Jazmin Li
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, commonly known as the Kona International Airport (KOA), is located on the western side of the Island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island. It is the primary airport on the island, serving interisland, commuter/air taxi, domestic, international, and general aviation activities. The airport is known for its open-air design, ease of navigation, and charming features such as its tiki hut-style roofs. With its convenient location and efficient facilities, Kona International Airport serves as a gateway to the beautiful beaches, rich history, and cultural attractions of the Big Island's west coast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole |
| Airport Code | KOA |
| Location | Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States |
| Region Served | Western Big Island |
| Distance from Kailua | 7 miles |
| Distance from Waikoloa | 25 miles |
| Area | 3,450 acres |
| Average Daily Passengers | 9,000 |
| Airlines | United, Delta, Hawaiian, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Mokulele, Kona Shuttle |
| Amenities | Restaurant/Bar, Lei and Fresh Flower Stands, Newsstand, Gift Shop, ATMs, Mailbox, Visitor Information Program Booths |
| Parking | Available across the street from the terminal |
| Cell Phone Lot | Available near the International Arrivals Building |
| Runway Length | 11,000 feet (3,400 metres) |
| Attractions Nearby | Snorkelling, Deep Sea Fishing, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea Visitor Centre |
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What You'll Learn
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole
The airport was constructed in 1970, which helped accelerate a shift of tourism from East Hawaii to West Hawaii. Before its construction, tourism was centred on the town of Hilo on the eastern side of the island, and tourists to Kona and the western side had to make a nearly two-hour drive across the island after flying into Hilo Airport. The airport's full name includes "Kona" after the nearby resort town of Kona.
In 1991, a small museum called the Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center opened at the airport. The displays included a sample of lunar soil, a spacesuit from Apollo 13, and personal items from astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who was born and raised in Kona and died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. In 2017, the airport was renamed Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole to honour Onizuka.
Kona International is the only remaining major airport in the Hawaiian Islands where passengers board using mobile stairs or ramps instead of jet bridges. Despite these less modern facilities, Kona is used by large airliners, including Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The airport's runway was extended to 11,000 feet in 1994, the second-longest in the Hawaiian Islands after Honolulu. This extension enabled much larger aircraft to use the airport, facilitating nonstop flights between Kona and Tokyo or destinations in the United States beyond the West Coast hubs.
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KOA is on the Big Island's west coast
Kona International Airport (KOA) is located on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is the primary airport on the island, serving an average of 9,000 passengers per day. The airport is located about 7 miles northwest of Kailua and 25 miles southwest of Waikoloa. The Big Island's west coast is an area rich in history and culture, and it offers activities such as snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, and tasting local Kona coffee.
The airport opened in 1949, and today it occupies approximately 3,450 acres. It serves interisland, commuter/air taxi, domestic, international, and general aviation flights. Several airlines serve KOA, including United, Delta, Hawaiian, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Mokulele, and Kona Shuttle. The airport features an open-air pavilion design, with no loading bridges or jetways. Passengers board and disembark using portable stairs, and a boarding lift service is available for those with disabilities.
Kona International Airport is known for its charm and unique features, such as its tiki hut-style roofs and open-air design. It offers amenities such as a restaurant/bar, lei and fresh flower stands, a newsstand, a gift shop, and ATMs. The airport also provides convenient services like curbside loading and unloading zones, accessible parking, and ground transportation options.
The construction of Kona International Airport played a significant role in the development of tourism on the west side of the Big Island. Before the airport was built in 1970, tourism was mainly focused on Hilo on the eastern side of the island. The airport's opening accelerated a shift in tourism towards West Hawaii, and by 2005, the percentage of accommodations on the west side had increased significantly.
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The airport opened in 1949
Kona International Airport, also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. The airport's history dates back to 1947 when the Territorial Legislature acknowledged the need for an airport in the area. Plans were then made to upgrade the existing Kailua Airstrip, and construction began on the new Kona Airport in the summer of 1948.
The airport officially opened in July 1949, marking the beginning of air travel in the region. At the time, the airport was a much-needed addition to the island, providing essential connectivity. The opening ceremony was a grand event, celebrating this significant development for the island.
The airport has played a crucial role in the development of the region, particularly in the growth of tourism. Before the airport was constructed, tourism on the Big Island was mainly centred around Hilo on the eastern side. The new airport on the western side of the island, in Kona, shifted tourism dynamics. The airport made the western region more accessible, drawing tourists to its scenic coastline, rich history, and cultural offerings.
Over time, Kona International Airport has expanded and evolved. By the early 1970s, Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines were operating inter-island flights to and from Kona, utilising jet aircraft. The airport's infrastructure also developed, with the extension of the runway in 1994, enabling the accommodation of larger aircraft and facilitating nonstop flights to international destinations.
Today, Kona International Airport is a bustling hub, serving an average of 9,000 passengers per day. It offers a range of amenities and conveniences for travellers, including an open-air pavilion design, restaurants, shops, and easy navigation. The airport continues to be a gateway to the western side of the Big Island, known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions.
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It's known for its open-air design
Kona International Airport (KOA) is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, serving the western region of the island. The airport is known for its open-air pavilion design, with a tropical-style terminal. This unique feature sets it apart from other airports and contributes to its charming and efficient character.
The open-air design of Kona International Airport creates a distinct experience for travellers. Upon arrival, passengers disembark via portable stairs, as the airport does not utilise loading bridges or jetways. This aspect of the airport's design makes it stand out from other modern airports, where jet bridges are commonly used. The open-air concept allows for convenient curbside loading and unloading zones, enhancing the overall accessibility of the airport.
The tropical-style terminal of Kona International Airport complements its open-air design. The terminal building is designed to embrace the surrounding natural environment, creating a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. The tropical theme is further accentuated by the tiki hut-style roofs, adding to the airport's overall charm.
The open-air concept at Kona International Airport also extends to its amenities. The airport boasts an array of conveniences for travellers, including a restaurant, bar, lei and fresh flower stands, a newsstand, and a gift shop. ATM machines are readily available, and a drop-off mailbox is conveniently located on Pao'o Street. These amenities contribute to the overall efficiency and functionality of the airport, ensuring a pleasant experience for travellers.
The open-air design of Kona International Airport not only enhances the visual appeal of the airport but also facilitates a smooth flow of passenger traffic. The spacious layout allows for ease of navigation, making it simple for travellers to move between different areas of the airport. This efficient design is particularly notable given the airport's average of 9,000 passengers per day, serving interisland, commuter, domestic, international, and general aviation activities.
In conclusion, Kona International Airport's open-air design is a defining feature that sets it apart from other airports. The combination of the open-air pavilion, tropical-style terminal, and convenient amenities creates a unique and memorable experience for travellers visiting the Big Island of Hawaii. This design not only enhances the airport's aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its functionality and overall efficiency in serving the needs of both visitors and locals alike.
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Kona is the only major airport in Hawaii where passengers board using mobile stairs
Kona International Airport, also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, is the primary airport on the Island of Hawaiʻi. It is located in West Hawaiʻi, in the town of Kailua-Kona, and serves leeward (western) Hawaiʻi island, including the resorts in North Kona and South Kohala.
The airport has the IATA code KOA and covers 4,204 acres (1,701 ha) at an elevation of 47 feet (14 m) above mean sea level. It has one asphalt runway, 17/35, 7,000 by 150 feet (2,134 x 46 m). Kona International Airport is one of two airports on the Big Island that accommodate major air traffic, the other being Hilo International Airport.
Kona International Airport is the only remaining major airport in the Hawaiian Islands where passengers board using mobile stairs or ramps, instead of more modern jet bridges. This setup may require some additional time and mobility for passengers, especially those who are not as comfortable with stairs. However, the airport still accommodates a range of aircraft, from smaller commuter planes to larger airliners such as Airbus and Boeing models.
The airport has a single terminal building, with all gates accessible on foot. Passengers go through security screening before entering the gate area, and there is a TSA Pre Check option available for eligible passengers. Kona International Airport offers various services and facilities, including baggage carts, a landside snack bar, airside restaurants, gift shops, newsstands, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels.
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Frequently asked questions
KOA airport, also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, is on the Island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island.
The Big Island's west coast is known for its history and culture, as well as its snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, and Kona coffee. The island is also home to active volcanoes, orchids, golf courses, and a scenic coastline.
The Big Island has two airports that accommodate major air traffic: Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO).
Several airlines serve KOA, including United, Delta, Hawaiian, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Mokulele, and Kona Shuttle.
