Travel Tips

For those of you travelling from the mainland, or internationally, we recommend that you make your final destination to Hilo International Airport (ITO), which is the destination site for SILS 2014.

Arriving Into Hilo, Hawai‘i

Tip: United Airlines currently offers a direct flight into ITO (Hilo, Hawai‘i) from LAX (Los Angeles, California)

Alternatively, the majority of available flights require that you fly directly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on the Island of O‘ahu as your first point of destination. Upon arrival into HNL, you will then take the WIKI WIKI (free shuttle) bus to the Inter-Island terminal. Once you arrive in the Inter-Island terminal, you will board a short, (35-40 minute) flight to Hilo, which is located on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Please make certain that you book your travel all the way through to Hilo (ITO) and don’t wait until you arrive in Honolulu to make your connecting flight because the seats are in demand. Hawaiian Airlines and go! Airlines generally have the most seat availability, but other options are listed below for your information.

Advisory *It is very important to leave a minimum of two-hours between your arrival into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on the island of O‘ahu, and your departure to Hilo (ITO). This is necessary because of the added security measures and transfer to the inter-Island Terminal.*

Arrival into Kona, Hawai‘i

An alternative arrival destination is the Kona-Keahole International Airport (KOA) located on the west side of the Island and a 2+ hour drive to the symposium in Hilo.

Ground Transportation & Car Rental

Transportation from the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel to the conference venues at UH Hilo Campus and Nāwahī is included for registered symposium participants between January 16 - 18. Transportation is not included from the airport to the venue on January 15th, for the opening reception that evening. 

Car rental is not needed for full participants in the conference, but those with guests/family members are encouraged to rent a car for them.

If you plan to arrive before or after the main symposium dates or are bringing guests or family members, we recommend a rental car for flexibility and ease, and we strongly suggest booking before you arrive. All the major rental companies are found on the Big Island. Rental car agencies are located at the Hilo and Kona International Airports as well as some resorts. Rental car companies are located just a short distance from both inter-island terminals. Taxis and other ground transportation are available curbside. Approximate taxi fare from Hilo International Airport (ITO) to the symposium venue is $13.

Please note when making flight arrangements that Kailua-Kona (KOA) is a two-hour drive by car from Hilo. Click here for car rental and shuttle information: http://hawaii.gov/ito/ground-transportation/car-rentals

Visa Requirements

Please inquire early about visa requirements to visit the United States from your local US Embassy or Consulate. For general information on the USA visa requirements, go to: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1265.html