Kahului Airport (OGG)

Ticket Counters at OGG

In a nutshell: It is a small airport, likely refreshingly uncrowded, relatively quick & easy, and likely the only one you’ll need on Maui.
Minuses: It is an airport.
Sound-bite: “Please remove your shoes.”

DETAILS:
Kahului International Airport (OGG) is the main airport for Maui, and unless you have some significantly unusually compelling reason, it is where you should fly in no matter where you stay. OGG is a very small airport, with just two runways, and limited flights. It is an open-air building design, that greets arrivals with the sweet Hawaiian air as soon as you exit your plane. Many people comment upon their first impression of Maui being that of deplaning into the luscious atmosphere of Maui.

There are two other very small commuter airports on Maui, and you probably should not use them. It usually costs a fortune to fly into them, they have very limited (and more expensive) rental car options, and only accommodate small aircraft (read: you’ll have to connect at another Hawaiian airport – like Kahului, or Honolulu.) Even if you are staying very close to the Ka’anapali or Hana airport, under practically all circumstances, it is far less convenient to fly into them, and is reserved for specific needs. (Oprah, I know you’re all like “what the hell is this guy talking about, it’s much more direct for my private jet to land in Hana a few miles from the ranch!” and I just want to say, you fall into the “reserved for specific needs” category!)

Anyway, Kahului airport (just like the rest of Maui) is mellower than mainland counterparts. We still have TSA and all the security procedures. What we don’t have is obscenely long lines. Parking is also very convenient. Just to give you an idea of how quickly you can process through the airport, when I fly alone (read: no kids) I will arrive at the airport an hour before my flight, and almost always be waiting for about 45 minutes of it at the gate. It would take unusual circumstances for you to be much more than a half an hour from curb to gate.

Also, when flying back to the mainland, you should note that agricultural products which were not produced and certified pest free by State approved vendors are prohibited, and your luggage will go through x-ray and hand inspection specifically for agricultural products before exiting the state.

Key Info:
Location: End of Hwy 380
GPS Coordinates: 20.893351,-156.437491
Facilities: International Airport although shopping & food options are minimal.
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