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
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
โ Back to Upolu Airport