Busy Airport at certain times during arrivals! Good place to work also and meet some good people. No stress for departure and arrivals. Easy access to everything u need. Rental car area across from Terminal. Maika'i Hilo Airport🌈
This is one of the simplest and most efficient airports I've ever been through. Of course it's small but, you literally have no waiting at all. You can simply get to the gate within a few minutes the moment you go through the airport door. To get the rental car you just need to cross the road. So easy. This airport does have that Hawaiian rural vibe and I liked it very much. It's also a few minutes away from Hilo, the main town in The Big Island. There are not many shops you would find here. Probably just one gift shop and a place to eat and that's just about it. The flight to this location is very beautiful if you get a window seat during day time. More over almost everyone working in this airport is very nice, caring and helpful.
Great service from Southwest service desk. Clean toilets and spacious lounge areas in air-conditioning whilst waiting for our flight. Much better than having many shops and crowded seating like in Honolulu. Baggage staff also helped gather my bags when I couldn't lift due to my back
Lovely little airport with very comfortable chairs. TSA lines move fast, and the rental cars are just a 2 minute walk from the entrance. At the time of both arrival and departure, only the small gift shop inside was open, and everything else was closed.
I flew out of Hilo International Airport July 8th. Was my first time there and I was very surprised. The Airport was not like others I had been in, it was.. Comfortable.
The layout was very nice and the atmosphere was relaxed, nowhere did I see the comfortable rigid seats that you find in airports. in the place of the the airport chairs were couches, comfortable couches. Be careful and don't fall asleep and miss your flight.
It has a small area for food and snack with decent food.
Also, the gates are upstairs.
I think.. no, I know this is my favorite airport I have ever visited.
One of the most laid back airport I’ve been through. Love the homey style and the slow pace vibe in this airport. Love the chairs in the lounge (before hopping up on the escalator going to 2nd level). I would certainly love to fly to Hilo by any chance! I would never mind to come early before my flight and just dally dallying around.
Quaint airport, small town feeling. Aloha spirit is alive here!
Security is present and active/alert whilst also being friendly.
Arrival tips: no need for a shuttle to get your rental car. Your rental car pick up and drop off is right across from the baggage claim/gate
Departure tips: if you get here early before boarding, best to wait in the large lounge area on the 1st floor. The chairs are comfier than the gate and the ceilings are much higher. The gate area tends to get crowded so I feel less anxious waiting on the 1st floor with the natural light and plants.
There is beautiful local artwork done by local Keiki/children and adults all over the airport.
There aren't options for food+beverage at the gate so best to just pack what you can take in, or eat in flight. There is one store on the ground level with drink+food options
Using this airport is a relaxed, stress-free way to visit the Big Island. Most of the facilities are open to the air. This is the only airport I know where baggage claim is outside the building. Once you pass through security there's a great lounge area you can relax in. It has upholstered chairs and coffee tables. Hang out here before walking up the stairs to your gate.
Very small airport. Public artwork on the outside of the area as well as a small place to load/unload passengers. Entry is very easy, only a few passengers were in line when I went.
The local Hele-On bus runs rather infrequently and only one route (to Hilo).
Not much that I can think of to dislike about the airport. It’s situated nicely and small enough to know where everything is. The seating area downstairs is pretty comfy too.
Best small airport, easy in / out . Cell phone parking for picking up people. fast moving TSA , friendly staff, nice restrooms . Gift shops , bar , restaurant.
Easy wheelchair accessible.
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