#travel

TSA ConfirmID enables travelers to verify their identity before arriving at the security checkpoint, for a $45 fee, with the process typically taking 10 to 15 minutes, though it could require 30 minutes or more in some cases.

Ahead of the new flight schedule, Southwest will offer special service between Las Vegas and Hilo during the 2026 Merrie Monarch Hula Festival.

The reduction in flights stems from a surge in callouts among the nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers, employed by the FAA, who have been working without pay for five weeks due to the federal government shutdown.

The three-times weekly service between Honolulu and Auckland returns on Nov. 16 and runs through the end of April 2026.

Annual University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Athletics fundraiser kicked off Sept.16 and runs through Oct. 16; contributions collected support student-athlete scholarships, training and travel.

State Department of Transportation personnel at Hilo International Airport have worked with Transportation Security Administration staff in anticipation of the increased number of travelers heading to the Big Island for the 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival.

Staffing capacity issues mean travelers to the mainland, Alaska or Guam with flights out of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport will have fewer stations where their baggage can be checked for plants, insects and hazardous plant diseases.

Delta Airlines is adding a new winter flight, direct from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, starting Dec. 19. American Airlines is resuming its seasonal direct flight from Dallas Fort Worth to Kona on Nov. 20.

Phase 4 of the Taxiway and Runway Lighting Replacement Project will replace all runway and taxiway lighting infrastructure, light fixtures and airfield signs as well as improve the electrical draining system at Hilo’s airport.

If you are one of those who get the long weekend, we hope you’re enjoying the extra day off. Take some time to learn about the history of why today is a holiday and a few fun labor facts to go with it.

The runway will be closed nightly from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

The “important milestone” brings the merger closer to reality as DOT looks at the airlines’ interim exemption application.

Decreased arrivals have been an ongoing trend since the first of the year.

More than 90% of visitors from all markets rated Hawai‘i as “excellent” or “above average” when it comes to being a safe and secure destination.

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation anticipates reopening the runway by noon.

Key among Gov. Green’s initiatives is the expansion of Global Entry for Japanese citizens. Global Entry, a trusted traveler program administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, expedites the customs and immigration process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.

Since the August 2023 Maui wildfires, total visitor arrivals were down in five out of the last six months while total visitor spending recorded six consecutive months of decreases from 2023.

In her new role, Sue Kanoho will lead the island chapters with the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, county and state officials and departments.

During repairs, another section of runway was identified for overnight repairs.

From resorts to hotels, the Big Island offers a unique and pleasant stay for travelers.