Flights to the Big Island

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The Big Island has two airports: Kona (KOA) on the west side and Hilo (ITO) on the east side. There are no direct flights from the mainland to Hilo, so if your goal is the most direct routing, you’ll almost certainly fly into Kona.

Overview

That said, it’s important to understand the geography. Kona is about a two-hour drive from where we live, which means if we’re picking you up, it becomes a four-hour round trip for us. It’s not a problem, but it’s something worth factoring into your planning, especially after a long travel day.

An alternative many people overlook is booking a short inter-island connection through Maui or Oʻahu and flying into Hilo. We’re only about 20 minutes from the Hilo airport, which can make arrival much easier and less exhausting, particularly if you’re already tired or jet-lagged.

Either option works, and we’re happy to pick you up from either airport. Just keep in mind that getting to Hawaiʻi is a long travel day for most people (unless you’re coming from the West Coast), and adding a two-hour drive at the end can feel like a lot. If a connection to Hilo isn’t too inconvenient, it’s often worth considering.

In short: Kona is simpler to book; Hilo is easier once you arrive. We’re flexible either way.

New Mainland Nonstop Flights to Hilo! (Starting August 6, 2026)

Southwest Airlines recently announced an exciting new option for travelers heading to Hilo. Beginning August 6, 2026, Southwest will operate nonstop flights between Las Vegas (Harry Reid International Airport, LAS) and Hilo International Airport (ITO) — the first direct mainland service to Hilo in years. The Points Guy+1

Here’s how the new schedule is shaping up: The Points Guy+1

  • Westbound (to Hilo): Departs Las Vegas at 9:30 a.m., arrives in Hilo at 12:35 p.m. local time

  • Eastbound (to Las Vegas): Departs Hilo at 8:45 p.m., arrives in Las Vegas at 5:10 a.m. the following day

  • Days of operation: Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays (year-round) The Points Guy

Because Las Vegas is a major U.S. travel hub with nonstop flights from many cities across the country, this new route makes getting to Hilo much easier for travelers coming from the Midwest, South, Plains states, and even the East Coast. In many cases you’ll be able to book one simple connection through Las Vegas instead of a multi-stop itinerary.Aloha State Daily