Lihue Airport – LIH

Like all the other airports in Hawaii, LIH is a small, open-​air, somewhat dated design that functions just fine. Surprisingly good food with an Asian twist in the cafeteria («fried chicken sandwich» was a katsu-​style breast with fresh mozzarella and pesto!). Gift stores carry everything you’d expect in case you need a last minute suvenior.

Well as far as Hawaii airports go, it’s a step up from Kona. There is a AC in the boarding area, they have a Starbucks and I think there is even a Hawaiian lounge. Food options are very limited, it operates quickly and checked bags are there shortly after you. Maybe before you if your in the back of the plane.

After growing up on Kauai, I get hit with overwhelming amounts of nostalgia every time I come to this airport. Now I only see it a couple of times a year when I come home from college.
It’s a small airport (like 10 gates small) but there are a surprisingly decent amount of direct mainland flights from United Air and Alaska Air. You can fly to a couple of pretty big hubs including Denver, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Jose.
Depending on what flight you’re on, I would say don’t bother showing up too early. If you’re flying inter-​island, checking in and going through security is pretty quick (granted none of the bigger mainland flights are leaving at the same time as yours). I’ve had a few experiences flying to the mainland where it took a bit longer for ag inspection and security but still under an hour from the time I arrived at the airport to the time I got to my gate.
My biggest complaints about this airport are no free wifi and very few power outlets at the gates. Last time I was here, there was a 4-​hour delay on a United flight leaving for SFO so I was stuck at the airport with nothing to do expect people watch.
The food in the cafeteria here is actually pretty decent (good fried rice at breakfast), but like most airports it’s pretty overpriced. There is also a Starbucks, a bar, a souvenir shop, and a news/​snack shop. Another thing about this airport is THEY DON’T SELL GUM! So if you’re someone who needs it to save your ears from popping on the plane, make sure you pick it up before you get to the airport!

Small airport — you’ll have to go through agricultural checks when flying back to the mainland. We flew in via LAX and were able to easily find a stop for the shuttle to the rental car place. Friendly shuttle driver to National Car Rental.
They have a Starbucks, so if you’re craving your fix, you’ve got at least that. Souvenirs can be purchased at the gift shop for $$$. If you’re looking for the Kauai Kookies — try the Café — they’re $ 1 cheaper for a bag of minis.
Local Burger at the Café is good but service is VERY SLOW. If you’re looking to board on time, you better make sure you’ve got at least 45 minutes to wait for your food, then eat it.
As far as airports go, it’s not bad.

This small airport in Lihue is welcoming, but certainly not the most convenient or efficient experience I’ve ever had at an Hawaiian airport.
While I’ve been to various islands and know about the USDA scanning, for example, I was waiting to check-​in for my Alaska Airlines flight and noticed that almost everyone who walked in to check their luggage had missed the USDA scanner and had to be re-​directed back so that their luggage could be processed. Additional, or more attention grabbing, signage could help deal with this issue… or perhaps having most of the entrance closed/​roped off until you get your luggage scanned and into the airport.
On top of that, my friend and I arrived to find the check-​in/​desk for Alaska was still closed down. They’re only open for a couple hours a date right before the flights that go out with the airline, meaning that when you’ve had to leave your condo, hotel, or whatever and you’re hoping to check-​in for a flight with a couple hours to spare? You’re out of luck. My friend and I had to sit down and wait for at least an hour and a half so that we could check our luggage… and even then, we had to go to a different check-​in space because of our priority boarding (curbside). The curbside check-​in took even LONGER to open up because the staff person who was supposed to be tending it wasn’t paying attention to the time. Another member of the Alaska Airlines staff had to go into the airport itself to find them.
My friend and I managed to get our bags checked, making our way through security. We had extra time and wanted to grab a drink or two in the airport… but there was only one restaurant that was still open, and we were just able to grab seats in time for last call. Probably not great timing, or a great business model, for the eateries in that center airport space. They’re certainly not making much money off those of us with later flights… and with minimal options in terms of when you can fly out of Lihue? I expect most people fly out on those later departures.
Anyway… the entire experience felt pretty awkward. For a small airport, it still seems like there are some staffing or signage issues. And the whole timing with check-​in and whatnot? Ugh.
TL;DR Not really convenient, though the staff is pleasant enough WHEN they’re available. I don’t think there’s much choice about using this airport if you’re flying with one of the more notable airlines to get into, or out of, Kauai. Blah.

This is for 12/​31/​2015.
The dinkiest airport I’ve ever been at. Honestly trying to think of a worse airport and can’t.
There’s no free wifi. Rarely are there airports nowadays without free wifi (I learned that same day that Honolulu is the same), so it was really disappointing.
There weren’t many gates and the ones they did had were cramped. They didn’t have enough seats so everyone went to the seats at the other gate. Other people simply waited outside in the open air hallway.
The one airport security guard was absolutely unprofessional. He was scratching his back with whatever he could find, rubbing up against columns and edges of things. Who does that in uniform with people around?
The TSA staff was really friendly and low key (I swear it’s because they’re in paradise!). Never been to any US airport where I’ve seen them smile that much or joke around (while being professional).
An absolutely beautiful island with tons to offer once you step outside the airport.

I always seem to get the feels every time I find myself here. Whether it’s coming back home, or leaving for another adventure, my heart always feels at peace. The airport is really small and not super crazy like most airports. This is the best because it actually feels like you’re on vacation; simply relaxing. There’s only a few gates (less than 10) so you only need to give yourself about an hour before your flight. If you don’t have any checked in bags, even 40 minutes is enough.
The staff at the airport is really helpful and their really sweet. I am always welcomed with a warm Aloha. TSA goes pretty fast for the most part, unless it’s busy then sometimes it can be crazy.
If it’s open, I suggest trying to use the tea line located at the very end of the airport. It’s not always open, but when it is, barely anyone uses it, so it goes really fast.
I hate being in airports, but love this Kauai airport!

Conveniently local airport in Lihue. Security lines were swift and staff was responsive. We received our luggage off the plane fairly quick and we were on our way to the car rental via shuttle.
When we returned to depart, again we were escorted to our lines and shown the way to have our bags checked. Security was helpful and friendly, and why not, they’re in Hawaii!

This is an older airport. Love that it is small and easy to get in and out. After a long flight, I can’t stress how much I appreciate that. No wifi… boo. Not much else to add. Tip — if you are heading further in to the island, make sure to stock up with whatever you need at the stores near the airport.

Unilocal asks me «You’ve checked in here 2 times! What keeps you coming back?». I mean, it’s in Hawaii so. I’d say that plays a big part in me coming back!
Kauai is a gorgeous island and you all should visit, but let’s talk about the airport itself. Like most Hawaiian airports not in Honolulu, this is mostly an outdoor airport which works because Hawaii has awesome weather all the time. It’s definitely a more chill airport experience than at most places; the staff is dressed in Hawaiian shirts, and there are tidbits of Hawaiian cultural history on the walls. As others have mentioned, there are probably a dozen gates and you can walk through the entire thing in less than fifteen minutes. The lines move quickly but if you’re checking bags, you do need to go through special scanning to ensure that no Hawaiian crops/​bugs/​etc snuck into your luggage.

Small local airport but it is clean and organized. Very easy to follow direction if you are looking to pick up your luggage, car rental, or heading to another connection flight. It took us less than 20 minutes to pick up our luggage’s after the flight arrived. If you prepaid for a car rental, they have many shuttles that come by and pick u up to where you need to be. Overall, I do like this airport upon arrival.

Lihue airport is small. I think it has 10 gates and it’s open air. Actually, that’s nice especially if you have a long flight ahead of you. It’s super easy to get in and out. The TSA precheck isn’t really much of a time savings at LIH, but it’s still nice. There are a few places to grab a drink or a meal inside of security. There is a starbucks, but it’s way crowded. I thought it was ok as far as small airports go.
Will I be back? Sure, it’s pretty hard to get to Kauai any other way.

This is a small airport. There are two major downsides. Its small size means it has few food and shopping options. The other issue is the lack of wifi. This is just unacceptable in this era. I would at least like the option to pay for it.
The baggage comes out fairly quickly. The staff is generally friendly. Much of the airport is open air, which is a nice touch. The gate areas are air conditioned if you want that. My only other issue is that the car rentals are off site.
Ultimately you are in Hawaii so you will not likely care much about the airport. This one is perfectly fine though.

Oh, this funny little airport. Just fine for getting to and from. The only disconcerting thing was that the entire time we waited for our flight there was a «code 11.» When no one responded to that, the line «there is mud on the bench» was added. It was bizarre.
All that said, there are air conditioned waiting rooms at either end of the airport. The whole thing can be covered in about five minutes.
Be warned: yes, you will have to get your carry-​ons scanned as you approach the gate, even though you’ve already gone through security. Annoying? Yes. Important to keep bugs on Hawaii that might ravage crops on mainland US? Yes.
The good: small, accessible, places to eat.
The bad: staff seems a bit like the JV team.

You know you’re in Kauai as soon as you step off the plane and you can hear the chickens. You see them as soon as you walk out of the airport as well. Super small and chill airport which I guess makes sense for Kauai. I think they have 10 gates so you cannot possibly get lost. It’s also all ground floor level. They have a restaurant, a bar and even a Starbucks. It’s an indoor/​outdoor airport like most of in Hawaii. It definitely could use a renovation since it seems kind of dark, dated and doesn’t feel clean.
Most major carriers fly here like United, Alaska, Hawaiian and American. They have car rental kiosks out front which are not open so I don’t know why they’re there. However the car rental places are super close, like right across the airport. You could walk to them but there are shuttles you can catch directly across the street as well in case you brought some gigantic suitcases.
Also despite it’s size, don’t be fooled and come right before your flight. The TSA line can back up since there’s only a couple of lines and the flights all leave and depart at similar times. Make sure you get there at least an hour and a half before your flight. You don’t want to miss your flight since there aren’t any hotels in walking distance. Not the best or worst airport I’ve been to.

LIH (Lihue airport) is an easy to navigate airport. Upon arrival you are greeted with warm air and the sounds of roosters crowing. Claiming your baggage is simple and while you are waiting, you can look at brochures and Kauai event/​activity booklets. Then you are off to the rental car facilities in an air conditioned shuttle bus. Get your car and off you go to enjoy a beautiful and relaxing stay in Kauai, the oldest of the islands that make up Hawaii.
After your stay…(boo…time to go home) you’ll be returning your rental car which is quick and you are back to the shuttle bus. Our shuttle driver reminded us that we needed to go to the agriculture inspection before proceeding to baggage check in and the security line. It was a short wait at the agriculture screening and then we checked in at our airline.
Unfortunately, I left a small toiletry bag on my incoming flight on American Airlines (AA) flight so I decided to inquire at the AA to see if they might have it in a lost and found section and lo &behold they did! Yea!!! Thank you AA for taking care of your customers!
Went through security shortly after getting our baggage checked and the bag returned to me. Security was normal. Once through, ordered some food (sandwich, burger & water) at Ai Ono Café for our 5ish hour flight ($ 33bucks).
While the airport is outdated, restroom facilities are clean, and staff was nice.
Thanks to Lihue to a simplestic airport experience and thank you American Airlines ladies who kept my bag safe.
Hope this food is delicious! :-)