Ruth Haines
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole is the primary airport on the Island of Hawaii, serving transpacific and interisland flights. The airport is located in West Hawaii, and the Big Island is known for its active volcanoes, orchids, golf courses, and scenic coastline. If you're looking for things to do around the airport, there are several options to consider. The airport itself is quite small, so you may want to explore the surrounding area to make the most of your time. Nearby attractions include Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park, Kona Salt Farm, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, and various restaurants such as Patricio's Taqueria and Harbor House. For ocean-related activities, you can try snorkelling, scuba diving, or the famous Kona Manta Ray Night Dive. For a scenic experience, consider a helicopter tour or a hike down Pololu Valley.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | KOA |
| Airport Name | Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole |
| Airport Location | West Hawaii at Keahole |
| Region | Big Island |
| Nearby Attractions | Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park, Kona Salt Farm, Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours, Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour, Kona Manta Ray Night Dive, Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, Harbor House, The Vanillerie |
| Nearby Restaurants | Patricio's Taqueria, Merriman's Market Cafe, King Kam, Big Island Grill, Kona Mixed Plate, Izakaya-Kai |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Snorkel with manta rays
Kona is known for its manta ray night snorkelling, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is widely regarded as one of the most memorable dives on the planet.
Manta rays are wild animals, so their presence is not guaranteed, but there are three recognised viewing sites along the Kona coast in Hawaii, and Kona is the only place in the world where people can witness manta rays feeding. The best chance of seeing manta rays is at Kealakekua Bay, where the average number of manta rays seen per night was 11 in 2013. There are several companies that offer night snorkelling with manta rays, and the best pricing is usually available when booking in advance.
Before you enter the water, you will be briefed on the manta ray's biology, life history, and how to behave in the water. You will then be provided with a wetsuit, flotation device, mask, and snorkel. You will hold onto a floating raft or snorkel board while high-powered lights are used to attract the manta rays.
In addition to manta rays, you may also see fish, eels, seals, and dolphins.
Guernsey's Airport Count: How Many Are There?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Visit Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park
If you're looking for a glimpse into the past, Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park is the place to go. Located on the west side of Hawaiʻi Island, this 1,600-acre park showcases the traditional Hawaiian way of life in an ancient settlement. Established in 1978, the park offers a unique insight into the resilience of early Hawaiian settlers on the rugged Kona coast.
The park features four different ahupuaʻa, which are traditional mountain-to-sea land divisions, as well as sacred temples (heiau) and petroglyphs (kiʻi pōhaku). You can also explore two impressive Hawaiian fishponds, a testament to the engineering skills of Native Hawaiians. These fishponds, along with the beautiful coastal walking trails, offer a chance to connect with nature and history. Keep your eyes peeled for native seabirds, green sea turtles, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a Hawaiian monk seal!
To make the most of your visit, start at the Visitor Center, which is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pick up a map and learn about special programs and guided tours. The park itself is accessible by vehicle from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and watch your step on the rocky terrain.
As you wander through the park, imagine the challenges and triumphs of those who once called this place home. The park's founding and enduring legacy are testaments to the cultural and historical significance of this site. With its blend of natural beauty and ancient traditions, Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park promises a memorable and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
St. George's Airport: Does It Exist?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Take a helicopter tour
If you're looking for an adventure, consider taking a helicopter tour to explore the breathtaking beauty of Hawaii's Big Island. Here are some reasons why a helicopter tour is a great idea:
Unmatched Views
Hawaii's Big Island offers a stunning array of natural wonders, from lush rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls to active volcanoes and stunning coastlines. A helicopter tour allows you to take in all of these sights from a truly unique perspective. Soar over the famous Kona Coast, with its black sand beaches and majestic waterfalls, or opt for a private charter to create your own itinerary.
Convenience and Accessibility
Most helicopter tour companies offer convenient locations near Kona Airport, with some even providing transportation to and from the airport. The Waikoloa heliport, a popular choice for visitors, is just 30-40 minutes from Kona. This makes it easy to fit a helicopter tour into your travel plans, especially if you have a layover or limited time on the island.
Variety of Tour Options
Helicopter tour companies provide a range of tour options to cater to different interests and preferences. You can choose from various flight durations, such as 45-minute express tours or longer 90-minute excursions. Some tours focus on specific themes, like the Volcanoes National Park, the Kona Coast, or the diverse landscapes of the Kohala coast, which boasts both lush rainforests and desert-like terrain.
Enhanced Experience
Helicopter tour operators often provide additional amenities to enhance your experience. For example, Paradise Helicopters offers a two-way communication system that allows you to ask questions and interact with your pilot as you fly. Some tours also include exclusive landing spots, giving you the opportunity to explore scenic locations on foot and capture unforgettable photos and videos.
Booking Flexibility
Most helicopter tour companies offer flexible booking options, understanding that travel plans can change. Many tours allow cancellations up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund, providing peace of mind and the ability to make last-minute adjustments to your itinerary.
So, if you're looking for a thrilling and memorable way to explore the beauty of Hawaii's Big Island, consider taking a helicopter tour. With convenient locations, flexible booking options, and unparalleled views, it's an experience you won't want to miss!
Atlanta Airport: Free Wifi Access for All Passengers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Magical Mystery Tour[DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71VWPsS+61L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Go scuba diving
If you're looking for an underwater adventure, Kona is a great place to go scuba diving. The Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for its scuba diving, with daily scuba dive charters along the Kona coast.
There are several scuba diving companies in Kona, including Big Island Divers and Kona Honu Divers, which offer both day and night dives. The Manta Ray Night Dive is a popular choice, where you can get up close to these graceful creatures as they feed on plankton. You can also try the Blackwater Night Dive, where you'll be suspended over thousands of feet of deep water, watching varied creatures swim into your light and then disappear into the black water.
If you're a beginner, Eel Cove is a great shallow and protected dive site where you can spot eels and raccoon butterflyfish. Turtle Pinnacle is another excellent spot for beginners, where you can watch turtles getting cleaned by colourful fish. Long Lava Tube is also worth a visit, with an abundance of marine life, including sleeping turtles.
For a unique experience, try a two-tank dive with Kona Honu Divers, where you'll get to explore two different Kona dive sites. Their experienced crew will take care of all your needs, and you can even enjoy hot chocolate on the way back to the marina.
Before your scuba diving adventure, you might want to check out some of the other attractions near the Kona Airport. These include the Kona Salt Farm, where you can learn about salt harvesting and taste different types of salt, and the Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, where you can take a free educational coffee farm tour.
Honolulu Airport: Luggage Lockers Availability and Accessibility
You may want to see also
Explore Kona's coffee farms
If you're looking to explore Kona's coffee farms, you're in luck! There are hundreds of coffee farms in Kona, many of which offer tours to the public. Here's a suggested itinerary for exploring Kona's coffee farms:
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
Just a few minutes from the Kona Airport, you'll find yourself in a completely different climate zone at the Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation. They offer free educational coffee farm tours where you can learn about the native vegetation and the process of coffee farming. You can also enjoy a self-guided lava tour and, of course, taste some of Kona's delicious coffee.
Greenwell Farms
Greenwell Farms offers complimentary guided tours of their coffee farm and processing facilities daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The tours provide an inside look at the history, farming, and processing of coffee, and you can sample their award-winning 100% Kona Coffee. Greenwell Farms also has a retail store where you can purchase coffee, souvenirs, and specialty food and beverage items.
Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farms
Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farms organise hourly tours from Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 4 pm. The tours start at $15 and include a coffee tasting on the lanai.
Holualoa Kona Coffee Company
For a more self-guided experience, Holualoa Kona Coffee Company offers self-guided tours of their Kona Le'a plantation Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 3 pm.
Uluwehi Coffee Farm
Uluwehi Coffee Farm offers a comprehensive tour of their plantation, covering all aspects of coffee production, from growing the trees to roasting the beans. The tour lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours and includes a free tasting of their home-grown coffee.
Hula Daddy Kona Coffee
Hula Daddy Kona Coffee offers 1-hour tours of their orchard and roasting room for $35 per person, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.
In addition to these farms, there are many other coffee farms and plantations in Kona that you can explore, such as Hilo Coffee Mill, Buddha's Cup, Hala Tree Coffee, and Miranda's Farm. Each offers its own unique experience, so be sure to check their websites for more information.
And if you're visiting in November, don't miss the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival in Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona), a must-attend event for coffee enthusiasts!
Hanoi's Airport Options: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Kona airport is not a great place to hang around, so it's best to get out and explore. You could take a cab and stroll along Ali'i Drive, or rent a car and head to the beach. If you're a coffee lover, you could take a tour of the Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation.
For cheap eats, try Kona Mixed Plate. For Japanese food, Izakaya-Kai is a good option. You could also try Harbor House, a casual, family-friendly, open-air restaurant on Kona's Honokohau Harbor.
You could take a helicopter tour of Mauna Loa, or snorkel with manta rays at the world-famous "Manta Village" in Keauhou. If you're looking for something more relaxing, try the Deep Ocean Cold Water Foot Soak at the Kona Salt Farm.
You could visit the Salt Farm Gift Shop at the Kona Salt Farm, or the Vanillerie, a small vanilla farm with a shop where you can buy gifts.
Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park is a cultural and historical site on an ancient Hawaiian settlement, showcasing the traditional Hawaiian way of life. You could also visit the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Park to learn more about Hawaiian history.
