Lahaina in Maui County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
Ka'anapali Airport (HKP) 1961-1986
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 7, 2025
1. Ka'anapali Airport Marker
Created on Old Coastal Road in the early 1960's, to transport personnel & materials into West Maui's new destination resort developed by AMFAC, Inc.
Runway 01-19 began just 80 feet from this shoreline, and extended north 2615 feet surrounded by tall sugar cane. Fresh tradewinds often challenged flight-operations. It was exciting to arrive and depart at this short airstrip. Safety concerns eventually restricted access to only one operator: Royal Hawaiian Air Service (RHAS).
Founded by John Peacock and W.K. WOods, RHAS used HKP as a hub for flights to most of Hawaii's airports, big and small. RHAS became Hawaii's leading commuter airline, and achieved an unblemished safety record during its 21 year span.
The small A-frame terminal building has an upstairs bar, The Windsock Lounge, accessed by spiral staircase. Tourists and Kama'ainas appreciated the convenience and style of their "royal" flights. Experience pilots flew a fleet of 15 twin engine Cessnas, the winged 'Koa E Kea' bird logo symbolized more than just transportation. Enroute views of Hawaii's hidden wonders (including waterfalls, volcanoes, and whales)
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Ka'anapali Airport closed on Jnmuary 25, 1986 due to planned resort expansion. However, 17 years passed before Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas and Honua Kai Resort and Spa opened their beautiful vacation complexes.
The natural beauty of North Beach and its surroundings has been preserved by the vision of community group "Ka'anapali 2020", and is maintained by Ka'anapali North Beach Master Association (KNBMA).
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 20° 56.201′ N, 156° 41.544′ W. Marker is in Lahaina, Hawaii, in Maui County. It can be reached from Kai Ala Drive north of Puukolii Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 65 Kai Ala Dr, Lahaina HI 96761, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Lahaina and West Maui. Globally, it is in North America, Polynesia, the Pacific Ocean, North Pacific, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere,
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, December 7, 2025
2. Ka'anapali Airport Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: This Park Dedicated in Honor of King Kahekili Nui Ahumanu (a few steps from this marker); Keka'a Landing Pier (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Stones of Moemoe and Wahine O Manua (approx. 0.8 miles away); Pu'u Keka'a and Chief Kahekili (approx. 0.8 miles away); Koko O Na Moku Race Track (approx. 1.1 miles away); Plantation Pioneers at Rest (approx. 1.8 miles away); Grinding Stones, Hoana (approx. 1.9 miles away); An Island Without Ghosts (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lahaina.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 56 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 8, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
