Owais Crawford
Kona International Airport, also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA), is an airport located on the west coast of Hawaii. The airport is named after astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who was born and raised in Kona. Covering 4,204 acres of land, the airport features an open-air terminal that reflects the island's natural beauty and casual atmosphere. In 2019, the airport handled 4,058,749 passengers, with an average of 240 aircraft operations per day.
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What You'll Learn
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport
The airport has a single asphalt runway, 17/35, which measures 7,000 by 150 feet (2,134 x 46 m). In 1994, the runway was extended to 11,000 feet (3,400 m), becoming the second-longest runway in the Hawaiian Islands, after Honolulu. This extension allowed much larger aircraft to use the airport, facilitating non-stop flights to Tokyo and cities in the continental US beyond the West Coast.
The airport consists of three terminals. Terminal 1 includes gates 1 through 5, Terminal 2 includes gates 6 through 10, and Terminal 3 caters to smaller commuter flights. Kona International Airport is unique among major Hawaiian airports in that passengers board using mobile stairs or ramps, rather than jet bridges. The airport is operated by the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation.
In 2019, the airport handled 4,058,749 passengers. This number decreased to 1,334,916 in 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis but rebounded to almost 3 million in 2021. The airport is home to a variety of shops and services, including duty-free shops, ATMs, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, luggage wrapping services, disabled passenger services, and first aid.
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The airport's history
Kona International Airport, also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, is located on the western coast of the Island of Hawaii, approximately 10 miles from the town of Kailua Kona. The airport covers 4,204 acres at an elevation of 47 feet above mean sea level.
The history of the airport can be traced back to the late 1930s when there was a public push to provide an airport at Kailua, Kona. The area, known as Kailua Airstrip, was previously used for small aircraft operations and was located about 1.5 miles northwest of the Kona Inn. In 1935, Alfred W Smith landed his single-seated monoplane about a mile north of Kailua, marking the first airplane ground landing in Kona.
In 1965, the Hawaii Legislature appropriated $80,000 for plans to build a new airport at Keahole, and in 1968, they appropriated an additional $4.686 million for land acquisition and construction. The new airport was intended to replace the Kailua-Kona Airport, which had become inadequate due to increasing flight traffic and the need for a longer runway to accommodate larger aircraft. The construction of the new airport began in 1969, and it officially opened on July 1, 1970, with a single 6,500-foot runway. The previous smaller airstrip was converted into the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area.
Over the years, the airport has undergone several expansions and improvements. In 1983, United Airlines commenced the first direct daily service from the mainland to Keahole Airport, signifying the emergence of Kona as a growing destination resort district. In 1993, the airport was renamed Keāhole-Kona International Airport, reflecting its proximity to the resort town of Kona. The runway was extended to 11,000 feet in 1994, allowing for nonstop flights to Tokyo and other destinations in the United States. In 1997, the airport's name was changed again to Kona International Airport at Keāhole, emphasizing the importance of the Kona region.
On January 8, 2017, the airport was renamed Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole to honour astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who was born and raised in Kona and died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. The airport has continued to undergo modernization projects, including the combination of its two separate terminals into one central terminal area, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.
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Airlines and destinations
Kona International Airport, also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA), is located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The airport is named after the astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who was born and raised in Kona and died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
Kona International Airport has direct flights to and from several destinations within the United States, including Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN), Honolulu (HNL), Hilo (ITO), and Kahului on Maui (OGG). These routes are served by various airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, which offers daily service to Kailua-Kona. Southwest Airlines also serves Kona, allowing passengers to use their points to book any seat on any flight.
In addition to domestic flights, Kona International Airport offers international flights to Tokyo, Japan. The route to Tokyo was initially served by Japan Airlines (JAL) starting in 1996 but was suspended between 2010 and 2017. In 2016, Hawaiian Airlines was awarded the route to Tokyo's Haneda Airport, providing nonstop flights from Kona. During the COVID-19 pandemic, flights to Tokyo on both Hawaiian Airlines and JAL were suspended, but JAL resumed its Narita-Kona route in August 2022.
The airport's 11,000-foot runway, the second-longest in the Hawaiian Islands, enables nonstop flights to the US West Coast hubs and beyond. The airport also has a modern terminal complex with open-air, tropical-style structures, providing a unique Hawaiian experience for travellers.
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Facilities and services
Kona International Airport, also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, is located in the town of Keahole, about 7 miles northwest of Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaii. The airport covers 4,204 acres of land at an elevation of 47 feet above mean sea level. With a unique open-air pavilion design, Kona International is known for its charming tiki hut-style roofs and efficient navigation.
Terminals and Runways
Kona International Airport consists of three passenger terminals, with an open-air design and tropical-style structures. The airport has one asphalt runway, 7,000 by 150 feet in size, which was extended to 11,000 feet in 1994, making it the second-longest runway in the Hawaiian Islands.
Boarding
The airport is unique in that it is the only remaining major airport in Hawaii where passengers board using mobile stairs or ramps, instead of modern jet bridges. Passengers with disabilities can pre-arrange a boarding lift service with their airline.
Ground Transportation
Kona International offers a range of ground transportation options, including private transfers, car rentals, and accessible transportation for passengers with disabilities. The airport provides convenient curbside loading and unloading zones and accessible parking spaces in the lot.
Amenities
The airport offers essential services for both domestic and international flights, including check-in, security, and baggage claim, and baggage wrapping services. Other amenities include ATMs, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, first aid, and tour offices.
Attractions
The airport is located on the Big Island's west coast, an area known for its rich history and culture. Nearby attractions include beautiful beaches such as Hapuna Beach, Kealakekua Bay, and Anaeho'omalu Beach, as well as the Mountain Thunder coffee plantation for coffee enthusiasts.
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Things to do in Kona
Kona, Hawaii, is served by Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA), which offers both domestic and international flights. The airport is located about 15 miles north of Kailua-Kona, the main town within Kona.
Now, onto the fun part: things to do in Kona!
Kona is renowned for its coffee, considered some of the best in the world. The region's unique volcanic soil and favourable climate contribute to the coffee's distinctive flavour. You can tour coffee plantations, such as Mountain Thunder, learn about the coffee-making process, and taste the exceptional brews.
The Kona coast offers excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving, with clear waters and abundant marine life. One of the must-do experiences is the Manta Ray Night Dive or snorkelling, where you can swim with these majestic creatures. Kealakekua Bay is known to be the best spot on the island for snorkelling, where you can see dolphins and parrotfish. Kekaha Kai State Park is another great site for snorkelling and swimming.
If you're feeling adventurous, try a whale-watching tour to see these magnificent creatures up close. While you can sometimes spot them from the shore, a boat tour will get you closer to the action.
For a lively dining and shopping scene, head to Ali'i Drive in downtown Kailua-Kona. Here, you'll find a range of cuisines, from traditional Hawaiian dishes to international flavours, as well as shops selling local crafts, art, and souvenirs.
Finally, with its pleasant climate, sunny days, and mild temperatures, Kona is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches. Hapuna Beach and Anaeho'omalu Beach are great options for a beach day, offering clear waters and stunning views.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport in Kona, HI, is called Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA).
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport has the usual facilities, including duty-free shops, ATMs, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, a luggage wrapping service, disabled passenger services, and first aid. The airport also has a unique open-air terminal that reflects the island's natural beauty and casual atmosphere.
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is perfectly positioned for a variety of resort and island adventures. The airport serves as the main gateway to the Big Island, providing access to famous beaches, volcanic landscapes, and cultural attractions. Some places to visit near the airport include Anaeho’omalu Beach, Kealakekua Bay, and Kekaha Kai State Park.
