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Kona Airport Transportation

Private airport transportation from Kona Airport (KOA) on Hawaii's Big Island to hotels and vacation rentals in Kailua-Kona, Keauhou, Waikoloa, Mauna Lani and the Kohala Coast, booked before you land.

  • Private, never shared
  • Priced per vehicle
  • Flight monitored
  • Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Passengers
2

Our services

From private sedans to group vans. One fixed price per vehicle, whatever your party size.

Private Sedan

1 to 4 passengers

Private, non-stop transfer. All taxes included.

Price for your route Exact price

Luxury SUV

Up to 6 passengers

Comfortable VIP SUV with premium features.

Price for your route Exact price

Private Van

Up to 8 passengers

Ideal for families and groups with luggage.

Price for your route Exact price

Group Van

Up to 16 passengers

Our largest vehicle. Room for up to 16 passengers and their luggage.

Price for your route Exact price

Airport Transportation in Kona

Pre-booked private transportation takes you directly from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole to your hotel, resort or vacation rental.

After immigration, baggage claim and customs, continue outside the terminal to the meeting area named in your confirmation. Your vehicle is reserved only for the passengers on your reservation: unlike a shared shuttle, it makes no extra hotel stops for other travelers, and the price is per vehicle, not per person.

Our Kona airport transportation takes you from Keāhole to hotels, condos and vacation rentals in Kailua-Kona and Keauhou, and north to the Waikoloa, Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea resorts on the Kohala Coast.

Kona Airport Transfers

Kona airport transfers start at baggage claim, where your driver meets you after you collect your bags in the open-air arrivals area. We track your flight, so the pickup follows your real landing time, and the price is fixed per vehicle and agreed before you fly, from a sedan for two to a van for a family or group with luggage.

Each Kona airport transfer goes door to door to your hotel, resort, condo or vacation rental along the Kona and Kohala Coasts. Staying in Hilo or near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park? Enter your address in the booking form to see whether a transfer is offered for that route.

Kona Airport Shuttle

Our Kona airport shuttle is a private van for your party only, not a shared shuttle that stops at other resorts along the coast. It leaves as soon as you have your bags, with room for suitcases, golf clubs and snorkel gear, and suits families and groups heading to the Kohala Coast resorts.

Landing at Kona Airport

Kona Airport (KOA), officially Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, is on the west coast of Hawaiʻi Island and is run by the Hawaii Department of Transportation. It is a group of open-air pavilions, signposted Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, joined by a central security checkpoint. There are no jet bridges: you leave the aircraft by stairs or a ramp and walk to the terminal.

Flights from Honolulu, the other islands and the US mainland are domestic, so there is no passport control. Flights from Canada usually clear US border preclearance before departure. Baggage claim is outdoors at ground level, and pre-booked drivers meet passengers there.

Hawaii is on Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (UTC-10) all year, with no daylight saving time, and uses the US dollar.

Terminal, immigration and customs details for Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole →
Local notes

Agricultural declaration

Passengers arriving from the US mainland or from abroad complete Hawaii's Plants and Animals Declaration Form, on paper on the plane or digitally where the airline offers it. Fresh fruit, plants and animals must be declared.

International visitors

If you fly in from outside the United States, you need the usual US entry documents, such as an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program or a US visa, depending on your nationality.

Kona or Hilo

This page is for Kona Airport (KOA) on the west side of the Big Island, not Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east side, so check the code on your ticket.

Flying home

Bags on flights from Kona to the US mainland go through USDA agricultural inspection before check-in, so allow for it when you plan your ride back.

Before you fly to Kona

Agricultural formPassengers arriving from the US mainland or abroad complete Hawaii's Plants and Animals Declaration Form, on paper or digitally where the airline offers it.
Open-air terminalKona's terminals and baggage claim are outdoors, so keep sunglasses and water handy after you land.
Check your airportKona (KOA) is on the west side of the Big Island; Hilo (ITO) is on the east side, so check the code on your ticket.
US dollarsHawaii uses the US dollar, and cards and contactless payments are widely accepted.
Local timeHawaii is on Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (UTC-10) all year and does not use daylight saving time.

How Kona Airport pickup works

  1. 1

    Clear arrivals

    Immigration, baggage claim, then customs. Representatives can't enter those areas.

  2. 2

    Meet your representative

    At the meeting point in your confirmation. Check the company name before getting in.

  3. 3

    Go straight there

    No other stops, no other passengers.

At KOA

Meet at baggage claim

Kona's baggage claim areas are outdoors at ground level, and pre-booked drivers meet passengers there after they collect their bags.

At KOA

Vehicles at the curb

Pre-arranged vehicles pick up at the commercial curb outside the terminals, as signposted; your confirmation gives the exact meeting point.

Don't accept a ride from someone claiming to know your booking. Check the company name and reservation details before getting in.

Return trips and flight changes

One-way arrival KOA → Hotel From the airport to your hotel, resort or rental.
One-way departure Hotel → KOA From where you're staying back to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole.
Round trip KOA ⇄ Hotel Both journeys on one reservation. Give both flights, the return pickup address and the passengers for each. Staying at more than one hotel? Give the full itinerary.

Going back to the airport

Transportation can also be booked from your hotel, resort or vacation rental to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole. Your pickup time covers the drive plus check-in, security and border procedures, and your airline's instructions come first. Give the correct departure time and terminal when you book.

2 hbefore a domestic flight3 hbefore an international flight

If your flight changes

We monitor the arrival of the flight on your reservation, but can't find you on a different one. If any of these change, update them in Manage your booking:

Flight numberArrival dateAirlineMissed connectionCanceled flightArrival airportYou decide not to travelLong delay after customs

What's included

Included

  • A private vehicle for your party
  • Transportation between the confirmed locations
  • Direct service, no shared hotel stops
  • Airport meeting instructions
  • Flight-arrival monitoring
  • A professional driver
  • An air-conditioned vehicle
  • Room for your party and standard luggage
  • Customer-service support

Confirmed separately

  • Child seats
  • Additional stops
  • Extra waiting time
  • Oversized luggage or equipment
  • Special requests
LuggageAbout one checked suitcase and one carry-on each; the right vehicle depends on the total volume. Tell us about golf clubs, surfboards, bikes, strollers or extra bags.
Child seatsRequest them when booking, with the child's age and size. Availability and any fee are confirmed on your reservation.
AccessibilityGive the wheelchair's size, weight and whether it folds, so a suitable vehicle is assigned.
PetsAsk for authorization before booking and tell us about the animal and its carrier.

Airport Transportation happy customers

Reviewed on TripAdvisor, Trustpilot, Yelp and TravelPulse
“Absolutely fantastic service! My driver was early, courteous, and the car was immaculate.”
Sarah L.March 2026
“The ride was comfortable and quick. Quality service that's well worth it.”
James H.February 2026
“I use airporttransportation.com whenever I travel. Consistently reliable, and their drivers are top-notch.”
William C.February 2026
“Booking was simple and the price was clear. No surprises at the airport. Highly recommended.”
María G.January 2026

Groups and events

Traveling with a large group, planning a destination wedding, or organizing transportation for a corporate retreat or conference? We offer larger vehicles and multi-vehicle coordination for groups of any size, including multiple pickup points and scheduled transfers timed around your event. Contact us with your group size and itinerary and we'll put together transportation that keeps everyone moving together.

  • Destination weddings
  • Conferences
  • Corporate retreats
  • Sports teams
  • Multi-vehicle arrivals
Request group transport

Booking, changes and cancellations

24 hFree cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup, with a full refund. Later cancellations aren't refundable.
ChangesContact us to change the flight, hotel or pickup time. Deadlines are in the reservation policies.
No-showsWaiting time, no-shows and extra stops follow the reservation policies you accept at checkout.

Book your transfer online in a few minutes using the form above. If your plans change, contact us as soon as possible to modify your pickup details or cancel your reservation, response times and any applicable fees depend on how close to your pickup date the change is requested.

Read the reservation policies →

Kona Airport Transportation FAQs

Where will my driver meet me at Kona Airport?

At baggage claim, after you collect your bags in the open-air arrivals area. Your confirmation gives the exact meeting point and the driver's contact details.

How far is Kona Airport from Kailua-Kona and the resorts?

Kona Airport is about 7 miles (11 km) north of Kailua-Kona, around 15 to 20 minutes by car. Waikoloa Beach Resort is about 25 to 30 minutes north, and Mauna Lani about 30 to 35 minutes.

Can you take me to Kailua-Kona and Keauhou?

Yes. We drive door to door to hotels, condos and vacation rentals in Kailua-Kona town, along Aliʻi Drive and in Keauhou.

Can you take me to Waikoloa or Mauna Lani?

Yes. We drive to the Waikoloa Beach Resort, Waikoloa Village, Mauna Lani and the Mauna Kea resort area on the Kohala Coast.

Can you take me to Hilo or Volcano?

Hilo and the village of Volcano, by Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, are on the far side of the island. Enter your address in the booking form to see whether a transfer is offered for that route; if it is not, contact us before you fly.

How many terminals does Kona Airport have?

Two open-air terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, joined by a central security checkpoint, each with its own outdoor baggage claim area. Your driver meets you at the baggage claim for your flight.

Do you drive to vacation rentals and condos?

Yes. Give the full street address, the unit number and any gate or access code for the complex, so your driver can reach the right door.

Do you pick up from late-night or early-morning flights?

Yes. Book with your flight number, and your driver is scheduled for your actual landing time, including the late evening arrivals from the mainland.

Should I buy transportation from people offering rides at Kona Airport?

There is no need. Booking ahead gives you a confirmed vehicle and a meeting point before you land. If someone approaches you at baggage claim, check the company name against your confirmation before getting in.

What happens if my flight is delayed or canceled?

We monitor the flight on your reservation, so your driver waits for the actual landing. If your flight number, date or airline changes, or your flight is canceled, update it in Manage your booking so the pickup can be moved.

Can I book a ride back to Kona Airport?

Yes. Book a one-way departure or a round trip from your hotel, resort or rental, and give your flight number and departure time. For mainland flights, allow time for the USDA agricultural inspection of your bags before check-in.

Do I need to fill in a form when I land in Kona?

Yes, if you arrive from the US mainland or from abroad. Hawaii requires the Plants and Animals Declaration Form, on paper on the plane or digitally where the airline offers it; interisland passengers do not need it.

Is this page for Kona or Hilo airport?

This page books rides from Kona Airport (KOA) on the west side of the Big Island. Hilo International Airport (ITO) is a different airport on the east side, so check the code on your ticket.

Is Airport Transportation the same as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport?

No. Airport Transportation is a private transfer booking site for rides from KOA; we are not the airport or its operator. For terminals, airlines and other ways to get around, see our Kona Airport page.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

It depends on the vehicle. Each vehicle shows its maximum number of passengers and suitcases before you book, so you can choose one that fits your group.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

You pay securely online when you book, by credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Payments are processed by Stripe.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. If your card is in another currency, your bank converts the charge at its own exchange rate.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book your Kona Airport Transportation

Choose the vehicle for your party and luggage, add your flight, and review the full reservation before you pay.

Book a transfer
Manage booking
Private transfer from KOA Fixed price per vehicle