Aloha and welcome! After a flight, the best first-day plan is a simple one: collect your bags, pick up your car, find something good to eat, and settle in. Here is how to make the trip from Hilo Airport to Koili Point in Papaikou feel easy.
At a glance: Hilo Airport to Papaikou
- Airport:
Hilo International Airport (ITO), on Hawaiʻi Island’s east side.
- Driving plan:
allow roughly 20–30 minutes once you are in your car. This is a planning estimate, not a live traffic prediction.
- Route:
head through Hilo and follow Highway 19 north toward Papaikou; use the arrival directions supplied for your reservation for the final approach.
- Check-in:
from 3 p.m. Let Len know if you expect a late arrival.
Baggage collection, the rental-car counter, traffic, rain and grocery stops are additional time. Avoid scheduling an activity immediately after landing. Check your flight’s airport code carefully: Kona (KOA) is on the other side of the island and is a much longer arrival journey.
Arrange your transportation before you fly
A rental car gives families and groups the most flexibility for groceries, restaurants and day trips along the coast. Reserve one that fits both your passengers and luggage, and arrange any child seats in advance. If you prefer a taxi or prearranged transfer, confirm pickup details and how you will get around during your stay. Do not assume a return ride will be waiting in Papaikou.
For official airport information, see Hilo Airport’s transportation and driving directions. Save your reservation details and Koili Point’s arrival instructions before leaving the airport.
Make one useful stop in Hilo
If your flight timing allows, pick up breakfast supplies and an easy first-night meal before heading north. Think coffee, drinking water for outings, fruit, snacks and something everyone can enjoy without much cooking. Check the shop’s current hours, especially for evening arrivals. Buy chilled groceries last and head straight to the house afterward.
With tired children, a quick food stop usually works better than a full sightseeing afternoon. If you arrive before check-in, ask Len about timing rather than assuming the home will be ready early. For meal ideas during your stay, browse our Local Grinds guide.
Take the last few miles slowly
Papaikou is a residential community, not a resort entrance lined with signs. Follow the supplied directions, keep driveways clear and pull over only where it is safe and permitted. If heavy rain affects visibility, give yourself more time. A passenger can handle navigation so the driver can concentrate on the road.
For two-home bookings, share the same arrival instructions with both drivers. Agree on groceries and the first meal before you land; it is a small bit of planning that makes a group arrival much calmer.
Your first evening at Koili Point
Unpack, find your covered lanai and leave some room in the schedule to enjoy being here. Each home sleeps four and has its own kitchen and laundry. The pool and hot tub are reserved for guests of the two homes. Our oceanfront bluff setting is for enjoying the Pacific from above; there is no direct ocean swimming access.
Koili Point is solar powered, with air conditioning during the day and fans and natural airflow at night. Knowing that rhythm before you arrive helps you settle in comfortably.
A little Hawaiian: please
E ʻoluʻolu
expresses “please” in a request. Hawaiian wording depends on the sentence; it is more than a word to tack onto anything. You can explore examples in the University of Hawaiʻi’s Hawaiian dictionaries. A friendly greeting, patience and a sincere mahalo go a long way, too.
Choose your oceanfront home
Check live availability and rates for Hale Honu on Houfy
or Hale Koholā on Houfy. Traveling with up to eight? Read about booking both homes, or email Len
with your dates and group size.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Mahalo,
Len
