Top 5 Biggest Airports In Hawaii in 2024

Hawaii, a tropical paradise in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, is not only famous for its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant wildlife but also for its well-established connectivity to the rest of the world through its airports.

The Aloha State is home to several key gateways that bridge distances, making the islands accessible to travelers from every corner of the globe. Among these, the five largest airports in Hawaii stand out as critical hubs for international and inter-island flights, each playing a unique role in Hawaii’s air travel network. So let us discover what makes each of these airports a critical node in the world of aviation and a gateway to the Aloha spirit.

Let’s explore the top 5 biggest airports in Hawaii in 2024! 

List of The 5 Biggest Airports In Hawaii!

Here’s a list of the top airports in Hawaii! 

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (4,220 acres)

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, previously known as Honolulu International Airport, is the largest airport in Hawaii and one of the major airports in the United States for several reasons.

It is more than just its location; it’s a key player in the world of air travel, linking Hawaii with countries around the globe. It serves as the main entrance to Hawaii and a crucial stopover for flights between the U.S. mainland and Asia-Pacific areas. This makes Hawaii more connected to the rest of the world, showing how important the airport is for the state’s travel network and ensuring people and goods can move around the globe easily. 

As the primary entry point to Hawaii, the airport welcomes millions of tourists and business travelers each year, making it a critical component of Hawaii’s tourism-driven economy and one of the busiest airports in the entire U.S.A.

Let’s have a look at the key features of this airport- 

Code: HNL

Elevation: 3.96 m

Hub for: Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha Air Cargo, Asia Pacific Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, Transair Corporate Air.

runways and terminals: 4 major runways and 3 terminals.

Restaurants:

• Atrium Bar
• Burger King 
• California Pizza Kitchen 
• Chow Mein Express
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• E Komo Mai
• Island Brews & Torn Basil
• Kona Brewery
• Lahaina Chicken Company
• Quiznos Subs
• Starbucks
•  the Local @ HNL
• Stinger Ray’s Tropical Bar & Grill

Also read: Top 5 Biggest Airports in California

Kona International Airport (2,700 acres)

Kona International Airport (KOA) at Keāhole stands out for its unique blend of modern functionality and natural beauty, making it unlike any other airport in the world. One of its most distinctive features is the airport’s layout and design, which incorporates the natural lava rock of its surroundings, providing passengers with a unique and memorable arrival experience. 

Instead of traditional enclosed terminals, KOA features outdoor terminals under open-air shelters, allowing passengers to immediately feel the warmth and beauty of the island as they step off the plane. This design reflects the island’s commitment to preserving its natural landscape and minimizing environmental impact, offering travelers a glimpse of Hawaii’s stunning volcanic terrain right from the start.

Additionally, Kona International Airport serves as a crucial gateway to the western side of the Big Island, offering direct flights to and from major U.S. cities, as well as international destinations. This makes it an essential hub for tourists seeking to explore the diverse landscapes and attractions of the Big Island, from its black sand beaches to its coffee plantations and national parks.

The airport’s strategic location also facilitates access to the Kona Coast, known for its world-class deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and historic sites. Despite its relatively small size compared to other major airports in the USA, KOA’s importance to Hawaii’s tourism and its unique approach to blending with the local environment makes it a notable point of entry to the islands.

Code: KOA
Elevation: 14 m

Hub for: Mokulele Airlines, Go! Mokulele, Big Island Air

Runways and terminal: 1 runway and three terminals. 

Restaurants: 

• Laniakea by Centerplate
• Kbs Snack Shop

Also read: Top 5 Biggest Airports in South Carolina

Kahului Airport (1,391 acres)

Being the third biggest airport in Hawaii, Kahului Airport, or OGG, is also a major airport in Maui. The airport covers 1,391 acres and is equipped to handle both narrow-body aircraft, commonly used for inter-island flights and wide-body aircraft for transoceanic journeys.

It has a terminal that features ticketing, USDA agricultural inspection, and baggage claim areas, with sixteen jetways for passenger boarding. Most notably, Kahului Airport is undergoing expansion to enhance its capabilities as a permanent international airport, with plans to add more aircraft parking positions and eventually offer direct routes from Canada and Japan. 

Being the biggest airport in Maui Hawaii it also features a lounge operated by Hawaiian Airlines and aims to provide comprehensive services and facilities to travelers.

Code: OGG

Elevation: 54 feet (16 meters)

Hub for: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines. 

Runways and terminal: 2 runways and 

Restaurants: 

• Burger King
•  California Pizza Kitchen
•  Frankly Gourment
•  Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill
•  Starbucks. 

Hilo International Airport, Hilo (1,007 acres)

Hilo International Airport is a major airport located in Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii. This airport serves as a vital gateway for travelers coming to explore the eastern side of the island, known for its lush landscapes, waterfalls, and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hilo Airport handles both inter-island and limited international flights, making it an important hub for tourists and residents alike.

The airport has a single terminal that accommodates a range of services for passengers, including car rentals, dining options, and shopping. It’s designed to manage the flow of both incoming and outgoing flights efficiently, with facilities that ensure a comfortable transition for travelers. Despite its smaller size compared to other Hawaiian airports, Hilo International offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the local culture and hospitality.

One of the unique aspects of Hilo International Airport is its proximity to some of the Big Island’s top attractions, making it a convenient starting point for visitors wanting to explore the natural beauty and cultural sites of Hilo and its surroundings. The airport’s location and services play a crucial role in supporting the tourism industry and local economy in this region of Hawaii.

Code: ITO

Elevation: 38 ft / 12 m

Hub for: Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Aloha Air Cargo  

Runways and terminal: 2 runways and 2 terminals.

Restaurants: 

• Center plate 
• Laniakea express 

Lanai Airport (500 acres)

Lanai Airport is a small airport located near Lanai City on the island of Lanai, which is part of Hawaii. This airport is mainly used for flights between Lanai and other Hawaiian islands, especially Honolulu. 

It’s a key point for residents and tourists traveling to and from this somewhat secluded island, known for its luxurious resorts, stunning landscapes, and quiet, peaceful atmosphere.

The airport has a single runway and a small terminal, offering basic services to passengers. Despite its size, Lanai Airport plays a crucial role in connecting the island with the rest of Hawaii, facilitating easy access to Lanai’s unique attractions. It’s an essential gateway for those looking to explore the island’s natural beauty, from its rugged terrain and pine forests to its pristine beaches and world-class golf courses. 

Lanai Airport’s simplicity and efficiency reflect the island’s laid-back and intimate charm, making it an integral part of the Lanai travel experience.

Code: LNY

Elevation: 399 m 

Hub for: Mokulele Airlines
Runways and terminal: 1 runway 

Wrap It Up! 

Hawaii’s five largest airports serve as the lifelines of the islands, facilitating not just the influx of tourists drawn by the allure of its natural beauty but also supporting the local economy through the transport of goods and residents between the islands and beyond.

Every airport is a doorway to adventure, culture, and unmatched natural beauty, from the busy Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, which serves as a major international gateway, to the smaller but no less important Lanai Airport.

These airports do more than just manage the logistics of air travel; they welcome the world to Hawaii’s doorstep and serve as the starting point for countless unforgettable journeys.

FAQs About The 5 Biggest Airports In Hawaii