Hilo Airport: A Gateway To Hawaii's Adventure

where is hilo airport in hawaii

Hilo International Airport (ITO) is one of two major airports on the Big Island of Hawaii, the other being Kona International Airport. Hilo Airport is located on the east side of the island, just a few miles from downtown Hilo, and is served by interisland airlines. The airport has two runways, with Runway 8-26 used for nearly all air carrier operations. Hilo International Airport is owned and operated by the State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, Airports Division.

Characteristics Values
Name Hilo International Airport
Airport Code ITO
Location East side of the Island of Hawaii
Address 2450 Kekuanaoa St Hilo, HI 96720
Owner State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, Airports Division
Number of Runways 2
Length of Runway 8-26 9,800 ft x 150 ft (2,987 m x 46 m)
Cargo Operations Hawaiian Air Cargo, Southwest Cargo, Aloha Air Cargo, FedEx, Kamaka Air, and ʻOHANA By Hawaiian Cargo
Driving Directions Highway to Volcano, Kona, and Waimea passes in front of the airport
Distance from Downtown Hilo Minutes
Distance from Volcano Village and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 45 minutes by car

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Hilo International Airport is located on the east side of Hawaii's Big Island

Hilo International Airport (ITO) is located on the east side of Hawaii's Big Island. The airport is just a few miles from downtown Hilo, with the highway to Volcano, Kona, and Waimea passing right by it. The IATA airport code for Hilo International Airport is ITO, which is believed to be derived from the name of one of the first Hawaiian Airlines station managers, Mr. Ito. Alternatively, it may be because, in the early 20th century, residents of the Big Island referred to the City of Hilo as Hilo Town.

Hilo Airport is one of two major airports on the Big Island, the other being Kona International Airport. It is served by interisland airlines and has two runways. The passenger terminal complex is at the southern edge of the airport, with access from Hawaii Belt Road at Kekūanaōʻa Avenue. The main terminal consists of three interconnected buildings, totalling approximately 220,000 square feet.

The airport offers several transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, and a public bus service to central Hilo. The taxi rates are approximately $3.00 flag drop + $0.30 per 1/8th mile + $0.30 per minute for waiting time + $1.00 per bag. The bus service operates about eight buses daily from Monday to Saturday.

Hilo International Airport has a rich history, with scheduled inter-island services beginning in 1929 by Inter-Island Airways, the forerunner of Hawaiian Airlines. During World War II, the airport was renamed "General Lyman Field" after General Albert Kualiʻi Brickwood Lyman, the first US General of Hawaiian ancestry. The airport was under the control of the US military until September 1946, and Trans-Pacific Airlines, later renamed Aloha Airlines, commenced inter-island flights shortly after.

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The airport's IATA code is ITO

Hilo International Airport is located on the east side of the Island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island. The airport is just a few miles from downtown Hilo, with the highway to Volcano, Kona, and Waimea passing right in front of it. The airport is home to military facilities, two runways, and a passenger terminal complex served by an access roadway from Hawaii Belt Road at Kekūanaōʻa Avenue.

The IATA code for Hilo Airport is used in baggage tags, helping to distinguish luggage bound for this airport from others in Hawaii, such as KOA (Kona) and HNL (Honolulu). Knowing the IATA code for an airport can also be useful when booking flights or navigating airport databases and websites.

In addition to its IATA code, Hilo Airport has an address of 2450 Kekuanaoa Street, Suite 215, Hilo, HI 96720, and is owned and operated by the State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, Airports Division.

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It has two runways, with Runway 8-26 used for most air carrier operations

Hilo International Airport is located on the east side of the Island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island. The airport is home to two runways, with Runway 8-26 being the primary runway used for most air carrier operations. This runway is 9,800 feet long and 150 feet wide (2,987 metres long and 46 metres wide). It is capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and is occasionally used by the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, a USAF military transport plane.

Runway 8-26 at Hilo International Airport serves as a vital gateway for both passengers and cargo operations. The passenger terminal complex, including commuter facilities, is conveniently located at the southern edge of the airport, providing easy access to the runway. Major cargo operations at the airport include Hawaiian Air Cargo, Southwest Cargo, and Aloha Air Cargo, with additional services provided by FedEx, Kamaka Air, and ʻOHANA By Hawaiian Cargo.

The history of Runway 8-26 at Hilo International Airport dates back to the late 1950s when Territorial leaders envisioned a boom in tourism. In anticipation of this, plans were made to expand the airport, then known as General Lyman Field, to accommodate larger aircraft and enable non-stop flights to the west coast of the United States. The expansion included the acquisition of additional land on the eastern edge of the airport, specifically for the construction of a longer runway.

The first phase of the expansion was completed by April 1963, and the new 9,800-foot runway (Runway 8-26) was dedicated on March 6, 1965. This runway significantly enhanced the airport's capabilities, allowing interisland jet service from Honolulu and Maui to be introduced by Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines during the mid-1960s. The airlines operated a range of jet and turboprop aircraft, ensuring efficient and comfortable travel to and from Hilo.

Today, Runway 8-26 at Hilo International Airport continues to play a crucial role in facilitating air travel to and from the Island of Hawaii. It serves as the main runway for commercial flights, connecting the island to various destinations, including the mainland United States. The runway's length and width make it suitable for a variety of aircraft, ensuring safe and efficient operations for both passengers and cargo carriers.

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The passenger terminal complex is at the airport's southern edge

Hilo International Airport (ITO) is located on the east side of the Island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island. The airport is just a few miles from downtown Hilo and minutes away from the city centre. The Island is home to active volcanoes, orchid farms, waterfalls, and a rugged coastline.

The passenger terminal complex, including commuter facilities, is situated at the southern edge of the airport. It is served by an access roadway from Hawaii Belt Road at Kekūanaōʻa Avenue. The main passenger terminal consists of three interconnected buildings, totalling approximately 220,000 square feet (20,000 square metres).

Air Cargo operations are handled at a new cargo facility located on the southern edge of Runway 8-26. Hawaiian Air Cargo, Southwest Cargo, and Aloha Air Cargo are among the major cargo operations served here. Other cargo operations include FedEx, Kamaka Air, and ʻOHANA By Hawaiian Cargo.

The airport has a rich history, with scheduled inter-island services commencing in 1929 by Inter-Island Airways, the forerunner of Hawaiian Airlines. In 1934, the company was awarded the right to carry air mail for the U.S. Postal Service. The airport was renamed "General Lyman Field" in 1943, after General Albert Kualiʻi Brickwood Lyman, the first U.S. General of Hawaiian ancestry.

Today, Hilo International Airport offers various transportation options for travellers, including rental cars, public bus services, and taxi cab services.

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The airport is minutes from downtown Hilo, with Volcano Village and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park around 45 minutes away

Hilo International Airport (ITO) is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. The airport is easily accessible, with the highway to Volcano, Kona, and Waimea passing right in front of it. For those renting a car at the airport, the driving time to downtown Hilo is just a few miles, making it a quick and convenient journey.

The airport is also within close proximity to several notable destinations. Volcano Village, a charming community nestled amid volcanic landscapes, is approximately a 45-minute drive from the airport. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere and explore the surrounding natural wonders. The renowned Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is also around a 45-minute drive away, offering travellers the opportunity to experience the raw beauty and power of the island's volcanic activity.

Hilo International Airport serves as one of the two major airports on the Big Island, alongside Kona International Airport. It has a rich history, previously named "General Lyman Field" after General Albert Kualiʻi Brickwood Lyman, the first U.S. General of Hawaiian ancestry. The airport has two runways, with Runway 8-26 being the primary runway for most air carrier operations.

The airport provides a range of transportation options for travellers. Visitors can choose to rent a car from various major rental agencies and local companies located just outside the arrival hall, offering convenient access to their chosen destinations. Alternatively, the public bus service connects the airport to the central Hilo bus terminal, operating approximately eight buses daily from Monday to Saturday. Taxi services are also readily available at the designated taxi lane in front of the Baggage Claim Area.

Hilo International Airport is a gateway to the natural wonders and cultural attractions of the Big Island. With its proximity to downtown Hilo and popular destinations like Volcano Village and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the airport serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the diverse and captivating landscapes of Hawaii.

Frequently asked questions

Hilo International Airport is located on the Island of Hawaii, minutes from downtown Hilo. The airport's address is 2450 Kekuanaoa St Hilo, HI 96720.

You can get to and from the airport by taxi, bus, or rental car. The public bus service from the airport runs to the bus terminal in central Hilo, with approximately 8 buses a day from Monday to Saturday. Many taxi companies service the airport, and you can find taxis at the designated taxi lane in front of the Baggage Claim Area. Major rental car companies are present just outside the arrival hall.

Volcano Village and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are approximately 45 minutes away from the airport by car. The highway going to Volcano, Kona, and Waimea passes right in front of the airport.

Hilo Airport was dedicated in 1927, and scheduled inter-island service began in 1929. In 1934, the airline operating the flights was awarded the right to carry air mail for the U.S. Postal Service. The airport was renamed "General Lyman Field" in 1943, after General Albert Kualiʻi Brickwood Lyman, the first U.S. General of Hawaiian ancestry.

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