Kaanapali Airstrip

The Kaanapali airstrip was built by Amfac, Inc. at a cost of $40,000 to provide direct access to the developing resort area of Kaanapali. It opened in June 1962.

The strip was operated under a lease agreement by Royal Hawaiian Air Service which carried about 10,000 people in and out of Kaanapali a month by 1980, as well as 80,000-100,000 pounds of cargo monthly.  General aviation aircraft used the airport until 1977.  Royal Hawaiian was the only carrier using the airstrip.

Amfac announced that it would close the airstrip on September 15, 1982 “as a necessary step in the planned development and viability of our Maui property and sugar interests.”

Amfac made the decision after learning that Hawaiian Airlines planned to build an airport in West Maui.

The airport was closed on January 26, 1986. The area was later developed into resort hotels.

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Kaanapali Airstrip Air Traffic Statistics