Kona Airport: A Secure Entry With Multiple Gates

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, also known as Kona Airport (KOA), is located on the west coast of the Island of Hawaiʻi, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The airport features a unique layout with three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. So, how many gates does each terminal at Kona Airport have?

Kona Airport's terminals and gates

Kona International Airport, officially named Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, is located on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. The airport features a unique layout with a set of single-story, open-air tropical-style buildings.

The complex is divided into three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 includes gates 1 through 5, and houses a variety of amenities for travellers, including restrooms, dining options, and retail stores. Terminal 2 continues the theme of tropical-style architecture and houses gates 6 through 10. Like Terminal 1, it offers convenient access to essential amenities such as restrooms and dining options. Terminal 3 is dedicated to smaller commuter flights, providing a specialised facility for those travelling on these routes.

The airport's design allows for seamless navigation between terminals, with clear signage guiding passengers to their respective gates. One notable aspect is the use of mobile stairs or ramps for boarding, as opposed to jet bridges. This unique feature adds to the open-air charm of the airport but requires a short walk on the tarmac during boarding and disembarking. To assist passengers, airport staff and information desks are strategically located throughout the terminals, ensuring a smooth and efficient transit experience.

Kona International Airport caters to a range of domestic and international carriers, including Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Japan Airlines, among others. These airlines offer direct flights to major cities worldwide, providing essential connections for both business and leisure travellers. The airport also offers a selection of restaurants and stores, enhancing the overall travel experience.

In summary, Kona International Airport's terminals and gates are well-organised and equipped with the necessary facilities to cater to the needs of travellers. The airport's unique design and efficient layout contribute to a pleasant and memorable travel experience for those visiting the beautiful island of Hawaii.

The airport's unique design

Kona International Airport, officially named Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, is located on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is the primary airport on the Island of Hawaiʻi, serving the leeward (western) side of the island, including the resorts in North Kona and South Kohala. The airport is unique in its design, featuring a set of single-story, open-air tropical-style buildings. This design reflects the island's natural beauty and casual atmosphere, offering a pleasant experience for travellers.

The complex is divided into three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 includes gates 1 through 5, while Terminal 2 houses gates 6 through 10. Terminal 3 is dedicated to smaller commuter flights. This layout allows for easy navigation between terminals, with clear signage guiding passengers to their respective gates. The open-air design provides a refreshing experience, but it is important for travellers to stay hydrated and protect themselves from the sun when moving between terminals.

One notable aspect that sets Kona International Airport apart from other airports is the absence of jet bridges for boarding. Instead, passengers board aircraft using mobile stairs or ramps, which means travellers should be prepared for a short walk on the tarmac. This makes Kona International Airport the only remaining major airport in the Hawaiian Islands with this unique boarding experience.

The airport's design also takes into account the needs of those with disabilities. While the airport is on a single floor, ramps are provided on the curbside for easy access. Toilets for those with disabilities are located throughout the airport, and text telephones (TTYS) are available in the departure and baggage claim areas. Additionally, guide dogs and service dogs are permitted to assist travellers with their specific needs.

Kona International Airport offers a range of amenities to make the travel experience comfortable and convenient. Each terminal is equipped with restrooms, dining options, and retail stores, ensuring that passengers can easily find what they need. The airport also provides essential services such as information desks, airport staff, and clear signage for a smooth transit experience.

The airport's design and facilities strike a balance between functionality and embracing the natural beauty of the island. The open-air concept showcases the surrounding tropical environment, enhancing the overall airport experience for travellers visiting or departing from the Big Island of Hawaii.

Boarding and disembarking at Kona

Kona International Airport, officially named Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, is located on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It features a unique open-air terminal design with three single-story terminals.

Kona International Airport stands out for its open-air, tropical-style architecture, with three single-story terminals. This design offers a pleasant experience for travellers, but it is important to stay hydrated and use sun protection when moving between terminals.

A notable aspect of boarding and disembarking at Kona is the use of mobile stairs or ramps instead of jet bridges. This means travellers should be prepared for a short walk on the tarmac when boarding or exiting their flight. The airport staff and information desks are available to provide directions and support, ensuring a smooth transit experience.

The airport's layout is designed for easy navigation between terminals, with clear signage guiding passengers to their respective gates. Terminal 1 includes gates 1 through 5, Terminal 2 houses gates 6 through 10, and Terminal 3 is dedicated to smaller commuter flights.

For travellers with mobility impairments, the airport is accessible, with ramps available on the curbside for loading and unloading. However, it is important to note that vehicles may not be left unattended in these areas. Additionally, travellers with disabilities should be aware that the airport does not have jetways, and boarding must be arranged in advance with the airline if a lift service is required.

The airport provides a range of amenities within each terminal, including restrooms, dining options, and retail stores, ensuring that passengers can easily find what they need without extensive walking.

When planning your arrival at the airport, it is recommended to arrive 2.5 hours before your scheduled departure time if you are travelling with bags or require assistance. If you are travelling without bags and do not need assistance, a 2-hour advance arrival is sufficient.

In summary, boarding and disembarking at Kona International Airport involve using mobile stairs or ramps, navigating through the open-air terminals, and utilising the available information desks and amenities. Passengers should be prepared for potential sun exposure and ensure they allow adequate time for check-in and security procedures.

Kona Airport's history

Kona International Airport, officially known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, is the primary airport on the Island of Hawaiʻi. It is located in Kailua-Kona, on the western side of the island, and serves leeward Hawaiʻi island, including the resorts in North Kona and South Kohala. It is one of two international airports on the island, the other being Hilo International Airport on the eastern side.

The airport opened on July 1, 1970, with a single 6,500-foot runway. Much of the runway was built on a relatively recent lava flow, the 1801 Huʻehuʻe flow from Hualālai, which added an estimated 4 km2 of land to the island and extended the shoreline by 1 mile. Construction crews from Bechtel Corporation used three million pounds of dynamite to flatten the lava flow within 13 months. The airport was initially named Ke-āhole Airport after its geographical location, Keāhole Point, which was named after the ʻāhole fish found in the area.

In its first full year, 515,378 passengers passed through the airport's open-air tropical-style terminals. Over time, the airport underwent several name changes, reflecting its location and the nearby resort town of Kona. In 1991, a small museum, the Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center, opened at the airport, featuring items such as a spacesuit from Apollo 13 and personal belongings of astronaut Ellison Onizuka.

In 1994, the runway was extended to 11,000 feet, becoming the second-longest in the Hawaiian Islands. This allowed much larger aircraft to use the airport, enabling nonstop flights to destinations beyond the West Coast, including Tokyo. This led to the commencement of a Kona-Tokyo flight by Japan Airlines in 1996.

A modernisation project began in March 2017 to combine the airport's two separate terminals into one central terminal area with a unified security screening area. As a result, the Onizuka Space Center was closed in March 2016, and the airport was officially renamed after Onizuka in January 2017.

Today, Kona International Airport covers 4,204 acres at an elevation of 47 feet above mean sea level. It features three terminals: Terminal 1 (gates 1-5), Terminal 2 (gates 6-10), and Terminal 3 for smaller commuter flights. The airport is known for its unique open-air tropical design and is the only remaining major airport in the Hawaiian Islands where passengers board using mobile stairs or ramps instead of jet bridges.

Airlines and destinations

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, also known as KOA, is located on the west coast of the Island of Hawaiʻi and is the primary airport serving the island. The airport features three terminals: Terminal 1, which includes gates 1 through 5, Terminal 2, which includes gates 6 through 10, and Terminal 3, which is dedicated to smaller commuter flights.

A variety of domestic and international carriers serve the airport, offering direct flights to several major cities worldwide. Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines are among the carriers operating at KOA.

Hawaiian Airlines:

• Honolulu
• Kahului
• Las Vegas
• Oakland
• Sacramento
• Los Angeles (until June 12, 2025)

United Airlines:

• Denver
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Chicago–O'Hare (seasonal)

Alaska Airlines:

• Portland (OR)
• San Diego
• San Jose (CA)
• Seattle/Tacoma
• Anchorage (seasonal)

Delta Air Lines:

• Los Angeles
• Phoenix–Sky Harbor
• Seattle/Tacoma

Japan Airlines:

Tokyo

In addition to these carriers, other airlines serving Kona International Airport include American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines. The airport offers a range of destinations, including domestic and international routes, providing essential connections for both business and leisure travellers.

Frequently asked questions