Hawaii Airports Travel Guide

Key Highlights

• The five major airports in Hawaii are Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Kahului Airport (OGG), Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), Lihue Airport (LIH), and Hilo International Airport (ITO).

• Inouye International Airport is on Oahu. It is the largest airport in Hawaii. Most international arrivals for the Hawaiian Islands come through this primary airport.

• On the Big Island, there are two main airports. Kona International Airport, also called Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, is on the west side. Hilo International Airport is on the east side near Volcanoes National Park.

• If you want to go to different islands, interisland travel is a must. The three airlines you can use are Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines. They all have many flights between the islands.

• At each primary airport, you can get a rental car. Both Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport have rental car options, but what you get and what you pay can be different at each place.

Introduction

Welcome to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands! The moment you land, your journey starts. Hawaii’s airports are made to give you a warm “aloha” right away. The Hawaii Department of Transportation makes sure these airports give you more than just a landing spot. They want you to get a first look at the islands’ special culture and great views. This guide will help you move through Hawaii’s airport systems. You can go from the plane to the beauty of the islands with ease.

Overview of Hawaii’s Airport System

The airport system in the State of Hawaii is managed by the Hawaii Department of Transportation. This network is very important for people in the state and for visitors. The airport system is part of the national plan from the Federal Aviation Administration. It helps connect Hawaii to the United States and also links the islands with the world.

In Hawaii, you will find both large international airports and smaller local ones. Each airport in this group is there for a reason. They let people travel easily and safely between the islands. If you want to move between islands, knowing how the airport systems work, where they are, and what each airport does can help with your plans.

The Role of Airports in Connecting Hawaii’s Islands

The Hawaiian Islands are a chain of islands, and the Pacific Ocean sits between them. Air travel is the main way that people get from one island to another. The airport systems hold everything together, as they connect you to everything each island has. Without a strong set of airports, you could not easily go from the busy life in Oahu to see the green spaces in Kauai.

When you start to plan your trip, you see that interisland flights happen often. These flights are short, and folks in Hawaii use them every day. It has become normal in the local travel culture. Airlines like Hawaiian and United Airlines give many daily flights between each primary airport. This makes your trip simple, and you get a nice view as you fly.

This airport network lets you make your own Hawaiian adventure. You might start your day in Honolulu and be having fun on a beach in Maui soon after. If you learn how these airport systems and interisland flights work, you can see more of the Hawaiian Islands, and your trip becomes even better.

Understanding Hawaii’s Unique Airport Locations

Hawaii has some of the most scenic airports you will ever see. Many are in amazing spots and you get a great view when you land or take off. Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is one good example. This airport is on the Big Island and is built on old lava fields. It gives you a bold look at the island’s volcanic past the moment you arrive.

There are 15 public airports in Hawaii. Still, most visitors use just five main airports and a few smaller local airports. The Big Island is a bit different from other islands, because it has two big airports. On the sunny west side, you have kona international airport (KOA), which is good if you want to stay at nice resorts and spend time on beautiful beaches. Hilo (ITO) is on the green east side. This airport is the spot to fly in if you want to visit rainforests and volcanoes.

When you pick the best airport for your trip, you could save a lot of driving time and get to your hotel or home faster. No matter if you are flying with United Airlines or another local airline, where you land on the Big Island is an important start to your vacation. With the right airport, your adventure begins in the best way.

Commercial vs. General Aviation Airports in Hawaii

When you look at a list of airports in Hawaii, you will see there are a few types. Most people fly in and out through big commercial airports. These places are busy and used for large flights, both in and out of the state or even the country. The main options are Honolulu (HNL) and Kahului (OGG). They have everything you need as a traveler.

On top of this, the list of airports shows some general aviation airports. These are small airports used by private planes, flight schools, or charters. You do not use these for normal travel. Most tourists stick to commercial airports. Some of these smaller spots might be owned by public groups, but your trip between islands or from the mainland probably will not use them.

So you may wonder if you can use private airports. For most people, the answer is no. Nearly all travel goes through the commercial airport system. The department of transportation and federal aviation administration handle these airports. They make it simple and safe for passengers. The main commercial airports are your entry points to Hawaii’s islands and everything they offer.

Major International & Regional Airports

Hawaii has five major airports that help most visitors get in and out of the islands. The major airports are Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) on Oahu, Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the Big Island, and Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai.

The major airports handle most of the international arrivals that come into Hawaii and act as the main spots for commercial flights. If you want your trip to go well, it helps to know the airport codes and where each airport is. Each airport like kona international airport, hilo international airport, kahului airport, inouye international airport, ellison onizuka kona international airport, and lihue airport, gives you its own welcome for the island where it is found.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu, Oahu – HNL)

If you are coming to Honolulu or Oahu, you will land at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). It is the biggest and busiest airport in Hawaii. This airport takes care of most of the international arrivals. It is also a main hub for Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

HNL is close to downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. It only takes a few minutes to get from the airport to these popular spots.

The airport has been getting a lot of new upgrades with a statewide airport modernization program. There is a new area for planes, plus a better TSA security checkpoint. These updates help make things easier for the people who fly in. When you land at Honolulu International Airport, you get a great view of Diamond Head and the coast. It is an amazing way to start your trip to the Hawaiian Islands.

You can fly right to HNL from big cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. Honolulu International Airport connects flights for travelers heading to and from Hawaii. The airport has lots of services, so it is the spot where most visitors begin their trip on the Hawaiian Islands.

Kahului Airport (Maui – OGG)

When you visit the “Valley Isle” of Maui, you will land at Kahului Airport. This is the main airport in Maui, and people call it OGG. Kahului Airport has a cool open-air look and calm gardens that right away make you feel at home on the island. It is the place to be for both flights between islands and direct flights from the mainland.

Big airlines, like United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, have daily flights that come straight from West Coast cities. This helps people get to Maui without any trouble. When you get there, the main terminal is simple to get around. You will find shops, places for food, and places to get a rental car right there.

Even though Kahului Airport is a key part of Hawaii’s airport systems, you will see that it stays quiet and friendly. That real Maui spirit comes through at OGG every time. If you need to book a trip, be sure you know the airport code OGG for this travel spot.

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (Big Island – KOA)

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) gives you one of the most unique arrival experiences in Hawaii. This kona international airport sits on the west side of the Big Island. You will see the runway set among old lava fields. The open-air terminals at this primary airport make you feel like you have come to a tropical paradise right away. You will even leave your plane by walking down outdoor stairs. That is a nice and special thing people remember.

It is the main airport for both the Kona and Kohala coasts. KOA is a good choice if you plan to stay near the island’s popular resort spots. You can get direct flights from the mainland on united airlines and alaska airlines. The airport also handles international arrivals, with help from a new federal inspection station.

If you want to get to the sunny west side of the Big Island fast, this is the best airport. The airport lets you fly direct and makes travel from the U.S. mainland quick and easy. This is great for people who want to see the island’s famous beaches and coffee farms.

Lihue Airport (Kauai – LIH)

Lihue Airport (LIH) is the main gateway to the beautiful “Garden Isle” of Kauai. When you land here, you often get to see the tall mountains and clean beaches from your window. This is a great way to start your adventure. The airport sits in the middle of the island. This makes it easy for you to go to both the north and south shores after you arrive.

Even though it is a primary airport and has big airlines like United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines, Lihue Airport stays easygoing and friendly. There is only one level in the terminal, and it shows the culture of the island. This helps you feel calm and stress-free as you travel.

There have been some recent upgrades at the airport. The baggage claim area and parking lots are now better, which means you can move around faster. There are also rental car options at the airport, so you can grab a car and start exploring all of Kauai’s beauty right away. Be sure to remember the airport code LIH when you book your trip to this green and lovely island.

Hilo International Airport (Big Island – ITO)

Hilo International Airport sits on the east side of the Big Island. It is the best spot to get to if you want to see green rainforests, waterfalls, and the famous Volcanoes National Park. When you walk into this primary airport, you will see lots of tropical plants and Hawaiian-print chairs. Right away, the place feels relaxed and warm.

This airport is not as big as Kona’s, but it is still very important. Hilo International Airport is the main spot for interisland flights, especially on Hawaiian Airlines. You can also catch some direct flights to and from the mainland. The airport is big for air cargo on the island, too. Because it is smaller, you usually do not wait long at baggage claim, so your trip is smooth and easy.

If your trip to the Big Island is mainly on the east side, picking Hilo International Airport is a good idea. You get quick access to special places, and you can often find better deals on your rental car here.

Interisland Travel and Airport Connections

Seeing all the different places in the state of Hawaii often means you need to fly between the islands. The best way to do this is by plane. People everywhere in Hawaii use interisland travel all the time because it is so easy and there are many daily flights. These daily flights connect the main airports on each island. Airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines are known for these short trips.

It is an easy process. Most flights are quick, and they can even feel like taking a short bus ride in the sky. You will still go through the Transportation Security Administration, but interisland terminals are often simple and quick to walk through. If you know how these airport connections work, it will help you when you plan your Hawaiian vacation to more than one island.

Overview of Interisland Flight Routes

Getting from one of the Hawaiian Islands to another is easy. There is a strong system of interisland flights. The main airlines for these trips are Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines. These two offer daily flights with jets between the main airports on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. If you want to go to smaller places like Molokai or Lanai, then Mokulele Airlines will get you there with smaller planes.

Most of these flights do not take long. The trip usually takes only 20 to 50 minutes. This means you can have breakfast on one island, then fly and have lunch on a different one. There are many flights each day, so you can plan your trip in a way that works best for you.

Here are some common and popular interisland routes:

• Honolulu (HNL) to Kahului (OGG)

• Honolulu (HNL) to Lihue (LIH)

• Honolulu (HNL) to Kona (KOA) or Hilo (ITO)

• Kahului (OGG) to Kona (KOA)

It is smart to book your flight early, most of all during busy travel months. Doing this helps you get the best price and find a good time for your trip.

Transportation Between Airports and Islands

After you land and get your bags from baggage claim, your next thing to do is to find ground transportation. All major airports in Hawaii have many ways for you to get to your hotel or place you are staying. Most people like to book a rental car because it lets you go anywhere on the islands when you want.

At big airports like HNL and KOA, you will see all the major rental car companies. You might need to ride a shuttle for a short trip from the terminal to the rental car lots. At smaller airports like ITO, the rental car desks are near the terminal. You can usually walk to them fast, so it’s easy to pick up your car.

If you do not use a rental car, you still have other ways to travel:

• Shuttles: Many businesses offer shuttles you can book ahead of time. These go to main resort places.

• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are there on the major islands, and it’s easy to find one at the airports.

• Public Transport: You can use the bus. Just know that on most islands, bus routes or times may not be as many.

• Taxis: All major airports have many taxis waiting for people.

Local Airlines Serving Interisland Flights

When you look at interisland travel, a few airlines stand out for both local and national service. These airlines help to keep Hawaii’s islands connected. They offer daily flights, so it is easy for residents and tourists to hop from one island to another.

Hawaiian Airlines is the main airline in the state. It has the largest group of interisland routes. In recent years, Southwest Airlines also began flying here. This gives people more choices and adds some competition when flying between the main islands. If you need to fly to smaller islands, like Molokai and Lanai, Mokulele Airlines is your best bet. It uses small planes which are good for landing on the short runways these islands have.

The main airlines you will use for interisland travel are:

• Hawaiian Airlines: Covers all the big islands with the most daily flights.

• Southwest Airlines: Has good flights and deals between Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

• Mokulele Airlines: Flies people from the big islands out to smaller places, like Molokai and Lanai.

Smaller Commercial and Private Airports

Besides the five big hubs in the state of hawaii, there be other small airports run by the state of hawaii. The list of airports also has those smaller commercial ones and airfields for general flights. These places help their local people, people who fly their own planes, and also help when there is an emergency.

These airports are an important part of airport systems in the state of hawaii. They give a way for even far away areas to stay connected. Most folks coming to visit may not use them at first, but they be very important for getting to places like Molokai and Lanai, and for trips with private planes in the state.

Molokai Airport (MKK), Lanai Airport (LNY), and Kapalua Airport (JHM)

Beyond the main islands, Hawaii has other small commercial airports that are very important. Molokai Airport (MKK) and Lanai Airport (LNY) are the main airports for their own islands. They connect people to big airports like Honolulu and Kahului airport with daily flights from local airlines.

These airports are not as big as the main ones. They give you a smaller and faster travel experience. You will not see large jets or international arrivals at these places. But you will still get all the basic things you need, like baggage claim and ways to get around on the ground.

On Maui, Kapalua Airport (JHM) helps people get to the west side of the island. This airport is good if you are staying in the Kaanapali or Kapalua resort spots, as it gives you another way to travel besides using the main Kahului airport. It is helpful to remember the airport codes for these airports when you want your trip to cover more quiet and relaxing spots in Hawaii.

Other Public and Private Access Airports on Neighbor Islands

The State of Hawaii has some other airports that are not on the main tourist path. These places mostly work for general aviation. They help private pilots, small charters, and people who do farm work. Most tourists in Hawaii do not use these smaller public airports or private fields when moving from one place to another.

These airfields still matter to people in the state of Hawaii. They help with travel for people who live far from big cities and work as good spots for an emergency landing. The Federal Aviation Administration checks these airports and makes sure they fit the rules. They are also an important part of how people in the united states get around by air.

You may not buy a ticket to one of these airports, but it is good to know about them. Some of the things these airports do are:

• Helping people learn to be a private pilot or just fly for fun.

• Giving places for air tour companies to start or finish trips.

• Helping in medical moves and other emergency services that need to fly fast.

• Helping move stuff for farms in small towns or country parts.

Accessibility for Tourists at Hawaii’s Regional Airports

Even Hawaii has smaller regional airports. These are the ones on Molokai and Lanai. They are set up to meet what tourists need. You will not see big terminals or lots of extra things like at a big international airport. But you get all you need for a good travel day.

Accessibility is something important for them. These airports are easy for people to get to and use. You will still go through the Transportation Security Administration just like a normal airport. The baggage claim here is very fast because there are not a lot of people.

Some key accessibility features for tourists include:

• Basic checkpoints from Transportation Security Administration.

• Quick and easy baggage claim spots.

• Rental car services on-site or close by.

• Daily flights that connect to bigger airports.

• Calm and relaxed environment with low stress.

Picking one of these regional airports works great when you want to go to Molokai, Lanai, or West Maui.

Airport Services, Amenities, and Ground Transportation

Hawaii’s airports have the services and things you need to start or finish your trip in comfort. After you go through the security checkpoint and get to your terminal, you will find food, shopping, and places to relax. When you land, you will see clear signs that help you get to baggage claim and ground transportation.

All major airports give you different ways to go from the airport. You can pick a rental car, shuttles, or public transport. It does not matter if you fly into a large, new airport or a small one. These services make it easy for you to get to your final stop.

Rental Cars, Shuttles, and Public Transport Options

Finding ground transportation at Hawaii’s airports is straightforward, with rental cars being the most popular option for flexibility. At major airports like Kona (KOA), you’ll need to take a shuttle from the terminal to the consolidated rental car facility, which hosts a large fleet from all major companies. In contrast, at a smaller airport like Hilo (ITO), the rental counters are conveniently located just across from baggage claim, making for a faster getaway.

Besides rental cars, airport shuttles provide service to major hotels and resort areas, offering a convenient if less flexible alternative. Public transport is also an option on most major islands, though routes may not be direct to all tourist destinations. Rideshare services are also widely available at the larger airports.

Here is a quick comparison of your options:

Transportation Option	Availability at Major Airports (HNL, OGG, KOA)	Availability at Regional Airports (ITO, LIH, MKK)
Rental Cars	All major brands, shuttle to facility required	Fewer options, counters often walkable from terminal
Shuttles	Widely available to hotels and resorts	Limited to pre-booked services
Public Transport	Bus routes available from the airport	Limited or nonexistent service
Rideshare/Taxis	Readily available	Limited availability outside of the main airport area

Conclusion

To sum up, finding your way around Hawaii’s airports is key if you want your trip to go well on these islands. There are big airports like inouye international airport, and there are smaller airport options too. Knowing how they all work can really help you. You will find many flights going between the islands. There are also many ways to get around on the ground once you land. This makes traveling easy.

No matter if this is your first time in Hawaii or you have come back to see more, knowing some tips about using the airport system is a big help. This way, you can get the most out of your time in Hawaii. If you have questions or want some travel help, feel free to ask for a free consultation. Have fun on your Hawaiian adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Hawaii airport should I fly into for specific islands or destinations?

Pick the main airport on the island you want to go to. For Oahu, fly into Honolulu (HNL). For Maui, go to Kahului (OGG). For Kauai, land at Lihue (LIH). If you want to visit the Big Island, choose Kona (KOA) for the west side and resorts, or Hilo (ITO) for the east side and volcanoes.

Are there direct flights from Hawaii airports to the US mainland?

Yes, Hawaii has big international airports like HNL, OGG, KOA, and LIH. These airports have a lot of nonstop flights that go to and from the United States mainland. Most direct flights connect Hawaii to cities on the West Coast. There are also flights to other main airports around the country.

What airport codes and names should travelers know for Hawaii?

The main airport codes you should know are HNL for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu, OGG for Kahului Airport on Maui, KOA for Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport on the Big Island, LIH for Lihue Airport on Kauai, and ITO for Hilo International Airport on the Big Island. When you know these codes, it gets much easier to book your flights.