Lihue Airport (LIH)

Arrivals Departures Airlines

Welcome to our Airport Hacks & Reviews Guide for Lihue International Airport (LIH). Here, you’ll find essential information to plan your trip efficiently and make the most of your airport experience.

Lihue Airport (LIH) is the main gateway to the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Located just 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Lihue’s city center, this airport serves as a hub for domestic and international flights. With IATA code LIH and ICAO code PHLI, Lihue Airport sits at an elevation of 152 feet (46 meters) above sea level.

Major airlines operating at LIH include Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, offering direct connections to major U.S. mainland cities and inter-island flights.

For inter-island flights, it’s recommended to arrive 1 hour and 30 minutes before departure, while for Los Angeles flights, 2 hours and 30 minutes is suggested. Check-in closes 30 minutes before inter-island flights and 45 minutes before Los Angeles flights.

Lihue Airport serves the island of Kauai in Hawaii.
Lihue Airport consists of a single terminal.
Lihue Airport is served for several airlines even it isn’t the hub of any carrier.
Lihue is the largest and the main city of the Kauai County in Kauai island.

Kauai Lihue Airport handled 3,67 million passengers in 2024 and 122,099 aircrafts operations. It serves as a critical gateway for domestic, inter-island, and overseas flights, connecting Kauai to major cities in North America and providing essential facilities for air cargo, heliport operations, and general aviation

The airport is the primary gateway to Kauai for visitors (especially tourists), and has several rental car facilities. This makes renting a car at Lihue Airport an essential option for exploring Kauai’s scenic attractions, as public transportation is limited and taxis can be expensive for long trips

Contact

Address: Lihu’e Airport (Kaua’i), 3901,

Mokulele Loop, Lihu’e, Kaua’i island,

Hawai’i 96766, USA

Phone: +1 808 274 3800

Official Website: https://airports.hawaii.gov/lih/

About Kauai

Lihue is the largest and the main city of Kauai County in Kauai island (Hawaii). The island of Kauai is the north-western most and the eldest of Hawaii islands. It is known for locals and tourists as the Garden Island due to its green and tropical environment thanks to its humid climate.

The main attractions of Kauai island are the Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park. Waimea Canyon has been called more than a thousand times as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” due to its similarities with the Grand Canyon in Arizona; regarding Koke’e State Park, it is located in the north-western part of the island and features for its native wildlife, vegetation and cliffs. Other worth to see spots in Kauai are Na Pali Coast State Park, Poipu Beach Park, Wailua Falls, Kalalau Beach, Na ’Aina Kai Botanical Gardens, among other sites.

Our Review of Lihue Kauai Airport (LIH) +info

Lihue Airport (LIH) serves as the primary gateway to the picturesque island of Kauai, Hawaii. While its natural surroundings and relaxed atmosphere reflect the Hawaiian spirit, the airport experience can be somewhat uneven.

First Impressions
Upon landing at LIH, travelers are greeted by the warm tropical air and stunning views of Kauai’s southeast coast. However, the largely open-air terminal may seem modest and limited compared to other international airports.

The Good
Essential Connections: LIH connects Kauai with other Hawaiian islands and major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. It also offers seasonal flights to Vancouver, Canada.
Local Ambiance: The open terminal allows you to enjoy the tropical climate and occasionally includes live performances that offer a unique cultural touch.
Basic Facilities: Although small, the airport provides essential services such as ATMs, local shops, and restaurants serving Hawaiian cuisine.

The Not-So-Good
Limited Facilities: With only eight gates and a compact terminal, seating options, restaurants, and shops are scarce. This can be uncomfortable during peak seasons or delays.
Lack of Premium Services: There are no VIP lounges or advanced services like TSA PreCheck for frequent travelers.
Car Rental Issues: Some visitors report long waits and problems with reservations. Booking in advance is essential.
Exposed Climate: The open-air terminal can be uncomfortable during rainy or hot days.

Overall Impression and Tips
Lihue Airport fulfills its role as a gateway to Kauai, but it doesn’t offer luxury or notable amenities. Here are some tips to enhance your experience:

Plan Ahead: Book cars and flights early to avoid inconvenience.
Pack Wisely: Bring snacks, entertainment, and light clothing to adapt to the tropical climate.
Enjoy the Local Pace: Adopt a relaxed attitude; the island rhythm is part of Kauai’s charm.

Final Verdict
Lihue Airport reflects Kauai’s laid-back character: functional but simple. While it isn’t a standout airport for its facilities, its strategic location and connection to nature make it an adequate starting point for exploring this beautiful island.

Overall rating: 3 stars – basic but efficient.