Hawaii Airports: Where To Fly And Land

what airports can you fly into in hawaii

Hawaii is a tropical paradise that can be reached by plane from 26 cities in the continental US. The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, Oahu, is the largest airport in Hawaii and serves as the main hub for most transpacific flights. From there, travellers can easily connect to neighbouring islands via short inter-island flights. Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) is the second busiest airport in Hawaii, offering direct flights from the US mainland and convenient access to the island's attractions. Other notable airports in Hawaii include Hana Airport (HNM), Kapalua Airport, and Kona International Airport. When planning a trip to Hawaii, it is recommended to opt for the major airports due to their increased flight options, larger planes, and better car rental services.

Characteristics Values
Largest airport in Hawaii Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, Oahu
Second-busiest airport in Hawaii Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui
Airports with direct flights from the US mainland Honolulu, Kahului, Lihue, Kona
Major airports Honolulu, Kahului, Lihue, Kona, Hilo, Hana, Kapalua
Airports with Mobile Passport Control Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Airports with a wayfinding app Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

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Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is Hawaii's largest airport

As Hawaii's largest airport, HNL offers nonstop flights to many destinations in North America, Asia, and Oceania. Some of the nonstop departure destinations include Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Guam, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Melbourne, New York, Oakland, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Sydney, and Vancouver. The airport also serves as a hub for inter-island flights, connecting travellers to other islands in Hawaii, such as Maui, Kaua'i, Hawai'i, Lana'i, and Molokai.

The airport is easily accessible and well-connected to Honolulu's transportation network. It is served by the Skyline light metro system, which provides convenient travel options for passengers and employees. In addition, there is a shuttle service available for rental car returns, making it convenient for travellers who opt for car rentals during their stay in Hawaii.

HNL is a modern airport that embraces technology to enhance the traveller experience. It has launched a wayfinding app, the HNL Airport app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store, to assist travellers with airport navigation. Additionally, the airport has implemented Mobile Passport Control (MPC), allowing eligible travellers to expedite their entry into the United States using a mobile application.

Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is not just a transportation hub but also plays a significant role in Hawaii's tourism and economic development. Its convenient location, flight connectivity, and modern amenities make it an important gateway to the island state for travellers from around the world.

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Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) is the second-busiest airport in Hawaii

When travelling to Hawaii, most transpacific flights fly into and out of Oahu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. From there, you can easily connect to any other island in Hawaii. However, Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) is the second-busiest airport in Hawaii, welcoming flights from 10 different airlines, including United Airlines and American Airlines.

Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) is located three miles east of the town of Kahului and occupies 1,391 acres of land. It is the biggest and only international airport of the three other airports on Maui Island. The airport is named after former Hawaiian Airlines Chief Pilot Jim Hogg and has two intersecting runways. Over 140 flights per day depart OGG to cities such as San Diego, Phoenix, or Chicago, meaning passengers can save time by skipping a connecting flight in Honolulu.

Kahului Airport is a regional airport in Hawaii and is governed by a centralized state structure that oversees all the airports and seaports in the state. The official authority over Kahului Airport is the Governor of Hawaii, who appoints the Director of the Hawaii State Department of Transportation. The airport is also part of the Maui District, which includes other airports such as Kapalua Airport and Hana Airport.

Kahului Airport (OGG) offers various services and amenities to its passengers, including airline lounges, ATM and banking services, medical services, Wi-Fi access, curbside check-in, food and beverage concessions, shops, and a newsstand. For transportation from the airport, passengers can choose from several options, including bus services, taxi, and car rental.

With nearly seven million passengers and an average of 7,000 passengers per day, Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) is a bustling hub for travellers visiting the island of Maui, known for its beautiful beaches, exciting water sports, Haleakala Crater, and the old whaling town of Lahaina.

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Hana Airport (HNM) is tiny, with flights from Hawaiian islands only

When it comes to choosing an airport to fly into in Hawaii, there are several options to consider. One option is Hana Airport (HNM), which is a small airport located on the island of Maui. Hana Airport is quite unique as it is a tiny, one-runway airport nestled between the ocean and the rainforest. Due to its small size, flights into Hana Airport are typically more expensive and are only available from other Hawaiian islands. These flights are usually operated by local commuter airlines using smaller 10-seater airplanes.

Hana Airport is best suited for those staying in Hana town or the rugged east side of Maui. Its convenience can often outweigh the higher prices for travellers heading to this part of the island. However, it is important to note that flights into Hana Airport may not be as readily available as those into larger airports, so it is essential to plan accordingly.

In contrast to Hana Airport, there are several larger airports in Hawaii that offer a wider range of flight options. For example, Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui is the second busiest airport in Hawaii, serving 10 different airlines and offering over 140 flights per day to various US cities. Oahu's Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is Hawaii's largest airport and serves as the main hub for most transpacific flights. It offers convenient connections to all other islands in Hawaii, with short inter-island flights of around 30 minutes or less.

Additionally, there are other regional airports in Hawaii, such as Kapalua Airport and Kona International Airport, which serve smaller planes and are more convenient for those staying on the west side of Maui or the Big Island, respectively. These smaller airports may offer a more intimate travel experience, but they also have limited flight options and are primarily accessible from other Hawaiian islands.

When planning a trip to Hawaii, it is recommended to opt for the major airports, especially for travellers seeking more flight options, larger planes, and easier access to car rentals and resorts. However, for those seeking a secluded Maui vacation base, Hana Airport (HNM) can be a convenient choice, despite its limited inter-island flights and higher prices.

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Kapalua Airport is another of Maui's small regional airports

When travelling to Hawaii, you'll likely fly into Oahu's Honolulu Airport (HNL) first. From there, you can easily connect to any other island in Hawaii. Inter-island flights from Oahu are generally short, taking around 30 minutes or less.

If you're headed to Maui, Kahului Airport (OGG) is the second-busiest airport in Hawaii, welcoming flights from 10 different airlines, including United Airlines and American Airlines. However, if you're staying in West Maui, Kapalua Airport (JHM) is a more convenient option.

Kapalua Airport, also known as West Maui Airport, is another of Maui's small regional airports. It is located on the west side of Maui Island, five nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) north of Lahaina, in Maui County. The airport is named after the Kapalua Resort, located a few miles to the north. It replaced the Kaanapali Airport in 1987 to allow valuable coastal land to be freed up.

Kapalua Airport is much smaller than Kahului Airport, with only one runway. As a result, it handles far fewer flights and passengers per day. The airport is served by commuter planes, unscheduled air taxis, and general aviation. Most flights originate from commuter airports on other Hawaiian islands.

As a former privately-owned airport, Kapalua Airport is governed by a special agreement with Maui County, which limits development to preserve the Kapalua community from commercialisation. The airport is restricted to daytime operations, and passengers on certain airlines are not screened by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

In terms of car rentals, while there are no rental companies operating directly from Kapalua Airport, several Maui car rental companies offer shuttle services to their pick-up depots. However, these companies have limited hours of operation, typically until 5 pm. Most of the nearby major Maui resorts offer complimentary shuttles to and from Kapalua Airport.

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Hilo International Airport (ITO) is on the east side of Hawaii Island

When travelling to Hawaii, you may find that some islands have multiple airports. While smaller regional airports may seem more convenient, it is recommended to fly into the major airports as they offer more flights, larger planes, and more rental car options.

One such airport is Hilo International Airport (ITO), which is located on the east side of Hawaii Island. The airport is owned and operated by the State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, Airports Division. Hilo International Airport has a central building of almost 120,000 square feet, with western and eastern wings occupying over 50,000 square feet each. The airport has ten aircraft parking positions, eight of which are usable, with the remaining two accommodating eleven helicopter parking positions.

ITO airport is served by Hawaiian Airlines, which operates a Premier Lounge below Gate 6. The airline has a long history with Hilo, dating back to 1929 when it began as Inter-Island Airways. In 1934, the airline was awarded the right to carry air mail for the U.S. Postal Service. During World War II, the airport was renamed "General Lyman Field" after General Albert Kualiʻi Brickwood Lyman, the first U.S. General of Hawaiian ancestry.

In terms of flight options, Hilo International Airport has offered various direct and nonstop flights from different cities and airlines. For example, in 1976, Continental offered a daily direct McDonnell Douglas DC-10 flight from Denver and Los Angeles, with a stop in Honolulu. United Airlines also operated a Douglas DC-8 flight four days a week, connecting New York Newark Airport, Cleveland, and San Francisco to Hilo.

While Hilo International Airport is an option for travellers, it is worth noting that most resorts on Hawaii Island are more conveniently reached by flying into Kona International Airport (KOA) instead.

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Frequently asked questions

The largest airport in Hawaii is the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, on the island of O’ahu.

The busiest airports in Hawaii are the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Kahului Airport (OGG).

Yes, you can fly directly to Hawaii from 26 cities in the continental US.

Maui's major airport is Kahului Airport (OGG). If you are staying in Hana town or anywhere on the rugged east side of Maui, you might prefer to fly into Hana Airport (HNM).

Molokai’s major airport is Kaunakakai Airport (MKK). If you are visiting Kalaupapa National Historic Park, you will need to fly into Kalaupapa Airport (LUP).

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