You’ll be thankful getting to the airport early if you’re flying for Turkey Day

If it’s over the ocean and through the clouds to a Thanksgiving destination you go this year, you’ll give thanks when you get to the airport early and give yourself — and everyone with you — enough time to make sure your Turkey Day trip takes off as planned.

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation reminds holiday travelers to give themselves extra time this Thanksgiving, with a spike in passengers and limited parking expected at the state’s five busiest airports.

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in Kona and Hilo International Airport in Hilo on the Big Island; Līhu‘e Airport in Līhu‘e, Kaua‘i; Kahului Airport in Kahului, Maui; and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu will likely be especially busy between the peak times of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

This week’s busiest holiday travel days are expected to be Wednesday and Dec. 1.

Travelers with flights in and out of Kahului Airport might also see an additional increase in travelers through Wednesday because of the Maui Invitational college basketball tournament.

The state Transportation Department offers these tips to help digest the stress that can cause a stomachache while navigating your holiday air travel:

• Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight for mainland or international flights and 90 minutes early for interisland flights. This will allow sufficient time to complete every step of the travel process, including finding a place to park, checking luggage and getting through security.
• Check with your airline about your flight status, including any delays and gate assignments, as well as baggage claim area if you’re picking up arriving passengers.
• Parking lots at Hawai‘i airports fill up quickly during the holidays, particularly at the Līhu‘e and Hilo airports, so plan accordingly.
• Arrive earlier and allow for additional walking time to the check-in lobbies if you’re using an airport’s public parking garage. Some lots are farther from the main terminal than others.
• Maximum parking rate for a 24-hour parking period at the Honolulu airport is $25. It’s $24 at neighbor island airports.
• Lock your vehicle. Don’t leave keys, valuables or the parking ticket in your vehicle while its parked in an airport lot.

Click each individual airport below to find specific parking information:

• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu (5,239 stalls).
• Kahului Airport, Kahului (1,299 stalls).
• Līhu‘e Airport, Līhu‘e (578 stalls).
• Hilo International Airport, Hilo (481 stalls).
• Ellison Onizuka International Airport, Kona (1,706 stalls).

The Transportation Security Administration also created a series of videos to help travelers before they go through security checkpoints. Click here for the collection of videos and additional resources.

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation wishes all Thanksgiving travelers — incoming and departing — a safe and cheerful holiday season.