Lihue Airport
Lihue, Kauai, United States
Lihue Airport
Kauai's gateway to Hawaii's Garden Isle.
- ›LIH is the busiest airport on the island of Kauai and one of the key airports in the Hawaii state airport system.
- ›The airport's open-air design takes advantage of Kauai's warm, trade-wind-cooled climate.
- ›Kauai's tourism industry, heavily reliant on LIH, contributes significantly to the island's economy.
- ›The airport sits at an elevation of approximately 153 feet above sea level near the eastern coast of Kauai.
- ›Non-stop mainland service connects LIH to cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Phoenix.
Lihue Airport serves as the primary point of entry for the island of Kauai, Hawaii's oldest and northernmost major island. Established during World War II and expanded over the decades, the airport handles millions of visitors annually who come to experience Kauai's lush rainforests, Na Pali Coast, and secluded beaches. Its open-air design reflects the relaxed tropical character of the island itself.
- Main Terminal — Single primary terminal with open-air concourses handling both interisland and mainland US flights in a casual Hawaiian atmosphere.
- Rental car agencies located on-site and nearby (primary mode of transport on Kauai)
- Taxi and rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) available outside arrivals
- Kauai Bus public transit with limited routes connecting to Lihue and beyond
- Hotel and resort shuttle services for select properties
- Kauai Marriott Resort
- Courtyard by Marriott Kauai at Coconut Beach
- Kauai Beach Resort
- Holiday Inn Express Lihue
- Garden Island Inn
Inside the airport, options are modest but include local plate lunch counters and casual eateries offering Hawaiian favorites like spam musubi and shave ice. The nearby Lihue town area has a broader selection of local diners and restaurants within a short drive. Visitors heading to resort areas like Poipu or Princeville will find more extensive dining choices once they leave the airport.
- Book your rental car well in advance, especially during summer and holidays, as Kauai has limited inventory and no reliable public transit to most attractions.
- The airport is open-air, so expect warm, humid conditions even while waiting for your flight — dress accordingly.
- Allow extra time during peak travel periods as the single terminal can get congested at busy departure windows.
- Pick up groceries or supplies in Lihue before heading to more remote parts of the island, as stores near Na Pali or the North Shore are sparse.
AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.
Route map (11 destinations)
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