โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Upolu Airport is a small state-run general aviation airport on the Big Island of Hawaii, three miles northwest of Hawi on the Kohala coast. It has one 3,800-foot runway, no aviation services, and a long history that runs from the old Suiter Field era through military use and later civilian operation under Hawaii DOT.
The field is not a scheduled-airline airport today, and that is central to understanding it. Travelers should expect a very light-footprint airfield with basic facilities, no fuel, and no conventional airline terminal flow. Its value lies in private aviation, emergency flexibility, and local access to the island's far northern district.
UPP is distinctive because of both setting and history. Few small Hawaiian airports combine territorial-era origins, wartime carrier-training use, and present-day quiet GA status, and the airport remains a useful reminder that the island's aviation geography once depended on several far smaller coastal gateways than today's better-known fields.
๐ Connection Tips
Upolu Airport is a small general aviation field northwest of Hawi, with no aviation services on site, so there is no meaningful commercial transfer experience to rely on. Plan it as a self-contained stop: arrive with fuel, transport, and any onward ground arrangements already confirmed, because the airport does not function like a staffed passenger terminal. On the Big Island, a road transfer to Kohala, Waimea, or the Kona coast is usually the practical next leg, not a terminal-to-terminal connection. Upolu Airport is essentially a bush strip for the northwest side of the island, so the real transfer is a road or 4WD handoff toward Hawi, Waimea, or the Kohala coast rather than any airport-side transport desk. If you are moving farther across the island, that road handoff is the practical next leg, not a terminal-side transport market. In that setting, the airport is only useful when the vehicle or host pickup is already waiting for you on the island. On the Big Island, that is why the road transfer to Hawi or Waimea needs to be sorted before arrival. A confirmed vehicle matters most if you are carrying bags or moving onward to a rural homestead. The airport is a planning stop, not a place where you can reliably improvise the next ride.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Apalachicola Regional Airport (AAF), also known as Cleve Randolph Field, is a public-use facility that primarily serves the general aviation needs of Franklin County, Florida. The terminal experience here is centered around a well-maintained general aviation building that houses the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation. Unlike commercial hubs, the atmosphere is quiet and professional, catering to private pilots, corporate travelers, and flight training operations. The terminal provides essential services such as a pilot lounge, a flight planning room, and basic administrative offices, all within a compact and easily navigable single-story structure.
The facility is designed for quick transitions from landside to airside, with a parking area located just steps away from the terminal entrance. Inside, visitors will find a clean and welcoming environment with comfortable seating and access to restrooms. While there are no sprawling retail concourses or food courts, the FBO staff are known for their hospitality, often providing complimentary coffee and assistance with ground logistics. The terminal also serves as a hub for local aviation events and military training exercises, reflecting the airport's diverse role in the regional aviation landscape of the Florida Panhandle.
For those arriving by private or charter aircraft, the terminal offers seamless access to the airfield's three concrete runways. There are no jet bridges; instead, passengers deplane directly onto the apron and walk a short distance to the FBO building. Security is managed through standard general aviation protocols rather than TSA checkpoints, allowing for a much faster arrival and departure process. Despite its simplicity, the terminal at AAF provides a high level of service for the general aviation community, offering a gateway to the historic city of Apalachicola and the pristine beaches of St. George Island.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Apalachicola Regional Airport is different from commercial transfers as the airport does not host scheduled airline services. All connections are between private, corporate, or charter flights. If you are planning a multi-leg journey through AAF, coordination with the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation, is essential. They assist with aircraft staging, refueling with 100LL or Jet-A, and ensuring ground support equipment is ready. The airport operates without a control tower, so pilots must use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) for local communication.
To transition from a private flight at AAF to a commercial airline, the nearest options are Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) or Tallahassee International Airport (TLH). Both are about an 80 to 90-minute drive from Apalachicola. Since there are no on-site rental car agencies with permanent counters, you must pre-arrange vehicle delivery or shuttle services. Many travelers find it convenient to use local taxi services or pre-arranged private transfers to reach these commercial hubs or destinations along the Forgotten Coast.
Ground logistics should be planned with the airport's operating hours in mind, as services are typically available from 08:00 to 19:00. If you require an after-hours arrival or departure, coordinate in advance with the FBO for terminal access and fuel. The rural area means ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are not reliably available, so a confirmed transport plan is crucial. Whether you are connecting to a fishing charter, a meeting, or a commercial flight elsewhere, AAF offers a low-stress environment provided that your ground and air logistics are meticulously pre-arranged.
โ Back to Upolu Airport