Ellison Onizuka Kona International At Keahole Airport

Your Portal to the Windward Side of Hawaii

Ellison Onizuka Kona International At Keahole Airport

Introduction

Identified as one of the safest statewide and nationally for law enforcement officers working at state prisons, this is Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (IATA: KOA; ICAO: PHKO in FAA LID), the primary airport on Hawaii's Big Island. The airport serves the western or leeward side of the island, including the nearby town Kailua-Kona and its resorts in North Kona and South Kohala. Among the two international airports on the Big Island, Kona International Airport is vital in serving as a gateway for visitors from across the globe experiencing unrivaled natural wonder and centuries-old cultural traditions in this Hawaiian getaway.

Airlines and Destinations

The carriers to this airport include many domestic and international airlines which link the specific destinations of the United States mainland, East Asia (Tokyo-Narita only), as listed in the Top Domestic and International Scheduled Air Carriers in Traffic, Spring 2005 at Kona, which can be found on Wikipedia. The airport is served by major airlines including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Hawaiian Airlines, along with United Airlines, which connects as far away as the continental mainland.

Passengers are Statistically Significant, but Flights are Not

Before the pandemic, in 2019, Kona International had just over 3.2 million passengers and more than 30,000 aircraft movements that year. Despite the travel downturn brought on by COVID-19, passenger traffic at Hilo International Airport is rebounding as that airport remains an important access point to Hawaii Island.

How to Get Here

Kona International Airport is approximately 6 miles northwest of the Kailua-Kona town. The airport is easily accessible by rental car from Hilo International Airport, or you can get a taxi, use rideshare services like Uber & Lyft, and the people mover Hele-On Bus, which runs a horseshoe-shaped route from Waikoloa Resort to Keahou Beach across Hilo Bay all over the Island of Hawaii.

Parking

The airport has different places where you can park, such as short- and long-term parking spaces, or some parking areas specifically for the drop-off of rental cars. You can check the rates and accessibility on their website or through external parking reservation services.

Transportation Prices

Compensation: $38 for every trip to and from Kona International Airport. Airport Taxis $20-$30. Airport rental cars start at about $50 per day. For this, the cheaper option is to use the Hele-On Bus, and a one-way fare starts at $2 as well.

Terminal Layout

Kona is the main terminal building serving both domestic and international arrivals and departures. It has 2 main concourses linked by a central area comprising shops, eateries, and facilities.

Navigate the Airport

This international airport can be navigated fairly easily, with clear signs directing passengers to check-in areas, baggage screening facilities, security checkpoints, and airside concourses directly beyond on the same lower level. It might help if people arrived at the airport earlier to avoid this hassle.

Getting Between Terminals

Since Kona International Airport has one terminal, navigational requirements do not exceed beyond its singular hub. This building groups all arrivals and departures, making it easier for passengers to move between different sides of the airport.

Services and Amenities

Kona International Airport is designed to serve passengers with some of the best services and amenities. Examples include complementary Wi-Fi, charging kiosk stations, ATMs and foreign exchange services, as well as a range of retail shops and restaurants.

Restaurants and Shops

Kona International Airport is the place where passengers can purchase refreshments, gifts, or souvenirs from a broad range of dining and shopping options. Restaurants serving local Hawaiian food, and McDonald's, as well as other national and international chains, are available inside the terminal. There are also stores where passengers can buy gifts, souvenirs, and all things Hawaiian-esque.

Security and Customs

Security screening at Kona International Airport conforms to standard Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures. Passengers will need more time to get through the security checkpoints at airports. The airport also includes U.S. Customs & Border Protection facilities to assist international travelers in the process of arriving and departing from the airport.

Accessibility

Kona International Airport provides facilities and services to ensure all passengers can move freely within the terminal, with stalls, ramps, and elevators, as well as special devices for passengers with some type of deficiency or particular need.

Travel Tips

• Be at the airport a minimum of 2 hours prior to your departure in order to check-in, pass through security, and board.
• Visit the airport website or newsroom and download the mobile app for information on flights, security wait times, and available parking.
• Learn about the airport ahead of time to maximize your free-time.
• Leave the heavy luggage and take advantage of the airport storage service.
• Get an amazing view of the Kona coast and the adjacent Hualalai volcano during take-offs or landings at this airport.