Lois Larson
Kona International Airport, also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, is located on the west coast of Hawaii's Big Island. It is the primary airport on the island, serving interisland, commuter, domestic, and international flights. The airport is known for its open-air pavilion design, with passengers boarding and disembarking via portable stairs. Kona International Airport is a popular gateway for tourists visiting the western side of the island, known for its active volcanoes, scenic coastline, and outdoor activities such as snorkelling and deep-sea fishing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole |
| Location | West Hawaii, Keahole, Kailua-Kona |
| Address | 73-200 Kupipi Street Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-2645 |
| Phone Number | (808) 327-9520 |
| Year of Opening | 1970 |
| Area | 3,450 acres |
| Average Daily Passengers | 9,000 |
| Flight Types | Interisland, commuter/air taxi, domestic, international, and general aviation |
| Airlines | United, Delta, Hawaiian, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Mokulele, Kona Shuttle |
| Transportation | Car rental, bus, SpeediShuttle, curbside loading/unloading zones |
| Parking | Public parking available across from the terminal |
| Design | Open-air pavilion, no loading bridges or jetways |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole
The airport is named after Ellison Onizuka, an astronaut who was born and raised in Kona and died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. The Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center, a small museum dedicated to his memory, opened at the airport in 1991. The museum includes interactive exhibits, films, and personal items from Onizuka, including a spacesuit from Apollo 13 and a sample of lunar soil.
Kona International Airport opened in 1970, originally named Ke-āhole Airport after its geographical location, Keāhole Point. The airport's runway was extended to 11,000 feet (3,400 m) in 1994, making it the second-longest runway in the Hawaiian Islands after Honolulu. This extension enabled much larger aircraft to use the airport, facilitating nonstop flights to the US West Coast, Tokyo, and beyond.
The airport covers 3,450 acres, or 4,204 acres according to another source, and acts as a significant transport hub for the island. It hosts an average of 9,000 passengers per day and is served by several airlines, including United, Delta, Hawaiian, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Mokulele, and Kona Shuttle. The airport features an open-air pavilion design, with passengers boarding and disembarking via portable stairs or ramps, rather than jet bridges.
Resetting Airport Express: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kona International Airport's history
Kona International Airport, officially known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, is located on the western coast of the Island of Hawaii, approximately 10 miles from the town of Kailua Kona. The airport is named after Ellison Onizuka, an astronaut who was born and raised in Kona and died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
The history of Kona International Airport dates back to the late 1960s when the lack of a major airport in the area became a pressing issue. With the opening of large resorts in Kona around 1968, there was a growing need for a convenient airport to serve the region. Prior to the construction of the new airport, tourism in the area was centred on the town of Hilo on the eastern side of the Big Island. Tourists visiting Kona and the western side of the island often had to fly into Hilo Airport and endure a lengthy two-hour drive across the island.
Recognizing the need for improved infrastructure, the Hawaii Legislature appropriated funds for the development of a new airport at Keahole through Act 195, SLH 1965. In 1968, the Legislature allocated $4.686 million for land acquisition and construction of the airport, which included a runway, apron, terminal buildings, and other essential improvements. Construction on the new airport began in 1969, and the ceremonial charges of dynamite marked the start of this significant project.
The airport, originally named Keahole Airport, opened in 1970. Over the next two decades, it underwent continuous expansion and improvements. Overseas flights increased, shops and displays were added, and the airport continued to evolve to accommodate growing demand. In 1993, recognizing the importance of the nearby resort town of Kona, the Hawaii State Legislature renamed the airport to Keahole-Kona International Airport. This name change reflected the growing association of the airport with the popular tourist destination.
In 1994, the airport underwent a significant development with the extension of its runway to 11,000 feet, making it the second-longest runway in the Hawaiian Islands after Honolulu. This extension enabled the airport to accommodate much larger aircraft and facilitated nonstop flights between Kona and international destinations like Tokyo. The ability to offer direct international flights further enhanced the airport's reputation and attracted more visitors to the region.
Today, Kona International Airport acts as the primary airport on the Island of Hawaii, serving interisland, commuter, domestic, international, and general aviation activities. It has become a vital gateway to the island, welcoming thousands of passengers each day and contributing significantly to the region's thriving tourism industry.
San Diego's Dual Airport System: Why Two Airports?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kona International Airport's facilities
Kona International Airport, officially named Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), is the main international airport serving the island of Hawaii in the United States. It is located in the town of Keahole, about seven miles northwest of Kailua-Kona on the island's west coast. The airport occupies 3,450 acres of land at an elevation of 47 feet.
The airport features a unique open-air terminal design that reflects the island's natural beauty and casual atmosphere. It is divided into three terminals: Terminal 1 includes gates 1 through 5, Terminal 2 includes gates 6 through 10, and Terminal 3 hosts smaller commuter flights. Kona International is the only major airport in the Hawaiian Islands where passengers board using mobile stairs or ramps instead of jet bridges. Despite the less modern facilities, the airport accommodates large airliners, including Airbus A321 and A330, and Boeing 717, 737, 757, 767, 777, and 787.
Kona International Airport offers a range of facilities and services for passengers. These include parking, rental car services, cab and ride-sharing options, duty-free shops, ATMs, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, a luggage wrapping service, disabled passenger services, first aid, and tour offices. The airport also has a selection of restaurants and stores offering local flavours and souvenirs.
In addition to passenger services, the airport accommodates general aviation, cargo, and military operations. It has a single asphalt runway, currently shortened to 7,000 by 150 feet until October 1, 2025, for rehabilitation. The airport had 87,770 aircraft operations in the year ending November 30, 2021, with an average of 240 flights per day. As of March 2022, 56 aircraft were based at the airport, including single-engine, multi-engine, helicopters, and ultralights.
Knoxville, TN: Airport Code and Quick Facts
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kona International Airport's ground transportation
Kona International Airport, also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, is located in West Hawaii at Keahole. The airport is about seven miles from Kailua and 25 miles from Waikoloa.
There are several ground transportation options available at Kona International Airport. The airport is accessible by car, taxi, and shuttle. Here are some detailed options for ground transportation:
Car Rental
Several car rental companies have locations just off the terminal. Some providers offer continuous shuttle services that stop across the street from the baggage claim area. Public parking is available in the lot across from the terminal, with accessible parking spaces for those with disabilities.
Shuttle Services
SpeediShuttle offers shared shuttle services and private car services to and from the airport. They provide transfers to various destinations across the island, including Kona, Waimea, Waikoloa, Mauna Kea, and Hualalai. Shuttles can be booked in advance, and greeters will direct passengers to their shuttle after collecting their luggage.
Bus Services
The Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency Hele-On bus operates a limited service between the airport and Kailua-Kona town.
Taxi Services
Taxi services are also available at the airport, providing an alternative to shuttles and buses.
Private Car Services
For a more luxurious option, private car services such as Arthur's Limousine and Hawaii Executive Transportation are available through SpeediShuttle. These services are perfect for special occasions or nights out.
It is recommended to pre-book transportation to and from the airport to ensure a smooth travel experience. By reserving your ride in advance, you can enjoy a stress-free journey and make the most of your time on the beautiful island of Hawaii.
Airports: FAA Certification and Licensing Requirements Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kona International Airport's flight destinations
Kona International Airport, officially known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, is located in West Hawaii at Keahole, in the town of Kailua-Kona. It is the primary airport on the Island of Hawaiʻi, serving the leeward (western) side of the island, including resorts in North Kona and South Kohala. The airport is categorized as a small-hub primary commercial service facility and is one of two international airports serving Hawaiʻi Island, the other being Hilo International Airport on the eastern side.
Kona International Airport offers a range of flight destinations, serving interisland, commuter/air taxi, domestic, international, and general aviation activities. Several airlines operate at the airport, including major carriers such as United, Delta, Hawaiian, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Mokulele, and Kona Shuttle.
For travellers wishing to explore the Island of Hawaiʻi and its western coast, known for its history, culture, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, and Kona coffee, Kona International Airport provides convenient access.
In terms of specific flight routes, Hawaiian Airlines operates flights between Kona International Airport and destinations such as Kahului, Lihue, and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). Additionally, Southern Airways Express offers flights to Kahului. Alaska Airlines provides services to San Diego International Airport, connecting Kona with the mainland United States.
Historically, Kona International Airport has also offered international flights to Tokyo, with Japan Airlines (JAL) operating a Kona-Tokyo route between 1996 and 2010. Hawaiian Airlines attempted to reinstate nonstop Kona-Haneda flights in 2016, but the service was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. JAL resumed its Narita-Kona flights in August 2022.
Identifying Airport Express Models: A Quick Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Kona International Airport, also known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, is located on the west coast of the Island of Hawaii, 7.5 miles north of its previous location.
The address of the Kona airport is 73-200 Kupipi Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-2645, USA.
You can get to Kona airport by car, public transportation, or shuttle. However, public transportation is limited to a single bus line.
Several airlines serve Kona airport, including United, Delta, Hawaiian, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Mokulele, and Kona Shuttle.
Yes, you can rent a car at Kona airport. Several rental car companies have locations just off the terminal, and some provide continuous shuttles that stop across the street from the baggage claim area.
