Hilo International Airport (ITO)
Hilo International Airport (ITO) is located just east of downtown Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island's eastern coast. It serves as a vital gateway for interisland and limited transpacific travel, offering convenient access to East Hawaiʻi communities, including Hilo, Puna, Volcano, and Honokaʻa. Whether you're a local resident heading off-island or a visitor catching a flight to Honolulu or the mainland, driving to Hilo Airport is simple and straightforward.
Head east on Kamehameha Avenue.
Turn left onto Kanoelehua Avenue (Hwy 11).
Continue south for about 1.5 miles.
Turn left onto Airport Road (Ailolo Street).
Follow signs for terminal access, parking, or car rental return.
Local Tip: During morning commute hours (7–9 AM), allow a few extra minutes for traffic along Kanoelehua Avenue.
Take Hwy 130 north toward Hilo.
Merge onto Hwy 11 north via the Keaʻau Bypass.
Drive approximately 6 miles toward Hilo.
Turn right onto Airport Road (Ailolo Street).
Follow signage to the terminal, parking, or airline check-in areas.
Tip for Puna Travelers: Start early during school traffic or peak hours to ensure on-time arrival.
Head north on Hwy 11 toward Hilo.
Pass through Mountain View and Kurtistown.
After Keaʻau, continue on Hwy 11 toward Hilo.
Turn right onto Airport Road (Ailolo Street).
Proceed to terminal and parking areas.
Scenic Note: The route from Volcano passes through lush rainforest and charming plantation towns—plan a few extra minutes for stops or scenic views.
Take Hwy 19 southbound toward Hilo.
Pass through Laupāhoehoe and Pepeʻekeo along the scenic Hamakua Coast.
After entering Hilo, turn right onto Airport Road (Ailolo Street).
Follow signs to parking and terminal entrances.
Driving Tip: The Hamakua Coast can be rainy. Drive cautiously and check road conditions during heavy weather.
Head east on Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Hwy, Route 200).
Continue across the island until Saddle Road becomes Puainako Street Extension.
Turn right on Kanoelehua Avenue (Hwy 11).
Drive south for about 2 miles.
Turn left onto Airport Road (Ailolo Street).
Follow signs to the terminal and designated lots.
Alternate Route (More Scenic): Take Hwy 190 to Hwy 200 via Old Saddle Road. Although slower and winding, it offers sweeping mountain views and fewer large trucks.
Hilo Airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options within walking distance of the terminal. Parking is available 24/7, and rates are posted at lot entrances. Payment can be made via credit card or cash at automated machines.
Short-Term Parking: Best for quick drop-offs, pickups, or short visits.
Long-Term Parking: Ideal for multi-day trips or interisland travel.
Accessible Parking: Located near the terminal entrance with designated stalls.
Tip: Check your vehicle for personal items and lock your doors. Overnight parking is secure, but precautions are always advised.
Departures: Use the designated curbside drop-off lane directly in front of the terminal.
Arrivals: For pickups, wait in the designated cell phone lot near the airport entrance until your party is ready to be picked up curbside.
Car Rental Return: Follow the posted signs for car rental return just before entering the main terminal area.
Use a GPS or Mapping App: Most major navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps recognize 'Hilo International Airport' and offer real-time traffic updates.
Watch for Signage: Clear road signs on Hwy 11 and Airport Road make navigation easy.
Drive Safely: Rain is frequent on the east side of Hawai'i Island—drive cautiously on wet roads and allow for reduced visibility during heavy showers.
Plan Ahead: While traffic is typically light compared to larger islands, construction, school zones, or weather-related delays may impact your drive time.
Getting to Hilo International Airport is convenient whether you're arriving from downtown Hilo, the Puna region, Volcano, or the Kohala coast. With easy-to-follow directions, minimal congestion, and straightforward terminal access, your drive to the airport can be stress-free. For the best travel experience, always check flight status, parking availability, and road conditions before departure.
For more travel tips or to check Hilo Airport parking rates and airline schedules, visit the official Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation – Airports Division website.