Key Highlights
- Hilo International Airport (ITO) is the main gateway for people coming to the east side of the big island.
- The airport terminal is well-known for being quick, easy to use, and for sharing the friendly “Spirit of Aloha.”
- Big airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and United Airlines have daily flights in and out of the airport.
- The Department of Transportation has changed the speed limit on Airport Road to help keep everyone safe.
- You will see many traveler services, like car rentals, lei stands, and places that are easy for everyone to use.
- The airport has special art exhibits, gardens, and old displays you can see.
Introduction
Welcome to your guide for getting around Hilo International Airport. This airport is just two miles from Hilo. It is the place where many people start seeing the Big Island, with black sand beaches and active volcanoes in Hawaii. Hilo Airport is known for being easy to use, comfortable, and it gives out the warm feeling these islands are known for. If you are flying in or getting ready to leave, this guide will give you all you need for a good trip through this friendly airport on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Essential Information for Hilo International Airport Travelers
Before you fly, it helps to know some key facts to make your time at the airport easier. Hilo International Airport is on the eastern side of the Big Island. The Hawaii Department of Transportation runs and looks after this busy airport. Many people use this airport to get in and out of Hilo, both visitors and locals.
If you know how the airport is set up, which airlines fly in and out, and what the main rules are, you will find it much easier to plan your trip. Here, we will share the main things you need, like where the airport is, its code, and which airlines go here. This will help you get ready for your Hawaii travel.
Location, Airport Code, and Terminal Overview
Hilo International Airport is just two miles east of Hilo, the largest city on the Big Island of Hawaii. Its location makes it a good spot to start your trip if you want to see the eastern part of this island. When you book your flight or search for it on a map, use the official FAA airport code: ITO.
The airport covers 1,391 acres. It has one airport terminal, and getting around is simple. The main terminal area is set up with a special ‘indoor-outdoor’ look. You get to feel the nice Hawaii weather as you walk through the building. This easy, open style helps people feel relaxed and welcome, which so many people like when they visit.
You will find the terminal easy to use. There are lots of signs to help you, and staff are friendly and ready to answer your questions. It is simple to get from baggage claim to the gates. The whole terminal area is laid out well, so you won’t get lost. Everything is made to help you save time, feel good, and enjoy the known island kindness.
Flight Arrivals, Departures, and Airlines Serving Hilo
Planning your trip involves knowing which airlines fly into Hilo. The airport primarily serves inter-island and some mainland routes. For the most current information on flight arrivals and departures, it’s always best to check directly with your airline or the airport’s official website, as schedules for daily flights can change.
The main passenger carriers at Hilo International Airport are Hawaiian Airlines and United Airlines. These airlines provide the bulk of the passenger traffic, connecting Hilo with Honolulu and other destinations. In addition to passenger services, the airport handles cargo through providers like Aloha Air Cargo and FedEx.
Here is a quick overview of the main airlines operating at Hilo:
| Airline | Primary Services |
|---|---|
| Hawaiian Airlines | Offers numerous daily flights to other Hawaiian Islands, primarily Honolulu. |
| United Airlines | Provides direct service to and from the mainland United States. |
Facilities and Amenities at Hilo International Airport
Hilo Airport has many things to help make your trip easy and comfortable. In the main airport terminal area, you will find everything you might need. It does not matter if you are coming in, leaving, or just waiting for your flight. The airport terminal is set up to help people. Its layout and services at this terminal area are helpful for everyone.
The airport can meet your basic needs, like parking and getting around in Hilo. There are also things to enjoy, like shops and art, so the time you spend at the airport terminal will not be boring. Next, let’s look at the ways you can get in and out of the airport and what you can use and enjoy in the main airport terminal area.
Parking, Transportation, and Access Options
Getting to and from Hilo International Airport is simple and easy. You will find many options right by the airport terminal. There is no public bus service that goes right to the terminal, but you can find taxis waiting for you outside the baggage claim area. If you want to see more of the island, there are seven car rental offices just across the street from the terminal.
There is a lot of parking at the airport for travelers. You can use the public parking lot, or wait in the cell phone lot if you are picking someone up. People who drive electric cars and have the special plate can park for free. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has also changed the speed limit on Airport Road (Kekūanāoʻa Street) to help make it safer and keep traffic moving.
Key access and transportation points include:
- Rental Cars: Many places to rent a car are right across from the terminal.
- Taxis: You will find taxis right outside the baggage claim, so you can get where you need to go.
- Parking: There is a lot of public parking, a cell phone lot, and special parking for electric cars.
- Road Access: Watch for the new speed limit on Airport Road. It is now between 15 mph and 35 mph.
Traveler Services, Safety Measures, and Accessibility
Hilo International Airport has many services for travelers to make your time there good. Inside the terminal, you will find an airport lounge where you can rest. There is a gift shop if you want to buy souvenirs at the last minute. A newsstand is there if you want something to read, and there is also a restaurant. If you want a lei, you can get one at the traditional lei stand. If you need cash, there is an ATM. You can go to the information desk for help, and if no one is there, you can use a courtesy phone.
The safety of travelers is important here. The Hawaii Department of Transportation runs all airport steps, including changes to speed limits on airport roads. These changes help keep people walking and people driving safe. You can ask for porter services if you need help with bags.
This airport wants everyone to be able to use it. Guide and service dogs are welcome and there are TTYs in many places for people who are hearing-impaired.
- Guide/service dogs are welcome.
- TTYs are located throughout the facility.
- Family restrooms are available for those traveling with children.
- Porter services can be requested for assistance.
Conclusion
When you get ready to travel through Hilo International Airport, having the right information helps a lot. If you know about the top things at the airport and learn how to use its amenities, your time there can be easy. People who fly often and those coming for the first time can all use these tips to help their visit.
If you want help with your travel plans or you have questions, reach out to us for expert advice. We hope you have a good and safe trip through Hilo!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the transportation options to and from Hilo International Airport?
At Hilo International Airport, you have a few ways to get around. Rental cars and taxis are the main choices. You will see several rental car companies right across from the terminal. When you leave baggage claim, taxis are waiting for you. Right now, there is no public transportation that stops at the airport. Ride-sharing services might be an option, too.
Which airlines operate at Hilo International Airport and where do they fly?
The main airlines at Hilo Airport are Hawaiian Airlines and United Airlines. Hawaiian Airlines gives you many daily flights between Hilo and Honolulu. It also connects to other Hawaiian Islands. United Airlines takes people from the big island to the U.S. mainland. It helps connect Hilo with other places on the mainland.
Is there parking available at Hilo International Airport and what are the current rates?
Yes, there is enough public parking in the main airport terminal area at Hilo, Hawaii. The lot has regular public parking, a place to wait in your car with your cell phone, and spots for electric cars. For the latest parking rates, you should look at the airport’s official website.