Ruth Haines
The Island of Hawaiʻi, also known as the Big Island, has two airports that accommodate major air traffic: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO). Kona International Airport is the primary airport on the island, located in Kailua-Kona on the western side. Hilo International Airport, on the other hand, is situated in Hilo on the eastern side of the island. The choice of airport often depends on the traveller's itinerary and length of stay. Kona is known for its convenient access to beaches and resorts, while Hilo offers a more relaxed pace of life and proximity to attractions like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport |
| Airport Code | KOA |
| Location | Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States |
| Area served | Leeward (western) Hawaiʻi island, including the resorts in North Kona and South Kohala |
| Number of terminals | 3 |
| Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska, American, Delta, Japan, Westjet, Mokulele, Southwest |
| Facilities | Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center, art exhibits, Lei Stand, food shops, bar |
| Accommodations | Kona has more options, including Waikoloa Village |
| Nearby Attractions | Mauna Kea Visitor Center, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Punaluu Black Sand Beach, Ka'u Coffee Mill |
| Contact Number | (808) 329-3423 |
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What You'll Learn
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport
Kona International Airport, officially known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, is the primary airport on the Island of Hawaii. It is located in West Hawaii and serves transpacific and interisland flights. The airport is named after astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who was born and raised in Kona and died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
The airport has a rich history, with several name changes over the years. In 1993, it was renamed Keāhole-Kona International Airport, reflecting the nearby resort town of Kona. Three years later, the airport's name emphasised its location in Kona, becoming the Kona International Airport at Keāhole. Finally, in January 2017, it was renamed Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole to honour the legacy of Onizuka.
The airport covers 4,204 acres (1,701 ha) of land and sits 47 feet (14 m) above mean sea level. It features a single runway, which was extended to 11,000 feet (3,400 m) in 1994, making it the second-longest runway in the Hawaiian Islands. This extension allowed larger aircraft to utilise the airport, facilitating nonstop flights to the US West Coast hubs and Tokyo.
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Hilo International Airport
The airport was originally named General Lyman Field, and work on an interim overseas terminal began in November 1968. The terminal was completed in 1969, and in 1974, construction began on a new terminal complex. The new terminal was designed to accommodate the Boeing 747, the largest passenger airliner in service at the time. The first jumbo jet to land at the airport was a 747 operated by Braniff International Airways in 1971.
In 1985, United Airlines was operating just one departure a day from Hilo: a daily nonstop flight to Los Angeles. However, by the mid-1980s, overseas traffic had declined significantly, and United Airlines terminated its scheduled service to Hilo in 1986. The state's other major airports, such as Kahului Airport and Kona International Airport, began adding overseas service during this time.
In 1989, the airport was renamed Hilo International Airport to reorient its image and conform to the practice of naming airports for their geographical locations. In 2006, ATA Airlines re-established daily non-stop service between Hilo and Oakland International Airport in California, using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This marked the first time in nearly two decades that Hilo had direct overseas service, and it proved to be a successful route.
Today, Hilo International Airport continues to serve interisland flights and is a popular gateway to the Big Island's attractions, including the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Mauna Kea Visitor Center, and the island's famous black sand beaches.
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Resort experience and ocean views
The Big Island has two airports that accommodate major air traffic: Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO). Most visitors arrive at Kona International Airport due to its easy access to beaches and more options for accommodation. If you're looking for a resort experience and ocean views, Kona International Airport is the more convenient option.
One of the major resort destinations on the island is the Kohala Coast, where you'll find the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. This resort offers breathtaking ocean views, an outdoor infinity pool, and easy access to the legendary Anaeho'omalu Bay. The nearby Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings Land Waikoloa is another option, featuring four outdoor swimming pools and a hot tub, as well as complimentary shuttle services within the Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Another popular resort in the area is the Fairmont Orchid, located on 32 oceanfront acres along the Kohala Coast. This resort offers luxurious accommodations, a 10,000-square-foot free-form pool, a private beach area, and extensive facilities, including a wide range of restaurants and bars, tennis courts, and a unique outdoor Hawaiian "Spa Without Walls".
If you're looking for a more authentic Hawaiian experience, the Club Wyndham Kona is designed in the style of a 19th-century Hawaiian village, with palm thatched roofs, rustic bungalows, and tropical vegetation. This luxury resort is located in Kailua-Kona and offers fully furnished one and two-bedroom suites, 11 tennis courts, and six pools.
For an award-winning resort experience, the Royal Kona Resort has been recognised by TripAdvisor and Hawaii Magazine's Readers' Choice Awards. This oceanfront resort features an award-winning restaurant and bar, a serene spa, and easy access to the quaint seaside village of Kailua-Kona. You can also enjoy cultural experiences such as the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau and scuba diving with manta rays.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a place of dramatic landscapes and rugged natural beauty. The park was established in 1916 and encompasses 335,259 acres or about 523 square miles of land, climbing from sea level to more than 13,000 feet. The park is home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, and offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these powerful forces of nature.
Kīlauea, the "centrepiece" of the park, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and a major attraction for visitors. The volcano's Halemaʻumaʻu crater is a persistently active pit that often displays the lava's glow at night, providing a spectacular sight for those who venture into the park after dark. The Kīlauea Iki lava field is another popular destination within the park, offering a short hike that takes visitors across the crater floor and up to a parking lot.
Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on Earth in terms of volume and area covered. The park includes the summit of this massive volcano, which stands at 13,679 feet. The diverse environments of the park range from lush tropical rainforests to the arid and barren Kaʻū Desert, providing a contrasting landscape that rewards both single-day and multi-day visitors.
The Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of experiences for visitors, including hiking, camping, and scenic drives. The Chain of Craters Road is a popular drive that offers views of various craters, lava tubes, and the Hōlei Sea Arch. The park also features the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku), a natural tunnel formed by ancient lava flows that visitors can explore. The Kahuku Unit of the park, located about an hour's drive south of the main entrance, offers dynamic volcanism and a rich history of Hawaiian traditions and ranching.
The Kīlauea Visitor Center is a great place to start your visit, with rangers providing recommendations on the best routes and information on trails, activities, and safety precautions. The park is open 24 hours daily, year-round, and offers a unique opportunity to experience the power and beauty of these active volcanoes.
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Car rental recommendations
The Big Island has two airports that accommodate major air traffic: Kona International Airport (KOA) in Kona to the west, and Hilo International Airport (ITO) in Hilo to the east. Rental car agencies are located at both airports, as well as some resorts and nearby towns.
It is strongly recommended to book your rental car before you arrive, as sometimes cars are not readily available without a reservation. All the major rental companies are found on the island, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Budget Car Rental.
If you are looking for an island adventure, consider renting an SUV or a Jeep. A Jeep Wrangler is the most popular choice for visitors to the island, as there are endless outdoor routes to explore. With a rugged vehicle, you can venture out to destinations like Kohala Waterfalls. If you are travelling with a large group or family, a passenger van rental is a good option, accommodating up to 15 people.
If you are staying in a resort, you may prefer a quiet beach vacation, in which case any sedan model will be suitable.
When planning your trip, be sure to ask car rental companies about drop-off charges if you are arriving at and departing from different airports.
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Frequently asked questions
The Big Island has two airports that accommodate major air traffic: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO).
Kona is on the west coast of the Big Island, while Hilo is on the east coast. Kona is more modern and developed, while Hilo has a more relaxed pace of life.
Most visitors fly into Kona International Airport due to its easy access to beaches and resorts. However, if you plan to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, staying in Hilo or Volcano for a few nights might be more convenient, as Kona is a two-hour drive from the park.
