Maui's Airport Options: A Comprehensive Overview

Maui is served by three airports: Kahului Airport (OGG) in northern Maui, and two smaller commuter airports, Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui, and Hāna Airport (HNM) in East Maui. Kahului Airport is the only airport that connects Maui with the mainland US, while Kapalua and Hāna airports offer a more intimate experience, with shorter travel times to local hotels.

Maui Airports

Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) is the island's largest airport

Maui is served by three airports in total. The largest of these is Kahului Airport (OGG), which is the only airport on the island that connects Maui to the mainland US. The airport is located in Kahului, the largest city on Maui, and is about a 45-minute drive from the island's main resort areas. It is also Maui's main airport, serving as the second busiest airport in the state of Hawaii.

Kahului Airport is named after a famous airline pilot, Bertram/Jim Hogg, who was Chief Pilot for Hawaiian Airlines in the 1940s and pioneered commercial passenger flights between the Hawaiian islands. The airport is located between the town of Haleakala and the mountains, and it is the most convenient way to get to the island. It is also the only airport on Maui that can be accessed via full-size jet planes, although no jumbo jets are able to fly in or out.

Kahului Airport offers multiple options for dining and shopping, as well as public parking, internet services, ATMs, taxis, and eight different car rental companies on-site. It is also the main airport for Maui's tour operators, offering aviation and helicopter tours.

The other two airports on Maui are Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui and Hana Airport (HNM) in East Maui. These airports are much smaller and only serve commuter aircraft and propeller planes.

Kapalua Airport (JHM) is a small airport in Maui

Maui is home to three airports: Kapalua Airport (JHM), Kahului Airport (OGG), and Hana Airport (HNM). Of these, Kapalua Airport is a small airport located on the west side of the island of Maui. It is also known as the Kapalua - West Maui Airport or simply the West Maui Airport. The airport is situated about seven miles north of the town of Lahaina, between Kaʻanapali and Kapalua.

Kapalua Airport (JHM) was constructed in 1987 by Hawaiian Airlines to replace the Kaanapali Airport, a small regional airport on Maui's northwest end. The airport's designator, JHM, honours John Henry Magoon, who was the president of Hawaiian Airlines when the airport was opened.

The airport covers 50 acres of land and serves commuter/air taxis and commercial propeller air carriers. Approximately 300 passengers pass through the airport each day, with most travelling via Mokulele Airlines, the sole carrier offering passenger service. The airport does not accommodate jets, and all flights are operated by propeller planes. The largest aircraft accommodated are 48-seat two-propeller ATR-42 aircraft operated by Ohana, a division of Hawaiian Airlines. The airport also serves nine-passenger single-propeller planes from Mokulele Airlines.

Kapalua Airport operates only during the daytime, with no flights after dark. It is praised by travellers for its relaxed yet professional atmosphere, beautiful ocean views, friendly staff, and efficiency. The small scale of the airport makes for a quick check-in, boarding, and luggage retrieval process. Additionally, its proximity to hotels and condos on West Maui makes it a convenient option for travellers staying in that area.

While Kapalua Airport does not have restaurants or shops, vending machines are available for snacks and newspapers. Private vehicle parking is offered for a fee, and monthly permits can be purchased. Pre-arranged ground transportation, taxi cabs, and car rental services are also available.

Hana Airport (HNM) is Maui's smallest airport

Maui is one of the Hawaiian islands and can be reached by either ferry or flight. There are three airports on the island: Kahului Airport, Kapalua Airport, and Hana Airport. Of these, Hana Airport (HNM) is Maui's smallest airport.

Hana Airport is located on the northeast side of the island, about three miles northwest of the unincorporated town of Hana. Hana is one of the most isolated communities in the state of Hawaii. The airport is small, with just a single runway, and offers a few commercial flights to passengers wanting to visit other Hawaiian islands. Mokulele Airlines provides the airport's scheduled passenger service, and there is also a plane service for guests of the Hana Maui Resort. The airport is also used for private planes and chartered flights.

Hana Airport is very small, with a one-room terminal building. There is no security checkpoint or TSA stands, as the airport is used as a General Aviation hub. There are no restaurants or shops, but there are vending machines and restrooms. There is also ample free parking due to the low number of flights and passengers. On average, the airport sees just 15 passengers per day.

Due to the small size of the airport, there is no public transportation, taxi service, or rental car service available onsite. However, guests of the Hana Maui Resort can take advantage of the hotel's shuttle service or rent one of the limited number of rental Jeeps. Alternatively, visitors can check with their accommodation provider to see if they offer a shuttle service from the airport. It is recommended that visitors arrange a backup transportation plan before flying into Hana Airport.

Maui's Kahului Airport is named after a pilot

Maui has three airports in total: Kahului Airport, Kapalua Airport, and Hana Airport. Maui's Kahului Airport is named after a pilot.

Kahului Airport (OGG) is the primary airport on the island of Maui, offering both overseas and interisland flights. It is located just 3km from the main town of Kahului and is sandwiched between the town of Haleakala and the mountains. The airport has been in operation since 1952 and is the only airport in Maui with direct flights to the mainland US.

The airport code OGG pays homage to aviation pioneer and Kauai native, Bertram J. "Jimmy" Hogg, who worked for Hawaiian Airlines. Hogg is recognized for making the first commercial flight after the attack on Pearl Harbor, facing ground fire from those mistaking his plane for an enemy aircraft. He also piloted the company's first trans-Pacific flight in 1958. The Civil Aeronautics Authority implemented the OGG airport code in 1957 to honor Hogg.

A memorial wall at Gate 19 of Kahului Airport honors Hogg, sharing the story of his life and career. The wall is 8 feet tall and 42 feet wide and was unveiled as part of the lead-up to Hawaiian Airlines' 85th-anniversary celebration in 2014.

Kapalua Airport is 5-15 minutes from hotels/condos on Maui's west side

Maui is served by three airports: Kahului Airport (OGG) in northern Maui, Kapalua Airport (JHM) on the west side, and Hana Airport (HNM) in East Maui.

Kapalua Airport is a small airport just north of Lahaina and Kaanapali, on the west side of Maui. It is 5-15 minutes from hotels and condos on Maui's west side. It is a good option for travellers whose accommodation is on the west side of the island, as it is much closer than Maui's largest airport, Kahului. It is also a good option for aviation enthusiasts, as it allows private planes access. However, it is important to note that Kapalua Airport only accepts propeller planes and does not facilitate any flights in or out after dark.

The two main airlines flying between Honolulu and Kapalua are Ohana (by Hawaiian) and Mokulele. The Ohana planes are 48-passenger 2-propeller ATRs, while Mokulele operates smaller 1-propeller Cessna aircraft.

If you are staying in Lahaina or Kaanapali, Kapalua Airport is the best option for you. It is also a good choice if you are flying from Honolulu, or from within the state of Hawaii. However, if you are flying from overseas, you will need to fly into Kahului Airport.

Frequently asked questions