Hilo International Airport | Airport Transit Travel

Hilo International Airport (ITO)

Country: United States City: Hilo, Island of Hawai'i

Climate:

• Tropical, with warm and humid weather year-round
• Average annual temperature: 75°F (24°C)
• Average annual rainfall: 125 inches (318 cm)

Tourist Attractions:

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea.
• Mauna Kea Observatory: One of the world's leading astronomical observatories, located on the summit of Mauna Kea.
• Akaka Falls: A stunning waterfall set amidst lush tropical forests.
• Waimea Canyon: Known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," with colorful volcanic rock formations.
• Rainbow Falls: A beautiful waterfall named for the rainbow that frequently forms in its mist.
• Imiloa Astronomy Center: An interactive science center that showcases the astronomy and culture of Hawaii.
• Richardson Ocean Center: A marine education center with exhibits on the marine life of the Big Island.
• Honolii Beach Park: A scenic beach with black sand and excellent surfing conditions.
• Botanical Gardens: Visit one of the many botanical gardens, such as the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden or Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens.
• Coffee and Tea Plantations: Take a tour of a coffee or tea plantation and learn about the local agricultural industry.

Other Information:

• Hilo International Airport is approximately 5 miles (8 km) from downtown Hilo.
• The airport offers domestic and international flights.
• There are several car rental companies, taxis, and ride-sharing services available at the airport.
• Hilo offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and shops.

Unveiling the Hidden Gems Near Hilo International Airport

Located on the breathtaking Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo International Airport (ITO) welcomes visitors to a world of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Just a short drive from the airport, discover an array of captivating tourist attractions that will leave you spellbound.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:

• Distance from ITO: 31 miles
• Admission: $35 per vehicle

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Hawaii's most active volcanoes. Explore smoldering craters, molten lava flows, and lush rainforests filled with exotic wildlife. Hike scenic trails or take a guided tour to uncover the secrets of this geological marvel.

Rainbow Falls:

• Distance from ITO: 15 miles
• Admission: Free

Stroll through a verdant botanical garden to witness the cascading beauty of Rainbow Falls. Its colorful waterfall plunges into a picturesque pool, creating a breathtaking sight that will leave you in awe. Capture the perfect Instagram shot or simply relax and soak in the tranquility of nature.

Akaka Falls State Park:

• Distance from ITO: 20 miles
• Admission: $5 per person

Venture into a lush tropical paradise and discover two magnificent waterfalls. Akaka Falls plunges 442 feet into a lush gorge, while Kahuna Falls cascades down a nearby valley. Wander along scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking views from observation decks.

Imiloa Astronomy Center:

• Distance from ITO: 10 miles
• Admission: $25 per adult

Embark on an interstellar adventure at Imiloa Astronomy Center. Engage in interactive exhibits that showcase the wonders of the cosmos. Learn about Hawaiian astronomy, explore a planetarium, and gaze at the stars through high-powered telescopes.

Saddle Road:

• Distance from ITO: 26 miles
• Admission: Free

Embark on a scenic drive along Saddle Road, a 56-mile highway that traverses the island's interior. Along the way, marvel at the towering Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, visit observatories, and discover ancient petroglyphs.

Experience the enchantment of Hilo's nearby attractions and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. From volcanic wonders to breathtaking waterfalls, cultural discoveries to astronomical adventures, there's something for every traveler to enjoy. Discover the hidden gems near Hilo International Airport and embark on a journey of wonder and delight.

Unforgettable Family Adventure near Hilo International Airport

Our family recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Big Island of Hawaii, and our stay near Hilo International Airport (ITO) made it all the more special. The airport's convenient location allowed us easy access to the island's numerous attractions and provided a comfortable base for our family adventures.

Spacious and Welcoming Accommodation

We booked our accommodation at the nearby Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, which exceeded our expectations. The spacious suites gave us ample room to relax and spread out, and the amenities catered to our every need. The complimentary breakfast provided a delicious start to each morning, and the friendly staff made us feel right at home.

Exploring Volcanoes National Park

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Volcanoes National Park, located just a short drive from the airport. We marveled at the awe-inspiring Kīlauea Caldera, hiked through lush rainforests, and discovered hidden lava tubes. The park's educational displays and ranger-led tours enriched our experience and sparked our children's curiosity.

Adventure on Mauna Kea

Our family also enjoyed a thrilling adventure to the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii's highest mountain. We took a guided tour with Mauna Kea Tours, which provided us with expert commentary and safe transportation. The breathtaking views from the summit made the challenging hike well worth it.

Snorkeling in Kahalu'u Bay

For some aquatic fun, we headed to nearby Kahalu'u Bay. The calm, crystal-clear waters made it an ideal spot for snorkeling. We were amazed by the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including sea turtles and colorful tropical fish.

Warm and Friendly Locals

Throughout our stay, we were consistently impressed by the warmth and hospitality of the local community. The airport staff, hotel employees, and tour guides went above and beyond to make our experience memorable. We felt truly welcomed and enjoyed engaging with the friendly locals.

Convenient Transportation

The Hilo International Airport is well-connected to the island's attractions, making it easy to explore on our own terms. We rented a car from Hertz, which provided us with reliable and affordable transportation. The airport also offers shuttle services and taxi stands for convenient transfers.

Overall Impression

Our family had an incredible time exploring the Big Island of Hawaii from our base near Hilo International Airport. The convenient location, comfortable accommodation, and unforgettable attractions made our trip a truly special experience. We highly recommend this destination for families seeking a memorable and adventurous vacation.