During World War II, the Marine Corps built a small airstrip near Kamuela, Hawaii, consisting of a graded and oiled strip 3,000-feet long on land belonging to Parker Ranch.  It was designed for use by liaison aircraft in connection with their training operations on Hawaii.  This facility was known as Bordelon Field.

In order to provide air service to the Waimea district after the war, the area on which this airstrip was situated was leased from Parker Ranch by the Hawaii Aeronautics Commission.

Service to Kameula was supplied by a number of non-scheduled operators. The first freight service fully demonstrated the economic feasibilty of an airport at Waimea.  This field was not adequate for scheduled passenger service which was felt to be essential to the welfare and develop of the area.

As Bordelon Field was not suitable for development as a modern airport, a new site was needed.  For a year prior to January 1950, a wind recording instrument was used to obtain data for the location and alignment of the proposed runway. 

From September 1949 to September 1950 data on ceiling and visibility were accumulated.  This was desirable because the elevation and meteorological conditions caused much low cloudiness.  This study of terrain and weather was completed in August 1950.

Preliminary plans for the new airport were approved by the Hawaii Aeronautics Commission in April 1951 and in October of that year bids were called for the first phase of construction to include grading, paving of runway, fencing, and a water main to the aiport.  On February 20, 1952, construction was started.

In April 1953, construction began on a combined passenger and freight terminal.

Scheduled air service to Kamuela started on July 2, 1953, with three flights weekly.  Freight operations were inaugurated in May.  On August 30, 1953, after final completion of the terminal, the airport was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies.  This airport was developed entirely with Territorial funds and without federal aid.

In 1955, the airport consisted of 90 acres of land, and had one paved runway, 4-22, which was 100-feet wide and 5,200-feet long.  Hawaiian Airlines, Ltd. served the airport on a scheduled basis, and Trans-Pacific Airlines, Ltd. and other operators served it on a non-scheduled basis.  In addition to the terminal building, the airport had a parking lot, and Crash-Fire equipment.