Car Rental at Lihue Airport
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Cheapest car rental rates
Economy
Chevrolet Spark or similar
$47.71 per day
Compact
Ford Focus or similar
$48.40 per day
Intermediate
Toyota Corolla or similar
$54.55 per day
Standard
Volkswagen Jetta or similar
$71.61 per day
Most popular car rental deals
Full-size
Chevrolet Malibu or similar
$72.69 per day
Mini Van
Chrysler Pacifica or similar
$114.08 per day
Standard Elite SUV
Standard Elite (GMC Acadia) or similar
$122.08 per day
Premium SUV
Chevrolet Tahoe or similar
$1,299.88 per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 2:48 AM on 4/23/25. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Special offers
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Travel information
Languages
English, Filipino, Japanese
Currency
USD
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+1
Average car rental price
$229 per day
Average car rental length
6 days
Speed limit within town
40 km/h or 25 mph
Speed limit out of town
72 - 96 km/h or 45 - 60 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Average gas price
$1.37 per liter or $5.19 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.34 per liter or $5.07 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.40 per liter or $5.30 per gallon
Airport travel guide
Lihue Airport is the main airport for the island of Kauai, which is the northernmost island of the state of Hawaii. The majority of its flights are to and from Honolulu, the capital of the state where most from the mainland and abroad arrive in the state.
The island of Kauai is the fourth-most visited island of Hawaii. It is known as the “Garden Island” as it is full of lush vegetation and tropical plants due to the large amount of rainfall the island receives. The island also has the longest sandy coastline of the islands. Much less crowded than some of the other islands, Kauai is certainly worth exploring and a with a rental car is by far the best way to do so.
Most travelers will transit through Honolulu to reach Kauai. Since there are no ferries from the island of Oahu, travelers must arrive by air and Lihue airport is where they are most likely to land. Rental cars are available at the airport and are all but completely necessary for travelers.
Though Hawaii’s main gateway from the mainland U.S. is Honolulu International, there are a number of direct flights from the mainland to Kauai’s Lihue Airport.
Lihue Airport is also the place where the famous doors off helicopter rides on Kauai depart from. There is also a helipad servicing the entire island at this airport.
Top international routes
- Vancouver (seasonal)
Main airlines
The largest airline by number of passengers is Hawaiian Airlines which serves routes between Lihue and Honolulu, Kahului, Kona, Oakland, and Los Angeles. American, Delta, Alaska, and United are the other major airlines located at the airport together serving mainland destinations including Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Phoenix, Denver, and San Jose. Westjet also has a seasonal route (November through April) from Vancouver.
Terminals
There is only one terminal in Lihue Airport which is called the Kawakami Terminal. It has eight gates, each of which is usually, but not always, dedicated to certain airlines. Arrivals and departures both take place on the ground level of the terminal. The only security checkpoint is right in the center of the check-in desks.
Location
Lihue Airport is located directly on the coast about two miles east of the downtown area, if you can call it that, of Lihue, which is itself located on the southeastern coast of the island of Kauai. From Lihue, the main roads of the island run to the south and west side as well as the east and north side. A loop around the island is unfortunately not possible due to the lack of roads at Na Pali.
Most popular types of rental car
- Convertibles - from $75 per day
- Large cars - from $50 per day
- Medium cars - from $49 per day
- Vans - from $108 per day
- Premium cars - from $165 per day
- Small cars - from $48 per day
- SUVs - from $55 per day
Car rental desks
All car rental companies serving Lihue Airport have desks located at the airport. These desks can be found across the street from the center of the terminal.
Europcar partners with Advantage to serve all of its U.S. rentals. Therefore, if renting a car with Europcar, you should proceed to the Advantage desk.
Europcar partners with Advantage to serve all of its U.S. rentals. Therefore, if renting a car with Europcar, you should proceed to the Advantage desk.
Services and facilities
Note that passengers are not allowed to take any fruits (as well as plants, snails, and other agricultural items) from the islands back to the mainland. All baggage, both checked and carry-on are inspected prior to departure. The inspection stations are located at the check-in counters and the security checkpoints. Unfortunately, it won’t be possible to savor your last island fruit while waiting for your flight.
Though the unimaginative pun for it may have long ago lost its humor, lei greeting is still a popular, culturally relevant tradition in Hawaii. Visitors can organize, or someone can organize for them, a lei greeting service to welcome them to the islands. Alternatively, there is one flower shop in the airport building where travelers can purchase leis but it is located past security. Sometimes a cart sells them in the baggage claim area. There is only one lounge in the airport. It is a Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club and is located across from Gate 5.
The closest hotels to the airport are Motel Lani and Kauai Palms Hotel, both located about a mile south of it near Rice Stree. No shuttle is offered, though. More hotels are located south near the beach of Kalapaki.
As the airport is quite small, there is not an overly large selection when it comes to dining and shopping. In the area of the gates, there is only one food kiosk and no shops. In the area near the check-in desk (but past the security checkpoints) there are two bars serving food, a cafe, and a Starbucks.
Visitor Information centers are located in both baggage claim areas. Both provide information about the airport and the island and can assist you with any questions you may have.
Though the unimaginative pun for it may have long ago lost its humor, lei greeting is still a popular, culturally relevant tradition in Hawaii. Visitors can organize, or someone can organize for them, a lei greeting service to welcome them to the islands. Alternatively, there is one flower shop in the airport building where travelers can purchase leis but it is located past security. Sometimes a cart sells them in the baggage claim area. There is only one lounge in the airport. It is a Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club and is located across from Gate 5.
The closest hotels to the airport are Motel Lani and Kauai Palms Hotel, both located about a mile south of it near Rice Stree. No shuttle is offered, though. More hotels are located south near the beach of Kalapaki.
As the airport is quite small, there is not an overly large selection when it comes to dining and shopping. In the area of the gates, there is only one food kiosk and no shops. In the area near the check-in desk (but past the security checkpoints) there are two bars serving food, a cafe, and a Starbucks.
Visitor Information centers are located in both baggage claim areas. Both provide information about the airport and the island and can assist you with any questions you may have.
Nearest gas station
A cluster of stations south of the intersection of Ahukini Road and Kuhio Highway are the closest stations to the airport. They are 76, Shell, and Texaco stations. The prices of gas at all three are competitive and similar to that which you will find on the rest of the island (though, it should be noted that the average price on all Hawaiian islands is higher than on the mainland).
Fact checked by
Next is Hawaii
Next is Hawaii is a Hawaiian islands travel blog that focuses on planning a trip to one of the world's most coveted travel destinations. The team consists of Hawaii enthusiasts that have lived there and traveled there and is keen to deliver all the best travel tips to make your vacation as dreamy as it should be.
Airport info
Lihue Airport (LIH)
- IATA: LIH
- ICAO: PHLI
- Name: Lihue Airport (LIH)
- Distance from city: 2 miles / 3.2 km
Top 7 locations near Lihue Airport
-
163.6 km / 101.7 miles away
-
174.3 km / 108.3 miles away
-
249.3 km / 154.9 miles away
-
298 km / 185.2 miles away
-
324 km / 201.3 miles away
-
423 km / 262.8 miles away
-
511.5 km / 317.8 miles away
Map of car rental locations
When are car rental prices the lowest at Lihue Airport?
The cost of renting a car at Lihue Airport varies by season. The table and graph below can help you find the best time of year to save on a rental car.
Average rental costs per day at Lihue Airport
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car at Lihue Airport is March — when rental costs average $41.04 per day. This is 28% cheaper than the yearly average and 44% cheaper than renting a car in July (when prices average $73.46 per day).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
For how long do renters keep their vehicles at Lihue Airport?
How long travelers keep their rental cars varies by the time of year: in February the average rental period is 11 days, while in January, the average rental period is only 6 days.
Average number of rental days at Lihue Airport
What is the most popular time of year to rent a car at Lihue Airport?
Based on how many users search for a car in at Lihue Airport, travelers are most likely to rent a car in March, while they are least likely to rent in in December.
Monthly searches at Lihue Airport by pick-up date relative to the average
Car rental information
| Popular suppliers | Dollar, Thrifty, Alamo, NUCarrentals, Enterprise |
| Popular car categories | Large cars, SUVs, Medium cars, Vans |
| Lowest price | $48 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Thrifty |
Most popular car models of rental suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dollar | Honda CR-V | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
| Dollar | Volkswagen Jetta | 2 | 2 | Large cars |
| Thrifty | Volkswagen Jetta | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Thrifty | Nissan Rogue | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
| Dollar | Volkswagen Jetta | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Thrifty | Mazda 3 | 5 | 3 | Large cars |
| Dollar | Nissan Rogue | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
| Dollar | Honda Civic | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Dollar | Jeep Renegade | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Thrifty | Chevrolet Equinox | 4 | 3 | SUVs |
Our customers' reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
OP
Spain
Toyota RAV4
9/28/24
The landscapes of Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, the north beaches and Poipu Beach to see the turtles, helicopter and food trucks. Very nice!
JS
Poland
Chevrolet Malibu
7/17/24 
DR
United States of America (USA)
Nissan Rogue
6/20/24
Beautiful islands!
FB
United States of America (USA)
Chevrolet Equinox
8/31/23
Restaurants and sight seein was great.
Car rental statistics
Highest-rated company
Alamo
8.8 / 10
Lowest-rated company
Thrifty
7.3 / 10
Total number of reviews
4
Total rental companies
12
Average daily price
$230.76
Lowest daily price
$48.11
Total cars available
244
Top 12 suppliers at Lihue Airport in 2025
8449141551
3276 HOOLIMALIMA PL,
$55 - $168
Working hours
Mon:
05:15 - 22:45
Tue:
05:15 - 22:45
Wed:
05:15 - 22:45
Thu:
05:15 - 22:45
Fri:
05:15 - 22:45
Sat:
05:15 - 22:45
Sun:
05:15 - 22:45
SIXT
+18887498227
3156 Oihana Street
$90 - $392
Working hours
Mon:
07:00 - 22:30
Tue:
07:00 - 22:30
Wed:
07:00 - 22:30
Thu:
07:00 - 22:30
Fri:
07:00 - 22:30
Sat:
07:00 - 22:30
Sun:
07:00 - 22:30
8082453652
3250 Hoolimalima Place
$48 - $221
Working hours
Mon:
05:00 - 23:00
Tue:
05:00 - 23:00
Wed:
05:00 - 23:00
Thu:
05:00 - 23:00
Fri:
05:00 - 23:00
Sat:
05:00 - 23:00
Sun:
05:00 - 23:00
+18082460204 / +18449141553
3073 Aukele St, Lihue, HI 96766
$56 - $146
Working hours
Mon:
05:15 - 22:45
Tue:
05:15 - 22:45
Wed:
05:15 - 22:45
Thu:
05:15 - 22:45
Fri:
05:15 - 22:45
Sat:
05:15 - 22:45
Sun:
05:15 - 22:45
Hertz
+18082453356
3250 Hoolimalima Pl, Lihue, HI 96766, United States
$56 - $146
Working hours
Mon:
05:00 - 23:00
Tue:
05:00 - 23:00
Wed:
05:00 - 23:00
Thu:
05:00 - 23:00
Fri:
05:00 - 23:00
Sat:
05:00 - 23:00
Sun:
05:00 - 23:00
National
+18082455638 / +18449141552
3276 HOOLIMALIMA PL, Lihue
$57 - $162
Working hours
Mon:
05:15 - 22:45
Tue:
05:15 - 22:45
Wed:
05:15 - 22:45
Thu:
05:15 - 22:45
Fri:
05:15 - 22:45
Sat:
05:15 - 22:45
Sun:
05:15 - 22:45
Avis
+18082457995
If flying in, the rental counter is within the terminal with a shuttle to the car lot.
$57 - $95
Working hours
Mon:
05:00 - 23:00
Tue:
05:00 - 23:00
Wed:
05:00 - 23:00
Thu:
05:00 - 23:00
Fri:
05:00 - 23:00
Sat:
05:00 - 23:00
Sun:
05:00 - 23:00
Payless
8082459395
3285 Hoolimalima Place
$57 - $95
Working hours
Mon:
06:00 - 23:00
Tue:
06:00 - 23:00
Wed:
06:00 - 23:00
Thu:
06:00 - 23:00
Fri:
06:00 - 23:00
Sat:
06:00 - 23:00
Sun:
06:00 - 23:00
Budget
+18082459031
3285 Hoolimalima Place
$55 - $155
Working hours
Mon:
05:00 - 23:00
Tue:
05:00 - 23:00
Wed:
05:00 - 23:00
Thu:
05:00 - 23:00
Fri:
05:00 - 23:00
Sat:
05:00 - 23:00
Sun:
05:00 - 23:00
Advantage
8007775500
3273 Hoolimalima Place
$55 - $155
Working hours
Mon:
06:00 - 22:00
Tue:
06:00 - 22:00
Wed:
06:00 - 22:00
Thu:
06:00 - 22:00
Fri:
06:00 - 22:00
Sat:
06:00 - 22:00
Sun:
06:00 - 22:00
NUCarrentals
+18084604646
4302 Rice St.
$89 - $1,300
Working hours
Mon:
08:00 - 18:00
Tue:
08:00 - 18:00
Wed:
08:00 - 18:00
Thu:
08:00 - 18:00
Fri:
08:00 - 18:00
Sat:
08:00 - 18:00
Sun:
08:00 - 18:00
+18082453652
3250 Hoolimalima Pl, Lihue, HI 96766, United States
$48 - $245
Working hours
Mon:
05:00 - 23:00
Tue:
05:00 - 23:00
Wed:
05:00 - 23:00
Thu:
05:00 - 23:00
Fri:
05:00 - 23:00
Sat:
05:00 - 23:00
Sun:
05:00 - 23:00
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2023
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2023
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Trustpilot - Top 10 Car Rental Agencies
SimilarWeb - Top 50 Car Rental Websites
Highly recommended by our customers
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