The duration of a commercial airplane trip between Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu and airports on Hawaii Island, such as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) at Keahole or Hilo International Airport (ITO), is typically less than an hour. This brevity is a key factor for interisland travel within the Hawaiian archipelago.
Quick air travel facilitates business, family visits, and tourism between the islands. It allows residents and visitors to easily experience the unique offerings of each island, from volcanic landscapes to vibrant coral reefs. Historically, interisland travel relied on much slower boat journeys, highlighting the significant impact of modern aviation in connecting the Hawaiian Islands. This ease of travel has contributed to the islands’ economic and cultural interconnectedness.