Our Review of Lihue Kauai Airport (LIH)

Our Review of Lihue Kauai Airport (LIH)

All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.

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.

Pros and Cons of Lihue Kauai Airport (LIH)

Pros

• Direct connections to other Hawaiian islands and U.S. cities
• Open-air ambiance reflecting local essence
• Proximity to natural attractions like Waimea Canyon
• Easy access from Lihue

Cons

• Limited facilities compared to larger airports
• Lack of premium services like TSA PreCheck or lounges
• Occasional issues with car rentals
• Few dining and shopping options

Summary of other Reviews

Based on feedback from various platforms, Lihue Airport in Kauai receives mixed reviews. Travelers appreciate certain aspects of the airport, such as the warm Hawaiian greetings and efficient services, but they also highlight significant shortcomings.

Positive Highlights

Lei Greeting Services:

• Many visitors praise the lei greeting experience, describing it as a delightful way to start their Hawaiian vacation. Greeters are often described as friendly, punctual, and accommodating, even in cases of delayed flights.
• Personalized touches, such as custom signs and photo opportunities under the "Welcome to Kauai" sign, are highly appreciated.

Transportation Services:

• Shuttle services from the airport to hotels are frequently commended for being on time and providing courteous drivers. Some travelers noted drivers’ local knowledge and humor as an added bonus.
• Ease of Navigation:
• The airport is small and relatively easy to navigate, which many travelers find convenient compared to larger airports67.

Negative Highlights

Facilities and Comfort:

• Reviews frequently mention outdated infrastructure, insufficient air conditioning, cramped gate waiting areas, and limited food options36.
• Parking shortages and inadequate taxi waiting areas have led some travelers to miss their flights3.

Overcrowding Issues:

• The airport struggles with congestion due to Kauai’s rising tourism numbers. Visitors have noted long security lines and limited seating at gates36.

Expansion Concerns:

• While an expansion plan is underway to modernize the airport, locals express concerns about its impact on over-tourism and the island’s natural resources.

Overall Rating

We assign Lihue Airport a score of 7/10, derived from the following criteria:

• Service Quality (8/10): Lei greetings and transportation services receive high praise for their hospitality and efficiency.
• Facilities (5/10): The aging infrastructure detracts from the overall experience.
• Convenience (8/10): The small size makes navigation easy but also contributes to overcrowding issues.
• Sustainability (7/10): Efforts to manage tourism impact are noted but remain a contentious issue.

This score reflects a balance between the warm Hawaiian hospitality that travelers enjoy and the infrastructural challenges that need addressing.

Mini-Guide of the Airport (2' Guide)

• Location: On Kauai’s southeast coast, 1.5 miles (2 km) from Lihue’s center.
• Terminals: A single main open-air terminal with eight gates.
• Main Routes: Inter-island flights (Honolulu, Kahului) and international flights (Vancouver).
• Notable Services: Local restaurants, small shops, and nearby helicopter tours.

Quick Tips:

• Arrive early during peak seasons to avoid crowds.
• Wear light clothing to adapt to the open-air terminal’s tropical climate.
• Book tours or cars before arrival to ensure availability.

Lihue Airport may not be luxurious, but it serves as an adequate entry point to the paradise awaiting you on Kauai.

How we calculate On Time Performance

On various pages of our website, you will encounter a metric widely utilized in aviation and other forms of transportation known as OTP (On Time Performance). We believe that providing this metric assists passengers in planning their trips and exploring alternatives before purchasing their flight tickets.

We calculate the On Time Performance for all flights and airlines, when we have enough data to do so. In certain instances, it may not be feasible to accurately compute the On-Time Performance for a specific flight or airline due to inadequate or non-representative data, which could result in misleading conclusions.

Our calculation of On Time Performance and delay information solely relies on arrival times. This approach is chosen over calculating departure delays, as we consider arrival punctuality to be of primary concern to passengers.

The On Time Performance displayed on our website is calculated as follows:

• On Time: Flights that arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time, or earlier. In the absence of data for a specific flight, we assume the flight arrives on time, to avoid penalizing airlines for data unavailability.
• Moderate Delay: Flights that arrive with a delay of 15 to 30 minutes.
• Significant Delay: Flights that arrive with a delay of 30 to 60 minutes.
• Major Delay: Flights that arrive with a delay exceeding 60 minutes.
• Average Delay: The average delay is calculated by considering flights that arrive early as having a delay of 0 minutes. Early arrivals do not contribute to reducing the average delay calculation

Some Stats

Airlines with more flight operations (last 3 months)

Airlines with best on-time performance at Lihue Airport (last 3 months)

Routes with more flights from Lihue Airport (last month)