Hawaii's Big Island Airports: A Comprehensive Guide

The Big Island of Hawaii is the only Hawaiian island with two airports accommodating major air traffic: Hilo International Airport (ITO) and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA). The former is known for its relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, while the latter is more modern and developed. Kona International Airport is the primary airport on the island and is located in Kailua-Kona. It is around 100 miles and two hours from Hilo, and most visitors arrive here due to its easy access to beaches and resorts.

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole

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 the town of Keahole, 15 km (7 miles) northwest of Kona city centre, in Kailua-Kona, on the western side of the island. The airport is named after Ellison Onizuka, an astronaut who died in the Challenger space shuttle disaster in 1986.

The airport is a hub for Mokulele Airlines and is served by several other airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha Airlines, and United Airlines. Kona International Airport features a unique design, consisting of open-air terminals, and is the only major airport in Hawaii where passengers board using mobile stairs or ramps. The airport is included in the Federal Aviation Administration's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2021-2025 and is categorized as a small-hub primary commercial service facility.

The airport serves leeward (western) 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 construction of Kona International Airport in 1970 significantly impacted tourism on the island, shifting the focus from Hilo to the western side. The airport offers easy access to nearby beaches and resorts, making it a popular entry point for visitors.

Kona International Airport offers domestic routes to various destinations within the United States, including Honolulu, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Kahului, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Oakland, and San Jose. In 2016, Hawaiian Airlines introduced nonstop flights to Tokyo's Haneda Airport, providing international connectivity to the airport. The airport handled 4,058,749 passengers in 2019, but this number decreased to 1,334,916 in 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis.

Hilo International Airport

The Big Island of Hawaiʻi has two airports that accommodate major air traffic: Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport. Hilo International Airport (ITO) is located on the windward (eastern) side of the island.

Prior to the construction of Kona International Airport in 1970, tourism was centred on the town of Hilo. Tourists would fly into Hilo Airport and drive across the island to Kona and the west side. The opening of the new airport accelerated a shift in tourism from East to West Hawaiʻi.

In the mid-1980s, overseas traffic to Hilo had declined for eight consecutive years, and United Airlines terminated its scheduled service in 1986. The airport was left without non-stop service to North America for nearly two decades, until ATA Airlines re-established daily non-stop service to Oakland International Airport in 2006.

Airlines that fly to Kona International Airport

Kona International Airport, also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, is located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States. It is the primary airport on the Island of Hawaiʻi, serving the western side of the island. The airport has three terminals, with large airliners using the airport including Airbus and Boeing.

There are 11 airlines that operate flights from Kona International Airport to 20 airports worldwide. These include:

• Alaska Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• American Airlines
• Japan Airlines
• Air Canada
• WestJet
• United Airlines

The airport offers intercontinental flights to Canada and Japan, with the only non-stop flights to Japan being offered by Japan Airlines. Direct flights to Tokyo's Haneda Airport were introduced by Hawaiian Airlines in 2016.

Kona International Airport serves as a convenient entry point for tourists visiting the western side of the island, providing easy access to beaches and resorts.

Transport options from Kona International Airport

Kona International Airport is located seven miles from Kailua and about 25 miles from Waikoloa. It is accessible by car, taxi, shuttle, and bus.

Car

Kona International Airport is accessible by car. It is located seven miles from Kailua and about 25 miles from Waikoloa.

Taxi

You can also get to and from the airport by taxi.

Shuttle

SpeediShuttle offers transportation to and from the airport. They provide shuttle and private car services to hotels, resorts, and other destinations on the island. GO Airport Shuttle also offers shuttle and private car services to and from the airport.

Bus

The Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency Hele-On bus operates a limited service between the airport and Kailua-Kona town.

Kona International Airport is the primary airport on the Island of Hawaiʻi, serving the western side of the island. It is one of two airports on the island that accommodate major air traffic, the other being Hilo International Airport on the eastern side.

Transport options from Hilo International Airport

The Big Island has two airports that accommodate major air traffic: Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport. Hilo International Airport is accessible by car and taxi. Rideshare and public transit options are also available. Here are some transport options to get from Hilo International Airport to your destination:

Car

You can rent a car and drive to your destination. The drive from Hilo International Airport to the town of Hilo takes around 9 minutes. From Hilo, it will take you over an hour to get to the Mauna Kea Visitor Center, a popular destination for sightseeing, hiking, and stargazing. If you plan to drive to the summit, be sure to give yourself at least 30 minutes to acclimate to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the airport and can take you to your destination in Hilo or the surrounding areas. The taxi ride from the airport to Hilo typically takes about 9 minutes and costs around $19 to $23.

Rideshare

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft also serve Hilo International Airport. You can use these services by downloading the respective apps and requesting a ride.

Public Transit

The Hawaii County provides public transit options to and from the airport. The Hele-On Bus offers direct service to the airport via Route 101: Keaukaha. The bus stop is located between the airport restaurant and the helicopter service counter. The bus ride from the airport to the Mo'oheau Bus Terminal in Hilo takes approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes. This is a more affordable option, but it may take longer than other modes of transportation.

When planning your trip, consider your itinerary and the time you plan to spend in each location. If you have a short stay, it may be more convenient to choose one travel hub to minimise travel time between destinations.

Frequently asked questions