Planning a trip to the beautiful island of Maui? Before you can sink your toes into the warm sand and soak up the Hawaiian sunshine, you'll need to figure out where exactly you're flying into. Maui, while relatively small, actually has multiple airports, each serving different purposes and locations. Choosing the right airport can significantly impact your travel time, transportation costs, and overall convenience. Knowing which airport is the most suitable for your itinerary is key to starting your Maui adventure on the right foot.
The efficiency and ease of your arrival and departure can greatly influence your vacation experience. Landing at the most convenient airport will save you valuable time and money on ground transportation, allowing you to maximize your time exploring Maui's stunning landscapes and enjoying its many activities. Conversely, choosing the wrong airport could lead to unnecessary detours, longer travel times to your accommodation, and added stress.
What are the most common questions about Maui's airports?
What is the main airport in Maui?
The main airport in Maui is Kahului Airport (OGG). It is located in the town of Kahului on the island's north-central coast and serves as the primary gateway for both domestic and international flights to and from Maui.
Kahului Airport handles the vast majority of air traffic for Maui, offering a wide range of flights connecting the island to other Hawaiian islands, the continental United States, and select international destinations. Due to its central location, it is generally the most convenient airport for accessing popular tourist areas like West Maui (Kaanapali, Lahaina) and South Maui (Kihei, Wailea). While there are two smaller airports on Maui – Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui and Hana Airport (HNM) in East Maui – these primarily serve commuter airlines and smaller private planes. Kapalua Airport, in particular, is sometimes preferred by those staying in West Maui to avoid the longer drive from Kahului. However, the limited flight options and smaller aircraft typically make Kahului Airport the default choice for most visitors and residents.Are there multiple airports on Maui?
Yes, Maui has three airports: Kahului Airport (OGG), the primary airport and gateway for most visitors; Kapalua Airport (JHM), serving West Maui; and Hana Airport (HNM), primarily for commuter and small aircraft serving East Maui.
Kahului Airport (OGG) is the largest and most commonly used airport on Maui. It accommodates both domestic and international flights, with numerous direct flights arriving daily from the continental United States, Canada, and occasionally Japan. This airport offers the widest range of services, including car rentals, ground transportation, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Because of its size and the frequency of flights, most travelers will arrive and depart from Kahului Airport. Kapalua Airport (JHM), also known as West Maui Airport, primarily serves smaller commuter airlines and general aviation. It's located closer to the resorts in West Maui (like Kaanapali and Kapalua), making it a convenient option for those staying in that area. However, flights are less frequent and generally more expensive than flying into Kahului. Hana Airport (HNM) is a small airport located on the eastern end of Maui, near the remote town of Hana. It mainly serves smaller commuter airlines and private aircraft, connecting Hana to other parts of Maui and the state of Hawaii. Its primary purpose is to provide air service to the isolated community of Hana, particularly for residents and essential services.What's the airport code for the Maui airport?
The airport code for Kahului Airport in Maui, Hawaii, is OGG.
Kahului Airport (OGG) is the primary airport on the island of Maui and serves as a major gateway for both domestic and international travelers. Located in Kahului, it handles the vast majority of air traffic to and from Maui, making it crucial for tourism and local transportation. Knowing the OGG airport code is important when booking flights, arranging transportation, and navigating airport information displays. While there are smaller airports on Maui, such as Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui and Hana Airport (HNM) in East Maui, Kahului Airport (OGG) is the largest and most frequently used. Therefore, when people generally refer to "the Maui airport," they are most likely referring to OGG. These smaller airports cater primarily to commuter flights and general aviation.How far is the Maui airport from popular resort areas?
The primary airport in Maui, Kahului Airport (OGG), is conveniently located near many of the island's popular resort areas. The distance varies depending on the specific resort, but generally, West Maui resorts (e.g., Kaanapali, Lahaina) are about a 45-60 minute drive, South Maui resorts (e.g., Wailea, Kihei) are roughly a 20-30 minute drive, and areas further east like Hana are a significantly longer drive of several hours.
Kahului Airport's central location makes it relatively easy to access most of Maui's tourist destinations. The drive to West Maui, while longer, is scenic, offering beautiful coastal views. Keep in mind that traffic, especially during peak hours, can affect travel times, so it's wise to factor that into your plans, especially when catching a flight. Many visitors opt for rental cars to explore the island at their own pace, making airport proximity even more advantageous. The proximity of OGG to various resort areas means less time spent in transit and more time enjoying Maui's beaches, activities, and stunning landscapes. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and shuttle options are readily available at the airport for those who prefer not to drive. Pre-booking transportation is recommended, particularly during busy seasons.Does the Maui airport offer direct flights to the mainland?
Yes, Kahului Airport (OGG), the primary airport on Maui, offers numerous direct flights to various cities on the mainland United States. You can fly directly from Maui to destinations across the US without needing to connect through Honolulu.
Kahului Airport (OGG) provides direct access to a wide range of mainland destinations. This is a major benefit for travelers looking to minimize travel time and avoid the hassle of inter-island transfers. Several major airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines, operate direct flights between Maui and the mainland. The specific mainland cities served by direct flights from Maui can vary depending on the airline and the time of year. However, common destinations include major hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Chicago. You can also find direct flights to other cities, particularly during peak travel seasons. It is always a good idea to check with individual airlines or use online travel search engines to confirm the most up-to-date flight schedules and available routes when planning your trip.What airlines fly into the airport in Maui?
Kahului Airport (OGG) is the primary airport on Maui, and it's served by a variety of domestic and international airlines. Major carriers such as Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest Airlines offer frequent flights to and from the mainland United States. Additionally, several smaller airlines and international carriers also operate flights to OGG, connecting Maui to other Hawaiian islands and destinations across the Pacific.
Airlines flying into Kahului Airport (OGG) provide diverse options for travelers. Hawaiian Airlines, as the state's flagship carrier, maintains a strong presence with numerous inter-island routes and connections to the continental US. The major US airlines—United, American, Delta, Alaska, and Southwest—provide a wide range of direct flights from various cities across the country, particularly from the West Coast. These carriers offer different classes of service and frequent flyer programs to cater to diverse traveler preferences. Beyond the major players, smaller airlines sometimes operate seasonal or charter flights to Maui, and international carriers such as Air Canada may offer direct flights from select international locations. To get the most current list of airlines and routes, it's always best to check the Kahului Airport's official website or consult with a travel agent. Remember that flight schedules and availability can vary depending on the time of year and current market conditions.Is there ground transportation readily available at the Maui airport?
Yes, ground transportation is readily available at Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui, offering a variety of options to suit different needs and budgets.
Kahului Airport (OGG) is Maui’s primary airport and transportation hub, ensuring a constant flow of transportation services. Upon arrival, you'll find clearly marked areas for rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and public transportation. Several shuttle services also operate from the airport, providing pre-booked transportation to hotels and resorts across the island. It is advisable to book some transportation in advance, especially during peak seasons, to guarantee availability and potentially secure better rates. While public transportation is an option, it might not be the most convenient for all travelers due to limited routes and schedules, especially if you are staying outside of the central Kahului area. Taxis and ride-sharing services offer immediate transportation, but costs can vary depending on the destination and time of day. Pre-booked shuttle services can be cost-effective for individuals or smaller groups heading to resorts in areas like Kaanapali or Wailea. Rental cars offer the greatest flexibility for exploring the island, but it is essential to reserve one in advance, particularly if you are looking for a specific type of vehicle.So, to recap, Kahului Airport (OGG) is the main airport you'll fly into when visiting Maui! I hope this helped clear things up for you. Thanks for stopping by, and please feel free to come back anytime you have more travel questions!