Support

Lanai Airport

About the Airport

Lanai Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Lanai Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the world of seclusion and tropical luxury of the "Pineapple Island". Unlike noisy international hubs, an atmosphere of relaxation reigns here: passengers are greeted not by the roar of crowds, but by a fresh ocean breeze freely circulating through the open areas of the terminal. This is perhaps the only airport where waiting for a flight resembles relaxing on the veranda of a country house rather than a standard departure procedure. Its compact size and lack of bustle tune travelers into the measured rhythm of life of this exclusive corner of Hawaii from the very first minutes.

IATA Code LNY
ICAO Code PHNY
City Lanai City
Distance to Centre About 6 km
Status Domestic (Regional)
Annual Passengers About 100,000
Schedule Check official resources

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The main feature of Lanai's air harbour is its unique architecture and openness. The terminal is designed to make the most of the island's mild climate: waiting areas are partially located in the open air, allowing you to enjoy the Hawaiian sun right up until boarding. There are no glass labyrinths or long walkways here; everything is within walking distance, making navigation intuitively clear even for those arriving here for the first time.

Another undeniable advantage is the absence of stress and queues. Thanks to the low passenger flow, check-in and security procedures are surprisingly quick and calm. The airport staff is known for their friendliness and true "Aloha" spirit, creating a sense of private service. This is especially appreciated by guests heading to the island's elite resorts, for whom comfort and privacy are paramount.

The convenient location of the airport allows you to reach Lanai City or the coast in just 10–20 minutes. Despite its modest size, the airport fully meets the needs of modern travelers, offering quick access to hotel shuttles and car rentals literally a few steps from the baggage claim area. This is the ideal place to begin your acquaintance with one of the most peaceful islands in the USA.

Contact Information

Below you will find the main contact information for Lanai Airport (LNY), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential issues.

  • Official Website: Current information on airport operations, flight schedules, and services can be found on the official Hawaii airports portal: airports.hawaii.gov/lny.
  • Information Desk Phone: For general inquiries and to contact the airport administration, you can use the number: (808) 565-6757.
  • Airport Address: Lanai Airport (LNY), Lanai City, HI 96763, USA.
  • Email: A separate email address for passengers is not provided. It is recommended to use contact forms on the official website or contact by phone.
  • Social Media: The small Lanai Airport does not have its own official pages on social networks.
  • Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to the loss or damage of checked baggage, you must contact the airline directly with which you flew. If you lost an item within the airport terminal, please contact the administration by phone.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: Support regarding booking, ticket changes, and flight check-in is provided by representatives of your airline at the counters in the airport or through their call centres.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Lanai Airport (LNY) from the centre of Lanai City is quite simple, as the island is small and the airport itself is located just a few kilometres away. A trip by car usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes. However, unlike major cities in the USA, the transport system on Lanai has its own peculiarities, and planning your trip in advance is the key to success.

The main method of transport for many tourists is hotel transfers and taxis. Public transport, such as city buses or a metro, is absent on the island. Most major hotels and resorts offer their guests shuttles to the airport, which can be either complimentary or paid. This is the most convenient and reliable option. There are also several taxi services operating on the island, but their number is limited. It is strongly recommended to book a taxi in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to avoid long waits. The cost of a taxi ride can be quite high due to limited competition.

Car rental is the most popular choice for travellers wishing to explore the island on their own. The car rental desk is located right at the airport, which is very convenient. It is important to remember that the fleet of vehicles on the island is small, so booking a car—especially if you need a 4x4 SUV for trips on dirt roads—should be done several weeks or even months before the trip. For simple movement between the airport, the city, and the hotel, a standard passenger car is sufficient.

If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is available for your use. It is located next to the terminal. Given the small size of the airport and the island, problems with finding a free space usually do not arise. Regardless of the chosen method, organising transport in advance will make your journey to Lanai Airport as comfortable as possible.

Terminals and Map

Lanai Airport (LNY) is a small and very compact airport serving the Hawaiian island of the same name. Its structure is as simple as possible, which makes staying here comfortable and eliminates the stress typical of large aviation hubs.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both arriving and departing flights. The terminal building is a single-story structure with elements of open architecture, allowing passengers to enjoy the warm island climate even while waiting for their flight. Since there is only one terminal, there is no issue of transferring between them—everything is within a few minutes' walk.

The airport layout is extremely simple. Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters are located. After checking in, passengers proceed to a small security screening area. The departure and arrival zones are located very close to each other. The waiting lounge near the boarding gates is small but cosy. The baggage claim area for arriving passengers is located in the same part of the building as the main services.

Passing through all formalities, including flight check-in and security screening, takes significantly less time here than in major airports. Usually, this takes no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport 60-90 minutes before departure to complete all procedures without rushing. Navigating the terminal is very easy due to its small size and clear signage, so getting lost here is practically impossible.

Airport History

The history of Lanai Airport (LNY) is closely intertwined with the unique economic transformation of the island itself. The airport was built in the 1930s on the initiative of James Dole, known as the "Pineapple King". Initially, it was a private landing strip intended for the needs of his vast pineapple plantation, which occupied almost the entire island. The strip was used for the rapid transport of company executives and, when necessary, urgent cargo between Lanai and other Hawaiian islands.

A key stage in the development of the airport arrived in 1947, when the facility was acquired by the authorities of the Territory of Hawaii and opened for public use. This turned it into a vital transport artery connecting the isolated island with the rest of the world. For the residents of Lanai City and the entire island, the airport became the main window to the outside world, providing passenger connections and the delivery of goods. For many decades, it functioned as a modest regional airport, serving primarily the local population and agricultural needs.

A new era in the history of Lanai Airport began at the end of the 20th century, when the island's economy began to reorient from pineapple cultivation to elite tourism. To match the island's new status as a luxury resort, infrastructure modernisation was required. In 1994, a new passenger terminal was built and opened. Its architecture was designed to harmonise with the relaxed and secluded atmosphere of the island. This update was a decisive step, allowing it to receive the growing flow of tourists heading to new fashionable hotels.

Today, Lanai Airport is one of the smallest commercial airports in the USA, possessing just one runway. It holds no records for passenger traffic or size, but its main achievement is its indispensable role in supporting the unique island economy. It is an excellent example of how a modest airfield, created for plantation needs, was able to evolve into a modern air gateway serving one of the most exclusive tourist destinations in the world.

Services and Facilities

Lanai Airport (LNY) is a small regional airport serving the island of Lanai in the state of Hawaii, USA. Given its compact dimensions, the range of services here is focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers before short domestic flights. In the terminal, you will find a modest café or snack bar where you can buy drinks and light snacks. There are no full-service restaurants or a wide selection of shops at the airport, so it is better to take care of buying souvenirs or having a substantial meal in advance in Lanai City.

The waiting area in the airport is shared by all passengers; separate VIP lounges are absent. For the convenience of travellers, charging points for electronic devices may be available, however, their number is limited. Information regarding the availability of free Wi-Fi may change, so one should not rely on it completely. Banking services, ATMs, and currency exchange points are not provided within the airport building. It is recommended to settle all financial matters before arriving at the airport.

The airport meets basic accessibility requirements for passengers with reduced mobility. Equipped restrooms are available, and airline staff are ready to provide necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking. Passengers requiring special assistance should notify their airline in advance. There are no specialised mother-and-child rooms or play areas for children. Emergency medical assistance is provided by airport staff, who will call the appropriate services if necessary.

There are no hotels, business centres, or conference halls on the territory of Lanai Airport. The nearest accommodation options, including the island's famous resorts, are located at some distance and require transfer by taxi or shuttle. All business and tourist services are concentrated in the city of Lanai City and at the island's major resorts.

Where to Eat

Lanai Airport (LNY) is a small regional airport, so dining options here are quite limited. Passengers flying from the island are recommended to plan their lunch or dinner in advance and not rely on a large selection of establishments within the terminal building.

The main and, essentially, the only place where you can have a snack is a small snack bar or café located in the main hall of the terminal before the security zone (landside). This establishment serves all airport visitors.

What to expect from the menu:

  • Quick snacks: The assortment mainly consists of packaged sandwiches, crisps, pastries, chocolate bars, and other snacks. This is a convenient option if you need to take something with you on the plane.
  • Beverages: Here you can buy bottled water, fizzy drinks, juices, and coffee.
  • Local dishes: Sometimes simple local dishes may be on the menu, for example, a "plate lunch", but their availability is not guaranteed.

Important information for travellers:

  • Opening hours: The café operates according to the flight schedule, opening shortly before the first departure and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.
  • Special diets: Finding vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes here is practically impossible. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you.
  • Price range: Prices, as in most airports, may be slightly higher than in the city.

Recommendation: If you wish to have a full meal, it is best to do so at one of the restaurants in Lanai City before travelling to the airport. The snack bar at the airport is excellent for buying a drink or a light snack before departure, but not for a substantial meal.

Travel Tips

Travelling through Lanai Airport (LNY) is an experience completely unlike the bustle of major hubs. It is a small and cosy airport, serving mainly flights to neighbouring Hawaiian islands. To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights from Lanai Airport, it is usually sufficient to arrive 60-90 minutes before departure. Registration and screening processes here are much faster than in large airports due to the smaller flow of passengers. Nevertheless, it is always better to check your airline's recommendations. Online check-in will help save time.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: Flights to/from Lanai are incredibly scenic. When checking in, ask for a window seat to enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, the island, and neighbouring Molokai and Maui. Regarding hand luggage, standard rules apply: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. Given the short duration of flights, you are unlikely to need many items.

Customs and Agricultural Control: Since Lanai Airport serves only domestic flights within the USA, standard customs control is absent here. However, when flying from the Hawaiian Islands to the mainland, all passengers are required to undergo agricultural screening. It is prohibited to take out most fresh fruits, plants, and vegetables. Ensure you are not carrying prohibited products to avoid fines.

Transfers and Saving Money: Lanai Airport is not a transit hub. If you have a connecting flight, it will be at a larger airport, for example, in Honolulu (HNL) or Kahului (OGG). Allow sufficient time for the connection. To save money, book tickets in advance, especially during the high season. Within the Lanai City airport itself, the selection of food and drinks is very limited, so you can bring snacks purchased before passing security control.

Flight Delays: In the event of a flight delay, keep in mind that amenities at the airport are minimal. There is a waiting lounge here, but no restaurants or large shops. Download films or books onto your devices and bring a portable charger. Monitor flight status updates via the airline's app and be prepared for the wait to take place in a rather simple setting.

Reached the end of the page?

That means the route is fully explored