Airport Overview
Formerly, General Lyman Field, Hilo International Airport is a public airport located in Hilo, Hawaii County. It is owned and operated by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation.
ITO airport encompasses 1,007 acres (408 ha) and serves most of East Hawaii, including the districts of Hilo and Puna, as well as portions of the districts of Hāmākua and Kau.
Airport Stats & Facts
- For 2017-2021, Hilo International Airport is included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems.
- It is one of the two major airports on Hawaii Island and one of five major airports in the state.
Airport Traveling Tips
- Travellers are advised to arrive at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure.
- Also, to save time, check with your airline as each airline has different check-in requirements.
- To make your journey hassle-free, have your ID and boarding pass ready for inspection. This will help you and everyone else move through security faster!
- Before heading to the airport for a flight, please refer to the ITO Airport Map.
Passenger Pickup and Drop-off
- Passengers can be dropped off and picked up from outside the terminal.
- However, waiting visitors can use the Cell Phone Waiting lot located at the Commuter Air Terminal (CAT), west of the passenger main terminal, just a few minutes away from the airport terminal.
- Remember no unattended vehicles or waiting is allowed at curbside.
Flight Status
- For arriving flights: Arrival flight status provides the arrival times, gate information, delays, and time to land for Hilo International Airport.
- For departing flights: Departing flight status lists scheduled vs actual departure, gate information, map tracking, and flight delays.
- To get fantastic deals, book a flight at ITO here.
Airport Terminals
The terminal area at Hilo International Airport is divided into three parts - West End, Center, and East End.
West End
It’s on the second floor and has three gates - 3, 4, and 5. Baggage claim C & D, visitor information centre, rideshare, taxi service, etc. can be found in the West End.
Center
This is also on the second floor and has Gate 6. Car rental shuttle stops, a security checkpoint, gift shops, and more are at the centre part of the terminal.
East End
The East End has three gates - 7,8, and 9. Here you can find a ticketing/check-in lobby for Hawaiian and United Airlines. Baggage claim A & B are also in the East End.
For more information, please refer to the ITO Airport Terminal Map.
Airlines Served
The various airlines served at Hilo Airport include Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
Airport Parking
Public parking is available at Hilo International Airport and automatic ticket dispensers issue parking tickets at the entrance to the parking area.
Rates:
First 15 Minutes - Free
16-30 Minutes - $1
31-60 Minutes - $2
61-120 Minutes - $2
121-180 Minutes - $2
181-240 Minutes - $2
241-300 Minutes - $4
301-360 Minutes - $2
Maximum per 24-hour period - $15
Ground Transport
There are several options for passengers to choose from when planning their trip from the Hilo International Airport to the destination of their choice. From rental cars to limousines to taxis and more, passengers can choose according to their convenience.
Rental Cars
Rental car offices are located on the ground level across the street opposite the Terminal. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz are some of the well-known providers.
Taxis
There is a designated exclusive taxi lane for queuing in front of the Baggage Claim Area, and 17 taxi cab companies currently service at Hilo International Airport.
Public Transport
Public transit, Hele-On Bus, is offered by Hawaii County.
Amenities & Services
For visitors to have an amazing stay, Hilo International Airport provides plenty of amenities and services including:
- Internet Services.
- Banks & ATMs.
- Multiple art installations and exhibits on display.
- Restaurants, bars, and cafes.
- Store, gift shops, and local souvenir shops.
Contact Information
Address: 1363 Mokuea Street, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Website: http://airports.hawaii.gov/ito/
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (808) 961-9300
Hilo Airport: A Brief History Timeline
- In 1927, the Territory of Hawaii legislature passed Act 257, authorizing the expenditure of $25,000 for the construction of a landing strip in Hilo.
- Improvements to Hilo's airfield were minimal during its first decade.
- On April 19, 1943, the Territorial Legislature renamed Hilo Airport "General Lyman Field."
- On July 17, 1952, a groundbreaking ceremony for a new terminal building was held.
- At the same time, new high intensity lights were installed on Runway 8–26. Plans included a new freight terminal, aprons, parking areas and roads.
- On April 30, 1976, officials dedicated the new, much more modern facility.
- In May 1989, the state Legislature renamed General Lyman Field to "Hilo International Airport."
- Beginning in 1979, overseas passenger traffic began to fall steadily, leading one carrier after another to suspend service to Hilo.
- By the mid-1980s, overseas traffic had fallen by such an extent that United Airlines, the sole remaining overseas carrier, terminated scheduled service.
- In December 2010, New mainland service was announced when Continental Airlines announced that it would begin to fly to Hilo from both San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
