Hilo International Airport (ITO) is located less than 10 minutes by car from downtown Hilo.

Although it is not large, it serves as a major transportation hub for the eastern region of the Big Island. It started as a military runway in the 1940s and later transitioned to a civilian airport, now being one of the main hubs for airlines in the Hawaiian Islands. The airport is small and cozy compared to other large international airports, making it convenient for travelers due to its simple layout. There are not many security checkpoints, so the lines are not long, and the front of the airport is adorned with palm trees and tropical plants, giving you the feeling of 'Ah, I've really arrived in Hawaii' as soon as you arrive.

Currently, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and several small regional airlines operate at Hilo Airport. Most flights connect to Honolulu International Airport on Oahu, and some routes also go to Maui and Kauai. There are no direct flights to the mainland U.S., but you can easily transfer in Honolulu to reach Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and more.

Inside the airport, there are several rental car companies, and you can reach downtown Hilo by taxi or shuttle bus for around $15. There are also small cafes, souvenir shops, and local art sales corners, making it nice to browse before or after your flight.

Now, let's address a question that many people are curious about: "Are there ferries between the Hawaiian Islands?"

To put it simply, there are currently very few regular 'passenger ferries' in the Hawaiian Islands. In the past, there was a 'Superferry' connecting Maui and Oahu, but it ceased operations in 2009 due to environmental and noise issues. Since then, air travel has become virtually the only way to move between the Hawaiian Islands.

The distances between the islands in Hawaii are farther than you might think. For example, the straight-line distance from Hilo to Maui is about 120 km, and to Honolulu, it is about 340 km, so traveling by sea can take more than 3 to 5 hours. The rough waves and frequent weather changes in the area make regular ferry operations challenging.

Instead, inter-island flights in Hawaii are very actively operated. Hawaiian Airlines operates dozens of inter-island flights daily, and the small airline Mokulele Airlines offers various routes at affordable prices. Tickets usually range from $40 to $70, and with good booking, you can travel much faster and safer than by boat.

Ultimately, when planning a trip to Hilo, 'air travel' is the basic mode of transportation. It takes about 45 minutes from Hilo Airport to Honolulu and about 35 minutes to Maui, making inter-island travel surprisingly convenient. Although the flight time is short, the view of the sea and islands seen through the clouds is so beautiful that it feels like flying in a miniature world.

Thus, Hilo is regarded as a 'city with a small but efficient airport.' The runway reveals the surrounding nature, the terminal is neat, and the staff always greet you warmly, embodying the unique relaxation and warmth of Hawaii. Although the ferry is gone, the skies connect the islands, and within that, travelers enjoy the slow pace and blue seas of Hawaii as they depart for another island. A short flight departing from Hilo Airport is not just a means of transportation but the beginning of a small adventure connecting the Hawaiian Islands.