Hawaii Airports gear up for Thanksgiving Holiday Travel

The state Department of Transportation reminds travelers that Hawai‘i’s commercial airports will become increasingly busy this week due to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Additional parking will be made available at all state airports, however, air travelers are encouraged to be dropped off or picked up, utilize taxis, airport shuttles or other means of transportation.

Kahului Airport file photo by Wendy Osher (June 2010). Airports across the state are gearing up for the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday and increased travel.

For passenger pickups, drivers who need to wait for their passenger arrivals are encouraged to use cell phone waiting areas, open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., at the Honolulu International, Kona International, Hilo International, Kahului, and Līhu‘e Airports (see attached maps).

A 15-minute parking grace period is also in effect at all state airports, allowing travelers to use airport parking facilities free of charge for the first 15 minutes. Coupled with airport cell phone lots, this allows the traveling public an additional option when dropping off or picking up friends and families at the airport.

Due to limited parking and larger crowds for the holiday weekend, travelers are encouraged to add an additional 30 to 45 minutes to their airport arrival times in addition to the recommended two-hour pre-flight arrival time.

Drivers are reminded to use only parking stalls for which they are properly authorized. Airport security will issue citations to any vehicles improperly using disabled-person or restricted parking stalls.

Honolulu International Airport (O‘ahu)
Additional parking will be available at the Economy Parking Lot (Lot J) located on the Diamond Head-side of the lei stands. The parking rate for the Economy Lot is $10 per day, with a $20 minimum charge.

Valet parking services remain available at the Inter-Island Terminal. The valet service is located on the 4th floor of the inter-island terminal parking structure and is available between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Valet parking rates are $20 per day and self-parking rates are $13 per day.

Kahului Airport (Maui)
Additional airport parking will be provided at the A‘alele Street overflow lot.

Kona International Airport (Hawai‘i)
Additional parking will be available at the Kupipi Street Mauka lot when the main Kupipi Street Makai lot is full.

Hilo International Airport (Hawai‘i)
Additional parking will be available in the overflow grass lots located on both ends of the airport terminal parking lot.

Līhu‘e Airport (Kaua‘i)
Additional parking will be provided in the overflow parking areas of the public parking lot.

Signage will be posted at all locations to direct traffic to the overflow areas when regular parking has reached capacity.