Kahului Airport (OGG) is the second-busiest airport in Hawaiʻi. It handles both inter-island and mainland U.S. flights, as well as limited international services.
The airport sits on the northern edge of Maui’s central isthmus, about 3 miles (~5 km) east of the town of Kahului. If you are coming to Maui from an airport that doesn’t have direct flights to OGG, you will have to change planes in a major airport in the contiguous USA or in Honolulu. The flight from Honolulu to Kahului is just 30 minutes.
In a normal year, Kahului Airport handles around 7-9 million passengers.
Major Airlines - Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele Airlines,
The dominant carrier at OGG is Hawaiian Airlines, serving both inter-island hops and mainland U.S. routes. It captures nearly 50% of the market share at the airport, operating more than 1000 flights monthly to around 12 destinations.
Other major U.S. carriers include Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, along with the Canadian carrier WestJet. Air Canada also operates a seasonal route to Vancouver.
Mokulele Airlines is a notable regional airline linking Kahului to other Hawaiian airports, namely Hana, Kona, Lanai, Molokai, and Waimea.
Routes between islands are very frequent. Flights to the contiguous USA and Alaska follow the airlines’ schedules. The top destinations include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Las Vegas.
See more information about the airlines operating at OGG.
Terminal Layout and Gates
OGG features a primary “Overseas Terminal” (serving mainland and some international flights) and a smaller “Commuter Terminal” dedicated to inter-island flights and occupied solely by Mokulele Airlines.
The main terminal (the one for overseas flights) is divided into a south area (Gates 1-16) and a north area (Gates 17-39). Level 1 is dedicated to check-ins and baggage claim, whereas the gates, passenger services, restaurants, and other amenities are on Level 2.
The south area is geared more toward mainland/overseas flights, while the north handles inter-island plus some overseas.
Some wide-body aircraft (for mainland U.S.) can land at the runway, but its length is limited, so ultra-large jets cannot use it.
The Commuter Terminal is about 500 feet (~150 meters) from the main one. An outdoor pedestrian walkway connects the two. Note that the Commuter Terminal has very few facilities and no places to eat or drink after Security.
WiFi and other services
Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal area, but it may be patchy and unreliable.
Internet-connected computers are available for rent on the second level of the terminal building, located in several areas: near Gates 9, 15, 21B, 33, and near the Hawaiian Airlines holding area. The cost is $0.20 per minute.
The airport also offers visitor information desks (open 7:45 AM to 9:45 PM)
The Lost and Found desk is located on the ground level, outside the baggage claim area, in the Pass and ID Office. It’s open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, between 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
You can find banking services and ATMs in the Ticket Lobby, Baggage Claim, and in the Rotunda on the second floor.
Rent a baggage cart near the baggage claim or the ticket lobby areas.
Lounges at OGG Airport
OGG has 2 lounges, both operated by Hawaiian Airlines:
Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club: Across from Gate 15. Open daily from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club: Across from Gate 17. Open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
Both lounges are accessible to eligible members or via certain passes and accept Priority Pass.
Dining Options at Kahului Airport
The airport offers around 10 dining outlets, a mix of cafés, bars, quick-service, and sit-down dining.
The “Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill” is an island-inspired sit-down restaurant serving classic American fare and some unique island recipes, including Cabo Wabo Ceviche, Beach Salad, Ahi Tuna Burger, and Crispy Pescado Mahi Mahi. It’s located in the Central Building of the main terminal.
In the north gates area (Gates 17-27), you can visit Stinger Ray’s Tropical Bar & Grill and enjoy island-inspired cocktails and a tropical menu. It’s located at Gate 23 and is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
For quicker dining, you can check out:
California Pizza Kitchen: in the Central Building of the main terminal. Open 8 AM until 10 PM.
Frankly Gourmet: offers sandwiches, hot dogs, and daily specials. Open 10 AM until 9 PM. Also in the Central Building.
The Old Plantation Store: Offers prepackaged sandwiches and salads, chips, cookies, and drinks. Located in the North Gates area. Open 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Kanaha Beer Kiosk: Offers grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and fruit cups, plus alcoholic drinks. It’s in the area of Gates 29-39 and is open to match flight times.
Maui Snack Bar: The only option near Gates 1-15. Offers grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, fruit cups, yogurt parfaits, hot dogs, and alcoholic drinks.
If you’d like something familiar, there is a Starbucks in the baggage claim area and a Burger King in the Central Building.
Transport to and from the airport
By car, the airport is reachable via the Hana Highway or Kuihelani Highway, depending on where you stay on Maui.
For public transit, the Maui Bus routes #35 and #40 serve the airport area. Both have a frequency of one departure every 90 minutes:
Upcountry Islander Route 40: 6:00 AM to 10:11 PM.
Haiku Islander Route 35: 5:30 PM to 9:40 PM.
Both buses stop at marked locations in front of the terminal. They have a luggage policy of one medium-sized suitcase, duffle bag, or carry-on bag, no larger than 22/14/9 inches, which must fit under the seat, allowed per passenger.
Another transport option is the Maui Airport Shuttle Service, which offers one-way and round-trip services between Kahului Airport and many hotels and resorts in Maui, throughout Honokawai, Ka’anapali, Kahana, Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina, Makena, Napili, and Wailea. No reservations are necessary, although the counter is only open between 9 AM and 9 PM.
Taxis are available in front of the baggage claim area. The fixed metered rate is $3.00 per mile. That makes the ride to Kahului town cost around $13.
Rideshare rides like Uber and Lyft also operate to and from Kahului Airport. The pick-up location is between baggage claim and the rental car counters, at the north end of the airport.
Pre-arranged ground transportation is possible, too. For private shuttle information, click here.
Lastly, car rentals are plentiful and located at the airport, with many major companies present. The car rental center is southwest of the main terminal, connected via a tram. The tram stop is on the other side of the terminal roadway. Companies present include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt, and Thrifty.
Parking at OGG
Parking at OGG is possible at the large surface lot directly in front of the terminal. It features automatic ticket dispensers and is suitable for both short-term and longer-term parking.
It has a grace period of 15 minutes with a charge of $2-3 per half hour after that. The daily maximum is $24. Cash and cards are both accepted.
The Cell-Phone Waiting Lot allows you to wait for arriving passengers for free for up to one hour. It is located at 901 Palapala Drive.
Hotels near Kahului Airport
While the terminal does not have a hotel directly connected inside the building, there are numerous lodging options in the town of Kahului and the surrounding resort areas.
The nearest hotel to the airport is Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport, located about 1.5 miles away. It offers free shuttle service to and from the terminal.
Several beach hotels and resorts are also quite close. These include Maui Seaside Hotel and Maui Beach Hotel, both less than 3 miles away.
Staying in Kahului or Wailuku, a 10-15 minute drive away from the airport, is also convenient. For resort stays, you may stay in Kihei or Wailea (30-60 minutes away) and plan your transfer accordingly.
Kahului, HI, USA
