Overview
Hilo sits on the lush, rain-fed eastern coast of Hawaii's Big Island, a world away from Waikiki's resort strips. Think black-sand bays, cascading waterfalls, orchid farms and the smouldering summit of Kilauea within easy reach — this is the Hawaii of volcanoes, rainforest and small-town charm rather than high-rise beachfronts. For UK travellers, flights to Hilo (airport code ITO) always involve a US mainland connection followed by a hop via Honolulu, so a little planning around routes and timing goes a long way.
Best time to fly to Hilo
Hilo is famously the wettest city in the United States, with showers possible any month, so "dry season" here is relative. May to September tends to bring the least rainfall and the warmest, most settled weather, making it the most popular window for UK travellers. November to March is wetter and can bring bigger surf and higher humidity, but also thinner crowds and, often, better value fares — check the price charts on this page to see how costs shift across the year before you commit to dates.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Hilo from the UK. The typical journey starts with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic or a US carrier from London to a mainland hub such as Los Angeles or San Francisco, followed by a long-haul sector to Honolulu (HNL) with an airline such as Hawaiian Airlines, United, Delta or Alaska. From Honolulu, a short inter-island flight of well under an hour, usually with Hawaiian Airlines, completes the trip into Hilo. All told, allow around 20 to 24 hours door to door once layovers are factored in, so a comfortable connection time in Honolulu is worth prioritising when you book.
Things to do in Hilo
Beyond the airport, Hilo rewards travellers who like nature over nightlife.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Home to Kilauea and dramatic lava landscapes, roughly a 45-minute drive from town.
- Akaka Falls State Park: A short, easy loop trail leading to a thundering 400-foot waterfall.
- Rainbow Falls: A postcard waterfall just minutes from downtown Hilo, best visited in the morning light.
- Hilo Farmers Market: A lively daily market for tropical fruit, flowers and local crafts.
- Imiloa Astronomy Center: A planetarium and cultural centre exploring Hawaiian navigation and Mauna Kea's observatories.
At Hilo International Airport (ITO)
Hilo International Airport is refreshingly compact and sits only around two miles from downtown Hilo, so transfers are quick. Taxis and rideshare are readily available, and most UK travellers pre-book a rental car at arrivals since public transport on the Big Island is limited and a car makes exploring the volcanoes and waterfalls far easier.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Hilo
- Book your mainland-to-Honolulu leg roughly 3 to 6 months ahead for the best availability on the connecting flight into Hilo.
- Flying midweek, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, often unlocks lower fares than weekend departures.
- Stay flexible with your UK departure airport and mainland hub — comparing Los Angeles and San Francisco routings can reveal useful savings.
- Use the When to book chart above to spot seasonal dips before locking in your travel dates.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders travelling to Hilo need a valid ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, applied for online before departure and typically valid for multiple visits over two years. The currency is the US Dollar (GBP cards are widely accepted, though it's worth telling your bank you're travelling). No special vaccinations are required, but comprehensive travel insurance covering outdoor activities and volcanic areas is strongly recommended given Hilo's remote, nature-focused attractions.
