Kona Intl Airport (KOA) Flights & Information

Officially known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA), you’ll most often hear this Hawaiian facility simply referred to as Kona Airport. Located on the western coast of the island of Hawaii (“the Big Island”), KOA is the primary airport of Hawaii island. Hilo International Airport (ITO) is a second airport on the east side of the island, but mainly serves inter-island flights. Use this guide with expert tips next time you fly through KOA in search of that aloha spirit.

Kona Airport layout

Kona International Airport technically has three terminals, but this number is a bit misleading. KOA once had two separated terminals that have since been joined together by a third space, forming one large area that operates more as a single terminal with a shared security checkpoint. With a combined total of 10 gates, these small spaces account for the majority of KOA flights.

There is an actual third terminal (that would normally be considered a second terminal elsewhere) serving commuter flights. You’re unlikely to see if it if you’re visiting for vacation, and definitely won’t see it if you’re remaining on Hawaii island the whole time.

The layout of KOA is beyond charming. Each gate is an outdoor hut and even the airline check-in counters are found in huts. I love that you get to experience island living from the moment you arrive until the minute you board your plane for departure – this is typically done simply by walking across the tarmac from your hut “gate” to your plane. There’s no stress to be found here.

Leaving KOA by public transportation

Outside of the island’s residents, Kona Airport serves the many resorts of west Hawaii. Because there isn’t really a tourist city to visit here, there’s no public transportation that services the airport. Instead of a train or bus, you’ll need to arrange transportation from your hotel or resort in advance, or arrange your own car.

If your hotel offers transfer service, expect to pay quite a premium for it. Still, this is by the far the most convenient option if you don’t want to drive yourself. You’ll have plenty of space for luggage and your driver will typically be waiting for you inside. You can book a van from shuttle services like Speedi Shuttle in advance too.

Leaving KOA by car

Rideshare services Uber and Lyft are both available at Kona Airport, but they’re not quite as dependable as you’ll typically find them elsewhere. They’re just as safe, but there are fewer drivers available, especially at night. It never hurts to check the apps on landing, but you may find very long wait times or no drivers available at all. If you do find one, expect to pay more than you’re used to as well.

If no rideshare drivers are available, you can almost always find taxis outside of baggage claim. Don’t be confused by the line of minivans – these are just taxis, and often the only type of vehicle available, so just grab one. If you book a taxi before arriving, your driver is likely to wait for you inside and you’ll usually get a fixed rate based on your hotel or resort location.

Taxis, too, may bring about some sticker shock, unless you’re staying at one of the hotels closest to the airport. Still, these tend to run a bit cheaper than rideshares and are almost always available without a wait.

While renting a car here is also expensive, it’s the most immediate and dependable solution for traveling by car. This is the route I take and recommend, especially because it gives you the freedom to move about the island at any hour.

If you want to see lava, for example, you’ll want to go when it’s dark, often late at night or very early in the morning. You aren’t likely to find an Uber then.

Rental car agencies are all located outside of the terminal, including the check-in counters. There are free shuttles available just across the street from baggage claim A and B. During peak periods, lines can become extremely long – you could end up waiting over an hour. To get a jump, I always send someone traveling with me straight to the rental area while I wait for the baggage (or vice versa).

Security lines at the airport

Security lines at KOA are rarely a concern. While there’s only a single checkpoint, the airport is quite small and equipped with the same efficient equipment as most other US airports. Even without TSA PreCheck, you shouldn’t wait more than 15 to 20 minutes here.

CLEAR is not yet available at Kona – it’s currently only found in Honolulu and Maui in the Hawaiian islands. You really don’t need it here though. Even TSA PreCheck only saves a handful of minutes in most cases.

This, combined with the limited amount of seating at this tiny airport, may encourage you to arrive at the last second, but I don’t recommend playing it fast and loose with scheduling here. There’s a secondary agriculture inspection for all carry-on at the gate for those traveling back to the mainland US, and this line moves much slower. Don’t aim to arrive at the gate moments before boarding.

Pet relief areas

The only pet relief area at Kona International Airport is found across the street from the center of the combined Terminals 1 and 2. While this may seem like slim pickings for pets, you’re unlikely to need this space anyway. Traveling into Hawaii with pets is extraordinarily difficult and, in most cases, not possible for vacations unless you’re willing to leave your pet in quarantine for the duration of your visit.

If you’re traveling with a service dog, there are exceptions to the extremely stringent requirements on dog arrivals, but it’s still a more cumbersome and expensive process than usual. Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the US and these measures attempt to preserve that.

Wi-Fi and airline lounges at KOA

Free Wi-Fi is available at KOA and it’s unlimited. Choose the “KOA Free Wifi” from the available networks and just tap “Unlimited WiFi” to connect. Cell service can be a bit spotty here, depending on your carrier, so I always connect to the Wi-Fi as soon as I arrive and rely on this stronger signal instead.

Despite its size and lack of amenities, KOA actually does have an airline lounge, and it’s both indoors and air conditioned. The Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club Lounge is located on the Terminal 2 side (Gates 6 through 10) and is open to those flying the airline with Gold status or better, or with a first-class ticket.

Day passes are not available and lounge membership programs like Priority Pass and Dragon Pass are not accepted.

Shopping at KOA

I’ll just admit right from the top that KOA is not the place to go for a shopping spree. There are certainly no duty-free shops here, and the few establishments this little airport does have even shut down between flights. The good news is you won’t have to worry about overloading your carry-on with impulse buys.

You’ll find small newsstand shops for snacks and very basic travel essentials, along with a decent gift shop for basic souvenirs. While these don’t even provide good window shopping to pass extra time, I do love that there’s a flower and lei stand here. Cho’s Leis sells handmade flower necklaces so authentic you’ll often find someone stringing them on-site. They’re super fragrant and perfect for grabbing on arrival.

Dining at the airport

Similar to the shopping experience, there aren’t exactly tons of options for dining at KOA. The Laniakea Café is the only option, serving sandwiches and other small café bites. It’s important to note that the café severely dislikes customers who remain more than 10 minutes at the few available tables and you will be made to leave even if you haven’t finished eating, so plan for grab-and-go bites.

I strongly advise you to bring your own snacks to this airport and consider bringing an empty water bottle to fill after security too. There’s a fountain on the Terminal 1 side (Gates 1 through 5).