Kahului International Airport (OGG), the primary gateway to the island of Maui, maintains a smoke-free indoor environment in accordance with Hawaii state law. Smokers and vapers traveling through OGG must follow designated rules and use only the approved outdoor smoking areas. This guide outlines state laws, airport-specific smoking and vaping rules, permitted smoking locations, and helpful tips for a smooth, compliant travel experience.

Hawaii State Laws on Smoking and Vaping

The State of Hawaii enforces some of the strictest anti-smoking and anti-vaping regulations in the country. These laws apply to all airports statewide, including OGG.

• Minimum Age Requirement: You must be 21 years or older to purchase or use any tobacco or electronic smoking product.
• Smoke-Free Public Spaces: Smoking and vaping are prohibited in most public areas, including indoor workplaces, restaurants and bars, public transportation, state parks and beaches, and airport interiors.
• Vaping Regulations: E-cigarettes, vape pens, and portable vaporizers are legally treated the same as traditional cigarettes.
• Penalties: Violations may result in fines of $100 or more for a first offense, with higher penalties for repeat violations.

Smoking Policy at Kahului Airport (OGG)

Kahului Airport strictly prohibits smoking and vaping inside all terminal buildings, including ticketing and check-in counters, security screening areas, gate areas, baggage claim, airport restrooms, shops, restaurants, waiting areas, inter-terminal walkways, and indoor corridors. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor smoking areas located away from entrances and walkways.

Designated Smoking Areas at Kahului Airport

OGG provides clearly marked outdoor smoking areas for passengers who wish to smoke or vape. These areas are placed at safe distances from building entrances to prevent secondhand smoke exposure to other travelers.

• Main Terminal Entrance (Departures Curbside): A designated smoking zone is available outside the main terminal, near the curbside drop-off area. Travelers should complete smoking here before entering the TSA checkpoint, as no smoking areas exist inside.
• Baggage Claim Area (Arrivals Curbside): A designated outdoor smoking area is located outside the baggage claim, convenient for arriving passengers waiting for rides, rental car shuttles, or hotel transportation.
• Parking Lots and Perimeter Areas: Certain outer areas of the public parking lots have designated smoking signs. No smoking is allowed inside parking structures, along pedestrian walkways, or within 20 feet of entrances or ventilation intakes (as required by state law).

Prohibited Smoking and Vaping Areas at OGG

Smoking and vaping are NOT allowed in all indoor airport facilities, TSA security checkpoint areas, gate waiting areas and holdrooms, terminal restrooms, restaurants and concessions, rental car tram station interiors, and parking garage interiors and walkways. Violations can result in citations, fines, or removal from restricted airport areas.

Tips for Smokers at Kahului Airport

• Use Designated Areas Only: Smoking in non-designated areas can lead to state fines and airport penalties.
• Smoke Before TSA Screening: There are no smoking areas past security. Smoke before entering the terminal or after exiting at arrivals.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Use provided ashtrays. Littering cigarette butts in Hawaii is considered disrespectful to the land (ʻāina) and harmful to the environment.
• Know the Rules for Vape Devices: Must be carried in your carry-on, turned off during the flight, and extra batteries properly stored.
• Be Mindful of Others: Even in outdoor smoking areas, be courteous—families, children, and kupuna (elders) may be nearby.

Cultural Considerations in Hawaii

In Hawaiʻi, respecting the ʻāina (land) and the people around you is deeply valued. Smoking outside of permitted areas or littering cigarette butts is seen as disrespectful and environmentally damaging.

• Cigarette waste harms beaches, reefs, and wildlife.
• Many residents and visitors strongly support smoke-free environments.

Using designated smoking areas helps preserve Maui’s beauty and keeps the airport clean for everyone.

Kahului International Airport maintains a strict no-smoking and no-vaping policy inside its terminals, with designated outdoor areas available for travelers who smoke. By following state laws and OGG’s smoking rules, visitors and residents can ensure a respectful, safe, and compliant experience. Understanding these guidelines before your arrival or departure helps ensure a smoother, stress-free journey through Maui’s busy airport—while also protecting the island’s environment and the comfort of fellow travelers.