Hawaii's Major Airports: A Comprehensive Guide

what major airports are in hawaii

Hawaii is a tropical paradise that can be tricky to get to, with many travellers unsure about which airport to fly into. The Honolulu airport is often the best choice for flying into Hawaii due to its size and location. It has four runways and services international, domestic, and inter-island flights. Other major airports in Hawaii include Kona International Airport, Hilo International Airport, and Lihue Airport.

Characteristics Values
Major airports in Hawaii Kona International Airport, Hilo International Airport, Honolulu International Airport, Lihue Airport
Number of runways Kona International Airport: 2; Lihue Airport: 2; Honolulu International Airport: 4
Location Kona International Airport: Kona; Hilo International Airport: Hilo; Honolulu International Airport: Oahu; Lihue Airport: Kauai
Distance from the city Honolulu International Airport: 10 miles from downtown Honolulu

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Honolulu International Airport

The airport has a rich history, with the original John Rodgers Airport being renamed Honolulu Airport in 1947, and 'International' being added to its name in 1951. By 1959, Qantas had introduced the first jet service to Honolulu on its routes between Australia and California. Over the years, the airport has been served by various airlines, including Braniff International, United Airlines, Western Airlines, Pan Am, and Trans World Airlines (TWA).

In 2006, a $2.3 billion modernisation programme was unveiled for Hawaiian airports, with $1.7 billion allocated specifically for the improvement of Honolulu International Airport. The airport has continued to implement new technologies, such as the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) system, to enhance the travel experience for its passengers.

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Kona International Airport

The airport covers 4,204 acres (1,701 ha) of land and is situated 47 feet (14 m) above mean sea level. It features a single asphalt runway, designated 17/35, with dimensions of 7,000 by 150 feet (2,134 x 46 m). In 1994, the runway was extended to a length of 11,000 feet (3,400 m), becoming the second-longest runway in the Hawaiian Islands. This extension allowed larger aircraft to utilize the airport, facilitating nonstop flights to various destinations, including Tokyo and cities beyond the West Coast hubs in the United States.

The history of Kona International Airport includes several name changes. Initially known as Keāhole-Kona International Airport in 1993, the name was changed to emphasize "Kona" in 1997, becoming the Kona International Airport at Keāhole. Finally, in 2017, it was renamed Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole to honour the legacy of Ellison Onizuka.

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Hilo International Airport

The airport has a long history, with an interim overseas terminal built at General Lyman Field in 1968 to accommodate the growing number of overseas passengers. The following year, the Hilo Airport Advisory Committee was appointed to make recommendations on the long-term development of the airport. In 1974, construction began on a new terminal, and the first phase was completed in 1975. The new terminal was designed to accommodate the largest passenger airliner in service at the time, the Boeing 747.

In 1979, a new, taller air traffic control tower was opened by the FAA to better serve the airport and its lengthened runway. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, several airlines provided nonstop and direct service to Hilo from various locations in the U.S., including United Airlines, Pan American World Airways, Braniff International Airways, Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and Western Airlines.

However, by the mid-1980s, overseas traffic to Hilo had declined significantly, and United Airlines, the sole remaining overseas carrier, terminated its scheduled service in 1986. Hilo went nearly two decades without nonstop service to North America. It wasn't until 2006 that ATA Airlines re-established daily non-stop service between Hilo and Oakland International Airport in California, using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This service proved successful, and ATA Airlines eventually upgraded to the larger Boeing 757-200 during peak travel seasons. Unfortunately, ATA Airlines ceased operations in 2008 due to increasing fuel prices and other factors.

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Lihue Airport

The airport's five most popular destinations are Honolulu, Los Angeles, Kahului, Seattle, and San Francisco. In 2017, these cities collectively accounted for approximately 1.5 million passengers travelling to and from Kauai. The Kauaʻi Bus route 100/200 connects Lihue Airport to downtown Lihue, providing easy access to the city.

Overall, Lihue Airport serves as a vital gateway to the Island of Kauai, providing convenient and efficient services for travellers seeking to explore the island's renowned natural attractions.

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Kahului Airport

Over the following decades, the airport underwent substantial development, including the completion of a new control tower in 1958 and the construction of a permanent terminal building by 1966. In the 1980s, Kahului Airport expanded further with the addition of a commuter terminal and a new main terminal.

Initially, the airport was designed to accommodate interisland flights, but this changed in the mid-1980s with the introduction of its first scheduled mainland service. As a result, the airport had to undergo multiple terminal expansions to accommodate larger aircraft for transpacific flights. This modernisation continued into the 21st century, with expansions to the ticket lobby and baggage claim areas, as well as the construction of a new airport access road and a consolidated rental car facility linked to the terminal via tram.

Frequently asked questions

The major airports in Hawaii include Honolulu International Airport, Kona International Airport, and Hilo International Airport.

The best airport to fly into in Hawaii depends on your plans. The Honolulu airport is often the best choice for flying into Hawaii due to its size and location. It has four runways and is only 10 miles from Waikiki. However, if you want to explore the Kailua-Kona coast, the Kona International Airport is the best option.

Hilo International Airport is located only a few miles east of the island’s biggest city, Hilo. It is much smaller than its sister airport, Kona International Airport, with daily arrivals almost exclusively from inter-island flights. Flying into Hilo puts you in the perfect position to launch directly into some of the Big Islands’ biggest adventures, including the breathtaking Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, just 45 minutes away.

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