Airport Tips & Quick Reference Guide to Lihue Airport (LIH) - NON OFFICIAL

Lihue Airport Transport

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

See attached the available means of transport at Lihue Airport:

lihue airport to city centre

Best option to move around the island is by car, so our recommendation once there is to rent a car. 

The Kauai Bus service provides an affordable and convenient transportation option from Lihue Airport (LIH) to various destinations on the island. Here’s an expanded and updated overview of the bus services:

The Kaua’i Bus

The Kaua’i Bus operates Route 100 (Kekaha to Lihue Mainline), which serves Lihue Airport.

For short trips or if you’re staying near the airport, bus or taxi can be economical options.

Route and Stops

  • Two bus stops at the airport: Lihue Airport Baggage Claim A and Lihue Airport Baggage Claim B
  • The bus travels between the airport and Lihue Courthouse

Schedule

  • Weekdays: Service from 5:55 AM to 8:55 PM, running approximately every 60 minutes
  • Weekends: 6 round trips per day
  • Travel time to Lihue Courthouse: Approximately 3-4 minutes

Fares

  • General Public: $2.00 for mainline, $0.50 for shuttle
  • Discounted Rate (Seniors 65+, Youth 7-18, ADA with Kaua’i Bus Reduced Fare ID card): $1.00 for mainline, $0.25 for shuttle
  • Children 6 and under: Free (must be accompanied by a paying passenger)

Pass Options

  • One Day Pass: $5.00 (General), $2.50 (Discounted)
  • Monthly Pass: $50.00 (General), $25.00 (Discounted)
  • Annual Pass: $550.00 (General), $275.00 (Discounted)

Purchasing Tickets and Passes

  • Single-ride tickets can be purchased on board from the driver
  • Passes are available at various locations including:
    • Kilauea, Kapahi, and Kekaha Menehune Food Marts
    • Aloha Island Mart (Kapaa Shell Station)
    • County Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Kaua’i Bus Office
    • Several Big Save locations (Hanalei, Kapaa, Koloa, Eleele, Waimea)
    • Lihue Times Supermarket

Other Routes and Destinations

The Kaua’i Bus connects to various destinations across the island, including:

  • Kekaha
  • Koloa
  • Hanalei
  • Kapaa
  • Kapahi
  • Wailua
  • Poipu
  • Princeville

Additional Information

  • Buses are equipped with bike racks
  • ADA accessible services are available
  • For up-to-date schedules and route information, visit The Kauai Bus website or call (808) 246-8110

While the bus service offers an economical option for airport transportation, travelers should consider their luggage and time constraints when choosing this method, as frequency may be limited compared to other transportation options.

Pre-booking transportation can be helpful, especially for early or late flights

Hotel shuttle

A couple of hotels in Kauai offer shuttle service in Lihue Airport. 

If your are staying in Kauai Marriott Hotel or Hilton Kauai Beach Resort, please ask more information about the service.

Taxi

Taxi services at Lihue Airport (LIH) in Kauai, Hawaii, offer a convenient transportation option for travelers. Here’s an expanded and updated overview of taxi services at LIH:

Location and Availability

Taxis are available 24/7 at Lihue Airport. Taxi stands are located curbside outside the baggage claim areas (A and B). Passengers can easily find taxis by following the "Ground Transportation" signs.

Taxi Companies

Several taxi companies serve Lihue Airport, including:

  • Kauai Taxi Company: +1 808 246 9554
  • Pono Taxi and Kauai Tours: +1 808 634 4744
  • Akiko’s Taxi Service: +1 808 822 7588

Fares and Popular Destinations

Taxi fares in Kauai are regulated by the government and are non-negotiable. Approximate fares to popular destinations include:

  • Downtown Lihue: $9.00 - $12.75
  • Poipu: $42.00 - $52.50
  • Wailua-Waipouli: $22.00 - $27.60
  • Kauai Hilton: $12.00
  • Princeville-Haena: $88.50 - $118.50

Fare Structure

Taxis in Lihue typically charge:

  • Initial fee: $5.10
  • Cost per minute: $0.30
  • Cost per mile: $1.80

Advantages and Considerations

  • Convenience: Taxis offer door-to-door service without the need for advance booking.
  • Speed: The transfer time to downtown Lihue is approximately 10 minutes.
  • Cost: While convenient, taxis can be more expensive than other transportation options, especially for longer distances.

Tips for Taxi Users

  • Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
  • Ensure the taxi meter is running for trips without a fixed fare.
  • Ask for a receipt, which should include the driver’s name and badge number.
  • Consider scheduling a taxi in advance for early morning or late-night flights.

Available 24/7 at curbside taxi stands outside baggage claim areas

While taxis provide a reliable and quick option for airport transfers, travelers should weigh the convenience against the cost, especially for longer journeys on the island.

ridesharING SERVICES

Uber is available in Lihue Airport. 

The fare for a one-way ride to downtown is $17. Fares can vary. 

If you plan to explore the island extensively, car rental is the best long-term option.

Car rental

To rent a car in Lihue Airport is the best way to discover Kauai and the town of Lihue. Just remind you can book a car online via our search engine!

See more information

Car rental is ideal for long-term stays and island exploration