The Honolulu, Oahu to Lihue route connects Daniel K Inouye International Airport (HNL) in US with Lihue Airport (LIH) in US. This short-haul flight covers approximately 102 miles (164 km) with a typical flight time of 24m. This route is served by 8 airlines: Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha Cargo, Southwest and others. AirportRoutes has tracked 46 unique flight numbers on this route.
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The Honolulu (HNL) to Lihue (LIH) route links Oahu and Kauai across 112 miles (180 km) of the central Pacific. It’s one of Hawaii’s most-used interisland hops, typically taking 35–45 minutes gate-to-gate, with multiple daily departures that make day trips and multi-island itineraries easy. Travelers choose it for speed and convenience: it’s far faster than any ocean crossing and often the simplest way to reach Kauai’s north-shore and canyon landscapes without long drives after landing. Expect quick climbs, wide ocean views, and—on clear days—sightlines to neighboring islands. Because the flight is short, it’s ideal for families, hikers, and couples who want to maximize time on Kauai rather than in transit.
Book early for the best interisland fares, especially around school holidays; prices are in USD and can rise quickly close to departure. Consider morning flights for better on-time performance and more daylight on arrival. At HNL, allow time to reach the correct terminal area for interisland service and arrive early if checking bags; overhead space can be limited on short-haul aircraft, so pack essentials in a personal item. Bring a light layer—cabins can feel cool—and keep electronics accessible since the flight is brief. At LIH, car rentals are popular and can sell out; reserve ahead. If you’re connecting onward, leave buffer time for baggage claim and shuttle waits.
Lihue is Kauai’s main gateway and a practical base for exploring the island’s east side, with quick access to beaches, waterfalls, and scenic drives. Don’t miss Wailua Falls and the Wailua River area for viewpoints, easy hikes, and kayaking options. For big landscapes, plan a day trip to Waimea Canyon and nearby lookouts, while the north shore offers iconic stops like Hanalei and the Na Pali Coast (seasonal boat access). In town, browse local shops and markets, then sample Kauai flavors such as poke, plate lunches, fresh tropical fruit, and shave ice. Popular nearby areas include Nawiliwili Harbor for ocean views and the Kapaa corridor for dining and beach time.
Flights are frequent year-round, but April–June and September–mid-December often bring milder crowds and better value in USD. Summer is warm and busy, while winter can be wetter on Kauai’s north and east sides and tends to see higher demand. For calmer weather and smoother sightseeing, shoulder seasons are a strong bet. Notable peaks can coincide with major holiday weeks and local festivals; book earlier if traveling around late-year celebrations or spring break.
Daniel K Inouye International Airport
PHNLHNLPHLILIH8
Operators46
Tracked Flights102
Miles24m
Flight Duration
| Airline | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Airlines |
HAL
|
HA
|
| Aloha Cargo |
AAH
|
KH
|
| Southwest |
SWA
|
WN
|
| United Parcel Service |
UPS
|
5X
|
| Alaska Airlines |
ASA
|
AS
|
| Air Transport International, Inc. |
ATN
|
8C
|
| Kamaka Air |
KMK
|
-
|
| American Airlines |
AAL
|
AA
|
| Day | Flights Observed | Frequency | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 99 | 15% |
|
| Tuesday | 119 | 18% |
|
| Wednesday | 98 | 15% |
|
| Thursday | 93 | 14% |
|
| Friday | 92 | 14% |
|
| Saturday | 82 | 12% |
|
| Sunday | 77 | 12% |
|
Pattern Analysis
| Airline | Flight Numbers | Aircraft Type | Typical Time | Days Active | Last Seen | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Air Transport International, Inc.
ATN
/ 8C
|
B763 | 20:06 8:06 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jun 1, 2026 | Active | |
|
Alaska Airlines
ASA
/ AS
|
A21N | 17:11 5:11 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 15, 2026 | Active | |
|
Aloha Cargo
AAH
/ KH
|
B732 | 07:00 7:00 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
May 29, 2026 | Active | |
|
American Airlines
AAL
/ AA
|
- | A21N | - |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Sep 27, 2025 | Active |
|
Hawaiian Airlines
HAL
/ HA
|
|
B712 | 17:00 5:00 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jun 1, 2026 | Active |
|
Kamaka Air
KMK
|
- | C208 | - |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Apr 24, 2026 | Active |
|
Southwest
SWA
/ WN
|
|
B38M | 17:20 5:20 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jun 1, 2026 | Active |
|
United Parcel Service
UPS
/ 5X
|
B763 | 04:30 4:30 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
May 29, 2026 | Active |
| Departure Time | Operator | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04:30 4:30 AM | United Parcel Service |
UPS
|
5X
|
| 07:00 7:00 AM | Aloha Cargo |
AAH
|
KH
|
| 17:00 5:00 PM | Hawaiian Airlines |
HAL
|
HA
|
| 17:11 5:11 PM | Alaska Airlines |
ASA
|
AS
|
| 17:20 5:20 PM | Southwest |
SWA
|
WN
|
| 20:06 8:06 PM | Air Transport International, Inc. |
ATN
|
8C
|
Time Information
Times are shown in the departure airport's local timezone (PHNL - Pacific/Honolulu).