State DOT Opens Cell Phone Waiting Areas at Hilo International, Lihue And Kahului Airports

New cell phone waiting areas have been opened at the Hilo International, Lihue and Kahului Airports on the Big Island, Kauai and Maui, respectively, to allow motorists to park and wait for passengers on arriving flights.

These waiting areas are similar to one at the Honolulu International Airport and at some Mainland airports that provide a place for motorists to temporarily park, free of charge, while they wait for a cell phone call from arriving passengers.

Lihue Airport  (click here for location map)

Waiting area is located curbside along Ho`olimalima Place, next to the car rental facilities, just a few minutes away from the airport.  This area will be available for use from 5 a.m. to close of business daily.  An electronic message sign will be posted during the first week of service to provide directions to the waiting area.

Hilo International Airport  (click here for location map)

Waiting area is located at the Commuter Air Terminal (CAT), west of the passenger main terminal, just a few minutes away from the airport terminal.  This area will be available for use from 5 a.m. to close of business daily.

Kahului Airport  (click here for location map)

Waiting area is located curbside along Hemaloa Street, next to the UPS cargo facilities, just a few minutes away from the airport terminal.  The lot will be open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and users will be allowed to wait up to an hour on the property.

Airport officials believe the waiting areas will make it more convenient to pick up arriving passengers and will help to reduce traffic congestion fronting baggage claim areas.  It will also eliminate the need for motorists to drive around the airport while waiting for arriving passengers.  At each of these locations, unattended vehicles will be cited and/or towed and commercial vehicles will not be allowed to park.