MUE · medium airport

Waimea Kohala Airport

Waimea (Kamuela), United States

Airports

MUEmedium airport

Waimea Kohala Airport

Waimea (Kamuela), United States

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Routes out

Destinations

PHMU

ICAO

2671 ft

Elevation

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Small general aviation gateway to Hawaii's Big Island uplands.

Location

Waimea (Kamuela), United States

Waimea Kohala Airport (IATA: MUE, ICAO: PHMU) is a small public airport located in the upcountry town of Waimea, also known as Kamuela, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,671 feet above sea level, it serves general aviation traffic and limited charter operations in the North Kohala and South Kohala regions. The airport is owned and operated by the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation. Its location in the cool, pastoral highlands near the Kohala Mountains makes it distinct from the island's larger coastal airports. It primarily supports private pilots, agricultural operations, and small charter flights rather than scheduled commercial airline service.

Terminals

The airport has minimal terminal facilities typical of a small general aviation airport, with no major commercial passenger terminal.

Getting to & from

Ground transportation to and from the airport relies primarily on private vehicles, taxis, and rental cars, as no dedicated public transit service connects the airport to surrounding communities.

Notable facts

›Located at an elevation of approximately 2,671 feet above sea level in Hawaii's upcountry highlands.
›Serves the Waimea (Kamuela) community on the Big Island of Hawaii, near the South Kohala coast.
›Owned and operated by the Hawaii State Department of Transportation.
›Primarily used for general aviation, private aircraft, and charter operations rather than scheduled commercial flights.
›The town's dual name—Waimea and Kamuela—reflects efforts to distinguish it from other towns named Waimea on other Hawaiian islands.

Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Gateway to Hawaii's high ranch country above the Pacific clouds

Waimea Kohala Airport, known by the postal name Kamuela, sits at roughly 2,670 feet elevation in the cool upcountry of Hawaii's Big Island, serving the ranching town of Waimea and the Kohala Coast resort corridor. Originally developed for general aviation access to the island's northern interior, it remains a small regional airfield handling commuter and charter traffic. Its highland setting offers a distinctly different Hawaii experience, with rolling pastures and crisp air replacing the typical coastal humidity.

Terminals

Main Terminal — A single modest terminal building handling commuter arrivals and departures with basic passenger amenities.

Ground Transport

Rental car agencies available at or near the airport
Taxi and rideshare services (limited availability, advance booking recommended)
Private shuttle transfers to Kohala Coast resorts
Local bus service via Hele-On County Transit (infrequent routes)

Nearby Hotels

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Fairmont Orchid Hawaii
Mauna Lani Auberge Collection
Waimea Country Lodge
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Dining

The airport itself has minimal food and beverage facilities, so travelers should plan accordingly before arrival or departure. The town of Waimea, just minutes away, offers a surprisingly robust dining scene including local plate lunch spots, the well-regarded Merriman's restaurant, and the Parker Ranch Center food options. Stocking up on provisions in Waimea is advisable before heading to more remote areas of the island.

Traveller Tips

Bring a light jacket — Waimea's elevation makes it noticeably cooler than the coast, even on sunny days.
Reserve your rental car well in advance, as vehicle availability at this small airport is very limited.
Allow extra time for connections; commuter flight schedules can be affected by weather and aircraft availability.
Hilo or Kona airports offer significantly more services if your itinerary allows flexibility on entry point.

Official website

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Route map (1 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

Maya Island Air

Routes

MUE → OGGMW · CNA

Aircraft operating here

CNA1 routes

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