The Hilo and Kona terminals draw inspiration from the Big Island’s contrasting ecosystems—Hilo’s verdant rainforests and cascading waterfalls, and Kona’s arid volcanic terrain and coastal vibrancy. CHB Architects crafted these spaces to embody the island’s duality, using region-specific flora and materials to create distinct identities for each terminal. The designs balance compact functionality with luxurious comfort, ensuring that even the smallest facilities offer a world-class experience. By integrating cultural elements and sustainable practices, the terminals serve as intimate gateways that connect passengers to the Big Island’s natural beauty and storied traditions.
terminal. The designs balance compact functionality with luxurious comfort, ensuring that even the smallest facilities offer a world-class experience. By integrating cultural elements and sustainable practices, the terminals serve as intimate gateways that connect passengers to the Big Island’s natural beauty and storied traditions.
The Hilo and Kona terminals draw inspiration from the Big Island’s contrasting ecosystems—Hilo’s verdant rainforests and cascading waterfalls, and Kona’s arid volcanic terrain and coastal vibrancy. CHB Architects crafted these spaces to embody the island’s duality, using region-specific flora and materials to create distinct identities for each
Design Concept & Inspiration
SIGNATURE HILO
SIGNATURE KONA
The Signature Hilo and Kona FBO Airport Terminals, are the smallest yet most intimate facilities in CHB Architects’ portfolio of private aviation designs on Hawaii’s Big Island. These terminals, located in Hilo on the lush, rain-soaked eastern coast and Kona on the sunny, volcanic western coast, are tailored to reflect the distinct character of their respective locales.
Designed to serve Signature Aviation’s elite clientele, each terminal blends cultural authenticity, sustainable innovation, and modern luxury, transforming travel into an immersive celebration of the Big Island’s diverse landscapes and heritage.
Palapalai Fern and Lehua Flower Motifs The Hilo terminal celebrates the lush, tropical essence of the eastern Big Island with a design inspired by the palapalai fern and the vibrant red lehua flower, sacred to the volcano goddess Pele. These motifs are woven into custom textiles, etched glass panels, and decorative lighting, creating a warm, earthy palette of greens and reds that evokes Hilo’s rainforest environment.
Rainforest-Inspired Landscaping The terminal’s exterior features a compact yet lush garden with native palapalai ferns, ohia trees, and cascading water features mimicking Hilo’s iconic waterfalls. This greenery creates a serene entry point, connecting passengers to the region’s natural splendor.
Cozy Lounge and Café A single, intimate lounge offers plush seating in forest-inspired hues, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing views of the airfield.
SIGNATURE HILO TERMINAL
Akulikuli Flower Accents The Kona terminal reflects the sunny, coastal vibrancy of the western Big Island, with design elements inspired by the resilient akulikuli flower, a native succulent. Its coral and golden hues inform the terminal’s palette, appearing in custom upholstery, ceramic tiles, and subtle wall treatments that capture Kona’s volcanic warmth.
Coastal Volcanic Landscaping The terminal is surrounded by a minimalist landscape of volcanic rock gardens, akulikuli plants, and native naupaka shrubs, evoking Kona’s rugged coastline. A small outdoor patio offers shaded seating with views of the Pacific Ocean, blending indoor and outdoor spaces.
Elegant Lounge and Café The Kona lounge features sleek, modern furnishings in sunlit tones, with panoramic windows framing the airfield and volcanic slopes.
SIGNATURE KONA TERMINAL
Functional Design Direct airfield sightlines enhance operational efficiency and aesthetic appeal, while bespoke amenities, like locally inspired artwork and furnishings, create a cohesive, luxurious experience in both terminals.
Sustainability Focus Both terminals prioritize eco-conscious design, with energy-efficient LED lighting, passive cooling systems, and rainwater harvesting integrated into their landscaping. Locally sourced materials, such as volcanic stone and reclaimed wood, minimize environmental impact and align with the Big Island’s commitment to sustainability.
Cultural Collaboration CHB Architects partnered with Big Island artisans to incorporate custom elements, such as hand-carved ohia wood panels in Hilo depicting traditional Hawaiian petroglyphs and Kona’s woven lauhala accents inspired by local fishing traditions. These touches ensure each terminal feels deeply rooted in the island’s cultural narrative.
Compact Luxury Despite their smaller scale, both facilities offer streamlined check-in areas, private concierge services, and intimate VIP lounges tailored for high-net-worth travelers. The layouts optimize space while maintaining a sense of exclusivity and comfort.
SHARED FEATURES
Cozy Lounge and Café A single, intimate lounge offers plush seating in forest-inspired hues, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing views of the airfield.
Palapalai Fern and Lehua Flower Motifs The Hilo terminal celebrates the lush, tropical essence of the eastern Big Island with a design inspired by the palapalai fern and the vibrant red lehua flower, sacred to the volcano goddess Pele. These motifs are woven into custom textiles, etched glass panels, and decorative lighting, creating a warm, earthy palette of greens and reds that evokes Hilo’s rainforest environment.
Rainforest-Inspired Landscaping The terminal’s exterior features a compact yet lush garden with native palapalai ferns, ohia trees, and cascading water features mimicking Hilo’s iconic waterfalls. This greenery creates a serene entry point, connecting passengers to the region’s natural splendor.
Elegant Lounge and Café The Kona lounge features sleek, modern furnishings in sunlit tones, with panoramic windows framing the airfield and volcanic slopes.
Akulikuli Flower Accents The Kona terminal reflects the sunny, coastal vibrancy of the western Big Island, with design elements inspired by the resilient akulikuli flower, a native succulent. Its coral and golden hues inform the terminal’s palette, appearing in custom upholstery, ceramic tiles, and subtle wall treatments that capture Kona’s volcanic warmth.
Coastal Volcanic Landscaping The terminal is surrounded by a minimalist landscape of volcanic rock gardens, akulikuli plants, and native naupaka shrubs, evoking Kona’s rugged coastline. A small outdoor patio offers shaded seating with views of the Pacific Ocean, blending indoor and outdoor spaces.
Sustainability Focus Both terminals prioritize eco-conscious design, with energy-efficient LED lighting, passive cooling systems, and rainwater harvesting integrated into their landscaping. Locally sourced materials, such as volcanic stone and reclaimed wood, minimize environmental impact and align with the Big Island’s commitment to sustainability.
Cultural Collaboration CHB Architects partnered with Big Island artisans to incorporate custom elements, such as hand-carved ohia wood panels in Hilo depicting traditional Hawaiian petroglyphs and Kona’s woven lauhala accents inspired by local fishing traditions. These touches ensure each terminal feels deeply rooted in the island’s cultural narrative.
Compact Luxury Despite their smaller scale, both facilities offer streamlined check-in areas, private concierge services, and intimate VIP lounges tailored for high-net-worth travelers. The layouts optimize space while maintaining a sense of exclusivity and comfort.
Functional Design Direct airfield sightlines enhance operational efficiency and aesthetic appeal, while bespoke amenities, like locally inspired artwork and furnishings, create a cohesive, luxurious experience in both terminals.
