Air ambulance flights to, from and within Hawaii
Air Ambulance Central arranges air ambulance flights for patients in Hawaii, including Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Kahului and Lihue, and anywhere else in the state. Each transfer is bedside to bedside: a ground ambulance at the pickup, a medically equipped aircraft with a flight nurse and paramedic, and a ground ambulance waiting at the destination.
Hawaii transfers fall into two groups: short inter-island flights to Honolulu, and long ocean crossings of roughly 2,500 miles to the mainland. The mainland flights need long-range jets with enough fuel reserve to cross the Pacific, which is a major factor in planning and cost.
Common Hawaii transfers
- Within Hawaii: from a local hospital to a specialty or trauma center.
- To the mainland or Lower 48: to specialty centers elsewhere in the U.S., or home to be near family.
- Into Hawaii: bringing a resident home after an illness or injury while traveling.
- International: repatriation to or from other countries.
Medical centers patients travel to in Hawaii
Nationally known hospitals in Hawaii that patients are often transferred to include:
- The Queen's Medical Center (Honolulu)
We coordinate with the sending and receiving hospitals, including confirming a bed before departure.
Choosing the right transport
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Air ambulance | Patients who must lie flat or need ICU-level care, usually for trips over 200 to 300 miles |
| Medical escort | Stable patients who can sit upright on a commercial flight, often for much less |
| Ground ambulance | Short local trips |
All flights are operated by FAA-certified Part 135 air carriers, and patient care is provided by licensed, independent medical transport providers.
Common questions
How do I arrange an air ambulance in Hawaii?
Call 1-800-827-0745 or request a quote online. A flight coordinator confirms the patient's condition, the receiving bed and the travel date, then arranges the aircraft, medical crew and ground ambulances.
How much does an air ambulance from Hawaii cost?
It depends mostly on distance, then on the aircraft and medical crew needed. You get a free written quote before anything is booked. See air ambulance cost.
Last reviewed October 2026 by the Air Ambulance Central flight coordination team.