Cheap Flights To Hilo

Finding Cheap Flights To Hilo

Hilo is served by Hilo International Airport (ITO), the main airport for the eastern side of Hawaii's Big Island. Due to its location and the island's geography, air service into Hilo is focused on inter-island flights from Honolulu and a limited number of direct mainland U.S. routes. Competition is limited, which can keep fares relatively high.

The most vital route into Hilo is the frequent inter-island flight from Honolulu (HNL) on Oahu, which serves as the main gateway for all further travel into eastern Hawaii. Direct mainland U.S. flights are limited and may include seasonal or year-round services from Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). There are also occasional direct arrivals from other Hawaiian islands like Kahului (OGG) on Maui.

Air service into Hilo is dominated by Hawaiian Airlines, which operates the majority of inter-island and mainland routes. Southwest Airlines also operates inter-island flights from Honolulu. United Airlines may operate seasonal mainland service. There is minimal low-cost competition on direct mainland routes into Hilo.

To find affordable flights to Hilo, book inter-island flights from Honolulu (HNL) several weeks in advance. For travel from the mainland U.S., book direct flights into ITO 3-5 months ahead for the best prices, especially for peak seasons. A common strategy for better deals is to fly into Honolulu (HNL) on a cheaper mainland flight and then book a separate, short inter-island flight to Hilo. Always compare the total cost of a direct flight into Hilo versus connecting through Honolulu. Hilo's airport is smaller and less busy than Kona (KOA) on the west side, which sometimes has more mainland flight options — but reaching Hilo from Kona requires a drive across the island.