Getting To Kauai

When planning your trip to Kauai the first two things to consider is when to go and how to get there.  Air travel is the most obvious choice for most travelers planning how they are getting to Kauai.  Airline travel varies from season to season and air fares are usually pretty competitive. The best way to get to Kauai is a direct flight from the west or east coast hubs. If you can’t find a direct flight, a short hop from Maui or Honolulu International Airport is not too painful.

Lihue (LIH) airport, the only commercial Airport on Kauai. Lihue (LIH) pronounced lee-HU-ay (“ay” as in bay), handles arrivals on Kauai. The Lihue terminal is small, modern, efficient and is centrally located on the east side of Kauai. A short twenty minute flight to Kauai on a inter-island carrier will fly directly into Lihue Airport from Honolulu International Airport. As you approach Kauai you will see unforgettable aerial views of Hauupu Ridge, Nawiliwili Bay and Kilohana Crater—all dramatic reminders of Kauai’s reputation as The Garden Island.

Hawaii does not participate in daylight savings. During the Daylight Saving Time months (the second Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November) the West Coast is 3 hours ahead of Hawaii.  During Standard Time months (November through March) California is 2 hours ahead.  Hawaii is the 50th state and does have the same passport/visa requirements as the continental United States. US citizens need only their drivers license or other ID that proves citizenship.

Kauai is a beautiful vacation destination for families, romance travel, destination weddings and business travel. Kauai has been voted one of the most desired destinations in the world. Your trip can be made easier by using the resources found on Kauai.com to help plan and organize your trip.

Airlines and Flights to Lihue, Kauai

  1. Alaska Airlines – flies from Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), Oakland (OAK), San Jose (SJC), San Diego (SAN), and Los Angeles (LAX)
  2. American Airlines – flies from Los Angeles (LAX) and Phoenix (PHX)
  3. Delta Air Lines – flies from Seattle (SEA), Salt Lake City (SLC), and Los Angeles (LAX)
  4. Hawaiian Airlines – flies from Honolulu (HNL), Kahului (OGG), Kona (KOA), and Los Angeles (LAX)
  5. Southwest Airlines – flies from Oakland (OAK), San Jose (SJC), and San Diego (SAN)
  6. United Airlines – flies from San Francisco (SFO) Denver (DEN) and Los Angeles (LAX)

Please note that this information is subject to change and availability of flights may vary depending on the time of year. It’s always best to check with the airline directly for the most up-to-date information on flights to Lihue, Kauai.

Getting Around Kauai

The best way to get around the island of Kauai is by car. f you’re planning to explore the island, it’s best to rent a car. This will allow you the flexibility to tour Hanalei Town one then spend the next day exploring Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. Shuttles and Guided Tours are also available, though stops will be limited.

Some of the lush interior of the island is only accessible by air, so you may find yourself taking a sightseeing sky adventure by helicopter or small plane. Don’t miss the chance to travel by foot on Kauai magnificent hiking trails or vast, trackless beaches.

Public transportation via the Kauai bus, Taxi and Ride Share Apps is an alternative way to explore Kauai.