Kapalua Airport (JHM)

Kapalua Airport is a small airport served by commuter planes and air taxi services only. The airport is situated in West Maui, 9 miles northwest of the town of Lahaina in Maui County. Island Air operates commuter services to and from other Hawaiian islands. Kapalua Airport plays host to over 40,000 visitors a year and is managed by the Maui Airport District. If you decide to stay in West Maui, Kapalua Airport is a convenient option as compared to Kahului Airport. The airport was built by Hawaiian Airlines in 1987 and inaugurated by the president of the airline, John Henry Magoon, which is how the airport got its designator, JHM.

Getting to the airport

Kapalua Airport features a single runway with terminal facilities. Flights are restricted to daytime hours only. The airport was formerly a privately owned facility. Expansions are not permitted in order to preserve the Kapalua community and prevent commercialization of the area. Honoapiilani Highway (HI-30) is the main route to the airport. From Lahaina drive north along the highway towards Kaanapali and turn right on Akalele Street, which leads to the airport. To reach the airport from Kaanapali, take the highway north towards Kahana and turn right approximately 3.5 miles ahead onto Akalele Street. There are signs that guide motorists to the airport.

Getting around the airport

Apart from Island Air that offers services to and from Honolulu and Molokai, Mokulele Airlines also ferries passengers to and from Honolulu. Ticketing and check-in counters are located at the terminal. Passengers have access to a baggage claim area also situated in the same area. Kapalua Airport offers public parking facilities. There is no free parking zone. The rate for the first half hour is $1 and $2 for each additional hour up to a maximum of $10 for 24 hours. Monthly parking options from $160 are also available.

Transport and other amenities

Kapalua Airport is only accessible by car or taxi. There is no public transport facility to and from the airport. Several car rental companies offer their services although none operate directly out of the airport. However, many have limited hours of operation, which might not suit your flight timings. Most resorts offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport. Other amenities include a snack bar, lounge, newsstand, a gift shop, and vending machines for drinks and newspapers. JTB Hawaii, a subsidiary of JTB Corporation, a Japanese travel agency, has a customer service outlet in the lobby at Kapalua Airport.