Lihue airport (LIH)

Lihue Airport (IATA code: LIH) is the primary gateway to the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. It handles daily inter-island flights connecting with Honolulu, Kahului, and Kailua-Kona, as well as direct routes to various destinations across the US mainland and seasonal service to Canada.

Official Website: airports.hawaii.gov/lih

Phone: +1 808 274 3800

Terminals

The airport features a single passenger terminal (Kawakami Terminal) with an open-air Hawaiian architectural design, accommodating ten departure gates (Gates 1 through 10) and two baggage claim sections (A and B).

Annual Passenger Traffic (2024): 3.7 million passengers.

Information Desks

The Visitor Information Program (VIP) maintains assistance counters near the entrance to the baggage claim areas, staffed daily from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM.

 Location

The airport is located on the southeast coast of Kauai in Kauai County, Hawaii, approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) east of downtown Lihue.

Accommodation near Lihue airport (LIH)

On-site Accommodations

There are no hotels located within the airport terminal grounds.

Hotels Near the Airport

• The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue / Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club: 1.9 km (1.2 miles) from the terminal.
• Kauai Beach Resort & Spa: 4.5 km (2.8 miles).
• Banyan Harbor Resort: 3.5 km (2.2 miles).
• Tip Top Motel, Cafe & Bakery: 2.8 km (1.7 miles) in central Lihue.

Public and private transportation

Travel time between the airport and central Lihue typically ranges from 5 to 10 minutes by car or ground transport.

Public Buses

The island's public transit system, The Kauaʻi Bus, stops at the terminal median (adjacent to Baggage Claim A and B). Route 100 and Route 200 (Mainline) provide reliable connections between the airport, downtown Lihue, Kekaha, and other island destinations at affordable fares.

Taxis

Curbside taxi services and direct-call courtesy phones are available along the sidewalk outside the baggage claim areas.

Ridesharing

App-based transportation providers such as Uber and Lyft are permitted to pick up passengers at designated, clearly marked curbside areas outside the terminal.

Shuttles and Private Transfers

Several island resorts and private operators offer pre-arranged shuttle transfers that pick up travelers at designated bays along the terminal roadway.

Car rental agencies

Car rental facilities are conveniently located across the street from the Kawakami Terminal, just a short walk from the baggage claim exits.

On-site Rental Companies

Major car rental brands operating counters and parking lots on site include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty.

Rental Car Requirements

To rent a vehicle, drivers must be at least 21 years old (underage surcharges typically apply under 25), present a valid driver's license, and provide a credit card under the primary driver's name.

Parking services at Lihue airport (LIH)

A large open-air parking facility is situated directly in front of the terminal building, offering both short-term and long-term parking.

Parking Facilities

• Main Public Lot: General parking billed in half-hour increments up to a daily maximum for 24-hour stays.
• Electric Vehicles: Dedicated EV parking stalls equipped with charging stations.
• Accessible Parking: Designated spaces reserved for placard holders located adjacent to crosswalks leading to the terminal.

Important Information

Grace Period: The first 15 minutes of parking are free of charge.

Waiting Area: A complimentary Cell Phone Waiting Lot is available for drivers awaiting arriving passengers.

More details and official parking rates

Facilities for passengers with special needs

The airport provides accessible facilities and comprehensive assistance for travelers with disabilities and special needs.

Special Assistance Requests

Passengers requiring wheelchair service or assistance to their boarding gate should arrange Skycap services through their respective airline at least 48 hours in advance.

Accessibility Infrastructure

Facilities include step-free ramps, accessible public restrooms, TTY text telephones in the central lobby and across from the car rental area, statewide TRS support (dial 711), reserved accessible parking spaces near crosswalks, and dedicated service animal relief areas near baggage claim.