Maui Airports

Convienent Airline Service Makes Maui an Easy Travel Destination

Maui has two airports serviced by commercial airlines. Maui’s main airport is located at Kahului. All direct flights from North America, Asia, most connecting flights, and inter island flights arrive here. The other, Kapalua-West Maui Airport, is served by smaller commuter style aircraft. If you’re staying in the Kaanapali-Kapalua area and your mainland flight connects in Honolulu, this can be a convenient alternative. The State of Hawaii’s official website for the airports is here.

Kahului Airport

The vast majority of Maui visitors arrive in Kahului. On the northern edge of the isthmus connecting Maui’s mountains, Kahului is Maui’s commercial center. Along with the airport, Maui’s seaport, and most larger retail stores are located here. Kahului (airport code “ogg”) is a small, but modern airport. Jetways are used to de-plane passengers from larger aircraft. Moving walkways are provided in some areas of the terminal to help speed you on your way. Numerous clean restrooms are located throughout. Just follow the signs towards luggage claim located downstairs near the center of the terminal building.

Expect to wait 30 - 45 minutes for your luggage. There’s a staffed visitor’s information booth in the luggage claim area. These friendly folks are happy to provide you with maps and other useful information, all free. After you’ve collected your luggage proceed outside to the sidewalk. Rental cars are to the right.

When departing be sure to submit all checked luggage for agricultural inspection before going to airline check-in. A list of prohibited items can be found here. There are several well marked inspection stations in the departures area. Agricultural inspection for carry-on luggage is preformed after the TSA security check point.

Lines at the airline counters and the TSA security check point can be long so allow plenty of time. We’ve also noticed the TSA personnel here can be a bit snippy from time to time. So, as you go through security be sure to have your ID’s and boarding passes out, your shoe’s off, your laptops in a separate bin, your liquids in small containers and in a quart size ziplock bag, and a smile on your face. TSA’s airport security requirements are here.

Kapalua-West Maui Airport

Kapalua-West Maui airport is served by smaller commuter type aircraft. Only daytime service is permitted. Rental car counters are available at the airport.

If you’re making connections in Honolulu to Maui and you’re staying in West Maui this can be a convenient alternative. Otherwise you’re much better off flying into Kahului. You avoid the connection time in Honolulu, there are more rental car choices, and the drive to West Maui is beautiful and only takes 45 minutes or so.