however, provide plenty of inter-island routes on Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines, in addition to many more carriers with direct flights to major city hubs throughout western North America. As a slightly larger airport with around 130 daily flights to more than 30 destinations, this is one of the best options for flying into Kauai.

Number of Passengers and Flights

Lihue Airport has seen just over 3 million passengers in recent years. In 2023, the airport handled just over 1 million passengers, with the overwhelming majority of them on Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines. It is also a major center for flights, with two runways handling domestic and international air traffic.

How to Get Here

Lihue Airport is 2 miles east of the Lihue CDP, which it serves. Visitors have access to the airport via a rental car, taxi service, or rideshare such as Uber and Lyft.

Parking

There are parking facilities offered by the Lihue Airport for travelers. Short-term parkers can expect to pay as little as $2.00 for the first 30 minutes, but long-term users will see daily rates rise up to $24.00. The main lot has short- and long-term parking options available, starting out at a rate of $2. Please bear in mind that the parking charges are subject to change without prior notice.

Transportation Prices

The transportation to Lihue Airport depends on the mode of travel. A typical car rental by day is going to run about $50, and taxi or rideshare rates can vary in cost between $20-50 for a single journey, depending on the destination. For groups, shuttle services could represent a cheaper accommodation.

Terminal Layout

Lihue Airport has a single terminal building. Arrivals and baggage claim are located on the ground level, while departure gates can be found upstairs. The terminal has 9 gates, with Gates 1-6 located at the ground level and Gates 7-9 on the upper level.

Navigate the Airport

Lihue Airport is easy to get around. Upon arrival, travelers are directed to the baggage claim and rental car areas. Departing passengers should go through the security checkpoint on the upper level and proceed to their gate. It is also easy for travelers to navigate through the airport as it is small and well-signed.

Getting Between Terminals

Since Lihue Airport is a one-terminal facility, you do not have to go through multiple terminals. The facility allows passengers to transition between arrival and departure levels without ever exiting the same building.

Services and Amenities

Travelers will find a variety of services and amenities at Lihue Airport. This place offers restaurants, shops, ATMs, and currency exchange arrangements, as well as luggage storage. Travelers will discover everything from local Hawaiian food to popular fast-food chains here.

Restaurants and Shops

Options for dining at the airport include Ai Ono Cafe, where you can get sandwiches, burgers, and local specialties, and Stinger Ray's Tiki Bar and Lounge, which serves up tropical libations in an open-air setting. Scan for the right keepsake, gift, or island-inspired merchandise at one of many retail stores.

Security and Customs

The security checkpoint in Lihue Airport is located in the terminal building. Since wait times can vary depending on the time of day and demand-specific passenger volume, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport with enough time for clearance screening. It also handles customs for international arrivals.

Accessibility

Lihue Airport strives to serve passengers with high-quality facilities and service at all times. The terminal building and amenities are accessible to passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair access, walking routes in the restrooms, and services upon request.

Travel Tips

Travelers are advised to arrive early and call ahead if picking up passengers at Lihue Airport, especially during busy travel times like weekends or holidays. Additionally, packing light and checking in online can make the process even more efficient. Guests should also be sure to pack for the island's hot, tropical weather.