Kahului Airport

Hawaii has many beautiful islands for business travelers and tourists to enjoy. One possible place to fly is Maui. Maui is the third most populated island in the Hawaiian chain. Kahului is the largest town, which is why the airport is named Kahului. Maui has a long history with the Polynesians from Tahiti and the Marquesas. The Tahitians began the Kapu system that existed in Hawaii. A more modern Hawaii was started in the 1700's. The long history allows for many attractions in the city. The beaches, mountains, and ocean offer more options for travelers.

Kahului Airport is on the northern edge of the land bridge between Haleakala and West Maui Mountain Range. The airport takes up 1,391 acres and is three miles from the town. Kahului is the second busiest in Hawaii. They recently added new terminal facilities. There are two intersecting runways. The airport provides domestic, overseas and interisland services. Commuter air taxis, general aviation, and helicopter operations are in separate locations at the airport. Public transportation options are available from the airport such as taxis and busses. Haleakala and Hana highways are the most important thoroughfares. The staff at Kahului also oversees the operation and management of Hana and Kapalua West Maui Airports. Molokai, Kalaupapa, and Lanai airports are part of their jurisdiction.

The Kahului Airport has a fairly short history, but the land it is on has a long history. In 1919 an emergency landing strip was built on Maui. Charles Fern brought the first passenger to Maui. In 1927 the Maalaea Airport was built. More land was appropriated for the airport. Later in the 1930's another airport site was created with a new site. Punene Airport was used heavily by the US Navy during the 40's. By the 1950's the airport was renamed Kahului and a new tower was constructed.

Kahului Airport has several major airlines that service Maui. Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Island Air, Northwest, Pacific, United, US Airways, and West Jet are airlines fly into Kahului. The airport also provides a number of shops and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. The Kahului Trading Co., Pineapple, County, Maui Divers Jewelry Shop, News Stand, Sammy's Beach Bar and Grill, and Starbucks Coffee are located in the Central Building on level 2. The gate area level 2 has fewer shops, but still something for everyone. DFS Island Shop, Hot Dog Cart, and Stinger Ray's Tropical Bar and Grill are available.

Parking at Kahului is located outside. There is a cellular phone waiting area for drivers picking up passengers. This area allows the drivers to arrive early without having to pay parking rates. The parking area provides decent rates for individuals who will be at the airport a little longer. There are long term parking spots.

From the airport there are hotels, shops and restaurants for visitors. It will take approximately fifteen minutes to get around the airport and to the center of town. Travelers will be greeted at the airport with traditional Hawaiian leis.