Fly & Drive guide
Fly into ITO, drive to Big Island
Your route
ITO
Hilo International Airport
Big Island
About 1 h 27 min · 40 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to ITO
Compare fares into Hilo International Airport.
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: Romain COUPY · CC BY-SA 4.0
02Car at ITO
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Big Island. Compare rental companies in one search.
Compare rentalsPartner link · EconomyBookings · Photo: Benespit · CC BY-SA 4.0
03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storagePartner link · Radical Storage · Photo: Daniel Tanner · CC BY-SA 4.0
04 · First night near Big Island
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Big Island
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
Search ExpediaPartner link · Expedia · Photo: w_lemay · CC BY-SA 2.0
04Cabins & homes near Big Island
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
Search VrboPartner link · Vrbo · Photo: Starlightkanab · CC0
Before you land
Reservations
Hawaii National and State Park Booking Requirements
Hā‘ena State Park is on Kauaʻi, not the Big Island; Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park generally uses a standard entry fee without pre-booked time slots. Backcountry camping and certain guided programs require separate permits through the NPS or DLNR systems. Systems are subject to change; verify current requirements on official agency websites before arrival.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
April – June, September – November
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Big Island?
Hilo International Airport (ITO) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from ITO to Big Island?
Roughly 1 h 27 min (about 40 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Big Island?
Hā‘ena State Park is on Kauaʻi, not the Big Island; Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park generally uses a standard entry fee without pre-booked time slots. Backcountry camping and certain guided programs require separate permits through the NPS or DLNR systems. Systems are subject to change; verify current requirements on official agency websites before arrival.
