Lihue Airport (LIH)
Airport
Lihue
"A very small airport and the only commercial airport on the island."(6 Tips)
"They just opened Checkpoint 2 on the south side of the airport."(5 Tips)
"If you're flying Island Air I would say to get here early as the check..."(5 Tips)
"Great aerial shots of Kauai on landing and take off!"(10 Tips)
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- Adam StallmanAugust 14, 2014A very small airport and the only commercial airport on the island. It's located in the industrial part so don't judge the island based on the surroundings here. It's also mostly open air like HNL is.Upvoted 3 days ago
We zipped thru security quick - 5 mins - on sunday at 11am- make sure you Check in online first then take your checked bags through the ag scanner before you hit security - otherwise it's the usual :)Upvoted 1 week ago
Joanna BurgessJuly 21, 2013Sailed through check-in/security. Yes bags are scanned for produce-it's important to protect HI from pests. The airport bar is nice-friendly staff, can hear the announcements w/out a problem.Upvoted Feb 15
DoubleDeuceJanuary 24, 2019Everything is half inside and half outside here. It is small so it doesn't have long lines but also doesn't have a lot of lines. It is very quick to get to and from the car rental places.
Kazmira PedonesiOctober 2, 2011We had a very good experience at this airport. Ticketing, checking bags and security were a breeze! We were here at 330pm on a Saturday.
Michael NoragonJuly 26, 2013Get here early. If you are not at peak times, then there will be no problem. Also, make sure to take all liquids out of your carry on as the slows everything down!!
Jose NaninJanuary 26, 2020Pretty calm airport if you fly out of here during non-peak times. Starbucks is here as well as coin-operated massage chairs all throughout the airport.
Николай ОрловApril 22, 2022TSA lines are insane.Make sure you get here 3 hours prior. You need get in line to pass the agricultural inspection, then need to get in line to check your bags and get in line to go through Security
RexJuly 2, 2021Get to the gate area as soon as possible for AC. There is no AC in the middle waiting area
Jen M-EApril 13, 2016Rental car busses are across the street. It's a small airport with the only 2 restaurants & few shops in the lobby area only. There are outlets underneath the counter seating at the diner.
Doris NeubauerAugust 27, 2017If you buy fruit to eat as a snack, eat it before you enter the seating area by your gate. It can't go through if traveling back to mainland USA.
willouApril 11, 2013Aloha! Enjoy the garden island and avoid driving on chickens! Walmart is few miles away from the airport. Make a last stop to get souvenirs.
Lucas CFebruary 26, 2013If you are stranded there, you can take the Marriott shuttle to Nawiliwili bay, tip the driver a couple bucks. The bellboy will even hold your bags when you get there (tip him too).- Bill NygmaNovember 25, 2016Try visiting LIH Airport http://www.lihairport.com for information about the terminal, weather and maps. It helped me to set up an agenda for touring Kauai.
Justin LeeSeptember 14, 2011Hawaiian Airlines is a good company to use. Have had no problems with them and their staff is very friendly. Show up a couple hours early and you'll be just fine.
Benjamin ClydeFebruary 27, 2013Loved Kauai so much! The island is so remarkable. I'm for sure making a trip back to the island! Now, it's time to head back to Alabama the Beautiful!
Ken DrachnikAugust 10, 2013Dont be in a hurry as this is the slowest, least efficient airport anywhere. Relax! And, 2) dont fly Island Air -plagued with maint delays and the staff are lookibg for new jobs
On the good side, it’s friendly and in paradise. On the icky side, lines can get very long, and there seem to be no power outlets.
Brian EncisoMay 26, 2013Saturday afternoon departure time and we were through security, both agriculture and regular in less than 30 minutes. It'll only take you longer if you're dumb.
Brian IbarraNovember 11, 2014The lines thru security are long in small space so don't be surprised if it takes awhile and humidity hits you hard when you step out
Michelle RiveraOctober 30, 2011I followed the tips and got here 2 hours before our flight. Its a Saturday night in Oct and we went through everything smoothly and quickly. No probs. Now waiting while locals play some music.
James YuSeptember 28, 2013Only two restaurants, both in center, avoid the deli. A snack stand near gate 10 if you're on United. Check in and Security on a Friday night was about 30 minutes.
Bill McTaggartMarch 27, 2014I agree with Brian, DON'T SPEED anywhere on Kauai. It is a money maker for the local towns. This airport is a lot cleaner than Maui. It also is a lot simpler to get around in.
Peak times daily are 10:30am-1:00pm and 5:30pm-9:00pm. Weekends are busier. Recommendation: check in AT LEAST 1/2-2 HOURS BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT during these times. Including INTERISLAND travel!!!!
if you bring salt or grainy items - you should bring it out with your liquids because they will make you do the whole extra screening...
Jon B.September 8, 2019Had nothing but smooth experiences during my last trip. The gate areas are air conditioned.
Lance LacoffOctober 29, 2014In my second experience here both United staff and TSA were friendly and helpful.
Damian BayonaFebruary 17, 2018Simple, no frills airport. Arrivals renting a car can expect a long wait for the shuttle. Departures are a breeze.
Christen NelsonJune 5, 2011I would recommend relaxing while you wait for your flight in the area with the cushy blue seats right after the security checkpoint. Usually there are no seats and too many people waiting at the gates
David PragerApril 26, 2021The tiki bar and lounge opens at 5pm — at least that’s the case on Sundays during the waning days of COVID-19
Jeri WDecember 16, 2012Use the luggage concierge service. They do everything for you from grabbing bags, checking thru all security, checking in, tagging bags. Well worth it.
Aubrey Young RuppSeptember 6, 2011Get here plenty early. Everyone is on island time. If you have extra time, have the macadamia mania drink at the bar!
If you're traveling with a group and/or have a bunch of bags, drop them all off at the airport and return the rental car alone. Car return is only few minutes away and shuttles are always running.
Sara BensonAugust 16, 2014Hot? Humid? Gates 3 & 4 are usually air-conditioned, so hang out there. But bcouches for sleeping are in the main terminal lobby past the TSA checkpoint.
Tami MApril 28, 2012Lots of sitting areas once you get through security to put your shoes on or just enjoy the island breeze.
Rebecca SelaAugust 19, 2012If you are connecting from Hawaiian to United, double-check your ticket and itinerary. Our initial flight got changed to a later one that would have made us miss our connection.- Aaron JohnsonAugust 27, 2023Checked in with no line at security checkpoint #3, food / outlets facing the runway inside Mea Inu Bar & Grill.
- Chris SeahornMay 30, 2011If you're flying Island Air I would say to get here early as the check in line usually only has 1 attendant but the planes are usually on Hawaiian time as well
Elijah ChandlerNovember 26, 2013I found this airport to be easier to deal with than KOA. Of course, I was flying out on a Monday afternoon. #GrainOfSalt
Mandy DixonJanuary 9, 2013These open-air airports in Hawaii are amazing! Like nothing I have ever experienced!
Matthew PhelpsJune 4, 2013Delays are only an issue if you're traveling at peak times. We have the place to ourselves on a Monday afternoon.
No dedicated TSA pre-check line. You still get to keep your shoes/sweatshirts on, but take out the laptop.
Scott San FilippoOctober 11, 2010The diner here is actually pretty good. Ramen is great and we haven't gone wrong with their specials. For airport food it is above average!
Quang BeeNovember 13, 2012I don't know why but its so humid and sticky at the airport.. But weather for the rest of the island is awesome
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People tend to check in during these times:
- Today
- 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Fri
- 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Sat
- 9:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Sun
- 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
- 6:00 PM–10:00 PM
- Mon
- 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
- 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Tue
- 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
- 8:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Wed
- 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
(808) 246-1400
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Places inside Lihue Airport
"Air conditioning in gate area!!! Excellent!!!"
Rozanne Michaels- 5.8
"The salted Carmel Mocha is awesome sauce."
Justin Lee - 6.9
"Nice employees and good cars. Had fun! Keep in mind that the speed limit on Kauai never goes above 50 mph. Go with the 4x4 you'll need it if you plan on hitting the trails or beaches in the north."
Freeman LaFleur
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