If you’re arriving by plane, you won’t have to worry which airport to choose. Waimea has just one – Lihue Airport (LIH).

Lihue Airport is 29 kilometres from downtown Waimea, so expect a bit of a commute into the center of the city.

Step through the glass doors of LIH and your Waimea trip will have begun! The city’s main airport, it’s located 29 kilometres from the downtown area.

There are 7 air carriers connecting Waimea to 14 airports globally.

Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines are some of the most popular airlines with flights to Waimea. Travelers often use Honolulu to set off from with Hawaiian Airlines flying this route the most.

Flying to somewhere new is much simpler when there aren’t any lengthy stopovers. If you’re traveling to Waimea, the fantastic news is that there are around 290 nonstop flights operating every week.

Flights to Waimea from Los Angeles, Seattle and Oakland airports are always popular.

If you’re heading to Waimea from Honolulu, you’re looking at a flight duration of 42 minutes. Those setting off from Kahului can expect to be midair for 49 minutes. From Los Angeles it’s around 6 hours and 2 minutes away.

We’ve all come across those fortunate travelers who manage to get wonderfully cheap fares wherever they go. Eager to know how to do it for your Waimea vacation? Don’t leave it until the last minute to secure your flight. Don’t stop there, though. Do some research and check if there are a couple of airports at your destination. Prices often differ depending on the airport you fly into. Be sure to compare fares across air carriers too. Lastly, another simple way to save a few dollars is be ready to book fast. If you stumble on a good bargain, don’t think twice — snap it up while you can.

We’ve pulled together all the info you need to make your flight as stress-free as possible. Follow our top tips and you’ll be zooming through the airport and enjoying Waimea in no time flat.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It’s also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don’t forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Consider your footwear choice carefully too, as swollen feet and ankles are a common side effect of flying. Flat shoes which are slightly roomy are always a smart option.
• Most of us have heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. There are many ways to minimize your risk. Don a pair of compression socks, drink lots of water often and remember to keep your legs and feet moving. Walk the aisles of the cabin or perform some stretches in your seat.

Being prepared before your flight will make your getaway to Waimea a pleasure. We’ve rounded up some useful tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and passport at hand. They’ll be the first things you’ll be asked to show at airport security.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Want to bring along your favorite cologne or perfume? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-close bag, you’re allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• There’s a chance you’ll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They’ll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.