Hilo is getting its first mainland nonstop flight in three years. Southwest Airlines announced a new Las Vegas (LAS) to Hilo (ITO) route launching August 6, 2026, with three flights per week. The last mainland nonstop to Hilo disappeared in 2023 when United pulled its LAX-ITO seasonal service.

For anyone planning a Big Island trip that focuses on Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or the Hamakua Coast, this changes the calculus. Until now, reaching Hilo from the mainland meant connecting through Honolulu or flying into Kona and driving two hours across the island.

Route: Las Vegas Harry Reid International (LAS) to Hilo International (ITO)

Starts: August 6, 2026

Frequency: Three times per week

Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX 8, all-economy, 175 seats

Perks: Two free checked bags (standard Southwest policy), no change fees, Wi-Fi and seat power on all MAX aircraft

Fares have not been officially published, but early estimates put one-way prices around $200-$280 during introductory sales, likely settling around $300-$350 for regular bookings. Southwest frequently runs flash sales on new routes in the first few months.

Las Vegas is a natural hub for this route — it already connects to dozens of cities across the western U.S. Travelers from Phoenix, Denver, Salt Lake City, and the Pacific Northwest can build easy same-day connections through LAS to reach Hilo without the Honolulu layover.

The Big Island has two airports. Kona (KOA) on the west side handles nearly all mainland flights and is the gateway to resorts, beaches, and the dry Kohala Coast. Hilo (ITO) on the east side serves the rainforest half of the island — waterfalls, the volcano, botanical gardens, and a quieter, less touristy vibe.

Without a mainland nonstop, Hilo has been functionally harder to reach. Most visitors fly into Kona and either skip the east side entirely or drive the 2-hour, 90-mile stretch across the Saddle Road. That drive is scenic, but it eats half a day.

A direct Hilo flight means you can land and be at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in 35 minutes. Hilo town — with its farmers market, waterfalls, and Japanese gardens — is 5 minutes from the terminal.

If you are flying directly into Hilo, here is what is within easy reach without crossing to the Kona side:

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — Kilauea’s ongoing eruption cycle makes this the most dynamic national park in the country. Crater Rim Drive, the Thurston Lava Tube, and the Devastation Trail are all accessible from the park entrance, 30 miles south of Hilo. Full park guide here.

Akaka Falls and the Hamakua Coast — The 442-foot Akaka Falls is a 20-minute drive north of Hilo. Continue up the Hamakua Coast for Pepeekeo Scenic Drive, botanical gardens, and small plantation towns.

Hilo Farmers Market — Open Wednesday and Saturday mornings. One of the best farmers markets in Hawaii — tropical fruit, fresh-cut anthuriums, local honey, and prepared food stalls. The Saturday market is the bigger draw.

Mauna Kea — The 13,796-foot summit is accessible from both sides of the island, but the Hilo approach via the Mauna Kea Access Road is the more common route for stargazing tours and visitor center stops.

Black sand beaches — Punaluu Black Sand Beach is about an hour south of Hilo. Green sea turtles bask on the black volcanic sand regularly.

If you want to explore the Big Island’s east side by car, Discount Hawaii Car Rental has pickup locations at both Hilo and Kona airports. For guided volcano and waterfall tours departing from Hilo, compare Big Island tours on Viator.

The Hilo route is part of Southwest’s broader 2026 Hawaii push. The airline is also launching new nonstops from Ontario and Burbank to Honolulu this summer, bringing its total mainland-Hawaii routes to 10-plus. Southwest also ran special Merrie Monarch Festival charter flights to Hilo earlier this month, suggesting the carrier sees long-term demand for the destination.

The competition is good for travelers. More routes to Hilo should pressure fares on the Kona side as well, and the Big Island overall becomes easier and cheaper to reach from the mainland.

For a full breakdown of all new Hawaii flight routes launching in 2026, see our complete guide to new Hawaii flights.