Barking Sands Airport (BKH)

Common Complaints

• Restricted Access and Limited Public Services: As a military airfield, public access is private and requires prior permission, severely limiting typical commercial traveler experiences. There are no routine customs, agriculture, or immigration services for overseas arrivals, requiring significant advance notice and fees for special requests.
• Limited Airport Facilities: The airfield lacks some basic services found in commercial airports, such as air stairs, lavatory services, and flight planning services.
• Remote Location and Transportation Needs: Barking Sands is in a remote area, making a rental car essential for getting around. It's approximately a 45-minute drive from Lihue Airport (LIH), Kauai's main commercial airport.
• Difficult Cabin Booking: Booking the desirable MWR Cabins can be challenging due to a non-user-friendly online system that lacks a flexible calendar view.
• Environmental and Safety Considerations: Visitors are advised that swimming at nearby beaches may not be recommended due to strong currents. The airfield also has numerous unlit obstacles within safety zones and applies noise abatement procedures for surrounding sensitive areas.

Barking Sands Airport primarily serves military operations, and while it offers essential facilities for its intended users, it is not designed for routine public commercial travel. Those with authorized access, particularly military families utilizing the MWR cabins, generally find the location and its associated amenities to be a highly positive, affordable, and unique experience, despite the logistical challenges posed by its remote nature and military restrictions.