Aerial View of Kauai Lihue Airport

Kauai Lihue Airport LIH

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Kauai Lihue Airport (LIH) Guide

Discover Lihue Airport, Kauai's welcoming entry point, known for its unique open-air terminal that lets you breathe in the island's air right upon arrival. Despite its smaller size, it ensures a seamless travel experience with essential amenities and services.

Our guide simplifies your journey through LIH, covering everything from flight updates to parking and dining. For a stress-free trip and insights into other airports, visit our Comprehensive Airport Guide.

Lihue Airport has one main terminal with two levels. The terminal has a total of 9 gates, with gates 1-6 located on the ground level and gates 7-9 located on the upper level. The main terminal is used by major airlines such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, and United Airlines.

Once you arrive at the airport, follow the signs to the main terminal. After passing through security, you will find yourself in the main terminal's central area. From there, you can easily access the gates, restaurants, and shops.

There are several dining options available at LIH, including fast food chains like Burger King and Starbucks, as well as local favorites like Duke's Kauai and Kauai Island Brewery & Grill. If you need to do some last-minute shopping, there are also several stores selling souvenirs, clothing, and accessories.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

At LIH Airport, there is only one terminal, the Main Terminal. This terminal houses all of the airport's facilities, including baggage claim, ticketing, and security checkpoints. As a result, passengers do not need to worry about getting between terminals. The Main Terminal is easily accessible by foot, with a walking time of just a few minutes from the airport's parking lot. There are no shuttle buses or trains available to transport passengers between terminals.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At Kauai Lihue Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the Main Terminal. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers must stay with their vehicles at all times and are not allowed to park or wait in front of the terminal for more than a few minutes. Violators may face fines or have their vehicles towed.

For those who need to wait for arriving passengers, the airport provides a cell-phone waiting area located just a short distance from the terminal. This area allows drivers to park for free and wait until their passengers have arrived and retrieved their luggage before driving to the terminal for pick-up. This is a convenient option that helps to alleviate congestion and keep traffic flowing smoothly around the terminal.

Parking Facilities & Options

Lihue Airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are both short-term and long-term parking options available, with several lots and garages located near the main terminal. The closest parking option to the terminal is the Hourly Lot, which is perfect for those picking up or dropping off passengers.

For those needing to park for an extended period, the Daily Lot and the Economy Lot are both located within a short walking distance of the terminal. The Economy Lot is the most economical option for long-term parking.

If you're waiting to pick up a passenger, the airport also offers a cell phone waiting area located just a few minutes away from the terminal. This area allows drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passenger arrives and is ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking lots and garages, with designated spots located near the terminal for easy access.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near LIH. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can be a great option for those looking to save money on parking fees.

Get details about LIH Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to get you to your destination. Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. You can find the car rental counters in the baggage claim area of the terminal.

If you prefer to take a taxi, you can find them outside of the baggage claim area. The fares are regulated by the county and vary depending on your destination. The drop-off areas are located in front of the terminal.

Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at Lihue. The pickup areas for these services are located outside of the baggage claim area. Please note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed.

Airport shuttles are available for those who prefer a more affordable option. The shuttle service operates 24/7 and can take you to various locations on the island. The pickup area is located outside of the baggage claim area. Fares vary depending on your destination.

If you prefer to take public transportation, the Kauai Bus provides service to and from the airport. The bus stop is located outside of the baggage claim area. The fare is $2 per ride, and exact change is required.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? We've curated a list of the best hotels that not only offer excellent services and amenities but also provide easy access to the airport. Whether you're on a business trip or a leisurely vacation, our list of hotels will help you find the perfect place to stay. From luxurious resorts nestled on beautiful beaches to accommodations with stunning mountain views, these hotels offer a perfect blend of convenience and leisure. Ready to explore your options? Check out our Lihue Airport Hotels now.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight, the airport has plenty of options to choose from. For a quick snack or coffee, head to Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts, both located in the main terminal. If you have a bit more time, try the Garden Island Grill for some Hawaiian-style cuisine or the Kauai Island Brewery & Grill for a locally brewed beer and pub fare. Both restaurants are located pre-security in the main terminal.

For shopping, check out the Island Marketplace for souvenirs and gifts, or head to the Lihue Airport Gallery for some beautiful artwork and crafts made by local artists. If you need any last-minute travel essentials, the Newsstand in the main terminal has a variety of magazines, snacks, and personal care items.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Lihue can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, find your choice of amenities here.

Passenger Services

Kauai Lihue Airport, located in the United States, offers a variety of passenger services to make your travel experience as comfortable as possible.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi access is available throughout the airport.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the airport's lost and found is located in the baggage claim area of the main terminal.

Traveling with children? The airport has a designated children's play area located near Gate 6.

Passengers with special needs can take advantage of the airport's wheelchair and escort services, available upon request.

For banking needs, there is a Bank of Hawaii ATM located in the main terminal near the baggage claim area.

In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a first aid station located in the baggage claim area of the main terminal.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay informed about your flight's status, especially if there are any delays, cancelations, or gate changes. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status updates at Lihue Airport.

One of the easiest ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time information about flight departures, arrivals, and gate information.

Another convenient option is to download your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to check your flight status, receive alerts about delays or cancelations, and even check in for your flight. You can also sign up for text, email, or push notifications to receive updates about your flight.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at LIH by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended to arrive at LIH at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. The busiest times at the airport are typically during the morning and early afternoon hours, so it's best to avoid arriving during these times if possible. Additionally, it's important to factor in time for parking, checking in, and going through security.

Getting to the Airport

The best way to get to LIH Airport is by car. There are several parking options available, including short-term and long-term parking. If you don't have a car, there are also taxi and shuttle services available. It's important to plan ahead and make sure you have enough time to get to the airport, especially during peak travel times.

Getting Oriented

When you arrive at the airport, it's helpful to use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps provide detailed information about the airport's layout, including the location of gates, restrooms, and restaurants. Additionally, there are information kiosks located throughout the airport that can provide assistance if needed.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Lihue, it's important to arrive early and allow plenty of time for check-in and security. Additionally, it's helpful to pack lightly and avoid bringing prohibited items in your carry-on luggage. It's also a good idea to check the airport's website or social media pages for any updates on delays or cancellations before heading to the airport.

Security Wait Times

At Kauai Lihue Airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the season. During peak travel times, such as holidays and summer months, wait times can be longer than usual. However, the airport has implemented measures to help reduce wait times, such as increasing the number of TSA agents and providing passengers with TSA PreCheck. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to check-in, drop off luggage, and go through security. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Airport Facts & Stats

LIH Airport is located in the United States and serves the island of Kauai. The airport has one main terminal and handles an average of 6,000 passengers daily with an average of 60 daily flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at the airport are Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. The airport serves over 30 destinations on an average year, with the top 5 destinations being Honolulu, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and Vancouver.

Lihue is also a hub for Hawaiian Airlines, which operates over 30 daily flights from the airport. Other air carriers that use the airport as a hub include United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

Airport History

Kauai Lihue Airport, located in the United States, is the primary airport on the island of Kauai. The airport has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1948. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1948: Lihue Airport is established as a small regional airport.
  • 1950s: The airport undergoes several expansions to accommodate the growing number of tourists visiting the island.
  • 1960s: The airport adds a new terminal building and runway to keep up with the increasing demand for air travel.
  • 1993: The airport is renamed Lihue Airport to better reflect its location on the island.
  • 2009: A new state-of-the-art baggage screening system is installed to improve security and efficiency.
  • 2017: The airport completes a major renovation project, including upgrades to the terminal building, parking lot, and runway.

Today, LIH serves as a vital transportation hub for visitors and residents alike, connecting the island to destinations across the United States and beyond.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Lihue Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: LIH
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 808-274-3800
  • Email: Not available
  • Mailing Address: Lihue Airport, 3901 Mokulele Loop, Lihue, HI 96766, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

Last updated:

Kauai Lihue Airport Q&A

The airport has one main terminal with two levels, housing all gates, restaurants, and shops. Gates 1-6 are on the ground level, and gates 7-9 are on the upper level. Everything is easily accessible by foot. For more detailed navigation, use the interactive airport map.
The airport offers a variety of dining options including fast food chains, local favorites, and cafes. For shopping, there are stores selling souvenirs, clothing, and travel essentials. For a complete list of amenities, find your choice of amenities here.
The airport provides short-term, long-term, and economy parking options. There's also a cell phone waiting area for picking up passengers. For more details on parking rates and locations, click here.
The airport offers car rentals, taxis, shared ride services, airport shuttles, and public transportation. For detailed information on each service, including locations and fares, visit the car rental, taxi, airport shuttles, and public transportation pages.
Yes, there are several hotels near the airport offering a range of services and amenities. To explore your options and find the perfect place to stay, check out the Lihue Airport Hotels page.
You can check the status of your flight by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com for real-time updates on departures, delays, and gate information.
The airport offers a variety of services including free wifi, lost and found, children's play areas, wheelchair and escort services, banking facilities, and a first aid station. For lost items, visit the lost and found page.