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Lihue Today
By the People, for the People
Lihue Airport Undergoes Major Renovations Through 2026
Curbside pickup locations have shifted, and a road closure begins next week, disrupting the usual smooth arrival experience.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Lihue Airport on the island of Kauai is undergoing a multi-year construction project that will bring significant changes to the airport's layout and traffic flow. Starting today, the Baggage Claim A curb is closed to all vehicles, forcing all pickups to be funneled to Baggage Claim B. Additionally, a portion of Mokulele Loop that connects to Ahukini Road will be closed from February 23 through July 31, requiring a detour. These changes are part of a broader effort to resurface pavement, update curbing and lane markings, and improve ADA accessibility, but they will likely cause congestion and confusion for arriving passengers and their rides.
Why it matters
Lihue Airport is a relatively small and easy-to-navigate facility, but the combination of rising passenger numbers and the phased construction project is expected to significantly impact the arrival and departure experience. Passengers and those picking them up will need to be aware of the changes to avoid getting caught in traffic or going to the wrong pickup location.
The details
The changes at Lihue Airport will be rolled out in phases over the next several years. The first phase, which starts today, closes the Baggage Claim A curb to all vehicles, forcing all pickups to be directed to Baggage Claim B. This arrangement is expected to last through mid-June. After that, the setup will reverse, with Baggage Claim B closing and all pickups shifting back to Claim A for another four months. Additionally, a portion of Mokulele Loop that connects to Ahukini Road will be closed from February 23 through July 31, requiring a detour. The construction project also includes pavement resurfacing, new curbing, fresh lane markings, updated signage, and ADA accessibility upgrades.
- Starting today, the Baggage Claim A curb is closed to all vehicles.
- The first phase with Baggage Claim B as the sole pickup location is expected to run through about June 15.
- After mid-June, the arrangement will reverse, with Baggage Claim A as the sole pickup location for the next four months.
- Beginning February 23 and running through July 31, a portion of Mokulele Loop that connects to Ahukini Road will be closed.
- The overall construction project is expected to continue through summer 2026.
The players
Lihue Airport
The main airport serving the island of Kauai in Hawaii, known for its relatively small size and easy-to-navigate layout.
Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT)
The state agency overseeing the construction and infrastructure improvements at Lihue Airport.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This construction project at Lihue Airport highlights the challenges of balancing infrastructure upgrades with the need to maintain a smooth travel experience, especially at a smaller airport that has seen significant passenger growth. Travelers to Kauai in the coming years will need to be vigilant about checking for updates on the changing traffic patterns and pickup locations to avoid delays and confusion.
