Map of Lihue Airport (LIH)

The airport is located on the southeast coast of the island, approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the city center. Approximately 2 million passengers use this airport annually.

Interactive Lihue Airport Map

Lihue Airport – terminal and gate map

Lihue Airport has one terminal building. The terminal reflects Hawaii’s tropical atmosphere. Domestic and international check-in counters, security checkpoints, baggage claim areas, and all waiting lounges are located in the same terminal. The terminal serves inter-island flights and international destinations such as the US mainland and Canada.

The terminal building is used by airlines operating frequent inter-island flights, such as Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and WestJet also operate flights from this terminal.

On the apron side of the terminal, there are open-air doors with ramps or stairs leading down from the ground.
The gates are numbered from 1 to 10. Hawaiian Airlines uses Gates 1-4 for inter-island flights and Gates 5-8 for flights to the mainland. Airlines such as Alaska, Southwest, United, and American use Gates 6-10.

Throughout the terminal, there are check-in counters, baggage claim carousels, TSA security checkpoints, car rental desks, various dining options, and gift shops. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the airport.

Parking Areas

Lihue Airport has a large parking lot directly across from the terminal building. The parking lot is within walking distance of the terminal. This area is suitable for both short-term and long-term parking. Charging stations for electric vehicles are also available at certain points in this parking lot. The first 15 minutes are free.
Parking fees:

16–30 minutes: $2
31–60 minutes: $3
1–5 hours: $3 per hour
5–24 hours: $5 per hour
Daily maximum: $24
Cell Phone Waiting Lot: There is an area where drivers arriving to pick up passengers at the terminal can wait for a short time without leaving their vehicles. The waiting time in this area is limited to 60 minutes.

There are specially designated parking spaces for disabled individuals near the terminal entrances. Payments can be made by credit card or cash.

Car Rental at the airport

Rent a car at Lihue Airport and discover the unique beauty of Kauai at your own pace. Car rental company counters and vehicle pick-up/drop-off areas are located at the Rent-A-Car counters directly across from the terminal building at Lihue Airport. After exiting the baggage claim area, cross the street to easily find the car rental companies. Just follow the signs. Major national and international car rental companies such as Advantage, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, and Thrifty have offices here. The offices are open from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Some companies may work additional hours depending on seasonal demand. You can pick up your rental car from the parking lot behind the ticket counters.

Find transportation from the airport – The Kauai bus, taxi ,shuttles

Bus (The Kauai Bus): The Kauai Bus, Kauai’s public transportation system, also stops at Lihue Airport. County of Kauai buses depart from the stop in the central median in front of the terminal and connect Līhuʻe, Kapa‘a, Po‘ipū, and Princeville. You can reach various parts of the island, such as Lihue, Kapa’a, Poipu, and Hanalei, from the airport at affordable prices.

Shuttle Services: Private shuttle companies such as Roberts Hawaii and SpeediShuttle offer shared or private transfer services to popular resort areas, hotels, and private addresses on the island. These shuttle companies operate by reservation.

Taxis: There are taxi stands at the arrivals exit of the terminal. Licensed taxis are available to passengers for most of the day.

Shared Rides (Uber/Lyft): Shared ride apps such as Uber and Lyft also operate at Lihue Airport. You can request a ride through the app and board your vehicle at designated pickup locations.

VIP Lounge at Lihue Airport

There is one VIP lounge at Lihue Airport. There is a lounge area:

Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club: This lounge is located inside the terminal building, near Gate 5. The Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club is designed for frequent travelers and passengers flying in premium class. This lounge is available to Hawaiian Airlines Pualani Platinum and Gold members and First Class ticket holders. The lounge features comfortable seating areas and food and beverage service.

Lost & Found

If you have lost an item in the general area of the airport (terminals, security check, parking lot, etc.), you should contact the Lihue Airport Lost and Found Office. This office is located near the security area of the terminal building. It is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, please call (808) 245-2082.

If you have left your belongings on the plane or at the boarding gate, or if you have any issues with your baggage (lost, damaged, delayed), you should contact the airline you are traveling with. Contact information for some major airlines serving LIH:

Hawaiian Airlines: +1-877-426-4537
United Airlines: +1-800-335-2247
Delta Air Lines: +1-800-325-8224
American Airlines: +1-800-535-5225
Southwest Airlines: +1-800-435-9792

Restaurants at Lihue Airport

There are restaurants and cafes in the pre- and post-security areas of Lihue Airport.
Stinger Ray’s Tiki Bar & Lounge: Serves tropical cocktails and light snacks. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Starbucks: Located next to Gate 7. Open from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
HMS Host Kiosk: Located near Gate 4. Grab-and-go snack bar.

Ai Ono Cafe: Serves sandwiches, burgers, and hot meals. Open from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Mea Inu Bar and Restaurant: Serves local beers and Hawaiian cuisine. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

There are also coffee stands and snack bars throughout the terminal.

Shopping at Airport

Lihue Airport has shops where you can buy souvenirs unique to Kauai, local art, books, magazines, snacks, and travel supplies.

Newsstands: Books, magazines, snacks, and drinks are available. Open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Tiare Flower Shop: Sells flower bouquets and traditional leis. Open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Island Marketplace: Sells local souvenirs, regional products, Kauai-themed T-shirts, jewelry, local handicrafts, and leis. Open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Hotels at Lihue Airport

There are many hotels located in Lihue town and very close to Lihue Airport.

Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue: (Formerly Kauai Marriott Resort) Located approximately 3 miles from the airport. The hotel is located on Kalapaki Beach. Free shuttle service is available.
Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu‘u: Located 2 miles from the terminal.
Kauai Palms Hotel: Located approximately 2 miles from the airport. It is close to downtown Lihue.
The Kauai Inn: Located 3 miles from the airport. It is a boutique hotel near Nawiliwili Bay.
Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club: Located 4 miles from the airport. A luxury resort hotel located on Kalapaki Beach. Free airport shuttle service is available.

Lihue Airport Flights and Airlines

Lihue Airport is the gateway to Kauai Island. This airport plays a vital role in the island’s tourism.
Inter-Island Flights: Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines operate flights to other Hawaiian islands such as Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Kona (Big Island), and Hilo (Big Island).

U.S. Mainland Flights: Major U.S. carriers such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines offer direct flights to many U.S. cities, primarily West Coast cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix, Denver, Oakland, San Jose, and Portland.

International Flights: Airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet operate direct flights from Canadian cities like Vancouver and Calgary, particularly during the winter season. Charter flights from Japan to the airport are occasionally available.

 

 

Satellite view of Lihue Airport. Click to enlarge

Lihue Airport destination map (June 2025). Click to enlarge