There's no question that the massive $2.3 billion upgrade to Hawai'i's airport system unveiled last week by Gov. Linda Lingle is long overdue.

Our aging airport system has been limping along for years. Today, the visitor economy is booming, and airlines — while facing more than their share of financial problems — are participating in the upturn.

As these critical improvements move forward, the goal should be more than just increasing efficiency and effectiveness, which is the centerpiece of this plan. There should also be a strong emphasis on making the airport experience for travelers an exciting and rewarding experience that will provide positive first and last impressions.

Most of the upgrades focus on the nuts-and-bolts of airport improvements, and rightly so. This includes state-of-the-art security systems, runway and gate improvements, a modern intra-airport passenger transportation system and basic infrastructure upgrades. To these must-have improvements, the state should add a list of changes that will enhance the arrival and departure experience.

First on the list must be improvements to the international arrivals terminal, a well-known sore spot. Foreign arrivals should be a pleasant, entertaining experience as passengers make their way from their plane through customs and immigration.

In the main terminals, there should be more opportunities for friends, relatives and travelers to sit down, eat and get together before the passenger goes on past security.

And just getting around the terminal, particularly in Ho-nolulu, must be made more intuitive and logical.

The plan mentions a "Hawaiian sense of place" as being an important part of the improvements. Providing visitors with that strong sense of place should be key. There are some lovely (difficult to access) gardens at the airport today, but not much more.

Other airports have met this challenge nicely. San Francisco and Vancouver do a good job of creating an airport experience that capitalizes on the culture, food and ambiance of the cities they serve.

We now have the opportunity to do the same. Our airports offer every visitor their first and last impression of the Aloha State. That impression should be a good one.