The Main Airports in Hawaii for Spotters

The 51^st state, occupying a line of islands strung out half way across the Pacific Ocean, is a paradise destination and a playground for many Americans and people living in the Far East thanks to the weather and scenery.

Hawaii’s situation, spread across a number of main islands, has necessitated the use of air travel to conveniently link communities with each other, and also with the mainland United States.

This has allowed trade, supply of good, and of course tourism.

Today there are around 30 airports, airfields and military fields spread across the Hawaiian Islands. Some are small private strips, whilst others are large commercial hubs and military supply bases.

Here we look at the main airports in Hawaii from an enthusiast’s perspective:

Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International

HNL | PHNL

All Nippon Airways fly their A380s almost exclusively to Honolulu. Photo (c) Frank Kovalchek

Honolulu is the busiest and largest airport in Hawaii. It is  home to the commuter carriers based in Hawaii, and has a healthy inter-island commuter and cargo network. Naturally Hawaiian Airlines is the principal operator, along with carriers such as Alaska Airlines, Aloha Air Cargo, Delta, Japan Airlines, Mokulele Airlines and United. Some other interesting carriers include Air Asia X, China Airlines, Fiji Airways, Jin Air, Korean Air, Qantas and Scoot.

Honolulu International shares its runways with Hickam Air Force Base, situated to the west. It is home to various Air National Guard and other operational wings. Of interest will be based transport and refuelling aircraft, although you can’t get close to see them on the ground, only when using the runways.

A US Air Force KC-135 departing the runways shared between Honolulu International at Hickam Air Force Base. Photo (c) Frank Kovalchek

The airport has four main runways, with a couple of water runways. Most departures use the Reef Runway, 08R/26L, and pass close to the city and Waikiki Beach after departure. For passengers, once through security there are open walkways looking out over the aprons in a few places, which are good for photographs and spotting.

One of the few places around the world that you can still see the Short 360. Photo (c) Frank Kovalchek

The best place for spotting aircraft at Honolulu is undoubtedly Lagoon Dr. This road runs past the end of runways 22L/R and 26R. It is also good for observing (and photographing) departures on runway 08R. Beware, however, that the police have been known to turn people away from this road. To reach the spot, drive along Aolele St from the airport access road, then turn right onto Lagoon Dr.

Hilo International Airport

ITO | PHTO

A moderately busy airport on the Big Island of Hawaii. The airport has one main runway, and a smaller cross runway to the west. The small passenger terminal is on the south side, with other facilities to the west. The airport is served by inter-island traffic, plus United Airlines and some cargo and executive aircraft.

The best spotting location is at the corner of Kamehameha Ave and Silver St just north of where the two runways intersect. You can park by the side of the road.

Kahului Airport

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Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Maui’s main airport, serving the large number of tourists visiting here from the United States and Canada. The airport’s link with Honolulu is also the busiest inter-island route in Hawaii.

The airport is just to the east of the city and has two runways. The long passenger terminal is between the runways on the western side, with a smaller commuter terminal just to the north. Parking for executive and light aircraft, plus a busy base for helicopter operations, is on the opposite, eastern side of the airport.

The parking lot for this helicopter area is one of the only good spotting locations at Kahului. Just before reaching the passenger terminal, turn right along Kala Rd, which heads around the southern end of the airport. Turn left towards the helicopter companies and park so as not to obstruct customer or employee parking, then you can walk towards the fence for views of aircraft approaching the main runway 02.

Kailua-Kona Airport

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Aloha Cargo 737. Photo (c) Frank Kovalchek

The main airport on the Big Island of Hawaii. It handles mostly inter-island traffic and flights to mainland United States, plus some flights to Canada and Japan. Cargo carriers such as Aloha, Kalitta Air and UPS Airlines also serve the airport, and it is popular for corporate jets.

Kona has a single north-south runway, with two passenger terminals, cargo facilities and biz jet parking all on the eastern side.

From the terminals, head south on Uu St, which leads to the commuter and cargo areas. You can see many aircraft through the fence.

Another good spot is Wawaloli Beach Park on the coast to the south-west of the airport, accessed along Makako Bay Dr. It has parking and great views of aircraft approaching from the south on runway 35.

Kalaeloa Airport/Barbers Point

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399scout, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Originally the Barbers Point Naval Air Station, this airfield has now become a joint civil-military base, with general aviation traffic flying alongside Coast Guard operations.

The airport is located too close to Honolulu International to become a major passenger airport.

Whilst no scheduled services fly in at the moment, the airport is worth checking in as you can often see Coast Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft, as well as some other military types, some stored and preserved aircraft (including a former ATI Douglas DC-8), and general aviation types. Visits can be arranged in advance.

If you drive or walk along Midway St behind the main hangars, you’ll see various parts of the main apron and can identify any aircraft parked up. Beware photography may be frowned upon due to the site still having a military presence.

Lihue Airport

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Serving the island of Kauai in the western part of the Hawaiian islands.

The airport is fairly busy, served mostly by flights from other islands, and also direct services from the mainland. Airlines include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines and WestJet. Alongside the passenger terminal there’s also a dedicated cargo terminal and area for visiting corporate and light aircraft.

Most aircraft land on runway 35, and depart from 03. If you have a car, it’s possible to drive along Ninini Point St from the main airport access road, passing the Kauai Lagoons Marina and golf course. It eventually leads to the end of runway 35, for views of arriving traffic.

Molokai Airport

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A small airport on the island of Molokai, served primarily by inter-island commuter flights using turboprop aircraft, as well as local general aviation flights. All aircraft on the ground and runway movements can be seen from the car park outside the passenger terminal.

Have you been plane spotting in Hawaii? Where would you recommend spotting at?

Title image: Robert Linsdell, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons