Kona International Airport at a glance

Kona International Airport (KOA) is the main gateway to the western side of Hawaii Island, often called the Big Island. Its full name is Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole. The name honours astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who grew up in Kona. The airport opened in 1970 and is run by the Hawaii Department of Transportation.

Flights here link the Kona Coast with the other Hawaiian islands and with the US mainland, plus a small number of seasonal international services.

Where Kona Airport sits in relation to Kailua-Kona

The airport lies on the lava plains near Keāhole Point, roughly 7 miles (11 km) north of Kailua-Kona town. The drive into town is short, which makes it a convenient arrival point for the resorts and beaches along the Kona and Kohala coasts.

Terminals and facilities at Kona International Airport

Don't expect long enclosed concourses. The terminal is a cluster of open-air pavilions with peaked, Polynesian-style roofs, all at ground level. Passengers walk out to the aircraft and board by stairs or ramps rather than jet bridges.

Facilities include:

• shops and places to eat
• internet access
• ATMs, lockers and baggage carts
• a visitor information service and lost and found

The waiting areas are open to the air, so they can feel warm in the afternoon.

Airlines and routes from Kona

A good range of carriers use KOA, including Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Their services cover inter-island hops such as Honolulu and nonstop flights to cities on the US West Coast and beyond. Air Canada and WestJet add seasonal flights to Canada. Schedules shift with the season, so check the current timetable for your dates.

Getting from Kona Airport to Kailua-Kona

Most visitors hire a car, as the island is large and public transport is limited. Rental counters are away from the terminal, and a shuttle picks up from the median opposite baggage claim. Other options include:

• Taxis from the kerbside rank
• Shared shuttles such as SpeediShuttle
• Ride-hailing apps, with marked pickup zones
• Pre-arranged transfers booked through hotels

A cell phone waiting lot lets drivers wait nearby until you have your bags.

Things to do around Kailua-Kona

Kailua Village, with its seafront walk and historic buildings, is a short drive south. The slopes above the coast are known for Kona coffee farms, and the coastline has many bays for snorkelling and spotting sea turtles. Resort areas on the Kohala Coast lie to the north.

Travel tips for Kona International Airport

Pack light layers and sunscreen, because you may be outdoors between the terminal and the aircraft. Leave extra time on busy holiday weekends, when security lines can grow. Flights to the mainland pass an agricultural inspection, so avoid packing fresh fruit or plants.

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