Lihue Airport (LIH)
Lihue, US 🇺🇸 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
PHLI
IATA
LIH
Elevation
153 ft
Region
US-HI
Local Time
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GPS Code: PHLI
Local Code: LIH
Location: 21.976° N, -159.339005° E
Continent: Oceania
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Recent traveler reviews for Lihue Airport (LIH) indicate a generally positive experience, often highlighting its small, open-air charm, though some common frustrations exist, particularly with food options and occasional inefficiencies. Many appreciate its laid-back atmosphere, which aligns with the island's vibe.
What Travelers Love
- Open-air terminal design: Many travelers enjoy the unique, open-air design of the terminal, which provides a pleasant, tropical feel and allows for fresh air.
- Ease of navigation: The airport is relatively small and easy to navigate, making for a less stressful experience compared to larger hubs.
- Quick baggage claim: Several reviews mention efficient and quick baggage claim processes.
- Friendly staff: Some travelers have noted friendly and helpful airport staff.
Common Complaints
- Limited food and beverage options: A frequent complaint is the scarcity and high prices of food and drink choices, especially after security. Many recommend eating before arriving at the airport.
- Lack of air conditioning in some areas: While the open-air design is generally liked, some find the lack of air conditioning in certain areas uncomfortable, particularly during warmer periods.
- Security wait times can be unpredictable: While not consistently long, some reviews mention surprisingly long security lines at peak times, especially for a smaller airport.
- Dated facilities in some areas: Some parts of the terminal are described as feeling a bit old or in need of updates.
- Limited seating: Finding available seating, especially near gates, can sometimes be a challenge.
Overall, Lihue Airport is generally seen as a functional and pleasant gateway to Kauai, with its unique open-air design being a significant draw. Travelers are advised to plan for limited food options and potentially unpredictable security wait times. *Sources researched: flight-report.com, yelp.com, hawaiitravelwithkids.com, flightqueue.com, tsa.report*
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Airport Routes
Lihue Airport (LIH) offers 32 flight routes operated by 9 airlines. Major carriers include Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, Alaska Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Lihue include Los Angeles Intl, Daniel K Inouye Intl, Kahului, Harry Reid Intl and Seattle-Tacoma Intl.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Oakland San Francisco Bay (OAK) new
- San Diego Intl (SAN) new
- San Francisco Int'l (SFO) new
- Kahului (OGG) new
- Los Angeles Intl (LAX) new
- Daniel K Inouye Intl (HNL) new
- San Jose Int'l (SJC) new
- Seattle-Tacoma Intl (SEA) new
- Ellison Onizuka Kona Intl At Keahole (KOA) new
- Portland Intl (PDX) new
- Sacramento Intl (SMF) new
- Vancouver Int'l (YVR) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel K Inouye Intl | HNL |
Honolulu | B712 | Hawaiian Airlines | 401 flights · 102 mi | |
| Daniel K Inouye Intl | HNL |
Honolulu | B38M | Southwest | 123 flights · 102 mi | |
| Kahului | OGG |
Kahului | B712 | Hawaiian Airlines | 92 flights · 202 mi | |
| Seattle-Tacoma Intl | SEA |
Seattle | B738 | Alaska Airlines | 50 flights · 2703 mi | |
| Oakland Intl | OAK |
Oakland | B38M | Southwest | 31 flights · 2457 mi | |
| San Francisco Int'l | SFO |
San Francisco | B38M | United | 30 flights · 2503 mi | |
| Seattle-Tacoma Intl | SEA |
Seattle | A21N | Delta Air Lines | 23 flights · 2703 mi | |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl | PHX |
Phoenix | A21N | American Airlines | 22 flights · 2978 mi | |
| Los Angeles Intl | LAX |
Los Angeles | A321 | Hawaiian Airlines | 22 flights · 2614 mi | |
| Ellison Onizuka Kona Intl At Keahole | KOA |
Kailua-Kona | B712 | Hawaiian Airlines | 22 flights · 278 mi | |
| Sacramento Intl | SMF |
Sacramento | A21N | Hawaiian Airlines | 21 flights · 2537 mi | |
| Harry Reid Intl | LAS |
Las Vegas | B38M | Southwest | 21 flights · 2817 mi | |
| Los Angeles Intl | LAX |
Los Angeles | B752 | Delta Air Lines | 20 flights · 2614 mi | |
| Denver Intl | DEN |
Denver | B752 | United | 19 flights · 3413 mi | |
| San Diego Intl | SAN |
San Diego | B738 | Alaska Airlines | 17 flights · 2675 mi | |
| Kahului | OGG |
Kahului | B38M | Southwest | 16 flights · 202 mi | |
| Portland Intl | PDX |
Portland | B738 | ASA | 16 flights · 2633 mi | |
| Los Angeles Intl | LAX |
Los Angeles | A21N | American Airlines | 13 flights · 2614 mi | |
| Oakland San Francisco Bay | OAK |
Oakland | A321 | HAL | 11 flights · 2457 mi | |
| San Francisco Int'l | SFO |
San Francisco | B38M | Alaska Airlines | 11 flights · 2447 mi | |
| Daniel K Inouye Intl | HNL |
Honolulu | B712 | ASA | 9 flights · 108 mi | |
| Los Angeles Intl | LAX |
Los Angeles | B38M | United | 5 flights · 2614 mi | |
| Vancouver Int'l | YVR |
Vancouver | B38M | WJA | 5 flights · 2793 mi | |
| Kalaeloa | JRF |
Kapolei | GL5T | UNKNOWN | 2 flights · 94 mi | |
| Daniel K Inouye Intl | HNL |
Honolulu | C408 | Kamaka Air | 2 flights · 102 mi | |
| McClellan-Palomar | CLD |
Carlsbad | GLF5 | UNKNOWN | 1 flight · 2905 mi | |
| Ellison Onizuka Kona Intl At Keahole | KOA |
Kailua/Kona | C700 | UNKNOWN | 1 flight · 263 mi | |
| Harry Reid Intl | LAS |
Las Vegas | CL30 | UNKNOWN | 1 flight · 2950 mi | |
| San Jose Int'l | SJC |
San Jose | B38M | Alaska Airlines | 1 flight · 2466 mi | |
| Kahului | OGG |
Kahului | B712 | ASA | 1 flight · 214 mi | |
| Colorado Sprgs Muni | COS |
Colorado Springs | G280 | UNKNOWN | 1 flight · 3448 mi | |
| Charlotte/Douglas Intl | CLT |
Charlotte | GLF5 | Gryphon Air | 1 flight · 4861 mi |
Top Airlines
Operating at Lihue AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hawaiian Airlines
HAL
/ HA
|
6 | 569 | 6 | May 9, 2026 |
Southwest
SWA
/ WN
|
4 | 191 | 4 | May 9, 2026 |
Alaska Airlines
ASA
/ AS
|
7 | 105 | 7 | May 9, 2026 |
United
UAL
/ UA
|
3 | 54 | 3 | May 9, 2026 |
Delta Air Lines
DAL
/ DL
|
2 | 43 | 2 | May 8, 2026 |
American Airlines
AAL
/ AA
|
2 | 35 | 2 | Mar 17, 2026 |
WestJet
WJA
/ WS
|
1 | 5 | 1 | Mar 17, 2026 |
|
Kamaka Air
KMK
|
1 | 2 | 1 | Feb 4, 2026 |
|
Gryphon Air
GRP
|
1 | 1 | 1 | Sep 14, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
03/21 |
6500 ft | 150 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
17/35 |
6500 ft | 150 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| ATIS | ATIS | 127.2 MHz |
| CNTR | HONOLULU CNTR | 126.5 MHz |
| CTAF | CTAF | 118.9 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.9 MHz |
| RCO | HONOLULU | 122.6 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 118.9 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are readily available curbside, just outside the baggage claim area. These metered services offer a convenient option for direct travel to nearby hotels and resorts, though they can be a more expensive choice for longer distances across the island.
Rental Cars
All major rental car companies (including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National) serve Lihue Airport. Free courtesy shuttles are located across the street from the terminal to take you to the off-site rental car facilities. Renting a car is the most popular and flexible way to explore Kauai; booking well in advance is highly recommended.
Public Transportation
The Kauaʻi Bus offers public transit service with a stop located at the airport. It is the most economical option, but it operates on a limited schedule with specific routes. Passengers should be aware of restrictions on luggage size and quantity, which may make it less convenient for travelers with multiple bags.