Kona Airport: Hawaii's Gateway To The Big Island

The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) is located in Kailua-Kona on the west side of Hawaii's Big Island. It is one of two major airports on the island, the other being Hilo International Airport on the eastern side. KOA is the primary airport on the island and is located about four miles northwest of Kailua-Kona's city centre. The airport is named after astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who was born and raised in Kona and died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole

The airport 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, which is 11,000 feet (3,353 m) long and 150 feet (46 m) wide—the second-longest runway in the Hawaiian Islands after Honolulu. The runway is built on a relatively recent lava flow, the 1801 Huʻehuʻe flow from Hualālai, which added an estimated 4 km2 (1.5 sq mi) of land to the island and created Keahole Point.

The airport opened on July 1, 1970, with a single 6,500-foot (2.0 km) runway, and was originally named Ke-āhole Airport, after its geographical location. Over the years, the airport has undergone several name changes, with the Kona name being emphasized more with each change, until it was finally renamed after Ellison Onizuka in 2017.

In its first full year, 515,378 passengers passed through the airport's open-air tropical-style terminals. Today, the airport serves an average of 9,000 passengers per day and offers interisland, commuter/air taxi, domestic, international, and general aviation services. Several airlines serve the airport, including United, Delta, Hawaiian, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Mokulele, and Kona Shuttle.

The commercial passenger facility at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport consists of three terminals: Terminal 1 includes gates 1 through 5, Terminal 2 includes gates 6 through 10, and Terminal 3 hosts smaller commuter flights. The airport features an open-air pavilion design, with passengers boarding and disembarking via portable stairs or ramps. Despite the less modern facilities, the airport is used by large airliners, including Airbus and Boeing.

Kona International Airport's location

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) is located on the west side of the Island of Hawaiʻi, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States. The airport is situated about 7 miles northwest of Kailua and 25 miles southwest of Waikoloa. It is approximately four miles from the city centre of Kailua-Kona.

Kona International Airport is one of two international airports serving Hawaiʻi Island, with the other being Hilo International Airport on the eastern side of the island. KOA is the primary airport on the island and serves both transpacific and interisland flights.

The airport is located in an area known for its active volcanoes, orchids, golf courses, and scenic coastline. The runway is built on the 1801 Huʻehuʻe lava flow from Hualālai, which added approximately 4 km2 of land to the island, creating Keahole Point.

Kona International Airport is easily accessible by various means of transportation, including taxis, car rentals, pre-arranged ground transportation, and shuttles. The airport offers a range of amenities, including dining options, retail stores, ATMs, postal services, and Wi-Fi.

Kona International Airport's history

Kona International Airport, officially known as the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, is located on the western coast of the Island of Hawaii, in the United States. It is the primary airport on the Island, serving the leeward (western) side. The airport is situated in Kailua-Kona, around 7 miles northwest of the town centre.

The history of the airport can be traced back to 1947 when the Territorial Legislature recognised the need for an airport in the area. Plans were then made to upgrade the small Kailua Airstrip, and work commenced on the newly named Kona Airport in the summer of 1948. The opening ceremony was held in July 1949.

Over the following years, the airport underwent upgrades and improvements, leading to an increase in tourism. This surge in visitors prompted the development of hotels and other attractions to cater to the growing demand. However, public opinion regarding the expansion of the airport soon became divided, with some advocating for limiting the scope of development. By 1955, the once-small airstrip had expanded to cover 120 acres.

The ever-increasing demand for air travel eventually necessitated the relocation of the airport 7.5 miles north of its previous site. Construction of the new airport began in 1969, with the ceremonial charges of dynamite signalling the start of work. The new Keahole Airport was dedicated on July 1, 1970, with a 6,500-foot runway, a parallel taxiway, high-intensity lights, a control tower, terminal buildings, and vehicle parking areas.

Over the next two decades, the airport experienced a significant increase in overseas flights, and several shops and displays were added. The airport underwent continuous expansion and improvements to accommodate the growing demand. In 1993, the Hawaii State Legislature renamed the airport to Kona International Airport at Keahole, emphasising its connection to the nearby resort town.

Today, the Kona International Airport covers approximately 3,450 acres and handles an average of 9,000 passengers per day. The airport serves various aviation activities, including interisland, commuter, air taxi, domestic, and international flights. It has earned a reputation for its open-air design, ease of navigation, and charming tiki hut-style roofs.

Kona International Airport's amenities

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) is located in West Hawaii at Keahole, about seven miles northwest of Kailua-Kona. The airport has a unique open-air design with tiki hut-style roofs, providing a true Hawaiian ambiance.

Amenities

Food and Drink

Kona International Airport has several restaurants, cafes, and snack bars. There are two airside restaurants, one in each terminal, and a landside snack bar.

Shopping

The airport has a variety of shops, including small gift shops, lei stands, and newsstands in both terminals and on both sides of security.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Connect to the "Kona Airport Free Wi-Fi" or "KOA Free WiFi" network to access the internet.

Currency Exchange

Several currency exchange desks are located within the airport.

ATMs

There are several ATMs available for passengers' convenience.

Transportation

The airport offers various transportation options, including taxi services, shuttle services, car rental services, and public transportation.

Pet Relief Area

A pet relief station is located across the street from the Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center on the north side of the airport. This area provides a grassy space with waste bags and a trash can for pet owners' convenience.

Restrooms

The airport offers clean and well-maintained restrooms, including accessible family restrooms.

Luggage Storage

Luggage carts are available for rent in the baggage claim areas of both terminals.

Medical Services

Airport Rescue and Firefighters are available 24 hours a day for first responder medical treatment.

Space Center

The Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center is an educational attraction dedicated to the memory of Hawaii's first astronaut, who perished in the Challenger Mission in 1986. The centre is located near baggage claim and features interactive exhibits, films, and personal items of Onizuka.

Information Desk

Information desks are located throughout the airport, staffed by volunteers from 7:45 am to 9:00 pm daily.

Parking

The airport provides both short-term and long-term parking options, with designated parking areas near the terminals. Rates vary depending on the duration of your stay.

Kona International Airport's transport options

Kona International Airport (KOA) is located on the west coast of the Island of Hawaiʻi, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The airport is approximately seven miles northwest of Kailua and 25 miles southwest of Waikoloa.

There are several transport options for getting to and from the airport.

Car

If you're driving, there is public parking available in the lot directly across from the terminal. There is also a cell phone lot near the International Arrivals Building.

Taxi

There are numerous taxi companies providing services to and from the airport, located curbside in front of the baggage claim area.

Shuttle

There are a number of pre-arranged ground transportation companies servicing the airport, including tours, courtesy cars, and contracted transport services. SpeediShuttle also has a counter in baggage claim. Prime Time Shuttle is another option, offering shared rides, private cars, and luxury vehicles.

Bus

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

Rideshare

Rideshare services such as Uber are also available at the airport.

Frequently asked questions