TSA officers at Hilo Airport (ITO)

TSA at Hilo Airport (Hilo)

Traveling through Hilo Airport (ITO) on Hilo involves several important steps, with TSA security procedures playing a key role in ensuring a safe and efficient airport experience. Whether you're heading to another Hawaiian island, the U.S. mainland, or catching an international flight to Canada, understanding TSA guidelines will help you avoid delays and navigate the terminal with ease.

1. Pre-Trip Preparations

Check Travel Documents: Ensure you have a valid government-issued photo ID (like a state driver’s license) or a passport if traveling internationally. If you're a domestic traveler, a standard driver’s license currently suffices, but keep an eye on REAL ID requirements (taking effect in May 2025).

REAL ID Compliance: After May 7, 2025, all domestic air travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification. Check that your Hawaii state ID or license has the star marking in the upper right corner to confirm compliance.

Review Prohibited Items: Visit tsa.gov to review banned items such as large liquids, flammable materials, sharp tools, and aerosol sprays. This prevents slowdowns at the checkpoint.

2. Packing Tips for Hilo TSA Checkpoints

Colorful luggage for travel

Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols – The 3-1-1 Rule™:

• * Each liquid container must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less

• * All must fit into a single quart-sized, clear plastic zip-top bag

• * One bag per traveler

Exceptions: Baby formula, breast milk, and medications—declare these at security.

Electronics: Laptops, tablets, and other large electronics must be removed from bags and placed in a separate bin. Small items like phones and chargers can stay packed.

Food: Solid food like snacks or sandwiches is allowed, but liquids or gels (like yogurt or poi) must follow the 3-1-1 rule. For gifts like jam or honey, place them in your checked luggage if over 3.4 oz.

Medications & Medical Devices: You may bring larger quantities of medically necessary liquids, but they must be declared. Label medications and pack them separately for easy screening.

3. Arriving at the Hilo International Airport (ITO)

Hilo International Airport (Hilo Airport - ITO) TSA PreCheck

Know the Terminal Layout: Hilo Airport has a single terminal layout, making navigation simpler than larger airports. All ticketing, check-in, and TSA checkpoints are centrally located.

When to Arrive:

• * Domestic flights: Arrive 2 hours prior

• * International flights (e.g., to Canada) : Arrive 3 hours prior

• * One bag per traveler

TSA PreCheck

Hilo Airport offers a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane. Enrolled travelers can enjoy:

• * No need to remove shoes, belts, laptops, or compliant liquids

• * Shorter lines and faster processing

4. Navigating TSA Screening at Hilo

Standard Screening Steps:

• * Present your ID and boarding pass

• * Remove shoes, belts, jackets, and place them in bins

• * Remove electronics and 3-1-1 liquids from carry-ons

• * Pass through the body scanner or metal detector

Declare Special Items:

Inform TSA agents if you're carrying medications, medical equipment, or duty-free purchases requiring extra inspection. Label clearly and keep them accessible.

Traveling with Children or Elderly Passengers:

Children under 12 and adults over 75 may keep shoes on. Baby food and formula can exceed the liquid limit but must be declared. Strollers and car seats can go through the scanner.

TSA security screening procedures at ITO

Prepare for Security Screening: At the checkpoint, have your ID and boarding pass ready for inspection. Remove your shoes, belts, and jackets unless you're a TSA PreCheck member. Place them in bins provided, along with your electronics and any 3-1-1 liquids. HNL's TSA checkpoints operate with an efficient flow, but your preparation can help keep the process moving.

Declare Special Items: Inform TSA officers if you're carrying items requiring declaration, such as medications, medical devices, or valuable items. For smooth passage, pack these items where they can be easily accessed, and ensure they're clearly labeled.

Traveling with Children or Elderly Companions: For travelers with children or elderly companions, TSA offers accommodations to make the screening process easier. Children under 12 and adults over 75 can keep shoes on, and families traveling with strollers or child safety seats can take these items through TSA screening with minimal interruption.

5. Agricultural Screening – A Key Step at Hilo

Arrivals at ITO - TSA Procedures for International Travelers

Departures: All travelers leaving Hilo must pass through a Hawaii State Department of Agriculture checkpoint before reaching TSA. This is to prevent the transport of invasive species or plant diseases to other islands or the mainland.

Prohibited Items:

• * Fresh fruits and vegetables (unless pre-approved and labeled)

• * Plants and seeds

• * Certain flowers and soil-based items

Use agricultural inspection stations located just before TSA security to screen your baggage. Many gift shops sell pre-inspected items clearly labeled as safe for travel. Amnesty Bins are located near the checkpoint for travelers to discard prohibited agricultural items without penalty.

6. Additional Screening and Boarding Tips

Travelers with luggage walking through terminal

Pets & Service Animals:

Pets must be removed from carriers during screening. Walk your leashed pet through the metal detector while the carrier is scanned. Be ready for additional inspection if needed.

Sports Equipment & Oversized Bags:

Surfboards, golf clubs, and diving gear are common departures from Maui. Oversized items may require special screening and can take extra time to process.

Group Travel:

Groups and families should notify TSA staff to help coordinate screening. Families with young children can expect accommodations and expedited service where possible.

7. General TSA Travel Tips at Hilo

Silhouette of traveler at airport window during sunset

• * Download the MyTSA App: Check wait times, view real-time updates, and confirm TSA policies

• * Use Slip-On Shoes: Speeds up removal at security

• * Keep Documents Handy: Boarding pass, ID, or passport should be easily accessible

• * Charge Devices Before Arriving: Charging stations are limited post-security

• * Be Courteous: Kahului Airport’s TSA staff are known for their professionalism. Kindness goes a long way!

Final Thoughts

Though smaller in scale, Hilo Airport maintains full TSA security protocols and unique agricultural regulations to protect Hawaii’s environment. With a bit of preparation and an understanding of what to expect, your journey through OGG can be easy, safe, and stress-free—so you can spend more time enjoying paradise. Aloha and safe travels from Hilo!