frequently asked questions on Kauai Airport

frequently asked questions

Lihue International Airport (Lihue Airport - LIH)

General Information

The code is KOA.

On the western coast of the Island of Hawaii, near Kailua-Kona.

Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United.

Yes, KOA handles seasonal international flights in addition to inter-island and U.S. mainland flights.

Yes, but services like dining, check-in, and rental car counters have limited hours.

KOA has two terminals with an open-air layout and multiple gates, primarily ground-level boarding.

No, baggage storage is not available at Kona Airport.

Yes, located in Terminal 1 near the airport administration offices.

Transportation

Yes, major agencies such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise operate on-site via a centralized rental car facility accessible by shuttle.

Accessible via shuttle from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, just outside baggage claim.

Yes, Uber and Lyft operate at KOA with designated pick-up zones outside both terminals.

Yes, taxis are available at clearly marked pick-up zones outside both terminals.

Yes, hotel shuttles operate from the pickup area just outside baggage claim; contact your hotel for availability.

Yes, both short-term and long-term parking lots are available directly adjacent to Terminal 1.

Rates vary; payment kiosks are located near the terminal entrances.

Check-In & Security

At least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights, 3 hours for international.

Facilities & Services

Yes, options include Aunty’s Kona Coffee, offering locally sourced coffee and pastries, and grab-and-go vendors in Terminal 1.

Limited; passengers are encouraged to use Terminal 1 for shopping, with duty-free options in Terminal 2 for international departures.

No airline lounges are available at KOA.

Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Yes, ATMs are located in Terminal 1.

Yes, USPS drop boxes are available outside Terminal 1 for outgoing mail and postcards.

Baggage & Lost Items

Contact the lost and found in Terminal 1 near the airport administration offices.

Yes, baggage carts are available in both terminals for a small fee.

Accessibility & Special Assistance

No, KOA’s open-air, single-level design does not require elevators, but ramps are available.

Yes, wheelchair assistance is available by request through individual airlines.

Yes, ADA-compliant restrooms are available in both terminals.

Yes, a service animal relief area is located near the curbside area of Terminal 1.

Flight Information

Limited; most flights operate during daytime hours.

Nearby Attractions & Hotels

No luggage storage facilities are available at KOA.

Dining & Shopping

Aunty’s Kona Coffee, offering locally sourced coffee and pastries, and grab-and-go options in Terminal 1.

Yes, Big Island News and Gifts and local vendors offer snacks, souvenirs, reading material, and handmade crafts like fresh leis.

Weather & Delays

Rarely, but tropical storms or volcanic activity may cause delays.

Customs & Immigration

Only if traveling from outside the U.S.

Yes, customs and immigration processing are available in Terminal 2 during international flight arrivals.

Pets & Service Animals

Yes, a pet relief area is located near the curbside area of Terminal 1.