Arriving at Līhuʻe Airport (LIH)
Līhuʻe Airport, code LIH, is the main airport of Kauai and sits in the southeast of the island. Flights arrive either directly or with a change in Honolulu. For the Oahu side of that connection, see the guide to Honolulu airport.
From the airport you drive to every part of the island. The main roads reach the north and the west side through Līhuʻe, and there is no through coastal road along the Na Pali Coast. The Kūhiō Highway runs north and the Kaumualiʻi Highway runs west. Several bridges are one lane wide, and drivers take turns.
Good to know in October 2026: Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe are closed after storm damage, so the usual drive to the west side lookouts does not apply right now. Hāʻena State Park reopened on 15 October 2026. Check the latest DLNR notices before you plan a day trip.
Drive times from Līhuʻe Airport
Planning values from the tourism authority. They do not include traffic or roadworks.
| Destination | Drive time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wailua | About 15 minutes | East side, see the Wailua page |
| Kōloa | About 25 minutes | South shore |
| Poʻipū | About 30 minutes | South shore resort area |
| Princeville | About 1 hour | North shore resort area |
| Waimea Canyon | About 1 hour 15 minutes | Normal value, the canyon is closed in October 2026 |
| Kalalau Lookout | About 1 hour 40 minutes | Normal value, closed in October 2026 |
The Waimea Canyon and Kalalau Lookout values are undated planning values and not a report on current road conditions. See the Waimea Canyon page for the closure.
Tours from Līhuʻe and across Kauai
Helicopter flights, boat trips and other tours, with live prices and availability.
Rental cars, taxis and shuttles
The ground transport options at LIH.
Rental cars
From the baggage claim, go to the rental car counters on the opposite side of the road. You pick up and return the car behind the counters of each company. A notice of 18 February 2026 describes temporarily changed pickup zones and detours for vehicles and pedestrians, caused by construction of an employee parking lot. The end date is not confirmed, so follow the signs.
Taxis
Taxis wait at the curb outside baggage claim. The airport authority's list shows indicative amounts: $42 to $52.50 for Poʻipū, $88.50 to $118.50 for Princeville to Hāʻena and $22 to $27.60 for Wailua to Waipouli. No date confirms them as 2026 fares, so treat them as orientation and not as fixed prices.
Shuttles and courtesy buses
Pre-arranged shuttles and courtesy buses also serve the airport. Not every hotel offers a free transfer, and taxi availability is not guaranteed around the clock. Arrange your ride ahead if you land late.
The Kauai bus
County bus fares and service in October 2026.
Fares
The mainline bus costs $2 per ride and the local shuttle line $0.50. Reduced fares are $1 and $0.25. A day pass costs $5, or $2.50 reduced. Reduced fares apply to ages 7 to 18, seniors from 65 and riders with a county discount card. Children up to 6 ride free with a paying adult. There is no change on cash payment.
Service
The free storm service ended on 30 September 2026, and regular fares apply again since 1 October 2026. The county page announces a suspension of Sunday service until further notice, while other text says daily. Do not count on a Sunday bus.
Route 500
Route 500 links Līhuʻe with Hanalei and stops at Princeville Shopping Center. An older timetable lists 69 to 78 minutes from Līhuʻe to Princeville and Hanalei. Check the current timetable before you plan around it. The airport authority confirms the county bus in general.
Helicopters and arrival costs
Two points that surprise first-time visitors.
Helicopter check-in
The helicopter tours listed here check in on Ahukini Road in Līhuʻe, at 4231 and 3788 Ahukini Road. These are operator addresses and not a gate in the airline terminal. See the helicopter guide.
Lodging tax
The state accommodation tax rose from 10.25 to 11 percent on 1 January 2026. It is a percentage on lodging and not a fee per traveler on arrival. County taxes and resort fees are not included in that figure. The lodging guide lists the areas.
Other islands
Flying on to Maui? The guide to Kahului airport covers that side.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to go from the airport.
Kauai Airport: frequently asked questions
What is the airport code for Kauai?
LIH. The airport is in Līhuʻe in the southeast of the island, and most visitors arrive there.
Where are the rental car counters at LIH?
From the baggage claim, walk to the counters on the opposite side of the road. Pickup and return are behind each company's counter. Follow the signs, since pickup zones have been temporarily changed.
How much is a taxi from the airport?
The airport authority lists indicative amounts, such as $42 to $52.50 for Poʻipū. No date confirms them as 2026 fares, so ask the driver or the company before you ride.
How long is the drive to Poʻipū, Princeville and Wailua?
About 30 minutes to Poʻipū, 1 hour to Princeville and 15 minutes to Wailua. Kōloa takes about 25 minutes. Traffic and one-lane bridges can add time.
Is there a bus from the airport?
The airport authority confirms the county bus in general. A mainline ride costs $2, and a day pass costs $5. Check the current timetable, and do not count on Sunday service.
Is there an arrival fee for tourists?
No fee per traveler is confirmed. The state accommodation tax rose to 11 percent on 1 January 2026, and it applies to lodging as a percentage.