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
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 18° - 26° 22° 109 mm some cloud 76% 4.1 m/s 1.3 high 10.9h
February Excellent 18° - 26° 22° 63 mm some cloud 76% 4.1 m/s 1.6 very high 11.3h
March Excellent 19° - 26° 23° 52 mm partly cloudy 77% 4.3 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
April Ideal 20° - 26° 23° 36 mm some cloud 77% 4.3 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.5h
May Excellent 20° - 27° 24° 64 mm mostly sunny 76% 4.1 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.0h
June Ideal 22° - 29° 25° 13 mm mostly sunny 77% 4.2 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.3h
July Excellent 22° - 29° 26° 66 mm mostly sunny 77% 4.5 m/s 2.8 extreme 13.2h
August Ideal 23° - 29° 26° 45 mm mostly sunny 77% 4.3 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.7h
September Ideal 22° - 29° 26° 30 mm mostly sunny 76% 3.8 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.2h
October Excellent 22° - 29° 25° 81 mm some cloud 76% 3.8 m/s 1.8 very high 11.5h
November Excellent 21° - 27° 24° 70 mm some cloud 77% 4.1 m/s 1.4 high 11.0h
December Excellent 20° - 26° 23° 87 mm some cloud 77% 3.9 m/s 1.1 high 10.7h

Nearby Cities #