Hilo, Hawaii: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Hilo, Hawaii, is home to the Hilo International Airport (ITO), one of the two major airports on the Big Island of Hawaii. The airport is located just two miles east of Hilo, the largest city on the Big Island, and has been described as having everything one could want in an island airport, including efficiency, convenience, comfort, and the Spirit of Aloha. Hilo International Airport has a rich history, with a single landing strip opened outside of Hilo in 1929, which was later expanded and used for military purposes during World War II. Today, the airport accommodates various airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele, and United Airlines, offering flights to destinations such as Honolulu, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Hilo International Airport's history

Hilo International Airport, also known as ITO, is located just two miles east of Hilo, the largest city on Hawaii's Big Island. The airport is known for its efficiency, convenience, comfort, and the 'Spirit of Aloha' that permeates the Hawaiian Islands.

The history of Hilo International Airport can be traced back to the late 1920s when, in 1929, a single landing strip was opened just outside of Hilo. This landing strip was then expanded upon over the following years, with Inter-Island Airways (the forerunner of Hawaiian Airlines) offering thrice-weekly flights between Hilo and Honolulu starting in November of that year. During its first decade, improvements to the airfield were minimal, with just over $34,000 spent on development between 1927 and 1937. However, this changed in the early 1940s when, with the onset of World War II, the Army Engineers took over the Hilo Airport. They constructed military installations and expanded the facility for military use. In 1943, the airport was renamed General Lyman Field, in honour of Brigadier General Albert Kualii Brickwood Lyman, the first United States Army General of Hawaiian ancestry.

After WWII, the airport saw a decrease in military operations and, in 1946, it was returned to the Territory of Hawaii for use as a civil airport. Construction continued, and in 1953, a new terminal was dedicated. In the late 1950s, anticipating a boom in tourism, plans were made for a second runway capable of accommodating large jet aircraft. This expansion included the acquisition of 91.6 acres on the eastern edge of the airport, allowing for a longer runway to enable non-stop flights to the US West Coast. The first phase of this project was completed by April 1963, and the new runway was dedicated on March 6, 1965.

In the following years, Hilo International Airport continued to grow and develop. In 1968, work began on an interim overseas terminal, which was dedicated in July 1969. In 1971, the airport welcomed its first jumbo jet, a 747 operated by Braniff International Airways. A new, modern facility was dedicated in 1976, and in 1979, a new, taller air traffic control tower was opened. However, in the 1980s, overseas traffic to the airport declined, and United Airlines, the sole remaining overseas carrier, terminated its scheduled service in 1986.

It wasn't until 2006 that Hilo International Airport saw a resurgence in overseas travel, with ATA Airlines re-establishing daily non-stop service to Oakland International Airport in California. This proved successful, and ATA Airlines even substituted larger aircraft during the peak travelling season. Unfortunately, ATA Airlines ceased operations in 2008 due to various challenges. Despite this setback, Hilo International Airport remains an important gateway to the Big Island, serving most of East Hawaiʻi and offering stunning views of Coconut Island, lush forests, and beaches.

Airlines that serve Hilo

Hilo, Hawaii is served by the Hilo International Airport (ITO). The airport is located just 2 miles east of the city of Hilo, the largest city on the Big Island. The airport is owned and operated by the State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, Airports Division. It is part of the State of Hawaii Airport System.

Hilo International Airport is the main airport serving East Hawaii and Hilo. The airport also serves nearby cities, including Puna, Hamakua, and Kau. The busiest domestic routes to and from Hilo Airport include Honolulu and Kahului, served by Hawaiian Airlines, and Los Angeles in California, served by United Airlines. Hawaiian Airlines has served the airport since the mid-1960s, and it is currently the most popular airline for travellers arriving at Hilo. Other airlines that serve Hilo include Aloha Airlines, Mid Pacific Air, and Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines serves Hilo International Airport with flights from California.

In addition to the passenger services, cargo services are provided by Aloha Air Cargo and FedEx.

Passenger facilities at the airport

Hilo International Airport (ITO) is located just 2 miles east of the city of Hilo, the largest city on the Big Island of Hawaii. The airport is owned and operated by the State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, Airports Division.

Hilo International Airport has been described as having everything you could want from an island airport: efficiency, convenience, comfort, and the Spirit of Aloha. The airport's indoor-outdoor concept is popular with visitors, as is the friendliness and efficiency of the staff. The airport plays host to air carrier, general aviation, air taxi, and military operations, with approximately 4,500 people passing through each day. Most travellers arrive via Hawaiian Airlines, Ohana by Hawaiian (operated by Empire Airlines), or United Airlines.

The airport has two runways. Runway 8-26 is 9,800 ft x 150 ft and is used for nearly all air carrier operations. It can accommodate large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and is sometimes used by the USAF Lockheed C-5 Galaxy military transport. Runway 3/21 is 5,600 ft x 150 ft and is used for general aviation operations, including smaller commuter planes, although it can handle medium-sized aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. In total, there are around 35 aircraft based at the airport.

The passenger terminal complex is located at the southern edge of the airport and is served by an access road from Hawaii Belt Road at Kekūanaōʻa Avenue. The main terminal consists of three interconnected buildings totalling approximately 220,000 square feet. Hawaiian Airlines operates a Premier Lounge below Gate 6. The airport also features an amazing collection of Hawaiian seashells donated by Hikari and Henry Matsuda.

Military use of the airport

Hilo International Airport, located just 2 miles east of the city of Hilo, has a long history of military use. During World War II, the airport was taken over by the US military, with the Army Engineers constructing military installations and expanding the facility for military use. The airport was renamed "General Lyman Field" in 1943 in honour of Brigadier General Albert Kualii Brickwood Lyman, the first US Army General of Hawaiian ancestry.

During this period, the Army Engineers expanded and improved the airport's runways, taxiways, and aprons, and built military facilities to support an Air Corps fighter squadron at Hilo. After World War II, the airport saw a decrease in military operations, and in 1946, it was returned to the Territory of Hawaii for use as a civil airport. However, it remained under the administration of the US Air Force until 1952.

Even today, Hilo International Airport continues to host military operations alongside air carrier, general aviation, and air taxi services. The Northwest Apron, for example, provides parking for transient military aircraft and is the site of several general aviation facilities. Additionally, the longer of the airport's two runways, Runway 8-26, is capable of accommodating large military transport aircraft like the USAF Lockheed C-5 Galaxy.

The airport also continues to be used for military exercises. In October and November 2023, Tropic Lightning Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division conducted exercises at the airfield, resulting in increased landings and takeoffs by military aircraft in the early morning and late-night hours.

Transport options from the airport

Yes, Hilo, Hawaii, has an airport: the Hilo International Airport (ITO). It is located just 2 miles east of the city of Hilo, the largest city on the Big Island.

Hilo International Airport is accessible by car, taxi, ride-share services, and public transit. Here are some detailed transport options for getting to and from the airport:

• Taxi: The quickest way to get to Hilo from the airport is by taxi, which takes around 9 minutes and costs $19-$23.
• Ride-share services: Ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft also serve the airport. You can download their apps to request a ride.
• Public transit: The Hawaii County provides public transit to and from the airport via the Hele-On Bus (Route 101: Keaukaha). The bus stop is located between the airport restaurant and the helicopter service counter. The journey from the airport to Hilo by bus takes approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes, including transfers.
• Walking and footbridge: If you don't have much luggage and are feeling adventurous, you can consider walking part of the way. Coconut Island (Moku Ola), a small island in Hilo Bay, is located just offshore from Lili'uokalani Park and Gardens. It is connected to the main island via a footbridge. However, please note that the total distance from the airport to Hilo is 12 miles, so walking the entire distance with luggage may not be feasible.
• Car rental: If you prefer the flexibility of having your own vehicle, you can consider renting a car. The airport's website provides information on car rental options and tips on how to save when booking.

Frequently asked questions