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All Hawaii Airports (2024) + Map

All Hawaii Airports (2024) + Map

Hawaii is home to five international airports and six regional airports that serve as gateways for both local and international travelers. These airports offer a variety of services to accommodate the diverse needs of passengers, while providing a crucial connection between the Hawaiian Islands and the rest of the world. As a popular tourist destination, the airports in Hawaii play a significant role in the state’s economy and transportation infrastructure.

To make travel more convenient, each of the major Hawaiian Islands features an airport, providing easy access to a variety of attractions and eco-friendly destinations. By understanding the layout and services offered by these Hawaii airports, visitors can plan their travel itineraries more effectively and enjoy a seamless experience when exploring the beautiful and culturally-rich Aloha State.

International airports in Hawaii

Hawaii, known for its stunning beaches, volcanoes and waterfalls, is served by several airports spread across its various islands. The Hawaii Airports System oversees the management and operation of these facilities. This section provides an overview of Hawaii’s international airports.

  • Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), situated in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, is the largest and the busiest airport in Hawaii. It serves as a primary hub for both inter-island and international flights. Here is the list of airlines serving routes from/to Hawaii.
  • Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA), located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, is the primary airport for visitors to the west side of the island. The airport, also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, has convenient access to famous tourist spots such as Volcanoes National Park. The list of airlines arriving and departing from here is much shorter compared to the main one in Oahu.
  • Kahului Airport (OGG), the main airport on Maui, primarily serves overseas and inter-island flights. The airport’s welcoming alfresco design and gardens provide a relaxing atmosphere for travelers and it is an ideal gateway to attractions like Haleakala National Park. Here is the list of airlines you can board to get here.
  • Lihue Airport (LIH) lies on the island of Kauai, providing both domestic and interisland flights. It’s a small but efficient airport, located nearby popular tourist areas such as Princeville.
  • Hilo International Airport (ITO), based on the eastern side of the Big Island, offers flights from Honolulu and several other smaller airports in Hawaii. This airport is the perfect starting point for visiting attractions such as Volcanoes National Park.
Map of Hawaii with pins showing the international airports.
Visuals: Emese Maczko, Eco Lodges Anywhere.

Regional airports in Hawaii for inter-island travel

Apart from the international airports that also serve as hub for domestic flights, here are some larger regional hubs all around the Hawaiian Islands:

  • Hana Airport (HNM) is a regional airport in east Maui, serving as a convenient gateway for visitors seeking a direct access to the famous Road to Hana.
  • Kapalua Airport (JHM) is a small regional airport situated in west Maui. It primarily serves interisland flights, making it an important transportation hub for those looking to explore other islands in Hawaii.
  • Kalaupapa Airport (LUP) is situated on the island of Molokai, granting access to the secluded Kalaupapa National Historical Park. The airport is vital for transportation to this remote region.
  • Molokai Airport (MKK), located on the island of Molokai. It connects the island with Oahu, Maui, and other smaller airports.
  • Lanai Airport (LNY), found on the island of Lanai, is served by interisland flights. It offers travelers easy access to the luxurious resorts and golf courses on the island.
  • Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUE), on the Big Island, is a small regional facility primarily used for general aviation purposes.
Map of Hawaii with pins showing the regional airports.
Visuals: Emese Maczko, Eco Lodges Anywhere.

Minor airports in Hawaii

There are several smaller airports and airfields that serve general aviation, charter flights, and local island transportation.

  • Port Allen Airport (PAK) is near Hanapepe, on the south coast of Kauai.
  • Upolu Airport (UPP) is near Hawi, on the northern part of the Big Island.
  • Princeville Airport (HI01) is near Hanalei on Kauai.
  • Kalaeloa Airport (JRF) is a joint civil-military airport neat Kapolei on Oahu.
  • Dillingham Airfield (HDH) is also a joint civil-military airport near Waialua on Oahu.

Furthermore, seaplane anchorages can be found on various islands, allowing seaplane operators to connect remote locations throughout the state.

Which Airlines Are Flying Between Hawaiian Islands?

  1. Hawaiian Airlines: The largest airline in Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines offers extensive inter-island service. It operates frequent flights between the major airports on the islands, including Honolulu, Kahului, Lihue, Kona, and Hilo.
  2. Southwest Airlines: A relatively new entrant to the Hawaiian market, Southwest Airlines offers inter-island flights, connecting major destinations within the Hawaiian Islands.
  3. Mokulele Airlines: This airline operates smaller aircraft and provides service to many of the smaller airports in Hawaii. Mokulele offers an extensive network of inter-island flights, including to destinations like Molokai and Lanai especially after merging with Makani Kai Air in 2020.

Ohana by Hawaiian and Pacific Wings has been servicing different routes between the Hawaiian Islands, but the former suspended its operation in May 2021, while the latter ceased its operation in 2014.

There are several helicopter tour companies that offer inter-island travel, but they are usually in the form of tours and not charter services. It is worth highlighting Paradise Helicopters since they have a carbon offset program called Green Your Seat. While there are many pros and cons in general, it is certainly one of the ways to make air travel more sustainable.

Air Travel Tips for Hawaii

Visiting the beautiful islands of Hawaii can be an unforgettable experience. To ensure a smooth journey, it’s essential to keep a few key air travel tips in mind besides knowing when it is the best time to visit.

Hawaii has multiple airports, but the busiest ones are Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Oahu, Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui, and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) on the Big Island based on the latest traffic data.

Be prepared for peak travel times at Hawaii airports, which typically are between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for arrivals. Planning your flights outside these hours can help you avoid long queues and delays.

When flying within Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Mokulele Airlines offer inter-island flights that can make traveling between islands convenient and efficient. Ensure you book your flights in advance, as these regional flights can fill up quickly during peak seasons.

All the airports in Hawaii operate under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration. They offer essential services such as baggage claim, arrivals, and departures, catering to the needs of diverse travelers in this stunning tropical paradise.

FAQs

Which is the busiest airport in Hawaii?

The largest Hawaii airport hub is Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), situated in Honolulu on the island of Oahu.

How many international airports are in Hawaii?

Five international airports are providing convenient access to the Hawaiian Islands. These are Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Kona International Airport (KOA), Kahului Airport (OGG), Lihue Airport (LIH), and Hilo International Airport (ITO).

What is the main airport in the Hawaiian Islands?

The main airport in the Hawaiian Islands is the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) on Oahu. Located in Honolulu, this airport is the busiest in the State of Hawaii, servicing both domestic and international flights.

Are there airports in all of the Hawaiian Islands?

There are international airports in Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island as well as regional hubs in Molokai and Lanai.

A woman sitting on a mountain. Behind her is a lake.
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Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.