TSA Wait Times at Lihue Airport (LIH)
LIH airport does not have family-friendly "Families on the Fly" lanes yet.
LIH airport no longer requires taking shoes off at TSA.
Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Lihue Airport security checkpoints. The data below shows historical maximum wait times by day and hour to help you choose the best time to arrive.
Peak Wait Time
70 min
Thursdays at 12 PM
Best Times to Go
Under 5 minutes
30 time slots with minimal wait
Morning Wait Times (AM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 4 AM | 5m | 3m | 2m | 3m | 3m | 4m | 3m |
| 5 AM | 9m | 5m | 15m | 3m | 12m | 12m | 2m |
| 6 AM | 8m | 5m | 3m | 5m | 2m | 5m | 5m |
| 7 AM | 15m | 8m | 8m | 10m | 11m | 20m | 7m |
| 8 AM | 25m | 19m | 9m | 20m | 28m | 12m | 15m |
| 9 AM | 25m | 34m | 6m | 28m | 34m | 21m | 13m |
| 10 AM | 28m | 31m | 34m | 20m | 22m | 26m | 16m |
| 11 AM | 18m | 25m | 30m | 34m | 29m | 25m | 23m |
Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 PM | 14m | 33m | 30m | 70m | 26m | 12m | 36m |
| 1 PM | 18m | 31m | 20m | 27m | 18m | 15m | 20m |
| 2 PM | 8m | 8m | 10m | 7m | 11m | 4m | 32m |
| 3 PM | 13m | 9m | 34m | 5m | 10m | 20m | 6m |
| 4 PM | 4m | 5m | 15m | 6m | 12m | 5m | 15m |
| 5 PM | 5m | 7m | 9m | 18m | 10m | 8m | 26m |
| 6 PM | 30m | 19m | 27m | 15m | 20m | 16m | 24m |
| 7 PM | 11m | 14m | 19m | 20m | 13m | 15m | 39m |
| 8 PM | 8m | 6m | 6m | 18m | 12m | 25m | 20m |
| 9 PM | 4m | 4m | 4m | 9m | 22m | 14m | 25m |
| 10 PM | - | 2m | - | 3m | 3m | 2m | 3m |
| 11 PM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Wait Time Legend
Tips for LIH Security
- Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights
- Consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for expedited screening
- Check peak times above and plan to arrive during lower-traffic periods when possible
- Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the checkpoint
- Remove laptops and liquids from bags if you don't have TSA PreCheck
LIH TSA Wait Times FAQ
How long are TSA wait times at Lihue Airport?
TSA wait times at LIH vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 70 minutes on Thursdays around 12 PM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 30 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.
What is the best time to go through security at LIH?
The best times to go through TSA security at LIH are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 30 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Thursdays around 12 PM when waits are longest.
Should I get TSA PreCheck for LIH?
TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Lihue Airport. PreCheck members enjoy expedited screening with shorter lines, and don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. If you fly more than twice a year, the $78 fee (valid for 5 years) is usually worth it.
How early should I arrive at LIH airport?
For domestic flights at Lihue Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Thursdays at 12 PM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 70 minutes.