Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Hilo Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Quick Links
The airport lounge is the best in the world, with its huge comfy armchairs, tons of space, and soft Hawaiian music. – a traveller
ITO Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Hilo International Airport.
What to expect
Hilo International Airport (code: ITO) comprises a small, partially open-air terminal with limited services. The airport has an eatery on each side of security, though food choices are described as limited. There is also a gift shop/newsstand on the airside. WiFi is available, and additional comfort can be found through fee-based access to the airport’s first-class lounge.
Sleeping in Hilo Airport
While seating in the departures area is described as comfortable, after security checkpoints close for the night, all passengers are restricted to the landside areas. Because the landside is essentially “open air,” with no seating, overnight sleeping at this airport means sleeping outdoors. If you plan to sleep at this airport al fresco, bring earplugs/noise-cancelling headphones, as the closed airside reportedly blasts loud Hawaiian music through the night. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels within a quick shuttle ride of the airport. See the Airport Hotels section below.
Read traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Hilo Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The terminal is open 24 hours a day. Security screening opens and closes based on the daily flight schedule.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in Hilo Airport sounds like a nightmare, several hotels are located within a short drive of the airport. Keep in mind that most nearby properties do not offer airport shuttles, so you may need a taxi or rideshare.
- The Big Island Hostel » Check Rates
- SCP Hilo Hotel » Check Rates
- Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Hilo Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter through a lounge membership program.
- Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club – Location: Airside, Main Terminal, below Gate 6 in the passenger departure lounge (first floor). Hours: 5:00 AM – 7:30 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs: Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club (existing members only) • Atmos Rewards status members who are also Huakaʻi by Hawaiian members • Eligible First Class passengers on same-day Hawaiian Airlines or Alaska Airlines operated flights.
Drinking Water
Water fountains and bottle refill stations are available in the terminal.
Food & Drinks
There are limited dining options, primarily located landside. Options and hours may vary depending on flight activity.
Mobile Charging
Electrical outlets are available in seating areas throughout the terminal.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Showers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at Hilo Airport. Select either the free WiFi network Boingo Hotspot or “HiloWiFi.”
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Accessibility Services – Accessibility features include elevators, curbside loading zones, accessible parking spaces, family restrooms, and telecommunications relay services. Wheelchair assistance can be arranged through your airline. AEDs are available throughout the terminal.
ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available landside. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits before travelling.
Courtesy Phones – Courtesy phones are available near the Visitor Information Booths.
Information Desk – Visitor Information Booths provide airport and local area information. Locations include the Interisland Arrivals Counter and the Central Departure Counter. Service generally operates daily from early morning until evening, though hours may vary and the Central Departure Counter operates intermittently.
Luggage Carts – Luggage carts are available for rent in the baggage claim area and near the curbside in Lobby 4.
Shopping – A few small shops sell leis, souvenirs, and reading materials. Operating hours vary and typically follow flight activity, so options may be limited in the early morning or evening.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking Area – Smoking is not permitted inside the terminal. Smokers must remain at least 20 feet away from entrances.
Car Rentals
On-site car rental agencies include Advantage • Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Thrifty.
Hotel Shuttles
See also Airport Hotels above.
Taxis and Shuttles
Taxis are available in the taxi rank outside, in front of the baggage claim. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required. At the time of this update, a one-way fare to Banyan Drive hotels is $13, and to Hilo Town or Pier is $15. SpeediShuttle offers door-to-door shared ride service to and from the airport.
Last updated: 2026-02-25
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.