Līhu‘e Airport passenger pickup changes, detours begin for $10.2M parking-lot improvements

The passenger pickup area fronting Baggage Claim A at Līhu‘e Airport was closed to private vehicles, ground transportation shuttles, taxis and rideshares beginning Feb. 18, with that initial closure expected to run through approximately June 15 as crews begin phased frontage work tied to a $10.2 million employee parking‑lot improvement project.

Beginning Monday, Feb. 23, temporary vehicle and pedestrian detours were put in place along Mokulele Loop and Ahukini Road and will remain through July 31. A portion of Mokulele Loop connecting to Ahukini Road will be closed and traffic will be detoured to Ahukini Road via the Mokulele Loop airport exit, HDOT said, and barricades will create a temporary pedestrian walkway to safely accommodate northbound and southbound foot traffic between the Main Terminal and the Cargo and Commuter Terminals.

The broader project converts an existing employee overflow gravel lot northeast of the main terminal into a 2.3‑acre paved lot with asphalt concrete paving, marked parking stalls, lighting, access control, security cameras, drainage and other related improvements. When completed the lot is expected to accommodate up to 347 employee vehicles, an increase of approximately 117 stalls over current capacity, according to Kauai Now’s project summary and HDOT notices.

Frontage construction at the two baggage claim areas will include replacing asphalt pavement, curbing, lane markings, signage and Americans with Disabilities Act enhancements. HDOT said the work will proceed in two phases: the initial closure of the pickup area fronting Baggage Claim A while pickups are handled at Baggage Claim B, followed by closure of the Baggage Claim B frontage and diversion of pickups to Baggage Claim A once the A work is completed. HDOT noted that "each phase will take approximately four months to complete."

Private vehicles, ground transportation shuttles, taxis and rideshares should plan to meet arriving passengers at the Baggage Claim B pickup areas during the initial phase, HDOT advised. Motorists routed around the closed Mokulele Loop segment should follow posted detour signage directing traffic to Ahukini Road via the Mokulele Loop airport exit, and pedestrians moving between terminals will be directed onto the barricade‑protected walkway along Mokulele Loop and Ahukini Road.

On safety and timing, HDOT emphasized standard cautions and community patience: "HDOT reminds motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution around the construction zones. HDOT appreciates the community’s patience and understanding while the work needed to improve Līhu‘e Airport is conducted." Travelers and airport employees seeking updates or maps for the baggage claim pickup shifts and detour routes are encouraged to consult the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation’s Līhu‘e Airport information page for the latest details.