Lihue Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Lihue Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

LIH Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick rundown of what to expect during your time at Lihue – Kauai Airport.

What to Expect

Lihue Airport (code: LIH) has a small terminal with several eateries, shops, and vending machines. Much of the terminal building is open-air, with ticketing counters located outside. Available services are open based on flight schedules, so plan accordingly. WiFi is available to help pass the time. Comfort can be found through fee-based access to the airport’s first-class lounge.

Sleeping in Lihue Airport

We do not yet have any sleep-related airport reviews. Past reviewers did suggest that sleeping might be possible due to comfortable couches, though they expressed concerns about the open-air heat. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Lihue Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Keep in mind that TSA screening and airline check-in counters open according to the day’s flight schedule. If you are staying overnight, you will likely remain landside until security opens in the early morning.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, you’ll find a mix of hotels, resorts and budget accommodations within a short drive of Lihue Airport.

Tip Top Motel (1 mi / 1.6 km) – Budget motel.
Kaua’i Palms Hotel (1.2 mi / 1.9 km) – Budget hotel.
The Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue (1 mi / 1.7 km) – Upscale beachfront resort.
Marriot’s Kaua’i Beach Club (1 mi / 1.6 km) – Upscale beachfront resort.
Banyan Harbor Resort (1.4 mi / 2.3 km) – Apartment-style resort.

Airport Lounges

Hawaiian Airlines The Plumeria Lounge – Location: Airside, Main Terminal, near Gates 10–14 (separate from Premier Club). Hours: Open 2 hours before Hawaiian Airlines international departures (based on flight schedules). Showers: No.
Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Complimentary for Hawaiian Airlines Business Class passengers on international routes • HawaiianMiles elite members travelling internationally • Pay at the door (USD $40 per person, subject to space).

Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club – Location: Airside, Main Terminal, near Gates 10–14. Hours: Open 2 hours before the first Hawaiian Airlines departure until the last departure of the day (based on flight schedules). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Complimentary for Hawaiian Airlines First Class passengers • Pualani Gold and Platinum members • Premier Club members.

Drinking Water

Water fountains and bottle refill stations are available throughout the terminal.

Food & Drink

Dining options include Ai Ono Café • Mea Inu Bar & Grill • HMSHost Food Kiosk • Stinger Ray’s Bar & Grill • Starbucks.

Most outlets open early (around 5:30 AM). Evening options are limited, with some restaurants closing around 10:00 PM. Overnight food service is not available, so plan accordingly if you are staying late or overnight.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets are available in some seating areas throughout the terminal, though availability may be limited. Bringing a backup battery is recommended.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Lihue Airport.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Accessibility Services – The terminal is on a single level, making it easy to navigate. Accessible parking and curbside loading zones are available. Motorized wheelchairs and porter assistance can be requested through your airline. Text telephones are located in the central lobby and car rental area.
ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available in the main lobby and baggage claim area. Fees may apply, so check with your bank regarding international withdrawal charges and daily limits before travelling.
Information Desk – An information desk is located in the baggage claim area. Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM.
Luggage Carts – Baggage carts are available throughout the terminal for a fee.
Medical Services – Airport Rescue and Fire Fighters are available 24 hours a day to provide first-responder medical assistance in emergencies.
Shopping – Shopping options are limited but include a gift shop, newsstand, and a flower/lei stand.
Smoking Area – Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas outside the terminal.

Airlines

Lihue Airport is served by the following airlines: Alaska Airlines • American Airlines • Delta Air Lines • GO! • Hawaiian Airlines • Southwest • United Airlines • WestJet.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Two bus routes serve Lihue Airport daily, picking up and dropping off passengers at the median in front of the airport terminal. For route maps, schedules and fares, visit the County of Kauai website.

If you are staying at the Marriott or the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort, check with your hotel, as shuttle service may be included.

Shared-ride shuttle services are also available. To learn more about bus transit options, visit the Lihue Airport website.

Car Rentals

Car rental services are available at booths across the street from the airport terminal baggage claim area. Onsite car rental agencies include Advantage • Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Taxis are available curbside near the baggage claim area of the airport terminal. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required. The following one-way fares were current at the time of this update: Poipu $42- $52.50; Kauai Hilton $12; Lihue-Kukui Grove $9-$12.75; Princeville-Haena $88.50-$118.50; Wailua – Waipouli $22 – $27.60.

Last updated: 2026-03-02

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.