Hawai'i airports got some of the best rankings for on-time arrivals and departures during the month of August in the just-released national Air Travel Consumer Report.

The top three airports for on-time arrivals for August were Hilo, Lihu'e and Kona airports. And Honolulu and Kahului came in seventh and eighth.

And the state's airports did almost as well on the record for on-time departures. Hilo came in No. 2, with the other airports filling out the last spots in the top 10: Lihu'e, Honolulu, Kona, Kahului.

State Transportation Director Barry Fukunaga said the impressive customer service should be credited primarily to the airlines and their employees. He said the interisland carriers — especially Aloha and Hawaiian — have made on-time service a big priority for their companies.

With the state's five major airports showing up in the top 10 arrivals and departures of these 296 airports, Fukunaga said that's an impressive showing. Hawai'i's generally good weather may have contributed, as well as the pacing of air travel, he said.

"Of course, our weather conditions make it a lot easier," Fukunaga said.

"Maybe we're not as heavily trafficked or as crowded airspace-wise as other, larger airports," he added.

With all the bad news nationwide about frequent delays in air travel, Fukunaga said the recent record shows a lot of hard work by those directly involved.

"It's nice to be able to say we're a part of it," he said.

With tourism the major private industry here, he said increased vigilance to on-time travel is a good business decision. Offering consistent and reliable service can help attract return visitors over time.

"They can really count on coming here and being able to make their connections," he said.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.