Hilo International Airport

PHTO / ITO

Hilo, US

Last Updated
May 15, 01:36Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 18 min ago
01:36Z

🌙 Night
IFR
Flight Rules
23°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 21°C
3 kt
Variable
1 SM
Visibility
1,400 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
1014 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

SPECI PHTO 150136Z VRB03KT 1SM BR BKN014 OVC021 23/21 A2995 RMK AO2 RAE29 P0040 T02280211

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 38 ft
BKN 1,400 ft AGL
OVC 2,100 ft AGL
☁️
BKN
Broken (5/8-7/8 sky coverage)
1,400 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
1,438 ft AMSL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
2,100 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
2,138 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

IFR

Hilo International Airport is currently reporting instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with overcast skies at 2,100 feet and 1 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the variable directions at 3 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is reduced to 1 SM. IFR conditions prevail and an instrument clearance is required for operations in controlled airspace. The ceiling is 1400 feet AGL (broken), placing conditions in the MVFR category.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 23°C (73°F) with a dewpoint of 21°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Light Showers Rain, Mist.

Pilot Recommendations

An instrument rating and IFR flight plan are required. Verify that destination and alternate approach minimums are above current and forecast conditions. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1014 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1013 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (38 ft)
Pressure Alt
16 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 985 ft
ISA Deviation: +8.1°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF PHTO 142335Z 1500/1524 VRB06KT P6SM VCSH FEW025 BKN035 OVC045 FM150900 24005KT 6SM -SHRA BR BKN025 OVC035 FM151900 VRB06KT P6SM VCSH SCT025 BKN040
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
01:53Z BASE
+0h
VFR VRB 6 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 3,500 ft
09:00Z FM150900
+8h
MVFR 240° 5 kt
Visibility: 6SM
Ceiling: 2,500 ft
Light Showers Rain, Mist

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
HTO
03
21
08
26

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
03/21 5,600 ft 150 ft ASP 41° No wind data
08/26 9,800 ft 150 ft ASP 90° No wind data
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - PHTO

10,305 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
69.6%
MVFR
27.2%
IFR
3%
LIFR
0.2%

Hilo International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 69.6% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 3.2% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 6.2 knots. Calm conditions occur 11.9% of the time. The climate is relatively stable with temperatures averaging 22.6°C (range: 16°C to 31°C). The best months for VFR flying are December, October, September.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SW (225°)
Average Speed: 6.2 kt
Maximum Recorded: 20 kt
Calm Winds: 11.9%
Direction Distribution:
N
8.4%
NE
6.8%
E
11.1%
SE
8.1%
S
8.9%
SW
26.9%
W
13.9%
NW
3.9%

Temperature Range

Average: 22.6°C
Range: 16°C to 31°C
16°C 31°C

Visibility

Average: 9.1 SM
Below 3 SM: 2%
Fog Frequency: 0%

Best Months for VFR

December October September

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 03/21
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.7 kt
Runway 08/26
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.5 kt

Statistics computed from 10,305 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Hilo International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: PHTO
IATA Code: ITO
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 38 ft MSL

Location

City: Hilo
Country: US
Latitude: 19.721399°
Longitude: -155.048004°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+10

Runway Information

Runway 03/21
Length: 5,600 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 08/26
Length: 9,800 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Hilo International Airport

Overview

Hilo International Airport serves the eastern side of Hawaii's Big Island, located in the city of Hilo. As a medium-sized airport with two substantial runways, it provides critical aviation infrastructure for the region, supporting both commercial and general aviation operations. The airport sits at a low elevation of 38 feet mean sea level, offering relatively straightforward terrain interaction.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Hilo are predominantly visual flight rules (VFR), with 74.3% of observations supporting clear flying conditions. Southwest winds averaging 5.9 knots characterize the airport's wind profile, with occasional gusts up to 20 knots. Temperature remains consistently moderate, ranging from 16°C to 31°C, with an average of 22.9°C, providing stable atmospheric conditions for most of the year.

Notable Features

The airport features two parallel asphalt runways: a 5,600-foot runway (03/21) and a longer 9,800-foot runway (08/26). Both runways demonstrate excellent wind alignment, with 100% favorable wind coverage and minimal average crosswind components (3.6kt and 3.1kt respectively). The geographical location near the Pacific Ocean influences local meteorological conditions, contributing to the airport's consistent visibility averaging 9.2 statute miles.

Approach Considerations

Pilots can expect optimal flying conditions during December, October, and September, which represent the best VFR months. The runways offer flexible approach options with consistent wind patterns. While instrument meteorological conditions are rare (IFR/LIFR conditions represent only 2.8% of observations), pilots should still prepare for potential variability, particularly during less favorable months.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.