Hawaii’s airports can either be frustrating for visitors or a delightful throwback in time. From Honolulu’s outdated design to Lihue’s stuck-in-time terminal, travelers frequently call out the lack of modernization despite multi-billion-dollar investments, limited and frustrating dining options, antiquated facilities, and confusing unevolved layouts.
Yet, not everyone sees this as a downside. Some travelers say stepping off the plane into Hawaii’s open-air terminals immediately sets the mood for a slower, more relaxed experience that contrasts starkly with the sterile, high-tech mega-airports elsewhere. That doesn’t mean there aren’t real issues, but it does highlight why opinions on Hawaii’s airports are split.
Rather than dwelling on airport headaches, let’s look at what to expect, how to navigate them, and why they ultimately shouldn’t overshadow the real reason you’re here.
Hawaii airport details: The good, the bad, and the outdated.
If you’ve traveled to Hawaii before, you likely have encountered at least one of these common complaints about our airports.
Honolulu International, the state’s largest, struggles with modernization despite billions spent on upgrades. The new Mauka Concourse (above) sits largely unused with slow plans on bringing it to life by putting Alaska and Hawaiian together plus their new lounge. Meanwhile, older sections, including the adjoining interisland terminal (below), remain outdated. Signage can be confusing, amenities are more limited than you’d think during the day, and even worse in the evening.
Accessibility issues are a major concern, with long walks to gates and moving walkways (lead image) frequently out of order. One person responding to BOH described it well: “The journey from the furthest gate is really long… I often return from Japan, and they stick us way out in freakin’ Ewa Beach and tell us to walk. The air conditioning is weak, the WiFi is terrible, and immigration is always backed up.”
Despite ongoing investments, Hawaii’s airports consistently rank poorly in traveler satisfaction surveys. As one commenter put it, “It’s like stepping back in time, but not in a good way.”
Inside HNL, the changes happening include the new TSA check-in at Terminal 1 and the consolidated car rental facility. Seating has been “updated” through reupholstered faux leather, yet the same outdated frames remain. The carpeting, which many have commented looks like it came from a discount store, is another example of updates that don’t match expectations for destination travelers.
That said, HNL has its hidden gems. The airport’s cultural gardens provide an often-overlooked oasis, offering a peaceful spot to bring food and relax before a flight. More on the HNL cutural gardens here. Courtesy shuttles are frequently available for those needing help getting around, particularly for the long walk to the Mauka Concourse. That also includes the new Miki and iconic Wiki-Wiki shuttles.
Kona International on Big Island offers a throwback to Hawaii’s past, with an open-air terminal that some find charming. In contrast, others describe it as lacking basic comforts like air conditioning and adequate food options. “I love it that KOA has none of that,” one traveler said, referring to the absence of jet bridges (above) and modern infrastructure. But not everyone agrees. “I like Kona airport, but man, it is hot. No AC, limited food, and it always feels chaotic when multiple flights land at the same time.”
In addition to runway improvements, KOA has been modernizing its terminal facilities. The airport has renovated bathrooms and enclosed lobby areas while maintaining its distinctive open-air feel and upgraded its baggage handling system.
Kahului Airport on Maui has faced significant issues with delays, baggage handling, and crowding. While the airport has seen long-awaited upgrades, frustrations remain. The latest $62 million expansion added a 17,000-square-foot air-conditioned waiting area for Gates 1 to 15, providing more seating and a new garden deck for outdoor space.
Additional improvements include upgraded gate counters, passenger loading bridges, and modernized flight information displays. A $22 million project is also in the works to expand security screening capacity with up to six additional TSA lanes.
Despite these efforts, travelers report issues like long waits, congestion, and limited dining options—problems that aren’t going away anytime soon. One visitor summed it up: “The Maui airport is what motivated me to sign up for TSA PreCheck.”
One notable improvement at OGG is the addition of the long-awaited train connecting the terminal to the new consolidated car rental facility, which has streamlined what was a cumbersome shuttle bus system.
Lihue Airport on Kauai remains unchanged mainly as plans for major upgrades were scaled back following outspoken community opposition. Initial proposals included parking and terminal expansions and additional gates, but concerns over increased tourism and strain on infrastructure led to a far more conservative approach. While minor improvements like maintenance updates and efficiency adjustments continue, travelers still face old, limited seating, sometimes long security lines, and an airport that feels strangely stuck in time.
“The bathrooms, everywhere in Hawaii, are vile,” said one frequent traveler, summing up one of the more consistent complaints about Lihue, which hasn’t seen the restroom upgrades that HNL has. Others take a different stance: “I love Lihue airport because it’s small and easy. It doesn’t need a big fancy renovation.” The state’s reluctance to push forward with large-scale modernization means LIH will likely remain one of Hawaii’s most outdated yet heavily trafficked airports for many years, like it or not.
Hawaii’s airports may not be state-of-the-art, but they serve their purpose—getting travelers to and from the islands. While some find their quirks charming, others consider them severely outdated and frustrating. Billions have been spent, yet the experience still lags behind most expectations. Still, at the end of the day, the true Hawaii experience begins the moment you step beyond the terminal doors.
Here’s why you shouldn’t worry too much.
No one comes to Hawaii for the airports. The real magic starts the moment you step outside. The first warm breeze, the scent of plumeria in the air, and the sight of palm trees swaying against the sky—none of that is found inside an airport terminal.
HNL’s open-air walkways may lack air conditioning, but they also deliver that first breath of fragrant warm island air, something many travelers cherish. The interisland terminal may be outdated, but it still connects you to some of the most stunning places on earth.
At KOA, stepping off the plane straight onto the tarmac feels like arriving in old Hawaii. Some find its open-air simplicity charming, while others miss basic comforts like AC and shade.
OGG has seen long-awaited upgrades in process, but its dysfunctional design, among other problems, remains a challenge.
LIH, meanwhile, continues to function much as it has for years, offering little change but keeping its low-key, small-island feel.
Some travelers even argue that Hawaii’s airports add to the experience. One reader put it this way: The gardens (at HNL) remind me why I’m here. Even if everything else is outdated, that part still feels special.
Could Hawaii’s airports be better? Absolutely. But they won’t define your trip—Hawaii itself does that.
Smart ways to make Hawaii airport travel easier.
Hawaii’s airport frustrations aren’t going away anytime soon, but planning can help make your experience smoother.
Eat before you arrive, especially if you fly later in the day. Many airport restaurants close early, and food options are already severely limited. Travelers often find themselves stuck with vending machines or overpriced, uninspired grab-and-go snacks.
Expect long walks, particularly at HNL’s Mauka Concourse, but courtesy shuttles are frequently available if you need a ride. If mobility is a concern, request assistance in advance. Escalators, people movers, and even elevators can be out of service, making it harder for those with luggage or accessibility needs.
Plan layovers carefully. If you have a connection in Honolulu, be aware that food, seating, and lounge options are still lacking in many areas. If you’re stuck for an extended wait, the new Hawaiian/Alaska terminal may offer the best experience—though it’s still a work in progress.
Lean into the open-air vibe. Yes, some areas lack air conditioning, and things can feel dated, but that first deep breath of Hawaiian air is one of the best parts of arriving. That’s something even the world’s best airports can’t offer.
Some travelers see the imperfections as part of the charm, while others find them nothing but frustrating.
What about you? Do Hawaii’s airports add to the experience, or just get in the way? Let us know in the comments.
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Honolulu airport is horrible in trying to find help.
Several times I have flown in this airport, then onto another island. I can never find help.
This last time I arrived at Honolulu in January, I had an hour till my next flight to another island. I wanted to ask someone to make sure I was going in the correct direction to catch my flight. I could find no one, even after walking for ten minutes in which I thought I was going to the right gate, and I was not.
The computer screens showing flight numbers, airlines, and gate information was so small and it literally changed info every one and half seconds. I counted.
Horrible!
Way back, when I landed at Kona, it was my third trip of many more visits to the Hawaiian Islands. When I stepped off the stairs on the tarmac, I could smell the scent of flowers and sea even through the jet exhaust. I was so overwhelmed that I almost cried. I was so happy to be back to visit a new Island of Aloha.
The airports should be run by a commission Not DOT.
They don’t have a clue and very poor planning/design.
Stop complaining about no air conditioning everyone. You will be in an airport what a couple of hours but you will lay out on the beach with the sun beating down on yourself for hours upon hours. All I hear is people concerned about a perfect flight, perfect airport, and perfect service. Hawaii is hot and humid most of the year. Deal with it.
You totally forgot Hawaii’s other airport. ITO in Hilo. It is perhaps one of the better ones. Surprise, Surprise… It actually has air conditioned jetways. Although just a few it is a pleasant surprise compared to landing at KOA in the muggy heat of summer. But like KOA the TSA screening leaves a lot to be desired in that often there are long lines. There is a giant air conditioned lobby that could have been modified to have screening inside. Somehow TSA forgot to tell the Hawaii Island airports that the fancy Smith’s baggage x-ray machines need to be in an air conditioned room. They are often broken from the humidity and heat and when they are down, security is even slower. I guess ITO is the locals airport as all of the Mainland flights from there are gone.
You forgot Hilo.
Never a line at TSA and best airport seating anywhere in the State….
I lived in Hawaii for 32 yrs. as a union construction worker 1973-2005. Worked on several very expensive (and lengthy)projects at HNL over the years. All boondoggles. Never saw any real changes for the better up to and including the day we flew out of there for good.
Oh; man! Whichever design professional specified that nene-poop green carpeting at HNL should lose their job! I hope it was free. I happen to love the laid back, time warp vibe of LIH and the cafe there has some great local food…
I do love the open air walkways at HNL, I did when I was 5 and I still do in my 40’s. Something about it just almost relaxes me. KOA is charming in its quaintness, But it is lacking virtually every amenity and it could use more shade. Walking up to the plane is fine, and even mega airports like Dulles still use ramps/stairs for the regional planes.
Now I very well might be the only person who thinks this, but I love Hilo’s airport. It is a time warp, and is slow paced that you just kind of feel relaxed being in it. Plus those oversized chairs are nice, even if dated. It’s a bare bones airport, but you can tell it was something special when it was built in the 70’s, kind of like a lot of Hilo.
First, David S says Continental was better than United. Oh, really? It’s now Continental dba United. And it is almost as bad as Continental was back in the early 80s (I know, Continental was the travel agent for the aerospace company I worked for at the time). United frequent fliers took it in the shorts when they acquired Continental.
Second, I have flown in/out of HNL (not recently, thank goodness), OGG, KOA and LIH. Yes, LIH is a bit dated (most recent experience with LIH was Tuesday of this week), but I still like it. Leaving from there is really easy – take your bags to ag inspection, then take them to your airline. Dump them there and go to TSA. Yes, TSA was an afterthought for LIH, but it still works. There could be more in the way of choices for places to eat, but that is my major complaint with LIH. Parking isn’t an issue for us as we are visitors to the island and always rent a car.
Oh puhleeeze. All Hawaii airports are an embarrasment to the State, residents and travelers alike. HNL has been an eyesore since the advent of the jet age in the 60s. Restaurants closing before flights have arrived or departed? Bathrooms are disgusting at all airports.
The only redeeming factor is the open air walkway to baggage claim at HNL. I have always been frustrated about ITO no longer servicing the mainland. Back in the day, I used to stopover in Hilo on my way to the continent It was usually raining (hey, that’s Hilo) but the airlines usually furnished umbrellas if you cared to step off for a few minutes! ITO was built for this, including the jetways. However, the airlines just didn’t have the business. A shame.
Lihue has always been a special place for me. Way back in the 70’s, you would deplane down the stairs to the tarmac, walk over to the palm thatched baggage drop and then walk thru the cement block building to the front and across to the shuttle for the rental cats. Not much has changed which is what I love about it. I have my little rest spots that are always there for me. The women used to also have leos that they would sell along the front sidewalk. I do miss them. Even the lei stand inside has been closed for many years which is sad. Always bought leis there to bring home and prolong the sweet smell of Kauai. Mahalo for this post.
I just returned last nite after my 3rd trip in 5 mos to Honolulu. I’m in the group that loves the smell & warmth walking off the plane at HNL. I’m also not a fan of the long trek to baggage claim but it’s nice to stretch the legs after a 6 hr flight. On the way to leave for my return trip I definitely stop at Starbucks & for food before walking to con- course C that serves Hawaiian Airlines. There is a serious lack of food choices once you enter C concourse & I learned that after my very 1st trip 3 years ago. Once again, not a fan of the trek however to get that breath of warm air, garden scent, and once last faraway sight of the ocean beyond the runway is sorta nice. I personally do not hold my breath to expect any sort of organization to HNL but as long as that warm air hits me on the way in/out, I’ll take it.
I love the gardens at HNL! Everyone complains about the airport, but if you grab some food and relax there before your flight, it actually feels surprisingly peaceful for an airport.
Can someone explain why I had to walk across three different terminals to get my connecting flight at HNL? It’s like a scavenger hunt with bad signage and poor transportation.
Hawaii’s airports remind me of the islands themselves—laid back, a little chaotic, and definitely not perfect. But that’s part of why I keep coming back.
The new car rental facilities at HNL and OGG are a huge improvement! So much better than shuttling to an off-site lot like we used to.
Lihue airport might be small, but I appreciate how easy it is to get in and out. Usually no long TSA lines except weekends, not much overcrowding—it does the job just fine the way it is.
If they’re going to keep HNL the way it is, at least fix the food situation. How do you close airport restaurants starting at 6pm when flights are still arriving and departing all evening? Not only that but what’s with these terrible food choices. Who is in charge of this?
I actually like Kona airport. Yes, it’s hot, It’s quirky, open-air, and unlike anything you’d see on the mainland. But wow, when multiple flights land at once, the place turns into total chaos.
HNL’s Terminal 1 security felt smoother than before, but the layout is still confusing. If they’re modernizing, why does it still feel like I’m stepping into a time capsule from the 70s as soon as I want into the interisland terminal?
Been flying in and out of Hawaii for decades, and honestly, the airports are just part of the charm. Sure, they’re outdated as heck, but nothing beats that first deep breath of island air when you step off the plane. Keep all the good but just modernize the rest please.
We fly out of ITO, which no longer offers flights to the mainland. This is a pain, because we have to fly to HNL most of the time to get to the mainland. Added stress & cost. Saying that, ITO is a compact, easy to maneuver airport. You go through Ag before checking in. Bag drop easy. TSA agents are much nicer than in HNL. I do wish they’d get some new, comfortable cushions for the chairs downstairs. They look & feel like they are 50 years old.
The best was last night. Delay leaving OGG to HNL. Flights stacked on top of each other, announcements only made it more confusing leaving from the same gate, back to back. Initial flight delayed, which then delayed our flight. Get to HNL an hour late. Then, return flight is delayed waiting for our plane in HNL, finally gets there – then we board. Then we wait. Then we wait some more, no announcement on why we’re sitting on the tarmac – only to find out we were literally waiting 20 minutes for…a-single-box to be put into cargo! People on the plane literally gasped in frustration.
Finally we took off – only to land another hour late. Then, at almost 10pm we had to wait for a gate! 20 more minutes? You’re telling me they don’t have another gat open at 10pm!?
Hawaiian yesterday was absolutely dismal and this validated why my instincts were to take Southwest. HA needs to get it together and do it fast for interisland. Unacceptable
I am one of the huge fans of KOA…. simple and easy and enjoy being outside for the last bit of aloha air!
I seriously question whomever made the decision to put carpet in the main thoughfares at HNL! With so many people using wheelie bags, carpet is the worst flooring to roll and not show the wear and tear of wheels.
great synopsis of the HI airports… spot on! Thank you BOH
For me the biggest problem with Lihue is the limited parking.
HNL has very few redeeming features. Too much walking
combined with too much gate confusion.
If I have any issues with LIH it’s not the arrival, it’s the departure. I love getting off the plane and knowing I have arrived. Departing is another matter. LIH was designed before all the TSA rules were made and it shows. Where do you check-in, then haul your bag to ag-check, then to TSA check, then stand in long TSA line, it really kills the vibe.
Oddly, one of my favorite airports was Molokai. The absolute simplicity of the place was almost perfect.
A note about the Train to the Car Rental at the Kahului Airport, You have to get your bags, traipse across the Street to the Train Station,Not a covered walkway. Not so Great when its Pouring down Rain! The Train is often delayed?? And its Crowded. Of course you can Walk to the car Rental Building, Yes, You will get Wet when its Raining.Then, when you finally get to your designated Rental agency, the car you reserved is Not the one you originally Reserved??? Or, in our case another couple was already in it? Of course Now, We have to traipse back to the rental desk. Then they give us a Car with Bad over inflated Tires. I was so disappointed. We have Not been back for 2 years now.
Regarding international arrivals, although it’s been several years, I frequently flew MNL-Guam-HNL-IAH on Continental then United (Continental was better, BTW). No issues. Everything moved along quickly (yes, immigration was handled in Guam). Security and cnx fast and efficient. Agree on the new carpet. Looks like the turf of a really beat up football field. Like so many things in the state, it looks like another example of overspending and underdelivering.
I Absolutely Love The Hawaiian Airports! The anticipation of that first breath of island air, which you described perfectly, is what carries me through my 12 hour flight to get there! The airports are charming and are just a part of the experience! If they want to update bathrooms – ok. But don’t lose that unique island feel! It’s one of the things that haven’t been lost since my first trip, over 40 years ago, back when I was 8!
Personally I think they have their charm. I like the open air aspect and believe that should be kept, KOA is, I think, the only airport in the 50 states (American Samoa doesn’t count) you can board a widebody by stairs. Certain aspects do need improvement though, the immigration hall at HNL is a disgrace and gives a terrible first impression of our nation.
Every time I set foot outside HNL the heavy smell of diesel fuel or plane exhaust hovers through the outside drop off and arrival along the front entrance if there is little wind. Sometimes you can smell the stinch of garbage from who knows where. What is the real purpose of these airports? Little or no updating with no maintenance while keeping the steady flow of people coming with more money to spend than they even know what to do with. Airport workers with high visibility vests wandering around complaining and only concerned of only how long till it is until they can get off work or go home.