Hilo, HI
World-class Hilo ag and conservation drone company with 30+ combined years experience; one of only fully licensed drone aerial applicators in Hawaii; contracted by DLNR for coqui frog control
FAA Part 137 ✓FAA Part 107 ✓
Price on request
Agricultural Drone Services in Hilo, Hawaii
By Eugen Manoli, Founder and Editor · Updated
Hilo, Hawaii has 1 verified agricultural drone operator listed in the directory, serving farms across the surrounding area. Big Island; coffee, macadamia nut and tropical-fruit production. Together they list row crops as the primary crops treated by drone, with additional coverage across other regional commodities. Hawaii drone application rates run $20 to $40/acre depending on field size, crop and application timing, in line with 2026 statewide benchmarks. Available services in Hilo include drone spraying, cover crop seeding, aerial mapping and fertilizer application, giving growers a full menu beyond pesticide application. Every operator working over Hawaii fields must hold FAA Part 107 plus Category 4: Aerial Pest Control. RUP Aerial Permit (Form P-23) also required. from Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal and Biocontrol (DAB), and many also carry FAA Part 137 for commercial agricultural aircraft operations. Contact the operators below directly for season availability, exact per-acre pricing and to confirm license and insurance status before booking.
1
Listed operators
$20 to $40/acre
Hawaii rate range
Row Crops
Top crops served
Drone operators in Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo ag-county context
Hilo sits in Hawaii County with a population of approximately 44,186 (US Census Bureau Places).
Big Island; coffee, macadamia nut and tropical-fruit production.
Sources: USDA NASS Census of Agriculture (county-level cropland and farm-receipts tables) and US Census Bureau Places gazetteer. Confirm exact figures via primary source for any decision-grade use.
Crops served by Hilo drone operators
| Crop | Operators | Rate ($/acre) | Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Row Crops | 1 | $12 to $22 | May to Oct |
Rate ranges from national crop benchmarks. Hawaii statewide range: $20 to $40/acre. Estimate your job →
Hilo drone operator credentials
1 of 1
FAA Part 107 (Remote Pilot)
1 of 1
FAA Part 137 (Ag Aircraft)
0 of 1
NDAA Section 848 compliant
Commercial agricultural drone application in Hawaii requires the federal FAA Part 137 certificate plus Category 4: Aerial Pest Control. RUP Aerial Permit (Form P-23) also required. from Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal and Biocontrol (DAB). Read the federal rules in the FAA Part 137 guide and the state-by-state breakdown on state pesticide licensing.
Verify Hilo drone operator credentials
Primary-source references for verifying ag drone operator credentials in Hawaii and federally.
How to hire a drone operator in Hilo
- 1Estimate your acreage and budget
Use the spray cost calculator to model Hilo jobs against the $20 to $40/acre state range. Pin down acres, target crop (most Hilo jobs are row crops), and whether you need application only or chemical-included pricing.
- 2Verify FAA Part 137 and Hawaii licensing
Confirm the operator holds FAA Part 107, FAA Part 137 and Category 4: Aerial Pest Control. RUP Aerial Permit (Form P-23) also required.. 1 of 1 Hilo operators in this directory list Part 137. Ask for a copy of their certificate and state license number before signing.
- 3Book the application window early
Row Crops treatment in Hawaii typically lands in the May to Oct window. Demand spikes in peak season, so contact 2 to 3 of the Hilo operators below 4 to 6 weeks ahead with field maps, target product and a preferred date range. Confirm insurance certificates name your farm as additional insured before the first flight.
Other cities in Hawaii
Statewide directory
All operators in Hawaii
Related crop guides for Hawaii
FAQs about drone spraying in Hilo
Drone spraying in Hilo typically runs $20 to $40/acre, in line with the broader Hawaii 2026 benchmark. Application-only rates exclude chemical, and quotes vary based on field size, terrain and crop. Row Crops jobs in Hawaii sit toward the lower end of that range when fields are large and contiguous. Use the spray cost calculator to model your specific acreage before requesting quotes.
1 verified agricultural drone operators are listed in the directory for Hilo, Hawaii: Aloha Aina Drones. All listings are reviewed for licensing claims and contact information before publication.
Of the 1 Hilo operators listed, 1 hold FAA Part 107 (Remote Pilot Certificate) and 1 hold FAA Part 137 (Agricultural Aircraft Operator), which is the federal credential required for commercial agricultural application. 0 list NDAA Section 848 compliant equipment. On the state side, Hawaii requires Category 4: Aerial Pest Control. RUP Aerial Permit (Form P-23) also required. from Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal and Biocontrol (DAB) for any commercial drone pesticide application.