If you’re planning a visit to the Hawaii islands, securing your flights to Kauai is one of the first—and most important—steps. Kauai is accessible, yet far enough removed to feel like a true escape, making smart flight planning essential for a smooth travel experience.
Where You’ll Land: Lihue Airport (LIH)
When you touch down at the Kauai Airport in Lihue (LIH), you have landed in paradise. The Kauai airport is medium-sized with two runways, eight gates, a unique open-air design, and a limited number of shops: cafe, bar, coffee shop, newsstand, and gift shop.
Lihue Airport
3901 Mokulele Loop #7
Lihue, HI 96766
Google location https://www.google.com/maps/place/21.9782573741,-159.348884225
Airport Customer Service (808) 274-3800
Airport Security (808) 274-3814
Airport Lost and Found (808) 245-2082
Lihue Airport is served by 7 airlines (see list below) that collectively fly non-stop to fifteen destinations on a regular schedule. Many additional cities on the mainland are added during the summer so always check with your airline for the most current schedule.
Only two airlines (Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines) currently offer flights to the other islands.
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Flights to Kauai land at Lihue Airport
Airlines that Serve Kauai / Lihue
| Airlines | Cities with direct flights to Kauai (Lihue)
(Some may be seasonal) |
Check airline websites for latest changes |
| Alaska (AS) | Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, San Jose | https://www.alaskaair.com/en/flights-to-lihue |
| American Airlines (AA) | Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas, Salt Lake City | https://www.aa.com/en-us/flights-to-kauai-island |
| Delta Airlines (DL) | Los Angeles, Seattle | https://www.delta.com/us/en/flight-deals/hawaii-flights/flights-to-kauai |
| Hawaiian Airlines (HA) | Los Angeles, Oakland, Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Kailua-Kona (Big Island) | https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/deals-and-offers/flights/kauai-routes |
| Southwest Airlines (WN) | Oakland, San Jose, Long Beach, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Honolulu (Oahu) | https://www.southwest.com/routes/flights-from-san-diego-to-lihue |
| United Airlines (UA) | Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Newark, Las Vegas, Cleveland, Houston, Salt Lake City | https://www.united.com/en-us/flights-from-kauai-island |
| West Jet (WS) | Calgary, Vancouver | https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/book-trip/direct-flights/index |
Best Time to Book Flights to Kauai
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Advance Planning: For the best fares, book 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if traveling during peak seasons like December, spring break, or summer.
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Midweek Flights: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often offer lower fares compared to weekend departures.
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Monitor Deals: Set fare alerts to catch limited-time discounts or promotional offers.
Travel Tips for Your Flight to Kauai
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Arrival Timing: Afternoon arrivals allow more flight options and typically avoid early morning mainland departures.
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Pack Smart: Remember that inter-island flights (if connecting through Honolulu) may have stricter baggage policies.
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Car Rentals: Book your rental car early; demand often exceeds supply, particularly during busy periods.
Directions from Kauai Airport (Lihue) to Princeville
- Exit the Kauai Airport and turn right onto HI-51 North for 1.5 miles.
- At the traffic light, continue straight onto HI-56 N/Kuhio Hwy N.
- Drive for 25.3 miles through Kapa’a to Princeville.
- Two miles out you will pass Princeville Airport.
Turn right into Princeville onto Ka Haku Rd towards the Princeville Fountain and the only traffic circle in the North Shore. For a list of Streets in Princeville click here and for rental cars click here.
Final Thoughts
Booking your flight to Kauai can set the tone for your entire vacation. With direct service from major hubs and a smooth arrival process at Lihue Airport, getting to the Garden Isle is easier than ever. Start planning now to enjoy all that Princeville, Hanalei, and the rest of Kauai have to offer.
