Airports on the islands of Hawaii, Maui and Molokai are to be renovated with help from $2.9 million in federal grants.

U.S. Sens. Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye announced the award in a joint statement Thursday.

Hilo International Airport is to get the bulk of funds. Renovations are to include maintaining apron pavements and improving drainage at taxiways.

Hana and Kalaupapa airports are to get $150,000 each toward the design phase of improving the public-use area of existing terminal buildings.

The grants were awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Akaka says that regular improvements are essential because air travel is critical to the Hawaiian islands.