Airports in Maui County, Hawaii: Private, Municipal, Regional(All)

Airports Serving Maui County, Hawaii

Maui County encompasses the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the uninhabited Kahoolawe, with a combined population of approximately 165,000 residents. The island of Maui, known as the "Valley Isle," serves as the county seat (Wailuku) and primary population center, while Molokai and Lanai maintain small communities with distinct rural characters. Maui County ranks as Hawaii's second most-visited destination after Oahu, with approximately 3 million annual visitors drawn to the beaches of Kaanapali and Wailea, the road to Hana, Haleakala National Park, and world-class whale watching in the Auau Channel. Three commercial airports across the county's islands ensure air connectivity for both residents and visitors.

Kahului Airport (OGG) — Maui County's Primary Airport

Kahului Airport is Maui County's main commercial airport, located in the central valley of Maui near the towns of Kahului and Wailuku. Named with the IATA code OGG in honor of pioneering Hawaiian aviator Bertram J. Hogg, the airport handles approximately 7 million passengers annually, making it the state's second busiest after Honolulu. OGG features two runways and a modern terminal complex with separate areas for inter-island and mainland/international operations.

The mainland carrier presence at OGG is robust and reflects Maui's popularity as a premium leisure destination. United Airlines operates nonstop flights from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), and Denver (DEN). Alaska Airlines connects to Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), Oakland (OAK), San Jose (SJC), and Anchorage (ANC). American Airlines serves Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Phoenix (PHX). Delta Air Lines flies nonstop from Los Angeles, Seattle, Salt Lake City (SLC), and Minneapolis (MSP). Southwest Airlines operates from Oakland, San Jose, and other West Coast points. Hawaiian Airlines, the hometown carrier, provides extensive inter-island service to Honolulu, Kona, Lihue, and Kapalua, plus mainland nonstops to Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. Air Canada provides seasonal international service from Vancouver, reflecting Maui's popularity with Canadian vacationers.

Kapalua Airport (JHM) — West Maui Access

Kapalua Airport, located near the resort communities of Kapalua and Kaanapali on West Maui, provides a convenient secondary option for travelers heading to Maui's famous western coastline. Carrying the code JHM, this small airport features a single 3,000-foot runway and offers limited inter-island service through Mokulele Airlines, which operates Cessna Grand Caravan turboprop aircraft on routes to Honolulu and Kahului. For resort guests staying on West Maui, JHM eliminates the 45-minute drive from Kahului Airport and provides a more intimate arrival experience. The airport's small scale means walk-up check-in and minimal waiting.

Molokai Airport (MKK) and Lanai Airport (LNY)

Maui County's smaller islands are served by their own airports. Molokai Airport (MKK) near Hoolehua on Molokai's central plain features a 4,494-foot runway and receives daily inter-island flights from Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines connecting to Honolulu and Kahului. Lanai Airport (LNY) serves the small community of Lanai City and the island's two Four Seasons resorts with service from Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines to Honolulu. Both airports play essential roles in maintaining air connectivity for these remote island communities where air travel is the primary mode of transportation to other islands for medical appointments, shopping, education, and employment.

Airport facilities in a county are typically governed by regional airport authorities or county commissions that oversee operations, safety standards, and capital improvements. There are 5 Airports locations in Maui County, Hawaii.

County residents can use this directory to identify which airports serve their area, whether they need commercial airline service, general aviation access, or cargo shipping connections. Contact the airport administration office directly for permitting, noise complaints, or facility inquiries.

Residents of Maui County can contact their local airport authority for information about noise abatement programs, land use around airport property, and community engagement meetings. For flight bookings and airline services, visit the airport's official website directly.

You may also find Airports locations in neighboring counties including Maui.

Ground Transportation and Travel Tips for Maui County

Kahului Airport's central Maui location means drive times vary significantly depending on your Maui County destination. The resort areas of Kaanapali and Kapalua on West Maui require a 45-minute to one-hour drive via the Honoapiilani Highway, which passes through scenic but sometimes slow-moving coastal sections. Wailea and Kihei on South Maui are approximately 25 to 35 minutes from OGG via the Mokulele Highway. Hana on East Maui involves the famous Road to Hana drive of approximately three hours. Rental cars remain the most practical transportation for Maui County visitors, with all major companies operating from a consolidated facility across from the terminal. As with other Hawaiian airports, reserving well in advance is critical during peak seasons.

The Maui Bus public transit system provides limited service connecting Kahului with communities across the island, including routes to Kihei, Lahaina, and Wailuku, though service frequency and coverage make it impractical for most airport transfers. Rideshare services including Uber and Lyft operate on Maui with generally good availability around Kahului, South Maui, and West Maui resort areas. Roberts Hawaii and SpeediShuttle offer pre-booked airport shuttle services popular with resort guests. Several luxury resorts in Wailea and Kapalua arrange private airport transfers for guests, adding a premium touch to the arrival experience.

Aviation's Impact on Maui County's Economy and Communities

Maui County's economy is profoundly shaped by aviation. Tourism contributes the largest share of employment and tax revenue, and virtually all of the county's approximately 3 million annual visitors arrive by air through Kahului Airport. The August 2023 Lahaina wildfire demonstrated the critical importance of aviation infrastructure when Kahului Airport served as a primary evacuation and relief hub, processing emergency flights, military transport, and humanitarian aid deliveries during the crisis. For the small communities on Molokai and Lanai, inter-island flights are not merely convenient — they represent the primary connection to medical specialists, educational institutions, government services, and retail shopping on Oahu and Maui that these small islands cannot support independently. Maui County's aviation network, from OGG's mainland jets to Mokulele's nine-passenger turboprops serving remote island communities, illustrates the fundamental role air transportation plays in sustaining island life across the Hawaiian archipelago.

Travel Planning Tips for Maui County Residents

Maui County residents navigating air travel face unique island-specific challenges. Peak tourism seasons — December through March for whale watching and winter warmth, and June through August for summer family vacations — see the highest passenger volumes at Kahului Airport, with longer security lines, scarcer rental cars, and higher fares. Maui County residents booking mainland flights during these periods should plan for potentially crowded terminals and book well in advance. Off-peak travel in April-May and September-November often offers substantially lower fares and a more relaxed airport experience. For Molokai and Lanai residents, inter-island flight schedules are limited and cancellations due to weather or mechanical issues can strand travelers, making same-day return trips risky and overnight planning advisable for important appointments on other islands.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airports in Maui County, Hawaii

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How early should I arrive at the airport?

Most of the time, you should get to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before your international flight. This will allow you enough time to check in, pass through security, and make your way to your gate.

2. What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your flight is delayed or canceled, you should contact your airline as soon as possible. They will usually tell you what your options are, which could include getting a refund or rebooking on a later flight.

3. What is clear at the airport?

Clear is a TSA pre-check program that speeds up the security screening process for low-risk travelers who have already been approved.

Members of the Clear program are able to use dedicated security lanes where they do not have to remove items such as shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This process allows for a faster and more convenient screening experience for Clear members.

To become a member of Clear, an individual must provide their biographic information and fingerprints for a background check, and then pay an annual fee.

4. Are masks required in airports?

The TSA will no longer require airport employees or patrons to wear a face covering or face mask inside the airport terminal or on airport-operated ground transportation.

5. Can you bring food through airport security?

Yes, you can bring food through airport security.

Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and granola bars, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage.

Some liquid and gel-like foods, such as yogurt, jelly, and hummus, are also permitted in your carry-on bag as long as they are in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less.

6. How much is airport parking?

The cost of airport parking can vary greatly depending on the airport, the length of time you will be parked, and the type of parking spot you choose.

On average, hourly parking rates can range from $1-$4 per hour, while daily rates can range from $8-$30 per day. Long-term parking rates can range from $8-$20 per day.

7. Can I leave the airport during a layover?

Yes, If your layover is long enough, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the destination city. It's also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they offer any tours or other options for passengers with long layovers.

8. Can I sleep in an airport?

Yes, you can sleep in an airport, however, the amenities and comfort levels of sleeping in an airport can vary greatly depending on the airport you are in.

Some airports also offer amenities like sleeping pods, capsule hotels and lounges for passengers who want to rest or sleep before their flight. Some airlines also offer resting rooms or lounges for their premium customers.