Hawaii, an island state in the Pacific Ocean, relies heavily on its aviation network to connect its islands to each other and to the mainland United States and international destinations. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu is the primary gateway, while regional airports on the islands ensure connectivity across the state.
| City Served/Location | Island | IATA | Airport Name | Coordinates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | Oʻahu | HNL | Daniel K. Inouye International Airport | 21.3245° N, 157.9251° W |
| Kahului | Maui | OGG | Kahului Airport | 20.8986° N, 156.4305° W |
| Kailua-Kona | Hawaiʻi (Big Island) | KOA | Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole | 19.7388° N, 156.0456° W |
| Hilo | Hawaiʻi (Big Island) | ITO | Hilo International Airport | 19.7213° N, 155.0485° W |
| Līhuʻe | Kauaʻi | LIH | Līhuʻe Airport | 21.9759° N, 159.3388° W |
| Molokaʻi | Molokaʻi | MKK | Molokaʻi Airport | 21.1529° N, 157.0966° W |
| Lānaʻi | Lānaʻi | LNY | Lānaʻi Airport | 20.7856° N, 156.9515° W |
| Kapalua | Maui | JHM | Kapalua Airport (West Maui Airport) | 20.9629° N, 156.6738° W |
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
HNL, located in Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu, is Hawaii’s largest and busiest airport. It serves as the primary hub for international and domestic flights, as well as inter-island travel.
Features:
- Passenger Services: Modern terminals, dining, shopping, and lounges.
- Connectivity: Direct flights to Asia, Oceania, North America, and inter-island destinations.
- Hub for Hawaiian Airlines: Facilitates connections to all major Hawaiian islands.
Kahului Airport (OGG)
Located on Maui, OGG is the second-busiest airport in Hawaii and a key gateway for tourists visiting Maui’s beaches and resorts.
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA)
KOA, on the Big Island’s western coast, serves as a major entry point for visitors exploring the island’s resorts, beaches, and volcanic landscapes.
Hilo International Airport (ITO)
ITO, located on the eastern side of the Big Island, is an important gateway for accessing Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the island’s lush tropical regions.
Regional and Island Airports
- Līhuʻe Airport (LIH): The primary airport on Kauaʻi, serving tourists heading to its famous beaches and natural attractions.
- Molokaʻi Airport (MKK): Provides essential connections for residents and visitors to the island of Molokaʻi.
- Lānaʻi Airport (LNY): The main airport for Lānaʻi, catering to the island’s small population and luxury resort visitors.
Importance of Hawaii’s Airports
Hawaii’s airports are critical for its economy, supporting tourism, inter-island travel, and goods transport. The aviation network ensures connectivity across the islands and to global destinations.
Sustainability and Development
Hawaii is leading efforts in aviation sustainability:
- Installation of solar power systems at major airports like HNL.
- Promotion of electric ground vehicles and equipment.
- Investments in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to reduce emissions.
Hawaii’s aviation network is a lifeline for the state, connecting its islands to the world while supporting its tourism-driven economy.