Lihue Airport (LIH), the primary airport on the island of Kauai, offers a selection of convenient dining and shopping options designed to meet the needs of travelers arriving on or departing from the Garden Isle.
While LIH is much smaller than Honolulu’s international hub, it provides a welcoming, island-style atmosphere with locally inspired foods, essential travel items, and authentic Hawaiian gifts. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack before your flight or picking up last-minute souvenirs, Lihue Airport delivers a comfortable and efficient experience.
LIH features a variety of eateries serving local flavors, light meals, coffee, and grab-and-go snacks. Dining options are located throughout the main terminal and operate in alignment with daily flight schedules.
• Kauai Coffee Café – Enjoy freshly brewed Kauai-grown coffee, pastries, and breakfast items from the island’s famous coffee brand.
• Local Cafés and Snack Bars – Offering sandwiches, salads, fruit cups, chips, and beverages, ideal for a quick bite before boarding.
• Bars and Grills – Some airport bars serve light meals, island-style fare, and cold beverages for travelers with time to relax.
• Grab-and-Go Markets – Available near gate areas with packaged snacks, drinks, bentos, baked goods, and travel-friendly meals.
• Coffee Stands – Multiple kiosk-style stands offering Hawaiian coffee, espresso drinks, smoothies, and quick breakfast items.
Lihue Airport offers several retail shops that feature a mix of Hawaiian souvenirs, travel necessities, and locally made products. While not as extensive as shopping in Honolulu, LIH’s stores provide everything passengers need for convenience and gift-giving.
• Gift Shops and Local Boutiques – Offering Kauai-themed souvenirs, aloha wear, jewelry, keychains, lei, and island crafts.
• Kauai Coffee, Macadamia Nuts, and Chocolates – Shops carry Hawaiian treats including local coffee, tropical candies, cookies, and macadamia nut snacks.
• Newsstands and Sundries – Stocking reading materials, sunscreen, snacks, bottled drinks, personal care items, neck pillows, and phone accessories.
• Travel Goods Kiosks – Offering chargers, headphones, adapters, and small electronic necessities.
Although Lihue Airport has limited duty-free services, international departing passengers may have access to a small duty-free kiosk offering select items.
• Fragrances and cosmetics
• Liquor and spirits
• Tobacco (availability varies)
• Hawaiian-made gift items
Duty-free services operate only during scheduled international departures, which occur seasonally.
If you misplace an item at LIH, assistance is available through the airport’s security office.
• In the Terminal – Contact the Airport Security Office located on the ground level of the main terminal.
• On an Aircraft – Contact your airline’s Lost and Found department directly.
• During TSA Screening – Items recovered at security checkpoints are handled by TSA Lost and Found.
Lihue Airport Security / Lost and Found
Phone: (808) 274-3800
Hours: Standard business hours (may vary)
Location: Ground Level, Main Terminal
• Arrive a Little Early – Some food and retail vendors may have limited hours depending on flight schedules.
• Shop Local – Many vendors offer authentic Kauai-made crafts, snacks, and coffee that support local artisans.
• Check Availability – Seasonal international flights influence services such as duty-free shopping.
• Plan Ahead – Purchase essentials like sunscreen, water, or snacks early, as options beyond gate areas are limited.
Lihue Airport (LIH) provides a relaxed and convenient experience for travelers, offering locally inspired dining, essential travel shops, Hawaiian souvenirs, and limited duty-free options during international departures.
Its open-air layout and strong connection to Kauai culture make it a welcoming final stop before leaving the Garden Isle—or a warm introduction for those just arriving.