passport control

Question

We need to book a car rental at kaui airport and are wondering how long it takes to get through customs and baggage reclaim at the airport

Answer

The time it takes to get through customs, baggage claim, and car rental pick-up at Kauai’s Lihue Airport (LIH) can vary depending on several factors, but here’s a general breakdown to help you plan:

Customs and Baggage Claim: Kauai Airport typically handles fewer international flights compared to larger airports like Honolulu, so customs and baggage claim tend to be quicker. On average, it may take about 30 to 60 minutes to get through customs and baggage claim, depending on how busy the airport is at the time. Keep in mind that if you are arriving on an international flight, customs clearance will take longer, and you'll need to go through immigration control.

Car Rental Pickup: After clearing customs and baggage claim, you will head to the car rental area. Kauai Airport has a consolidated car rental facility, where all the major rental car companies are located. The process of picking up your rental car usually takes around 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how busy the rental counter is and if you’ve already completed the pre-check-in process online. During peak times (such as in the morning or late afternoon), there may be a slight wait.

Tips to Save Time:

Use Mobile Check-in: Some car rental agencies offer mobile check-in or pre-arrival services, which can speed up the process. If available, consider using this to save time when picking up your car.
Book in Advance: To avoid long waits at the counter, try booking your car rental in advance, as this can ensure quicker service when you arrive.
Be Prepared for Security: Have your documents ready when you go through customs and baggage claim to avoid any delays.

General Estimate: In total, you should expect the entire process—from getting off the plane, going through customs, collecting your luggage, and picking up your rental car—to take about 1.5 to 2 hours. However, if your flight arrives during a peak time, such as early morning or late afternoon, it may take a bit longer due to the higher volume of passengers.

Overall, Kauai’s Lihue Airport is relatively small and typically easy to navigate, so it’s generally a smooth process, but it’s always a good idea to plan some buffer time for any unforeseen delays.

passport control

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