The state Department of Transportation is recommending travelers arrive earlier than usual at local airports because of increased traffic expected through New Year's Day.

In addition to the usual holiday travel rush, many travelers will be flying to the Mainland next week to attend the Sugar Bowl game in New Orleans on New Year's Day.

While additional parking will be made available at all state airports, officials are still advising passengers to have someone drop them off at the airport. Travelers are encouraged to arrive at least an extra 30 to 45 minutes earlier than the recommended two-hour preflight arrival time to give themselves adequate time to find parking and check in with their airline.

Parking plans for each airport:

HONOLULU AIRPORT

Valet parking services are available in the Interisland Terminal at the second-level center median located outside the Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines check-in lobbies between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Valet parking rates are $20 per day; the regular self-parking rate is $10 per day.

A new economy parking lot on the corner of A'olele Street and Lagoon Drive will provide an additional 360 uncovered parking stalls to the existing 4,500 airport stalls. The rate is $5 a day for the economy lot, which is open from 5 a.m. until the arrival of the last flight in the evening. Free shuttle service is provided to and from the airport terminals.

KAHULUI AIRPORT

Additional parking will be provided at the A'alele Street overflow lot. Emergency parking will be available in Lot S. Signs will direct traffic to the overflow lots when regular parking lots are filled.

KONA AIRPORT

The U'u Street overflow parking lot will be open. Signs will be posted to direct traffic to the overflow lot when regular lots are filled. Free shuttle service will be provided to and from the terminal. The rate for the overflow lot is $5 per day.

HILO AIRPORT

Overflow parking will be in the grass lots on both ends of the regular parking lot fronting the airport terminal. When the regular parking lots are full, signs will be posted and security will direct traffic to the overflow lots.

LIHU'E AIRPORT

Alternative parking will be provided in the overflow lots located at both ends of the airport terminal. When the normal parking lots are full, signs will be posted and airport security will direct traffic to the overflow lots.

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