Hilo used to be the second most popular airport in Hawaii for overseas flights and is now the least. Every other major airport in Hawaii has multiple daily nonstop flights to no fewer than 7 mainland cities, with direct international flights to/from Japan recently returning to the big island with Hawaiian’s new HND-KOA service. Hilo may not need as many flights a day, but being under served doesn't only limit accessibility to tourists, it makes off island travel more burdensome for local residents.
Developing a world class, aviation-centric experience at ITO represents a unique opportunity to collaboratively develop the market for direct overseas flights. While the Kona side may have 85% of the available rooms, Hilo only receives 5% of overseas passengers, suggesting plenty fly into Kona, and also stay in Hilo. Adding direct service from Seattle and San Francisco, even only a few days a week, would balance this equation while providing access to the top markets for direct flights to and from the big island (LAX, SEA, SFO in that order).
To support all airlines in remarketing these flights, the Hilo Children’s Aerospace Museum will provide free admission to all overseas passengers arriving at ITO during their visit to the big island - just show your boarding pass!
With the museum easily accessible by airport shuttle, ITO becomes an exciting choice for any family interested in aviation.