Hawaii Spends Big Again On Airports—Where’s the Upgrade?

Hawaii just issued its largest airport bond ever—$849 million. State leaders are celebrating record investor interest and an improved credit rating. But for travelers navigating the Hawaii airport system, broken escalators, malfunctioning and out of date restrooms (think Lihue), and chaotic terminals, the question remains: will this money finally fix the basics—or will it just yield more empty promises?

The state says $600 million will go toward airport upgrades, while $233 million will be used to refinance existing debt. Officials point to the system’s new double-A credit ratings as a milestone. However, public confidence remains low after years of announcements and minimal visible progress.

Hawaii airports ranking among the worst in the USA.

Our article on Hawaii airports had 350 upvotes on Reddit and plenty of candid comments.

Some described the HNL food court near Burger King and CPK as filthy, covered in bird poop and trash, and questioned where the money went. Others noted that restaurants and grab-and-go options close before evening flights, leaving travelers stranded without food—especially those on red-eyes.

There was also repeated criticism of the lounges, with one person calling them pathetic and disappointed in the underwhelming Hawaiian Airlines terminal, which some said looks nice but offers little inside aside from a rarely open Dunkin’ and a small convenience store.

Commenters who work at or near the airport highlighted additional challenges: poor pay, no nearby housing, and staffing shortages that make it hard to keep anything open late. Some did express fondness for open-air walkways and the ease of getting in and out, especially at KOA and LIH, but most agreed that HNL and others remain outdated and underwhelming.

A few recent improvements, like the new HNL car rental center, were noted, but the sentiment was clear: for all the money spent, the experience still doesn’t reflect what a world-class airport should be.

What the funding is supposed to cover.

The state says the funds will support runway repairs, terminal renovations, and security upgrades. But for travelers, these promises feel like just more of the same. Announcements of “improvements” have been made for years, even decades, yet the experience on the ground remains defined by long walks, inadequate and broken signage, and weary infrastructure. For many, the gap between what’s promised and what’s delivered remains glaring.

Previous projects include the Mauka Concourse at Honolulu, which, with just its initial investment of one-third billion dollars, sits largely empty to this day; the consolidated rental car facilities at both HNL and Kahului; and a new international inspection facility at Kona (completion date 2026). Plus, new KOA gates and enhanced facilities, improving passenger flow with features like dual boarding, are also planned. That airport’s open-air design maintains what many consider its island charm while accommodating increased travel demand, marking a somewhat positive step forward. Others complain that the heat is sweltering.

While these changes represent substantive investments, they’ve done little to improve the overall experience for most Hawaii airport passengers. As one frequent flyer commenter, Ray, told us, “The only thing that’s changed is how long it takes to find anything.”

Investor confidence vs. traveler skepticism.

The state offered $849 million in bonds, but investor demand topped $4.9 billion—nearly six times more than available. Moody’s upgraded Hawaii’s airport system credit rating to Aa3, citing strong tourism demand and the system’s financial resilience.

While investors are bullish, travelers remain nonetheless unimpressed. Moody’s may have upgraded Hawaii’s bond rating, but passengers still face disjointed terminals, confusing layouts, and frustratingly limited services. As one reader said, “You could pour money into that place forever and still never find the gate without asking someone.” For travelers, the disconnect between glossy financial milestones and on-the-ground realities couldn’t be starker.

Linda J. wrote, “I’ve flown all over the world and never seen a more confusing airport. Honolulu is in a league of its own—and not in a good way.” Another reader, Kenish, pointed out, “Even the column numbers don’t match the ticket info at curbside. It’s like they’re trying to make it hard.”

Hawaii astonishingly still lacks an independent airport authority.

Hawaii’s airport system is one of just three in the entire U.S. directly managed by a state department—a model critics say breeds inefficiency, delays, and politicized decision-making. Without independent oversight, priorities shift with each administration, and long-term planning takes a backseat. Until this changes, Hawaii’s airports may remain stuck in an old cycle of slow upgrades, questionable decisions and missed opportunities.

Infrastructure experts and industry leaders have long called for the creation of an autonomous airport authority. Legislative proposals have been introduced repeatedly, but none have gained lasting traction. Support comes and goes, while the system continues under the same bureaucratic strain.

Where does the money go?

Of the $849 million raised, $233 million will go toward refinancing older debt. The state says this will save $23 million in interest. However, the more important question for travelers is what they’ll see for the remaining $600 million.

Much of that money will likely go toward foundational systems—runways, lighting, baggage equipment—that passengers may never notice. Meanwhile, core complaints continue to pile up.

Denny wrote, “They keep announcing projects, but I haven’t noticed anything actually changing at the terminals. Bathrooms still a mess. Escalators still broken.”

For most travelers, the gap between what’s announced and what’s experienced is only growing.

What needs attention now?

Honolulu’s Airport, by far the largest in Hawaii, struggles with functionality, layout, and usability. Despite being the state’s aviation flagship, it remains one of the most outdated hubs in the country which is why it continues to rank near the very bottom.

Reader comments paint a clear picture of frustration at Maui. Paul A. wrote, “We arrived 3 hours early at OGG and still almost missed our flight. Lines wrapped through the parking structure. It was chaos.” Another visitor, Elaine S., said, “I’ve been coming to Hawaii for 20 years, and the airport is somehow worse now than it was in the 90s.”

Kahului and Lihue airports face chronic issues—overcrowding, limited seating, old fixtures, and seasonal traffic jams that overwhelm basic infrastructure. Long TSA lines and understaffed counters remain a daily headache.

Travelers want these issues fixed rather than bond rating or refinancing wins.

Residents and visitors still foot the bill.

Travelers ultimately pay for these upgrades through higher fees, inflated rental car charges, and rising concession prices. The disconnect between spending and visible results is incredibly frustrating for residents flying to the mainland or visitors on their island vacation.

As another reader, Greg R., said, “We’re paying more, but the airports still feel like they’re stuck.” For many, the lack of much visible progress makes these rising expenses even harder to swallow.

New concession contracts, parking rate hikes, and increased facility fees are often the first signs travelers see after a major capital spend. Whether you’re visiting Hawaii or living here full-time, you’re paying for these bonds whether you notice improvements or not.

A tale of two investments.

While the state issued its record $849 million in airport bonds, another massive financing deal unfolded quietly: JPMorgan and Citi lent $665 million against the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. That property alone attracted nearly as much capital as the entire Hawaii public airport system.

The contrast is, if nothing else, fascinating. One is a privately run resort known for quality service and luxury amenities. The other is a publicly run airport system where travelers say they can’t find their gate and the infrastructure is stuck in years gone by.

Both are bets on Hawaii’s future. But only one appears likely to impress its guests. We invite your comments.