//
Town in North Carolina, United States
Photo: Ken Thomas, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Kill Devil Hills is a colorfully-named town on the coast of North Carolina. It is part of the Outer Banks, and is best known for its association with the Wright Brothers' historic flights in the first airplane in 1903. The flights are usually associated with Kitty Hawk, but actually took place here. A national monument and museum marks the site.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Celebrates and explains the first successful controlled, sustained, powered, heavier-than-air flights, which the Wright brothers performed here in 1903. The visitors center has a model of the original aircraft, and interpretive talks. Outside, stone markers show the start and ending points of the first four flights. The adjacent First Flight Airport (KFFA) offers a 3000 ft runway for day use, with tie-downs but no fuel or other services. Compared to the time of the first flight, Kill Devil Hill has shifted south a short distance due to wind, and is planted with grass to keep it in place. It is topped by an art deco monument to the Wright brothers, and Orville attended its dedication.
The biggest barbecue joint on the beach. The food is generally good and reasonably priced. Stick to the basics, though, such as the five types of barbecue and the ribs and chicken. Though past its heyday, the new owners are working hard to bring the place back to its glory days of the 90s.
Oceanfront hotel. Prime location. Outdoor pool, free breakfast, Wi-Fi. Pet-friendly.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Norfolk · International · ORF
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Kill Devil Hills and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.