Interior of Hilo Airport, Hawaii 1972

This authentic 1970s colour photograph, captured in 1972, documents the interior check-in concourse of Hilo Airport (now Hilo International Airport) on the Big Island of Hawaii. The archival image showcases the mid-century modern terminal architecture, featuring minimalist white ticket counters for major carriers of the era, including United Air Lines and Western Airlines. Signage for Gate 1 and Continental Airlines is also visible in the background. In the foreground, a custodian in a blue uniform is seen sweeping the polished concrete floors, while passengers in period-correct early seventies attire—including a woman in a colorful patterned mini-skirt—wait near the baggage scales. The terminal’s design reflects the functional, open-plan style typical of Hawaiian regional airports during the initial jet age expansion. Hilo Airport is still standing today and remains a primary transport hub for East Hawaii, though this specific interior has been extensively renovated and modernized to accommodate contemporary security and airline operations. This factual record preserves the nostalgic atmosphere of Pacific air travel and the corporate branding of legacy airlines before the industry mergers of the late 20th century. All our images are available as royalty-free instant downloads for use in books, media, and creative projects – or make your own prints for home, work, or as a truly unique gift.