Maui Airport Transformation | Stuck In Time Awaiting Needed Help

Maui, not unlike Kona and Lihue, and previously HNL, needs massive refurbishment to its main runway 2-20, among other things. It’s reported to have been refurbished five times since construction took place in 1942. But the last major work we know occurred nearly twenty years ago.

Pending runway construction has been on hold for years.

Five years ago, the state was preparing a Maui runway reconstruction project environmental impact report due to be released in 2020. At the time, the state estimated the new, multi-year runway project could cost up to 1/4 billion dollars. No dates were set for the project to commence. Work was to be paid for by airline fees and federal funding.

Band-Aid approach for Hawaii’s second largest airport.

Four years ago, the Hawaii DOT addressed a Taxiway intersection problem where there was “severe rutting, resulting in deflections and indentation of the asphalt pavement surface causing aircraft to get stuck. It required a mill and overlay repair every couple of months and was in urgent need of permanent repair.” That is according to Goodfellow Bros., the contractor who completed the interim repairs.

Then, in 2022, the state went to bid on a construction project to resurface 5,000 feet of Runway 2-20, “including milling, paving, crack sealing, and new markings.” We aren’t aware of any follow-up since.

In the meantime, the runway is maintained as safe by a series of constant resurfacing projects to address cracks, potholes, and ongoing joint deterioration. The concern is always that debris on the runway has the potential to damage aircraft. The state DOT and the FAA have said this project is a priority.

A massive $3 billion AIrport plan includes the reconstruction of the main runway (2-20).

The latest update on the OGG master plan, now seven years old, said, “The master plan update considered alternative development scenarios up to 2035 for upgrading and improving the airfield and terminal facilities and services for airport customers. The preferred runway alternative will reconstruct and extend Runway 2-20 from 7,000 ft. to 8,530 ft. A temporary runway parallel to Runway 2-20 will be constructed to allow continued airport service while Runway 2-20 is being reconstructed. There are no upgrades proposed for Runway 5-23. The terminal alternative will expand holdrooms to the south and increase capacity for users.”

Part of the issue may be that many residents opposed the runway lengthening on the grounds that it would require the closure of Haleakala Highway from Hana Highway to Keolani Place. At one point, the Maui Airport Manager suggested that the road be moved underground via a tunnel.

The projected cost for the runway reconstruction is $104.3 million.

When the reconstruction occurs, it could be ongoing for no less than four months, probably longer, with plans calling for using an apron taxiway as a temporary runway. The alternative would be runway closure, which isn’t feasible.

A new 7,000 ft parallel runway 2R-20L has been planned. That would also serve as an alternative should the main runway need to be remediated in the future. The project’s cost has been estimated at no less than 3/4 billion dollars and is expected to not occur for at least another ten years.

Recent developments at OGG.

Kahului Airport has struggled to deal with increased passenger traffic, prompting ongoing efforts by airlines and authorities to meet growing Maui travel demands. Upgrades and improvements, including the new consolidated car rental facility, plus holdroom and gate improvements, have been made by OGG with limited success in enhancing the overall travel experience. A new $62 million TSA facility has been funded and is expected to be implemented by 2025.

What’s your take on Maui Airport now and in the future?

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