Hawaii's Airport Locations: A Comprehensive Guide

Hawaii is a US state comprising hundreds of islands, atolls, and islets. It is a popular tourist destination, and its airports play a significant role in the state's economy and transportation infrastructure. The Hawaii Airports System manages and operates the state's airports, which include five international airports and six regional airports. Each of the major Hawaiian Islands features an airport, providing easy access to various attractions and eco-friendly destinations. The largest and busiest airport in Hawaii is the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu. In this discussion, we will explore the locations of Hawaii's airports and their roles in facilitating travel to and within the state.

Hawaii's five major airports

Hawaii has five international airports and six regional airports, which serve as a crucial connection to the rest of the world for both local and international travellers. Each of the major Hawaiian Islands features an airport, making travel more convenient and providing easy access to a variety of attractions and eco-friendly destinations.

The five major airports in Hawaii are:

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

The largest and busiest airport in Hawaii, located in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. It serves as a primary hub for inter-island and international flights.

Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA)

Also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, this airport is located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. It is the primary airport for visitors to the west side of the island, with convenient access to famous tourist spots such as Volcanoes National Park.

Kahului Airport (OGG)

The main airport on Maui, serving overseas and inter-island flights. Its alfresco design and gardens provide a relaxing atmosphere for travellers, and it is an ideal gateway to attractions like Haleakala National Park.

Lihue Airport (LIH)

This small but efficient airport is located on the island of Kauai and provides both domestic and interisland flights. It is situated near popular tourist areas such as Princeville.

Hilo International Airport (ITO)

Based on the eastern side of the Big Island, this airport offers flights to Honolulu and several other smaller airports in Hawaii. It is an excellent starting point for visiting attractions such as Volcanoes National Park.

These airports offer a range of services to accommodate the diverse needs of passengers and play a significant role in the state's economy and transportation infrastructure.

International airports

Hawaii has five international airports, each located on one of the major Hawaiian Islands. These airports provide easy access to the islands' attractions and eco-friendly destinations.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

The largest and busiest airport in Hawaii, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is located in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. It serves as the primary hub for inter-island and international flights. The airport is named after Hawaii's late Senator Inouye, who was the second-longest-serving member of the U.S. Senate.

Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA)

Also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, this airport is located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. It is the primary airport for visitors to the west side of the island, offering convenient access to famous tourist spots such as Volcanoes National Park.

Kahului Airport (OGG)

Kahului Airport is the main airport on Maui, serving overseas and inter-island flights. Its alfresco design and gardens provide a relaxing atmosphere for travellers. It is an ideal gateway to attractions like Haleakala National Park.

Lihue Airport (LIH)

Lihue Airport is a small but efficient airport located on the island of Kauai, providing both domestic and inter-island flights. It is conveniently situated near popular tourist areas such as Princeville.

Hilo International Airport (ITO)

Hilo International Airport is based on the eastern side of the Big Island and offers flights to Honolulu and several other smaller airports in Hawaii. This airport is an excellent starting point for visiting attractions such as Volcanoes National Park.

Regional airports

Hawaii has six regional airports that serve as gateways for both local and international travellers. These airports offer a range of services to meet the diverse needs of passengers and provide a vital link between the Hawaiian Islands and the rest of the world. Each major Hawaiian Island features an airport, providing easy access to a host of attractions and eco-friendly destinations.

Hana Airport (HNM) is a regional airport in east Maui, offering a convenient gateway for visitors seeking direct access to the famous Road to Hana.

Kapalua Airport (JHM) is a small regional airport in west Maui, primarily serving interisland flights. It is an important transport hub for those wishing to explore other islands in Hawaii.

Kalaupapa Airport (LUP) is located on the island of Molokai, granting access to the remote Kalaupapa National Historical Park. This airport is vital for transportation to this secluded region.

Molokai Airport (MKK), also on the island of Molokai, connects the island with Oahu, Maui, and other smaller airports.

Lanai Airport (LNY) is found on the island of Lanai and is served by interisland flights. It offers travellers easy access to the island's luxurious resorts and golf courses.

Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUE), on the Big Island, is a small regional facility primarily used for general aviation purposes.

Minor airports

Hawaii has several minor airports and airfields that serve general aviation, charter flights, and local island transportation. These minor airports are an essential part of the state's transportation infrastructure, connecting remote locations and supporting various travel needs. Here is some information about some of the minor airports in Hawaii:

Port Allen Airport (PAK):

Port Allen Airport is located near Hanapepe, on the south coast of Kauai. It is a minor airport that serves the local area and provides connections to other parts of Kauai.

Upolu Airport (UPP):

Upolu Airport is situated near Hawi, on the northern part of the Big Island. It is a small airport that caters to general aviation and local travel needs in the region.

Princeville Airport (HPV):

Princeville Airport is a notable private-use airport located near Hanalei on Kauai. It previously had the FAA identifier of HPV.

Kalaeloa Airport (JRF):

Kalaeloa Airport is a joint civil-military airport located near Kapolei on Oahu. It serves both civilian and military aviation purposes.

Dillingham Airfield (HDH):

Dillingham Airfield, also known as Kawaihāpai Airfield, is another joint civil-military airport in Hawaii. It is located near Waialua on Oahu and supports various aviation activities.

These minor airports play a crucial role in connecting smaller communities and providing alternative aviation options for residents and visitors to Hawaii. They contribute to the state's overall transportation network, ensuring accessibility and convenience for those travelling within and to the Hawaiian Islands.

Military airports

Hawaii has five international airports and six regional airports, with each major island featuring at least one airport. The Hawaii Airports System is responsible for the management and operation of these airports, which play a crucial role in the state's economy and transportation network.

There are several military airports in Hawaii, including:

Hickam Air Force Base

Shares runways with Honolulu International Airport.

MCAS Kaneohe Bay (Marine Corps Base Hawaii)

Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands

Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii

Bradshaw Army Airfield

Tern Island, French Frigate Shoals

French Frigate Shoals Airport

Wheeler Army Airfield

In addition to these military airports, there are also joint civil-military airports such as Kalaeloa Airport (JRF) and Dillingham Airfield (HDH) near Kapolei and Waialua on Oahu, respectively.

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