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Airport Overview

Lihue Airport (LIH) on the island of Kauai is the primary airport serving the Garden Isle. It supports inter-island travel, U.S. mainland routes, and occasional seasonal international flights. LIH features a single open-air terminal designed to reflect Kauai’s relaxed island atmosphere, with easy ground-level access to gates, baggage claim, and transportation services.

The airport provides essential amenities including dining, shopping, ground transportation, and accessibility accommodations for all travelers.

Main Terminal (All Airlines)

Because Lihue Airport has one main terminal, all airlines—including Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, and United—operate within the same structure. Instead of multiple terminals, LIH uses a series of gate areas and connected open-air concourses.

Gates and Concourses

• Gates are located within a single terminal layout, with open-air walkways connecting gate areas.
• The airport uses ground-level boarding for most flights.
• Signage is clear, and walking distances are short compared to larger Hawaiian airports.

Dining and Shopping

Lihue Airport offers several food and retail options located throughout the main terminal.

Dining Options

• Kauai Coffee Café – Local coffee, pastries, and snacks.
• Bars & Grills – Serving island-style meals, sandwiches, and beverages.
• Grab-and-Go Carts – Quick snacks, bottled drinks, and pastries.

Shopping Options

• News & Gifts Shops – Books, magazines, snacks, drinks, and travel essentials.
• Local Kauai Products – Souvenirs, aloha wear, Hawaiian-made crafts, and fresh leis (when available).

Note: LIH does not have the extensive dining or luxury shopping options found at Honolulu International Airport.

Lounges

Lihue Airport currently does not operate any airline lounges.

Amenities

• Family Restrooms – Located throughout the terminal near gate areas.
• Pet Relief Area – Designated outdoor pet and service animal relief area near curbside.
• Charging Stations – Available at select seating areas.
• Wi-Fi Access – Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
• ATMs – Located in the main terminal.
• USPS Mail Drop Boxes – Available outside the terminal for outgoing letters and postcards.

Transportation and Accessibility

Ground Transportation

• Rental Cars – Served by a centralized rental car facility connected by a dedicated shuttle from outside baggage claim.
• Rideshare Services – Uber and Lyft available at a designated pick-up zone outside baggage claim.
• Taxis – Located at marked taxi stands outside the terminal.
• Hotel Shuttles – Many Kauai hotels provide shuttle service from the airport’s curbside pick-up area.
• Parking – Short-term and long-term parking located adjacent to the terminal.

Accessibility Features

• Wheelchair Assistance – Available upon request through each airline.
• ADA-Compliant Restrooms – Located throughout the terminal.
• Ramps and Level Access – LIH’s largely single-level design supports smooth accessibility.
• Service Animal Relief Area – Conveniently located outdoors near curbside.

LIH does not require elevators or escalators as extensively as larger airports due to its simple, open-air structure.

Other Key Services

• Lost and Found – Managed by the Airport Security Office, located on the ground level of the main terminal.
• Medical Assistance – Basic first-aid support available through airport personnel; emergencies handled by calling 911.
• Information Desks – Staffed visitor information counters located in the arrivals area.
• Smoking Areas – Permitted only in designated outdoor zones beyond security.

Summary

This overview of Lihue Airport (LIH) highlights the airport’s layout, amenities, transportation options, and accessibility features. LIH’s compact design and open-air terminal make it easy to navigate, offering travelers a smooth and welcoming start to their Kauai experience.