Main terminal
An open-air, mostly unwalled building with ticket counters, check-in, baggage claim and the security checkpoint. Two baggage carousels sit next to each other.
Lihue Airport (LIH)
Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii PHLI #79 US airport by passengers
Līhuʻe Airport is at 3901 Mokulele Loop in Līhuʻe on Kauaʻi, the island's primary airport. It handles both interisland and overseas flights.
- FAA status
- No delays reported Updated 2 min ago
- Weather now
- VFR 73°F Observed 3 h ago
- Late departures
- 13.9%May 2026 to July 2026
- Security line
- No recent reportsAdd yours
LIH at a glance
Līhuʻe is a small, open-air airport with one main terminal and a central security checkpoint. Most visitors need a rental car, because the island's towns and beaches are far apart.
Public parking costs at most $24 per 24 hours, and the Cell Phone Waiting Area is free. Mainland departures pass through an agricultural inspection before TSA screening, which adds time. The only lounge is the Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club near Gate 5.
Main airlines: Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines and several mainland carriers serve LIH, according to a third-party guide. Check the airport site for the current airline list.
FAA delay status for LIH
The FAA is not reporting a ground stop, ground delay program or other delay at LIH right now.
Source: FAA National Airspace System Status, checked 2 min ago. Airline-specific delays are not shown here.
Current conditions at LIH
VFR
73°F23°C
Good visibility and high cloud base. Normal operations are typical.
- Wind
- 250° 6 mph
- Visibility
- 10+ mi
- Clouds
- Clear
- Ceiling
- None
- Pressure
- 29.96 inHg
METARMETAR PHLI 101153Z AUTO 25005KT 10SM CLR 23/21 A2996 RMK AO2 SLP143 T02280211 10261 20228 56016
Source: NOAA Aviation Weather Center. Observed 3 h ago.
Full weather, TAF, forecast and runways →
On-time performance at LIH
Based on 4,253 departures from May 2026 to July 2026. A flight counts as late when it leaves 15 or more minutes after schedule.
13.9%Departures late
15.8%Arrivals late
0.89%Cancelled
8.1 minAverage departure delay
| Airline | Departures | Late |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | 2,610 | 18.9% |
| Southwest Airlines | 738 | 3.7% |
| United Airlines | 465 | 5.2% |
| American Airlines | 256 | 14.1% |
| Delta Air Lines | 184 | 5.4% |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, On-Time Performance of reporting carriers. Smaller regional carriers and some airlines are not included.
Late departures by month
Terminals
Gate areas
Gate areas are served by a central checkpoint that leads to gates 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10. The Hawaiian Premier Club is near Gate 5.
Cargo and commuter buildings
Separate buildings used for cargo and commuter flights. A temporary pedestrian walkway connected them during 2026 road work.
Moving between terminals
LIH has one main passenger terminal, so there is no transfer between buildings. Walk to your gate area after the central checkpoint.
Getting to and from LIH
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Rental car
Rental car counters
Rental car counters are in the terminal near baggage claim. Most visitors rent a car, because island towns and beaches are spread out.
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Bus
Kauaʻi Bus
The county bus is infrequent and restricts large luggage. A third-party guide says the county has waived bus fares until further notice. Check the Kauaʻi Bus website for current schedules.
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Taxi
Taxi and limousine
The airport's ground transportation page lists taxicab and limousine service. Confirm the pickup location on the day of travel.
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Rideshare
Uber, Lyft and Holoholo
Transportation network companies use designated pickup zones at the curb. The airport publishes a TNC pickup zone map. Pickup spots moved during 2026 road work, so follow the signs.
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Cell phone lot
Cell Phone Waiting Area
A free waiting area for drivers picking up arriving passengers.
Tips for LIH
- Mainland departures need a USDA agricultural inspection before TSA screening. Allow extra time, especially at peak departure hours.
- Pickup and drop-off areas have changed during 2026 road work. Follow posted signs and check the airport site before you go.
- The terminal is open-air and covered, not air-conditioned throughout. Dress for warm, humid conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How much does parking cost at Līhuʻe Airport?
It is free for the first 15 minutes. After that, rates are $2 to $5 per block depending on time, up to a $24 maximum per 24 hours. Cash or a major credit card is accepted.
Is there free Wi-Fi at LIH?
Yes. Connect to "LIH Public WiFi." Charging stations are throughout the terminal.
Is there a lounge at LIH?
Yes, the Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club near Gate 5. Eligible guests include Hawaiian First Class, Pualani and Premier Club members. Priority Pass is not accepted.
Do I need to go through agricultural inspection?
Yes, if you are flying to the mainland. Checked bags go through a USDA agricultural inspection before the TSA security line.
Is CLEAR available at LIH?
No. TSA PreCheck is available at Checkpoint #1, but CLEAR is not offered at Līhuʻe.
Do I need a rental car on Kauaʻi?
Most visitors do. The island's towns and beaches are spread out, and the Kauaʻi Bus is infrequent and limited for luggage.
Where do I wait for an arriving passenger?
Use the free Cell Phone Waiting Area. Rideshare and taxi pickup zones are outside baggage claim, and they have moved during 2026 road work, so follow the signs.
Are there hotels near the airport?
Yes. Kauai Palms is right next to the airport. Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue and Marriott's Kauai Beach Club are about 1 mile away and offer free airport shuttles.
How busy is LIH?
About 1,822,008 passengers boarded flights at Lihue Airport in 2025, according to FAA enplanement data. That ranks it number 79 among US airports.
How often are flights late at LIH?
Over May 2026 to July 2026, 13.9% of departures at LIH left 15 or more minutes late, and 0.89% of flights were cancelled (Bureau of Transportation Statistics).
Guide content last reviewed October 9, 2026. Report a correction