Kona International Airport (KOA) - Helpful Guide for Arriving Passengers to Big Island, Hawaii
Kona International Airport (Airport Code: KOA) officially called Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole is located on the Island of Hawaii (Big Island).
Kona Airport primarily serves the western part of Big Island - including the town of Kailua-Kona and the resorts of the North Kona and South Kohala districts.
However, it is easy to reach the Eastern part of Big Island from Kona Airport by Car.
This Kona Airport (KOA) is only International Airport on the Big Island, Hawaii.
Another small Airport on the Big Island is Hilo Airport (Airport Code: ITO) - serving eastern parts - Hilo, Puna, as well as portions of the districts of Hāmākua and Kaʻū.
Kona Airport (or KOA Airport) serves 10+ Airlines connecting this Hawaiian Island to US Mainland, Other Hawaiian Islands, Canada, and Japan.
Kona Airport is open-air Airport with Two Terminals and very easy to navigate:
1). Terminal 1 - Gate 1-5, and
2). Terminal 2 - Gate 6-10
International passengers arriving from Japan are directed to a separate building with Passport control to clear Immigration, Pickup bags, and clear customs.
Domestic Passengers and passengers arriving from Canada need to follow the signs to Baggage Claim.
Kona Airports have many transport options available for arriving passengers to the Big Island.
Quick chart - Transporation Options at Kona Airport
| Transportation Options | Airport to Location on Big Island | Estimated Price | Pros and Cons |
Rental Car at KOA Airport (BEST OPTION) | Kona Airport Rental Car Place (By Shuttle) Rental Car Shuttle 5 minutes ride from KOA Airport to Rental Car place. | Pros: - Available 24 Hours - Convenient to drive all around Island - Freedom when traveling around Cons: - Need to pay Insurance (if you don't have one) and Fuel | |
Private Car Transfer (MOST EXPENSIVE) | Pros: - Available 24 Hours - Convenient and safe - Door to Door Service with Luxury cars Cons: - Lot expensive than other Options | ||
Shared Shuttle Bus (ECONOMICAL) | Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona Hotels
| - Starts at US$ 18.90 per Passenger
| Pros: - Economical Price point - Good and safe for a single rider - Door to Door Service - Available 24 hours Cons: - Takes a lot longer than Private car |
Taxi (EXPENSIVE) | Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona Hotels
Kona Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa Beach Hotels | - Avg Price US$30.00 or more
- Avg Price US$65.00 or more | Pros: - Available 24 Hours - Convenient for all visitors - Door to Door Service Cons: - A limited number of Taxi during late night - Not convenient or easy |
Uber and Lyft (EXPENSIVE) | Kona Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona Hotels
Kona Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa Beach Hotels | - Avg Price US$ 25.00 or more
- Avg Price US$ 50.00 or more | Pros: - Map tracking on your mobile - Accepts Credit cards on App - Clean cars Cons: - Data needed on Mobile - The price fluctuates based on demand |
 | Shared Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Hotels - $15.20 Ensure a hassle-free way to start your vacation with this convenient, reliable transfer from the Kona International Airport to your Big Island hotel in Kona, Hualalai, Keauhou, Waikoloa or Mauna Kea. After being met in baggage claim and receiving assistance with your luggage, you’ll hop in a comfortable Mercedes shuttle and be whisked off to your destination. For a real Hawaiian welcome, choose the lei greeting option! |
