$51 Million Coming to Lihue Airport for Runway Upgrades
Lihue Airport - Hawaii Department of Transportation
Lihue Airport (LIH) is getting a major investment: $51 million in federal funding to improve its runway. For years, Kauai’s single-runway setup has been a limitation for airlines and travelers alike, and this new project promises to make operations safer and more reliable.
Why It Matters
Kauai is one of Hawaii’s busiest tourist destinations, yet its airport infrastructure has lagged behind. Unlike Honolulu or Maui, LIH has just one main runway, making it vulnerable to closures from weather, maintenance, or emergencies. With this upgrade, the island will gain more resilience, especially during busy travel seasons.
| Airport | Location | Longest Runway (ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HNL – Daniel K. Inouye Intl | Oahu | 12,312 | Longest in Hawaii; supports all long-haul international flights |
| KOA – Kona Intl | Big Island | 11,000 | Handles mainland wide-bodies; key for West Coast service |
| OGG – Kahului | Maui | 6,995 | Busy for mainland routes, but shorter length limits certain aircraft |
| LIH – Lihue | Kauai | 6,500 | One of the shortest; limits larger aircraft and long-haul flights |
| ITO – Hilo Intl | Big Island | 9,800 | Capable of larger aircraft, but less used for long-haul today |
At just 6,500 feet, Lihue’s runway is one of the shortest in the state for an airport serving mainland flights. That’s why many Kauai flights to the West Coast use smaller narrow-body aircraft (like the 737 or A321neo), instead of wide-bodies that can carry more passengers and cargo.
What This Could Mean for Kauai
A longer and more reliable runway could eventually:
Allow larger aircraft to serve LIH, potentially opening new nonstop routes.
Improve reliability during weather events or emergencies.
Support future growth in visitor arrivals and local travel demand.
Scottie’s Take
As someone who flies often from Kauai, I know the limitations of the Lihue runway firsthand. While Honolulu and Kona can handle just about any aircraft, Kauai’s shorter runway has always capped what airlines could offer. This $51 million project is more than just concrete, it’s about giving Kauai travelers more options, reliability, and opportunities to connect to the world.
If you want to stay updated of all Hawaii airport projects, the Hawaii Airport’s Modernization Program gives weekly project updates: https://www.hawaiiairportsmodernization.com
