Terminals +info
Kona International Airport (KOA) features a unique open-air terminal complex that reflects Hawaii’s relaxed island atmosphere. Unlike many major airports, KOA operates mainly from a single passenger terminal made up of several interconnected pavilions rather than enclosed buildings.
The design allows travelers to move between check-in areas, security checkpoints, and departure gates through open walkways surrounded by tropical landscaping.
Although the airport is relatively compact, it offers essential passenger services, dining options, and shops, making navigation simple and efficient for both domestic and inter island travelers.
Transportation +info
Kona International Airport (KOA) offers several transportation options connecting the airport with Kailua-Kona and other parts of Hawaii’s Big Island.
Due to the island’s large distances and limited public transport network, many visitors choose to rent a car directly at the airport.
However, taxis, ride-sharing services, hotel shuttles, and the Hele-On public bus system are also available.
Thanks to the airport’s compact layout, all ground transportation services are located close to the terminal, making transfers quick and easy for arriving passengers.
Reviews +info
On this website, you will find valuable tips and reviews about Ellison Onizuka International Airport, designed to help you navigate your travel experience smoothly. These reviews can help you understand what to expect in terms of service quality, cleanliness, and overall passenger experience.
-Our Review of Kona Airport
-Pros and Cons of KOA Airport
-Mini-Guide of the Airport (2’ Guide)
-Other reviews
-Some Stats
Contact Information
Contact Information – Kona International Airport (KOA)
- Address: 73-200 Kupipi St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States
- Airport Information / Manager’s Office: +1 (808) 327-9520
- Visitor Information: +1 (808) 329-3423
- Airport Security: +1 (808) 329-5073
- Official Website: airports.hawaii.gov/koa/
Lost & Found
- Lost & Found Office: +1 (808) 329-5073
- Items lost inside the terminal should be reported to the airport’s Lost & Found service.
- If the item was lost at the security checkpoint, contact TSA at +1 (808) 334-8113.
- Items left on the aircraft should be reported directly to the airline operating the flight.
About Kona
Located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, Kailua-Kona is a vibrant seaside town known for its volcanic landscapes, historic landmarks, and crystal-clear waters. Just a short drive from Kona International Airport (KOA), the area offers a relaxed Hawaiian atmosphere combined with world-class natural attractions. Whether you are visiting for a few days or starting a longer journey around the Big Island, Kona provides an excellent base for exploring the island’s diverse scenery.
One of the highlights of Kailua-Kona is Aliʻi Drive, a scenic oceanfront road lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Here you can visit Huliheʻe Palace, a former royal vacation residence that now operates as a museum showcasing Hawaiian history. Nearby, Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawaii, offers insight into the island’s cultural heritage. The Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark area, once the residence of King Kamehameha I, is also located in downtown Kona and is worth a short visit.
Beyond the town itself, the Kona Coast is famous for its natural beauty. About 30 minutes south, Kealakekua Bay is one of the best snorkeling locations in Hawaii, known for its clear water and vibrant coral reefs. To the north, travelers can explore Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, where ancient Hawaiian fishponds and petroglyphs reveal centuries of island history. A longer excursion inland takes visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where you can witness dramatic volcanic landscapes, lava fields, and active volcanic craters.
Public transportation on the Big Island is limited but available through the Hele-On Bus, which connects Kona with nearby towns such as Captain Cook, Waikoloa, and Hilo. However, most visitors prefer renting a car to explore the island freely. Rental cars are available directly at Kona International Airport, and driving is the most convenient way to reach beaches, parks, and scenic viewpoints across the island.
For those planning sightseeing routes, one recommended itinerary is the Kona Coffee Belt tour, where travelers can visit local coffee farms on the slopes of Hualālai and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Another popular route follows the North Kona and Kohala Coast, featuring luxury resorts, lava landscapes, and beautiful beaches such as Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. Adventurous travelers may also enjoy night snorkeling with manta rays, one of Kona’s most famous wildlife experiences.
Kailua-Kona hosts several local events throughout the year that celebrate Hawaiian culture and the island’s unique traditions. One of the most famous is the Ironman World Championship, held every October, which attracts elite triathletes and spectators from around the world. Food lovers should not miss the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, usually held in November, featuring farm tours, tastings, and cultural performances. Weekly farmers markets in Kailua-Kona also offer fresh tropical fruits, local crafts, and traditional Hawaiian foods.
With its combination of scenic coastlines, cultural history, and outdoor adventure, Kailua-Kona is a welcoming destination that offers visitors a true taste of the Hawaiian Islands. Travelers arriving at Kona International Airport will quickly discover that the Kona Coast is not only a gateway to the Big Island, but also a destination worth exploring in its own right.