Your Guide to the Kauai Airport

The airport on Kauai, formally known as the Lihue Airport, is likely the first place you’ll step foot on Hawaii’s “Garden Isle.” Hundreds of thousands of people enter Hawaii through the Kauai airport every year, the beginning of a journey they won’t soon forget.

Before racing off to the beautiful beaches, hiking trails, caves and canyons the island has to offer, you need to address some basic practical concerns. After all, an important part of this planning involves flying in and out of the islands.

Below is your guide to the Kauai airport so you can have a seamless trip to and from Kauai vacation rentals.

Where is it located?

There’s only one airport on Kauai, the Lihue Airport (LIH), a key point of entry for both overseas and inter-island flights. Most incoming flights come from Vancouver, Honolulu, and Kahului.

Travelers can use the airport address, 3901 Mokulele Loop, Lihue, HI, to locate the airport in proximity to local beaches, attractions, and the Waipouli beach resort and spa a short drive up the coast. The airport is located in the capital city of Lihue, on the southeastern coast of the island.

How big is it?

The FAA officially labels the airport as a small-hub primary commercial service facility. Its five most popular destinations, incoming and outgoing, are Honolulu, Los Angeles, Kahului, Seattle and San Francisco.

In 2017, about 700,000, 265,000, 135,000, 94,000, and 72,000 passengers, respectively, traveled between these cities and Kauai.

Interestingly, the entire check-in is outside. The open-air airport is small and breezy, perfect for those hot summer days. It is home to 24 based aircraft, and serves about 2.6 million passengers yearly.

How early should you arrive for your departing flight?

It is recommended you arrive at least two hours prior to departure to ensure a stress-free airport experience. This may vary based on your personal comfort, but it’s better to be safe than sorry – there could be unexpected delays.

Check for any flight delays prior to your arrival to the airport. Once at the airport, take note of flight departures to stay on top of gate changes and any other pertinent details. Fortunately, the airport is small enough for you to navigate the gates with ease and find what you need, including restrooms and cafes.

What airlines utilize the airport?

Many airlines use the Lihue Airport. Despite its smaller size, it plays host to a roster of regulars, both domestic and international. This includes Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways, and WestJet. All of these airlines fly direct to Lihue.

Inter-island travel is extremely popular. You can fly into Hawaii by way of the Honolulu International airport, but remember that Hawaii is made up of independent islands, and you’ll have to catch another flight to get to Kauai. While it’s only about a 20-minute flight via inter-island carrier, it may be smarter to save time (and money) by flying from the mainland directly to the Kauai airport.

How to get to Kauai Calls accommodations?

Lihue Airport is convenient and well-organized. There are many amenities and features available at the airport, and getting to your Kauai beach resort should be a breeze. For example, both Lyft and Uber are authorized for drop-off and pick-up at the airport on Kauai. These are limited on the island, so many still use taxi’s or shuttles.

The island is small enough to make vehicle travel affordable, and you can rent a car upon arrival. Dollar Rent a Car, Alamo, Avis, and Budget all have kiosks at the airport. It is highly recommended you book a vehicle rental ahead of time, especially during high season.

Several incredible restaurants are available in downtown Lihue for your first meal on the island, offering your first taste of Kauai’s diverse, locally sourced, and captivating cuisine.

For more information on getting to Kauai vacation rentals from the airport, contact us. We can help guide you to a top luxurious Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa or other splendid Kauai rentals so you can get started on your Hawaiian vacation with a warm welcome and in the utmost comfort.

Places to Eat Near the Airport

Traveling to a new destination can be fun and exciting, but it can also make you hungry! Once your airplane touches down in Kauai, you’re likely to want a bite to eat. Luckily, there are tons of places to eat near the Lihue airport that will satisfy any craving you might have. Take the time to visit one of these incredible restaurants before you head to our Kauai condo rentals on the beach!

Duke’s

Duke’s Restaurant was named in honor of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, an Olympic gold medalist that is remembered as an incredible swimmer and an even better person. Duke was an incredible force in the swimming and surfing world throughout the early 1900s and became the first person to be inducted into both the swimming and surfing Halls of Fame. At this restaurant, come in to enjoy classic Hawaiian dishes like baby back pork ribs, sautéed mac nut and herb, and roasted lobster tail. This restaurant provides the perfect combination of history and Hawaiian pride.

Duke’s is located at 3610 Rice Street, just 1.2 miles from the airport. They are open for dinner from 4:45 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

The Right Slice

Looking for a sweet treat before you head to your rental? The Right Slice offers the most delicious Hawaiian pies that will leave your mouth watering. The Right Slice has been a Kauai staple since October 2009 and features more than 80 flavors on the menu! This bakery features 50 sweet flavors and 31 savory flavors, so there’s truly something for any craving. Flavors are changing constantly in order to take advantage of the fresh ingredients on the island, so you can always rest assured that you’re getting the best quality treat.

The Right Slice is located at 1543 Haleukana Street. They are open daily from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Pietro’s Pizza

Sometimes you just want a huge slice of pizza, and Pietro’s can satisfy that craving for you. If you want a quick bite between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., grab a New York-style pizza by the slice. To feed the whole family, the medium or large pies are the perfect selection. You can choose anything from the classic cheese or pepperoni to an authentic Hawaiian pizza with Portuguese sausage and Kalua Pig. You can even make your own pizza with a selection of the freshest toppings. Pair your pizza with a salad, order of chicken wings, meatballs, or panini.

Pietro’s Pizza is located at 3501 Rice Street, about 1.2 miles from the airport. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.

The Fish Express

If you want a classic Hawaiian meal that is quick and fresh, swing by The Fish Express as you leave the airport. As you might imagine, fish is one of the most popular menu items here. You’ll find a fresh and frozen full-service counter offering up anything you might desire. Get some incredible Hawaiian Ahi, try a specialty poke bowl, or sample the ginger fried chicken. This is the ultimate casual dining stop as you enter Kauai.

The Fish Express is located at 3-3343 Kuhio Highway, about 1.8 miles from the airport. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Rob’s Good Times Grill

Voted as “Kauai’s best sports bar,” Rob’s Good Times Grill is the ultimate destination for comfort food. The staff is always welcoming, and the atmosphere couldn’t be better. Choose a classic sandwich like the French dip or Philly steak, or get creative by building your own burger. You can also try any of their other seafood options, land entrees, Asian-inspired selections, and anything in between. They also have various events throughout the week and sports playing all the time, making this the perfect destination to spend some quality time with your loved ones.

Rob’s Good Times Grill is located at 4303 Rice Street, 1.6 miles from the airport. They are open daily from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m.