Jazmin Li
The Big Island of Hawaii is served by two airports: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO). Most visitors arrive at Kona International Airport, which is located in Kailua-Kona on the west side of the island. Hilo International Airport is located in Hilo Town on the east side of the island. Both airports offer easy access to the island's famous attractions, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, black sand beaches, and the Mauna Kea Visitor Center.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole |
| Official Website | KOA – Official State of Hawaii Website |
| Location | Kona, west side of the Big Island |
| Other airport on the Big Island | Hilo International Airport |
| Location of Hilo International Airport | Hilo, east side of the Big Island |
| Time taken to drive between Kona and Hilo | 2 hours and 40 minutes |
| Major resort destinations | The Kohala Coast, Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) and Keauhou, Waikoloa Village |
| Airlines serving Kona | Air Canada, Alaska, American, Delta, Japan, Westjet, Hawaiian, Southwest, and more |
| Airlines serving Hilo | Hawaiian, Mokulele, Southwest, and United |
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What You'll Learn
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport
The airport covers 4,204 acres of land and sits at an elevation of 47 feet above mean sea level. It has a single runway that is 11,000 feet long, the second-longest in the Hawaiian Islands after Honolulu. This runway length enables much larger aircraft to use the airport, facilitating nonstop flights to the US West Coast, Tokyo, and beyond.
The commercial passenger facility at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport features open-air, tropical-style structures divided into three terminals. Terminal 1 includes gates 1 through 5, Terminal 2 includes gates 6 through 10, and Terminal 3 caters to smaller commuter flights. Kona International is a unique airport in the Hawaiian Islands as passengers board using mobile stairs or ramps instead of jet bridges.
The airport provides easy access to the beaches and resorts of the western side of the Big Island. North of Kailua-Kona is Waikoloa, known for its famous resorts, golf courses, and black sand beaches. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of the most popular attractions on the Big Island, is also within driving distance.
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Hilo International Airport
In 2006, ATA Airlines re-established daily non-stop service between Hilo and Oakland International Airport, marking the first direct overseas service to Hilo in almost two decades. This proved successful, and the airline eventually substituted a larger aircraft during the peak travelling season. However, ATA Airlines ceased operations in 2008 due to increased fuel prices and the cancellation of a charter flight agreement.
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Getting to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Big Island has two main airports: Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO). Kona International Airport is the primary airport on the Island of Hawaii, located in Kailua-Kona on the west side of the island. It serves transpacific and interisland flights and is well known for its easy access to beaches. Hilo International Airport, on the other hand, is located in Hilo Town on the east side of the island, providing access to the eastern part of the island.
If your final destination is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you may want to consider flying into Hilo International Airport, as it is significantly closer to the park than Kona International Airport. The park is about a 45-minute drive from Hilo via HI-11, whereas it is a little over a two-hour drive from Kona International Airport.
There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding which airport to fly into. Firstly, Kona tends to have more options when it comes to accommodation, and it is also known for its resort experience and beautiful ocean views. Secondly, if you plan on visiting other attractions on the island, such as the Mauna Kea Visitor Center, you may want to consider the drive time from each airport. It takes over an hour to get to the Mauna Kea Visitor Center from both Kona and Hilo, so you may want to factor that into your decision-making.
Once you arrive at either Kona or Hilo International Airport, you can easily access the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by car or bus. The Hele-On bus service provides transportation to the park seven days a week, departing from various locations across the island. Additionally, if you plan to visit other islands during your trip, you can easily fly between islands using Hawaiian Airlines.
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Resort experiences and ocean views
The Big Island, Hawaii, is served by two airports: Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO). Most visitors fly into Kona International Airport due to its easy access to beaches and resorts. Waikoloa, north of Kailua-Kona, is home to famous resorts and hotels, including Waikoloa Village, and offers activities such as golfing and night diving with manta rays.
If you're looking for resort experiences and ocean views, Kona International Airport is the more convenient option. The western coast of the Big Island is known for its luxurious beachfront resorts. Here are some notable resorts in the area:
Outrigger Kona Resort
Located on the Kona Coast, this resort offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and authentic Hawaiian culture.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
This resort provides glamorous surroundings, amenities, and dining on one of the Big Island's best white sand beaches.
Mauna Lani Auberge Resort
Mauna Lani offers a luxurious opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the Big Island.
Four Seasons Hualalai
A well-known name in luxury resorts, Four Seasons Hualalai is an opulent choice for a lavish getaway.
Fairmont Orchid
This expansive luxury resort on the Kohala Coast is consistently ranked among the best hotels and resorts on the island.
The Westin Resort
Overlooking a world-famous white sand beach, this newly remodeled resort offers the ideal Hawaiian vacation experience.
Waikoloa Beach Marriott
This luxurious resort provides a fun-filled Hawaiian vacation experience with highly-rated dining options.
For a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting Ocean View in the Ka'u district near South Point. This rugged area offers a glimpse into self-sufficient, off-the-grid living amid lava fields. While limited in amenities, it boasts stunning surroundings and attractions like the Kula Kai Caverns, featuring guided walking tours through its 13-mile-long underground tunnel system.
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Car rental options
The Big Island has two main airports: Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO). Kona International Airport is the primary airport on the Big Island, located in Kailua-Kona on the west side of the island. Hilo International Airport is situated in Hilo Town on the east side of the island.
When it comes to car rental options, you have several choices at both Kona and Hilo International Airports. Here are some of the options available:
Budget Car Rental
Budget Car Rental is available at Kona International Airport, offering a range of vehicles to choose from. They offer Jeep Wranglers, which are a popular choice for visitors, as well as sedans for those looking for a quiet beach vacation. SUVs and vans are also available for larger groups or families. Returning a Budget Car Rental is simple, with the lot located on the right as you approach the airport.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations in both Kailua-Kona and Hilo, offering convenient options for visitors arriving at either airport. They provide vehicles suitable for road trips, airport travel, and weekend getaways. Enterprise Plus allows customers to earn points towards free rental days, and they are known for their award-winning customer service.
SIXT
SIXT is another option for car rentals at Kona International Airport (KOA). They offer a diverse fleet of vehicles, including compact cars and SUVs, at affordable prices. SIXT provides excellent customer service and allows for seamless booking management through their app. They also offer additional services such as child car seats and the option to add extra drivers to your rental plan. To rent a car from SIXT, you must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license and passport or identity card.
With these options, you can easily rent a car at either Kona or Hilo International Airport and begin your exploration of the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii.
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Frequently asked questions
The Big Island has two main airports: Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west side and Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east side. Most visitors fly into Kona International Airport due to its easy access to beaches and more flight options.
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole is the primary airport on the Big Island. It serves transpacific and interisland flights.
The most distinct difference between the two airports is their location. Kona International Airport is located in Kailua-Kona on the west side of the island, while Hilo International Airport is in Hilo Town on the east side.
The drive between Kona and Hilo takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
