Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole

Kona Airport is about 7 miles (11 km) north of Kailua-Kona town, and the drive takes about 15 to 20 minutes on the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway outside rush hour. Taxis, rental cars, rideshare and pre-booked cars cover the trip, and Hele-On buses run on a limited schedule.

Yes. The airport's official name is Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, and its code is KOA. Most travelers call it Kona Airport or Kona International Airport. It was renamed in 2017 to honor astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who was born in Kona.

Fly into Kona (KOA) if you are staying in Kailua-Kona, Keauhou or the Kohala Coast resorts on the dry west side of the island. Hilo (ITO) is on the east side, closer to Hilo town and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Kona has more mainland flights, while Hilo has mostly interisland service.

Kona Airport has two open-air terminals, signposted Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, joined by a central security checkpoint. Each has its own check-in lobby, gates and outdoor baggage claim area. There are no jet bridges, so you board and leave the aircraft by stairs or ramps.

Yes, mostly. Kona's terminals are open-air pavilions with peaked roofs, and the gate areas and baggage claim are outdoors or only partly covered. You walk across the apron to and from the aircraft. It is pleasant in the trade winds but can feel warm in the afternoon sun.

Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines fly the most routes from Kona, to Honolulu, Maui, Kauai and the US West Coast. United, Southwest, American and Delta serve mainland cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas and Seattle, Mokulele flies to Maui, and Air Canada and WestJet fly seasonally from Canada.

Waikoloa Beach Resort is about 18 miles (29 km) north of Kona Airport, around 25 to 30 minutes by car on the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway. Mauna Lani is a few miles farther north, about 30 to 35 minutes away, and the Mauna Kea resort area about 40 minutes.

Hilo is on the opposite side of the island, roughly 2 hours from Kona Airport by car across the Saddle Road. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is about 2.5 to 3 hours south and east via the Belt Road through Kaʻū. Many visitors spend a night near the park rather than driving back the same day.

Taxis wait near the baggage claim areas, outside arrivals. They go door to door to Kailua-Kona, Keauhou and the Kohala Coast resorts. Fares are metered, so the longer trips north to Waikoloa and Mauna Lani cost noticeably more than a ride into Kailua-Kona.

Uber and Lyft pick up in the center median across from the security checkpoint, a short walk from either baggage claim area. Follow the rideshare signs. Drivers can be scarcer late at night and early in the morning, so waits may be longer then.

Yes, but service is limited. Hawaii County's Hele-On buses stop on the center median next to the rideshare area, with routes to Kailua-Kona, the Kohala resorts, Waimea and Hilo. Buses run infrequently, so check the schedule before you fly, and space for large luggage is limited.

Rental car companies have their lots close to the terminals. Their shuttles pick up in the center median across from baggage claim and run continuously. Rental cars can sell out during busy periods such as holidays and major events, so reserving early is a good idea.

Yes, if you arrive from the US mainland or from abroad. Hawaii requires arriving passengers to complete the Plants and Animals Declaration Form, on paper during the flight or digitally where the airline offers it. Interisland passengers do not need it. When you fly back to the mainland, bags are screened by USDA agricultural inspection before check-in.