Lihue Airport

Airport Airport

IATA Code
LIH
ICAO Code
PHLI
Airport Type
Large Airport
Class
Unknown

Lihue Airport (LIH) is the main commercial airport on Kauai, handling inter‑island and mainland flights. It is a single‑terminal airport with centralized passenger facilities for arrivals and departures.

The terminal is compact and arranged for relatively short walking distances between curbside, check‑in and gates.

Lihue Airport
Elevation: 46 m
21.9744, -159.3371

Terminal Guide for Lihue Airport #

LIH operates from one passenger terminal building handling both inter‑island and mainland services. The facility is compact and easy to navigate with ticketing, security and gates in the same complex.

Because the terminal is single and compact, transfers are on foot; there are no internal train/shuttle systems for passengers.

Getting to and From Lihue Airport #

Ground transport options are rental cars, taxis, hotel shuttles and rideshare; most destinations on Kauai are a short drive from the airport, though some resorts are further away.

  • Car / driving: Rental car counters and on‑site pickup; driving is the most convenient way to reach many hotels and beaches.
  • Taxis & shuttles: Taxi service and many hotels offer shuttle pickups; shared shuttle services operate to popular resorts.
  • Rideshare: Uber/Lyft operate on Kauai though availability can be variable in outlying areas.
  • Public transit: Kauai Bus provides service on some routes; check schedules for current routes and times.

Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Lihue Airport #

The terminal offers the essentials for island travelers: car rental desks, concessions, and visitor information.

  • Lounges: There may be limited lounge options; check with your airline or Priority Pass.
  • Food & drink: A selection of sit‑down and grab‑and‑go options landside and airside; hours expand during peak travel periods.
  • Wi‑Fi: Complimentary Wi‑Fi is typically available with sign‑in.
  • Charging & seating: Charging outlets and seating are available in gate areas.
  • Accessibility: ADA services are provided; contact your airline for assistance arrangements.

Hotels and Layovers at Lihue Airport #

Nearby accommodation: Hotels and resorts are a short drive from the terminal, particularly in the Lihu’e and eastern/coastal areas of Kauai.

Layover tips: There are no transit hotels inside the terminal; look for nearby hotels that offer day rooms if you need to rest between flights.

Tips for Lihue Airport #

  • Short drive to Lihu’e town: Lihue Airport (LIH) is very close to Lihu’e and central east Kauai - expect a 5-10 minute drive to town.
  • Car rental queues in high season: Reserve rental cars ahead of time during peak tourist months to avoid long waits.
  • Inter‑island vs mainland: Inter‑island flights operate like domestic U.S. flights; plan for busy periods especially mornings.
  • Island weather check: Rainfall can be localized on Kauai - leave buffer time for road travel after landing.

Weather & Climate near Lihue Airport #

Climate

Lihue Airport's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (716 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 14 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneSeptemberApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (109 mm).

82 Excellent

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 26°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
10.9h daylight

February

February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).

86 Excellent

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 26°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

86 Excellent

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 26°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).

90 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
20° 26°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.5h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

88 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
20° 27°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
13.0h daylight

June

June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 13 mm and mostly sunny skies.

96 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 29°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
13.3h daylight

July

July is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

88 Excellent

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 29°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
13.2h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

September

September is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

92 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 29°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.2h daylight

October

October is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 29°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.5h daylight

November

November is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

86 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
21° 27°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
11.0h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
20° 26°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
10.7h daylight

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