Kahului Airport

Kahului Airport (OGG) is not merely a transport hub, but a true tropical gateway opening the doors to the world of Maui island for travelers. Immediately upon landing, you will feel the warm ocean breeze, as the terminals are designed to maximize natural ventilation and open spaces, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. Here, surrounded by views of the majestic Haleakala volcano and lush greenery, the bustle of metropolises is instantly replaced by the relaxed rhythm of Hawaiian life, setting the mood for an unforgettable holiday.

Features and advantages of the airport:

Kahului Airport is unique for its "open-air" architecture, which allows you to enjoy fresh air right in the terminal corridors — a rare feature for modern aviation hubs. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, strict agricultural control rules apply here: all luggage departing for the mainland is thoroughly checked to prevent the export of local flora and fauna. For passenger convenience, the airport features a modern car rental center (CONRAC), connected by an eco-friendly retro-style tram that is reminiscent of the island's plantation past.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Kahului Airport (OGG). If you have any questions, we recommend contacting the channels listed below.

• Official Website: airports.hawaii.gov/ogg
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (808) 872-3830
• Address: 1 Keolani Place, Kahului, HI 96732, USA
• Email: A separate email address for general inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the contact forms on the official website or contact by phone.
• Social Media: News and updates can be tracked on the Hawaii Department of Transportation pages on Facebook and X (Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: For items lost on the plane or delayed luggage, please contact your airline representative directly. If you lost an item within the terminal, contact the airport Lost and Found service at: +1 (808) 872-3421.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information and passenger assistance, you can use the main airport information phone number: +1 (808) 872-3830.

Getting to Kahului Airport (OGG), the main transport hub of Maui island in the USA, is quite simple thanks to its convenient location near the city of Kahului. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and plans for further exploration of the island. The trip from the city center takes only 10–15 minutes, however, travel time to popular resort areas such as Lahaina or Wailea will be significantly longer.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. Maui Bus routes (specifically No. 35 and No. 40) pass through the airport, connecting it to various parts of the island. The fare is just a few dollars. However, it is worth noting that buses have luggage size restrictions and may not run late at night, making them convenient primarily for travelers with a small amount of belongings.

Taxis, Shuttles, and Ridesharing offer a more comfortable way to reach your destination. Taxis are always available at the terminal exit, as well as popular services like Uber and Lyft. This is an excellent choice if you have a lot of luggage or arrive on a night flight. The cost of a trip to Wailea or Kihei resorts will be approximately $30–50, and to Kaanapali — about $70–90. Pre-booked shuttles are also popular and can be cheaper than a taxi if you are traveling alone or as a couple.

Car Rental is the most popular and practical way of getting around for most tourists on Maui. Having your own car gives you complete freedom to explore all the beauties of the island, from the famous Road to Hana to the volcanic landscapes of Haleakala. Offices of all major international and local rental companies are located at Kahului Airport. It is highly recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to guarantee availability and get the best price.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, convenient parking is provided. Both short-term and long-term parking zones with different rates are available, where you can safely leave the car during your absence.

Although Kahului Airport is the main point of arrival on the island, there are other, smaller airports on Maui and neighboring islands. For example, Kapalua Airport (JHM) serves the western part of Maui, while the secluded Hana Airport (HNM) accepts small regional flights. For travel between islands, you can also use flights from airports on Lanai (Lanai Airport) and Molokai (Molokai Airport), which are a short distance away by air.

Kahului Airport (OGG) differs from many other airports with its unique structure and atmosphere. In fact, it consists of one main terminal complex, which serves inter-island flights as well as international and domestic flights to the mainland USA. It is not a giant hub with many scattered buildings, which makes navigation through it quite simple and intuitive.

The layout of the airport in Kahului has a linear, elongated shape and a partially open design. The main zones — check-in, security screening, boarding gates, and baggage claim — are connected by long open-air corridors. In the center of the complex, there is a picturesque courtyard with tropical plants, creating a pleasant Hawaiian atmosphere immediately upon arrival. Transitions between most boarding gates are made on foot along this central walkway. No trains or buses are required to move between the main gates.

The arrival and baggage claim area is located on the ground floor. After exiting the plane, passengers follow the signs to the baggage claim belts, which are also located in a semi-open area. The departure zone is located on the second floor. Here you will find airline check-in counters and the central security checkpoint. After passing security, you enter a general "clean zone" from where there is access to all gates. Please note that for flights heading to the US mainland, agricultural baggage inspection is mandatory and is conducted even before checking in for the flight.

It is recommended to allocate at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight to complete check-in and security screening. During peak hours, especially in the tourist season, queues can be longer, so it is better to arrive with time to spare. For navigation, simply follow the signs — it is quite difficult to get lost here. Thanks to the linear layout, all gates are located sequentially. Main advice: enjoy the open architecture, which is unusual for an airport, but be prepared for Hawaiian humidity and warmth even inside the terminal.

The history of Kahului Airport (OGG) dates back to World War II. It was built by the United States Navy and officially commissioned in 1942 as Naval Air Station Kahului. Its main task was to serve as a base for pilot training and maintenance of military aircraft, playing an important role in the Pacific region.

After the end of the war, in 1947, the facility was transferred to the Territory of Hawaii, and its transition to civilian use began. Gradually, the airport became the main transport hub for the island of Maui, serving a growing flow of tourists and local residents. In the first decades, its infrastructure was modest, but with the development of tourism in Hawaii, there was an acute need for its expansion.

A key stage in the development of the airport was a large-scale reconstruction and the construction of a new terminal, which was completed in 1990. This modern complex was designed to serve both inter-island and international flights, which significantly increased capacity and the level of comfort for passengers. Since then, the airport has been modernized repeatedly to meet modern safety and service requirements.

One of the most interesting facts related to Kahului Airport is its IATA code — OGG. It was assigned in honor of a Kauai native, Captain Bertram "Jimmy" Hogg, one of the pioneers of Hawaiian Airlines. Captain Hogg made a huge contribution to the development of aviation in Hawaii, and the assignment of the code was a tribute to his merits. Today, OGG is the second busiest airport in the state of Hawaii, second only to Honolulu.

Kahului Airport (OGG) offers passengers a wide range of services to make their stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Before departure or while waiting for a connecting flight, you can have a snack in one of the cafes or restaurants, where both popular fast-food chains and establishments with local Hawaiian cuisine are represented. In the airport shops, you can buy everything from souvenirs and beachwear to basic necessities and famous Hawaiian coffee.

For those for whom staying connected is important, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal. If your device runs out of power, you will easily find charging stations for gadgets. Passengers wishing to relax in a quieter environment can use the services of premium lounges, where snacks, beverages, and a cozy atmosphere away from the main bustle are offered.

The airport provides all necessary financial services: you will find ATMs and currency exchange points. For passengers with reduced mobility, an accessible environment has been created, including ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms. Families with small children will appreciate the presence of nursing rooms where they can take care of their baby in a quiet setting. In case of illness, you can contact the first aid station.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport territory, many hotels of various price categories are located just a few minutes away by taxi or shuttle. Kahului Airport is largely oriented towards tourist flow, so dedicated business centers and conference halls are absent here. However, in the lounges and cafes, one can find sufficiently comfortable conditions for working with a laptop.

Kahului Airport (OGG) offers passengers various dining options, allowing for both a quick snack before departure and a full Hawaiian-style meal. Most establishments are located in the main area after passing security control, but there are a few options in the public part of the terminal as well.

Pre-Security (Landside): In the central lobby, accessible to all visitors, you will find several cafes and grab-and-go kiosks. This is a great place to have coffee, for example, at Starbucks, or pick up light snacks if you are seeing someone off or meeting them. The selection here is more limited but sufficient for a quick bite.

Post-Security (Airside): The main part of the restaurants and cafes is concentrated in the departure zone, near the gates. Here the choice is significantly wider:

• Full-Service Restaurants: For those who want to relax before their flight, establishments such as California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) and Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill are available. Here you can order pizza, salads, burgers, and signature beverages. This is an ideal option for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
• Cafes and Grills: At Stinger Ray's Tropical Bar & Grill, you can immerse yourself in the island atmosphere by ordering a tropical drink and local cuisine dishes. Also scattered throughout the terminal are small cafes offering sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.
• Fast Food: To save time, you can use the services of well-known chains, such as Burger King, which offer a standard menu.
• Dietary Requirements: While specific Halal-certified kitchens may not be standard, many venues offer vegetarian and seafood options. It is advisable to check with the staff regarding ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Be sure to try local cuisine dishes. Many restaurants in the airport include Hawaiian specialties in the menu, such as "plate lunch" (lunch with rice, macaroni salad, and a main dish, for example, teriyaki chicken) or fresh fish dishes. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the flavors of Maui one last time before departure.

For passengers with special dietary needs, most establishments will have vegetarian options, for example, salads or vegetable dishes. It is better to check with the staff of a specific restaurant regarding the availability of gluten-free or vegan items. Prices at the airport are typically higher than the average on the island. Most cafes and restaurants operate from early morning until the departure of the last evening flights, adjusting to the flight schedule.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Kahului city goes smoothly, take advantage of our tips. Planning is the key to a calm start or end to your vacation on Maui.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Kahului Airport (OGG) is a popular destination, so it can be crowded during the high season. We recommend arriving at least 2.5-3 hours before the departure of flights to the mainland USA. For flights between islands, 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight from your hotel.

Inspection Features: The main thing to know about departing from Hawaii is the mandatory agricultural inspection of luggage. Your suitcase must pass through a special scanner even before you approach the airline check-in counter. Only after this can you check in your luggage and proceed to the standard TSA security screening.

Carry-on Luggage: In addition to standard restrictions on liquids (no more than 100 ml per container), strictly follow the rules for exporting plants. Most fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers are prohibited from export without special inspection and certification. Make sure you haven't accidentally taken a mango from the local market with you — this can lead to trouble at control.

Seat Selection: When departing from Maui, try to get a window seat. The views of the coast, Haleakala volcano, and the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai are simply mesmerizing in good weather. This is a great way to say goodbye to the paradise islands.

Connecting Passengers: If you are flying in transit to another Hawaiian island, make sure you have enough time between flights. Terminals for inter-island and mainland flights may be located at some distance from each other. The airport itself has an open design, which makes waiting more pleasant.

Economy and Flight Delays: Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be quite high. Bring an empty water bottle with you to fill it after security screening, and your own snacks. In case of a flight delay, immediately contact your airline representative to find out about rebooking options and possible compensation (meals or hotel).