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Hana Airport

About the Airport

Hana Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Hana Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true portal to a tropical haven, allowing you to reach one of the most secluded corners of Maui while bypassing the hundreds of curves on the famous highway. This tiny airport welcomes travellers with the rustling of palm trees and the scent of the ocean right at the aircraft steps, creating an atmosphere of relaxation from the very first minute. There are no endless queues or glass mazes here, only the cosy spirit of "Old Hawaii" and the feeling that your holiday has begun even before baggage claim.

IATA Code HNM
ICAO Code PHHN
City Hana
Distance to centre 5 km
Status Domestic (Regional)
Annual Passengers Approx. 4,000 – 6,000
Schedule Check airline website

Airport Features and Advantages

Despite its modest size, Hana Airport offers unique benefits for travellers who value time and comfort:

  • Scenic Approach: The flight to Hana is considered an excursion in itself. Planes usually fly low along Maui's north coast, revealing breathtaking views of waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and dense tropical rainforests that are impossible to see from the road.
  • Time Saving: The flight from the island's main airport takes only about 20 minutes, whereas the drive along the winding "Road to Hana" can take from 2 to 4 hours one way.
  • Stress-Free Experience: Thanks to minimal passenger traffic, check-in and boarding procedures are instantaneous. There are practically no queues here, and car parking is free and located right at the terminal entrance.

Contact Information

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Hana Airport (HNM). Please note that this is a small regional airport, and some services may only be available during operating hours.

  • Official Website: You can find up-to-date information on airport operations, regulations, and services on the official website of the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation (Hana Airport section).
  • Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries regarding terminal operations, you can contact the airport administration at: +1 (808) 248-8208.
  • Airport Address: 421 Hāna Highway, Hāna, Hawaii 96713, USA.
  • Email: A dedicated email address for general enquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
  • Social Media: Hana Airport does not have its own official social media pages.
  • Lost Luggage Information: If your items were lost on board the aircraft, you should immediately contact your airline's representative. For items left within the terminal building, please contact the airport administration at the number listed above.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For issues related to ticket booking, flight schedules, or check-in, please contact your airline directly. For general questions regarding airport infrastructure, you may call the administration.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Hana Airport (HNM), located in a secluded and picturesque corner of Maui, is an adventure in itself. The airport serves the small town of Hana in the USA and acts as a gateway to one of Hawaii's most authentic regions. Due to its remoteness, transport options here have their own specificities, and most travellers arrive via the famous Hana Highway.

Car Rental is the most popular and recommended way to reach Hana. Most tourists rent a car at the island's main airport, Kahului Airport (OGG), located approximately 45 km away, and embark on a journey along the scenic "Road to Hana". A drive without stops takes about 2-3 hours, but many tourists spend the entire day on it, stopping at waterfalls, viewpoints, and tropical gardens. Hana Airport itself is just a 5-10 minute drive from the town centre. Renting a car is not just a transfer, but an integral part of exploring the island.

Taxis and Private Transfers are a more expensive but convenient option. A taxi ride from Kahului Airport to Hana will cost several hundred dollars due to the long distance and challenging route. A more cost-effective alternative might be a pre-booked private transfer or shuttle, especially for larger groups. This method suits those who prefer not to drive on the winding road themselves.

Public Transport in this area is not well developed. There is a Maui Bus route connecting Kahului and Hana, but the journey takes a considerable amount of time and can be inconvenient with luggage. This option is the most budget-friendly but requires careful planning as buses run infrequently. If you are looking for flexibility and comfort, it is better to consider other methods.

Parking at Hana Airport is not an issue. As this is a very small regional airport, there are sufficient parking spaces available, and they are typically free of charge. You can easily leave your car while waiting for a flight or if you are picking someone up.

Important Tip: The main flow of tourists arrives in Maui via Kahului Airport (OGG), the largest on the island. Flights directly to Hana Airport (HNM) are operated by small local airlines and are an excellent way to avoid the long drive if your time is limited. Other airports, such as Kapalua Airport (JHM), also serve the island but are located further from Hana.

Terminals and Map

Hana Airport (HNM) is a small regional airport that reflects the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere of the town of Hana, which it serves. Unlike major international hubs, you will not find a complex structure here. The airport consists of a single, very compact terminal that handles all flights.

The terminal building is a simple single-storey structure. The airport layout is extremely clear: inside, there is a check-in counter, a small waiting area for passengers, and restrooms. There are no jet bridges, so boarding the aircraft takes place by walking across the tarmac, adding a special charm to the journey. The arrival and departure zones are virtually unseparated and constitute a single space, making navigation intuitive and quick.

Since there is only one terminal, the issue of transferring between them is not relevant. All procedures, from check-in to boarding, take place in one location. Passing through check-in and security screening (if required for your flight) takes a minimal amount of time, usually no more than 15-20 minutes. This is due to the low passenger traffic and the small size of aircraft flying within the USA on this route.

The main recommendation for navigating Hana Airport is not to worry. Getting lost here is practically impossible. Arrive at the time recommended by your airline, but be prepared for all formalities to pass very quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy the tranquil environment before your flight.

Airport History

The history of Hana Airport (HNM) is inextricably linked to the history of the town of Hana itself, located in one of the most remote parts of the island of Maui. The airport was opened on 11 November 1950, and this event was a true breakthrough for local residents. Before its appearance, Hana could only be reached via the famous but very long and winding highway, which made the town practically isolated. The air gateway gave the community a fast and reliable link to the rest of the world and became a catalyst for tourism development in this picturesque corner of the USA.

Initially, the airport was a modest runway with minimal infrastructure. The first regular flights were operated by aircraft considered large for that time, but over time, the route shifted to smaller regional airlines. This trend continues to this day: Hana Airport specialises in serving general aviation, which perfectly matches its intimate atmosphere and small passenger volume.

Over the years of its existence, the airport has undergone several stages of modernisation, yet it has managed to preserve its authenticity. The modern terminal is a small open-air building that resembles a cosy pavilion rather than a busy transport hub. There is none of the hustle and bustle of large airports, and staff welcome passengers with true Hawaiian hospitality. The absence of large-scale renovations has allowed the unique spirit of old Hawaii to be preserved.

One of the most interesting facts about Hana Airport is that the flight here is an adventure in itself. Flights are operated on small turboprop aircraft, such as the Cessna Grand Caravan, which fly at a low altitude. This gives passengers the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of Maui's rugged coastline, waterfalls, and dense tropical forests. Thus, the airport not only performs a transport function but also becomes the first attraction on the way to the treasures of Hana.

Services and Amenities

Hana Airport (HNM) is a small regional airport serving the picturesque and secluded town of the same name on the island of Maui in the USA. It is important to understand that its infrastructure is very simple and oriented towards serving short local flights, so the range of services here is minimal and corresponds to its compact size.

The terminal has a small waiting area and standard restrooms. There are no restaurants, cafes, or shops at the airport. Passengers are advised to bring snacks and drinks with them or have a meal in the town of Hana before departure. Specialised lounges or VIP areas are absent.

Modern amenities such as public Wi-Fi, ATMs, or currency exchange points are not provided at Hana Airport. The number of power outlets for charging electronic devices is also extremely limited, so it is best to ensure your gadgets are charged in advance.

Basic facilities are available for passengers with reduced mobility, but it is extremely important to notify your airline in advance if special assistance or escort is required. There are no specialised services for passengers with children, such as nursing rooms or play areas.

You will not find hotels, business centres, or conference rooms on the airport grounds. All accommodation options are located in the town of Hana and its surroundings, just a few minutes' drive from the terminal.

Where to Eat

When planning a departure from Hana Airport (HNM), it is important to consider that this is a very small regional airport, and its infrastructure differs significantly from major hubs. There is no traditional selection of restaurants and cafes here, so dining arrangements should be made in advance.

Within the airport building itself, there are no restaurants, cafes, or bars. Vending machines with basic drinks and snacks may sometimes be available, but one should not rely on them as a substantial source of nutrition. There are no opportunities for a full lunch or even a quick snack immediately before departure.

The best recommendation is to eat in the town of Hana before arriving at the airport. The town, located nearby, offers several options where you can enjoy local cuisine. Look out for food trucks, which often prepare authentic Hawaiian dishes such as "plate lunch" (a set meal with rice, salad, and a main course), or small local cafes. Hana is also famous for its banana bread — an excellent option for a travel snack.

Passengers with special dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, those requiring Halal options, or a gluten-free diet) are strongly advised to bring food with them. Finding suitable dishes in a small town can be challenging, and there will be no such possibility at the airport. Thus, the main advice is to plan your lunch or dinner in advance and not count on purchasing food at HNM Airport.

Travel Tips

Travelling through the airport of Hana (HNM) is a unique experience, unlike the hustle of major aviation hubs. To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these tips. The airport is very small and primarily serves local flights, so everything here is simpler and faster. We recommend arriving 60-90 minutes before departure. This time will be quite sufficient to check in for the flight without rushing and pass through security screening, which usually takes just a few minutes.

Most flights from Hana are operated on small propeller planes, which is an adventure in itself. When checking in or purchasing a ticket, be sure to choose a window seat. Flights along the Maui coast reveal breathtaking views of waterfalls, tropical forests, and rocky cliffs — a spectacle you will not want to miss. Be prepared for the flight on such an aircraft to feel more "bumpy" than on a large liner, but the views are worth it.

Hand luggage rules generally comply with USA Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. However, it is critically important to check the weight and size allowances for hand luggage specifically with your airline. On small aircraft, these requirements are often stricter than on standard flights, and you may be asked to check your bag.

Hana Airport is a final destination, not a transit hub, so there are no transfers here. There is also no customs control for international flights. The only check you might encounter is an agricultural inspection. Hawaii has strict rules to prevent the spread of invasive plant and animal species between islands, so be prepared to show your belongings if asked.

To save time and money, book tickets in advance, especially during the high season. Travel light to avoid baggage fees. Given the tiny size of the airport, there are practically no shops or cafes, so it would be wise to bring water and light snacks with you. You will save time naturally — all procedures here pass very quickly.

Flight delays are, unfortunately, possible, most often due to weather conditions, as small aircraft are sensitive to wind and rain. In the event of a delay, immediately contact an airline representative. Since the waiting area is very modest, ensure your phone is charged and you have a book or other entertainment with you. Sometimes, in the case of a long delay or cancellation, the only alternative may be a trip along the famous road to Hana, so it is useful to keep this option in mind.

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