Lihue Airport Terminal

Lihue Airport (LIH) in Kauai, Hawaii, features a single terminal known as the Kawakami Terminal. This open-air, mostly un-walled design offers a unique and easy-to-navigate experience for travelers. Here’s an expanded overview of the terminal layout and services:

Terminal Layout

Ground Level (Check-in and Boarding)

• Ticket counters and passenger check-in for all airlines are located on this level
• Airlines served include Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, United, Southwest, and WestJet
• Two main lobbies with separate security checkpoints: 
  • Lobby A (east)
  • Lobby B (west)

• Central security checkpoint leading to gate areas 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10
• Curbside check-in available for some airlines (check with your specific carrier)

Gate Areas

• Gates 3-4 and 5-6: Primarily used by Hawaiian Airlines
• Gates 7-8: Serve Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and WestJet
• Gates 9-10: Commonly used by United Airlines
• Gate 3: Often used by American Airlines
• All gate areas are air-conditioned for passenger comfort

First Level (Arrivals and Transportation)

• Baggage claim area split into sections A and B
• Information counters
• Ground transportation access

The open-air design of Lihue Airport allows passengers to enjoy the fresh Hawaiian air while moving between different sections of the terminal. Clear signage helps guide travelers to their gates, baggage claim, and other essential services. Airport staff are readily available to assist passengers in navigating the facility.

Services

Wi-fi and internet Services

As of March 2025, Lihue Airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi to all passengers. The network SSID is "LIH Public WiFi". This service ensures travelers can stay connected with loved ones or keep up with work emails while at the airport. Charging stations are also available throughout the terminal to keep devices powered

Lost & Found

For items lost at the Security Screening Checkpoint, contact TSA at (808) 241-4506 or email [email protected]. For items lost elsewhere in the airport, call Allied Universal at (808) 245-4040

Ground Transportation

LIH offers various transportation options:

• Rideshare services like holoholo, with pickup locations at baggage claim areas A and B
• Hotel shuttles (e.g., Kauai Marriott offers pickups every 15-30 minutes)
• Shuttle services (Anytime Island Express, SpeediShuttle, Polynesian Adventure)
• Taxis and courtesy buses
• The Kauai County bus

Other Services and Amenities

• ATMs: Available throughout the terminal
• Visitor Information: Open daily from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM, located in the baggage claim area
• Disabled access and wheelchair rental service
• Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
• Baggage carts
• Food, drink, and retail concessions showcasing local flavors and crafts
• Public restrooms and telephones
• Postal services

Additional Features

• The airport offers a friendly atmosphere with modern facilities and a touch of Kauai’s charm
• Easy access to Kauai’s attractions like the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Poipu beaches

Smoking Policy

Lihue Airport is a no-smoking facility

While luggage storage and lockers are not mentioned in the search results, the airport provides a range of services to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience for visitors to the Garden Isle.

Origins and Early Years

The need for Lihue Airport arose in the 1940s when the original Kauai airport, Port Allen, could no longer accommodate larger aircraft. In 1944, the Civil Aeronautics Administration decided to construct a new, larger airport for the island. They selected an area between Lihue town and the coast as the ideal location.

Construction began after land acquisition in 1948, with the paving of the runway, taxiways, and parking areas costing $678,854. The airport officially opened on September 1, 1949, although the passenger terminal wasn’t completed until January 1950.

Expansion and Modernization

As passenger traffic rapidly increased, the terminal was expanded shortly after opening at a cost of $110,122. The runway was also extended to accommodate Hawaiian Airlines’ new Convair 340 aircraft.

A significant modernization plan was developed in 1980, including the construction of a second runway and a new passenger terminal. The second runway (17/35) opened in April 1984 at a cost of $13.3 million, equipped with an instrument landing system. In February 1987, a new passenger terminal was inaugurated, costing $36 million and featuring a central lobby and eight jet bridges.

Recent Developments and Challenges

In recent years, Lihue Airport has faced challenges balancing modernization needs with community concerns about over-tourism. In 2022, a controversial expansion plan proposed adding three gates and expanding rental car capacity. This plan was met with resistance from residents worried about the impact of increased tourism on the island.

The airport’s current master plan, which is the oldest in the state, is being reevaluated to address these concerns. State and county political leaders have called for a reformulation of the plans to better align with community sentiments and the island’s destination management action plan.

Future Outlook

The future of Lihue Airport remains a topic of debate. While there’s a recognized need for improvements to the aging facility, the community is divided on how to proceed. The airport faces pressure to accommodate increasing demand, with visitor arrivals reaching record numbers in recent years.

However, any future developments will likely need to balance modernization with sustainability and community concerns. The airport’s expansion plans may need to align more closely with Kauai’s overall tourism management strategies and the island’s carrying capacity.

As Lihue Airport moves forward, it will need to navigate the complex interplay between federal funding requirements, tourism demand, and the local community’s desire to preserve Kauai’s unique culture and environment. The ongoing dialogue between airport officials, local government, and residents will shape the future of this crucial piece of Kauai’s infrastructure.