Hilo International Airport (IATA: ITO) is a major airport serving the largest island of Hawaii, in the US state of Hawaii.
The airport is located approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) east of the town of Hilo. This airport serves as a gateway to the island’s lush eastern coastline, majestic waterfalls, active volcanoes, and rich Polynesian culture. Approximately 1.5 million passengers use this airport annually. ITO is a critical transportation hub, particularly for inter-island connections and visitors arriving from the western coast of the United States mainland.
Interactive Hilo Airport Map
Hilo International Airport – terminal and gate map
Hilo International Airport has a single terminal building. This terminal building is used for both inter-island and mainland flights.
The terminal is used by major carriers such as Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Regional airlines such as Mokulele Airlines, which operates inter-island flights with smaller propeller planes, also use this terminal.
Check-in Counters: You can easily find the ticket and baggage counters for your airline within the terminal.
Security Checkpoint (TSA): A central security checkpoint is located in the terminal for access to the departure lounges.
Departures and Gates: After security, there are comfortable waiting areas and boarding gates (usually numbered 1-8) where you can wait for your flight.
Baggage Claim Area: Baggage carousels are located near the terminal exit.
Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet access is available throughout the airport for passengers.
Parking Areas
SP+ Airport Services operates the parking facilities at Hilo Airport.
General Parking Area: There is a large open parking area directly opposite the terminal building. It is suitable for both short-term (hourly) and long-term (daily) parking. The first 15 minutes are free. Fee: $3 per hour, maximum $24 per day.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Drivers picking up passengers at the airport can wait in this parking area for 60 minutes without leaving their vehicles.
There are special parking spaces for disabled individuals near the terminal entrances in the parking areas. Parking fees can be paid by credit card at the automatic payment machines at the exit or at the ticket booths.
Car Rental at the airport
You can explore the Big Island at your leisure by renting a car from Hilo International Airport. Car rental company counters are located just outside the terminal building. After exiting the terminal, you can reach the car rental center in a couple of minutes on foot. Many well-known national car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, National, and Alamo operate here. You can pick up your rental car from the parking lot right next to the counters. Most companies’ offices are open during flight hours. However, if you are arriving late or returning the car early, you should confirm the company’s working hours in advance.
Find transportation from the airport – Hele-On Bus, Taxis
Bus (Hele-On Bus): Hele-On Bus, Hawaii County’s public transportation system, runs from the airport to Hilo city center and other parts of the island. Bus stops are located outside the terminal building. Buses run every hour from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Taxi: Taxi stands are located outside the terminal building.
Shared Rides (Uber/Lyft): Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Hilo. Pickup points are located outside the terminal in specially marked areas. You can use this service by requesting a ride through the app.
Shuttle Services: Some hotels offer airport transfer (shuttle) services for their guests. In addition, private shuttle companies that operate by reservation offer transfer services to different tourist areas or accommodations on the island.
VIP Lounge at Hilo International Airport
The Hawaiian Airlines Premier Lounge is located below Gate 6 in the Main Passenger Terminal. This lounge area offers comfortable seating, snacks, beverages, and free Wi-Fi.
Lost & Found
If you lose an item in a general public area of the airport, such as the terminal building, parking lots, or security checkpoints, you should contact the Hilo International Airport Lost and Found Office. The lost and found office is located on the baggage claim level. For more information, call (808) 961-9338.
If you left your belongings on the plane, at the boarding gate area, or in the baggage claim area, or if you have a problem with your baggage, you must contact the airline you traveled with directly. Contact information for airlines operating at Hilo International Airport:
Hawaiian Airlines: +1-800-367-5320
Southwest Airlines: +1-800-435-9792
Restaurants at Hilo International Airport
There are a limited number of restaurants and cafes at Hilo International Airport.
Laniakea Cafe/Restaurant: Located inside the terminal and in the post-security area. This restaurant serves local Hawaiian dishes, sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items.
Snack and Beverage Stands: There are small buffet-style places or vending machines located throughout the terminal where you can find packaged snacks, sandwiches, coffee, and other beverages.
Shopping at Airport
Shopping options at Hilo International Airport focus mainly on basic travel needs and local souvenirs.
Souvenir Shops: There are shops in the terminal where you can find Hawaii-themed souvenirs, T-shirts, local handicrafts, books, and postcards.
Newsstands: Newspapers, magazines, books, snacks, beverages, and some basic travel items (neck pillows, chargers, etc.) are sold here.
Ah Lan’s Lei Stand: Handmade flower necklaces are sold here.
Hotels at Hilo International Airport
There are hotel options to suit different budgets around Hilo International Airport and in the town of Hilo. Many of these hotels are a short drive from the airport.
SCP Hilo Hotel (formerly Hilo Seaside Hotel): Located 0.9 miles (1.4 km) from the airport. Airport shuttle service is available. Room rates are budget-friendly.
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: Located 1.9 miles (3.1 km) from the airport.
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton: Located 2 miles (3.2 km) from the airport. Overlooks Hilo Bay. Golf course on site.
Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel: Located 1.8 miles (2.9 km) from the airport. Close to the beach.
Arnott’s Lodge & Hiking Adventures: Located 1.4 miles (2.2 km) from the airport. A boutique hotel catering to adventure seekers.
When making your hotel reservation, be sure to confirm the distance to the airport, whether shuttle service is available, and the shuttle hours.
Hilo International Airport Flights and Airlines
Hilo International Airport (ITO) is an important hub for Hawaiian Airlines. This airport plays a key role in inter-island connections. Southwest Airlines also operates regular flights to Honolulu and some cities on the west coast of the United States mainland.
Regular flights are available from Hilo Airport to Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Lihue (Kauai), and Kona (the west coast of the Big Island).
Satellite view of Hilo International Airport. Click to enlarge
Hilo International Airport destination map (June 2025). Click to enlarge
Other Airports in Hawaii