Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (IATA: KOA) is located on the west coast of Hawaii Island. The airport is named after astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who lost his life in the Challenger disaster.
This airport is particularly popular with tourists visiting the resort towns of Kailua-Kona and Kohala Coast. KOA is located approximately 7 miles (11 km) north of downtown Kailua-Kona. Flights to the western coast of the Big Island are operated from here. The airport serves approximately four million passengers annually.
Interactive Kona Airport Map
Kona International Airport – terminal and gate map
Instead of large terminal buildings, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport has two main terminals designed as separate, open-air structures. There is also a smaller terminal serving propeller planes and air taxis. The terminals serve both inter-island (within Hawaii) and mainland US and international flights.
Terminal 1 (Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines Terminal): This terminal primarily serves Hawaiian Airlines’ inter-island and some mainland flights. Smaller regional carriers such as Mokulele Airlines also use this terminal. The terminal is designed with an open-air concept. Boarding and deplaning are typically done directly from the apron via ramps and stairs. Gates 1-5 are located in this terminal.
Terminal 2 (Other Mainland and International Flights Terminal): This terminal is used by major US carriers such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, as well as international airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet. This terminal is also designed with an open-air concept. Gates 6-10 are located in this terminal.
The terminals are located close to each other. There are walkways between the terminals. All terminal areas have check-in counters, baggage claim areas, TSA security checkpoints, ground transportation options, food and beverage outlets, and gift shops. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
Parking Areas
Ellison Onizuka Kona Airport has a large open parking lot directly across from the terminal buildings. This area is used for both short-term and long-term parking. The parking lot is within walking distance of the terminal buildings. There are charging stations for electric vehicles in section A of the parking lot. The first 15 minutes are free.
Fees: 0–30 minutes 2 USD, 31–60 minutes 3 USD, 5–24 hours 5 USD, and a maximum daily fee of 24 USD.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Drivers who wish to wait for passengers arriving at the airport for a short time without leaving their vehicles can park in this area free of charge. You can wait here for free for up to 60 minutes without leaving your vehicle.
Parking fees are calculated on an hourly and daily basis. It is recommended that you check the airport website for current rates. There are parking spaces reserved for disabled individuals near the terminal entrances. Payments can be made by credit card or cash.
Car Rental at the airport
You can explore this legendary island at your leisure by renting a car from Ellison Onizuka Kona Airport. Car rental company counters and vehicle pick-up areas are located directly across from the terminal buildings. Companies are located on the other side of the road at the Consolidated Rent-A-Car (CONRAC) facilities. After collecting your luggage, you can easily walk to this area by following the signs. You can also reach this area by taking the free shuttle service that departs from the median strip opposite the terminal.
The car rental center has offices for companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Offices are generally open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Hours may vary depending on flight traffic.
Find transportation from the airport – Hele-On Bus, taxi ,shuttles
Bus (Hele-On Bus): Hele-On Bus, Hawaii’s public transportation system, operates at the airport. Routes 2 (Blue Line), 60, 75, 80, 90, 202, and 203 stop at KOA. You can reach places such as Kailua-Kona, South Kohala, and Hilo by bus from the airport. Bus stops are located at the terminal exits.
Shuttle Services: Many private shuttle companies, such as SpeediShuttle, offer shared or private transfer services to hotels, resorts, and other areas of the island in Kailua-Kona and Kohala Coast.
Taxis: There are taxi stands in designated areas at the arrivals exits of each terminal. Licensed taxis are available most of the day.
Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft): There are designated pickup points for ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft at the terminals.
VIP Lounge at Kona International Airport
There is one lounge area at Ellison Onizuka Kona Airport.
Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club: This lounge area is located in Terminal 1. Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club serves Hawaiian Airlines Pualani Platinum and Gold members and select First Class passengers. It offers comfortable seating areas and food and beverage service.
Lost & Found
If you lose an item in the general areas of the airport, such as the terminal buildings, security checkpoints, or parking lots, you can contact the Airport Security Office or Lost & Found. The Lost & Found office is located in the Security area. You can call (808) 329-5073 for more information.
If you left your item on the plane, in the boarding gate area, or if you have a problem with your baggage (lost, damaged, delayed), you must contact the airline you traveled with. Contact information for some major airlines serving KOA:
Hawaiian Airlines: +1-877-426-4537
United Airlines: +1-800-335-2247
Delta Air Lines: +1-800-325-8224
American Airlines: +1-800-535-5225
Southwest Airlines: +1-800-435-9792
Restaurants at Kona International Airport
There are restaurants and cafes in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Ellison Onizuka Kona Airport.
Terminal 2: Cho’s Leis & Flowers, Hawaii News Stand, Laniakea by Centerplate, Tiare’s Flowers/Gift Shop.
Terminal 1: Aloha News Stand, Cho’s Leis & Flowers, Laniakea by Centerplate, Tiare’s Flowers/Gift Shop.
There are various grab-and-go buffets and coffee stands in the pre-security areas.
Shopping at Airport
There are several shops where you can shop at Ellison Onizuka Kona Airport.
Cho’s Leis & Flowers: Flowers and traditional leis are sold here. Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Hawaii News Stand: This store sells newspapers, magazines, and snacks. The store is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tiare’s Flowers: Sells flower bouquets. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tiare’s Gift Shop: Sells gifts and local products. The store is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Aloha News Stand: Newspapers, magazines, and snacks are available. Open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Hotels at Kona International Airport
There are several hotels where you can stay near Ellison Onizuka Kona Airport.
Mango Sunset Bed and Breakfast: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from the airport.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: 6.9 miles (11.1 km) from the airport.
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel: 7.2 miles (11.6 km) from the airport. The hotel is in downtown Kailua-Kona and close to the beach.
Holua Resort: 7.5 miles (12.1 km) from the airport.
Royal Kona Resort: Approximately 8 miles (13 km) from the airport. This hotel is located on the oceanfront.
Kailua-Kona and Kohala Coast Hotels: Most tourists prefer hotels in luxury resorts in the town of Kailua-Kona or further north on the Kohala Coast. You can reach these areas from the airport by shuttle, taxi, or rental car.
Kona International Airport Flights and Airlines
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is an important tourism and transportation hub, especially for the western coast of the Big Island. Hawaiian Airlines operates frequent flights between the islands (Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Lihue).
Additionally, major U.S. carriers such as Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines also operate flights from the airport. Direct flights are available to cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, and Phoenix.
International flights are also available to cities like Vancouver and Calgary. Seasonal or charter flights are occasionally operated from Asian countries such as Japan.
Satellite view of Kona International Airport. Click to enlarge
Kona International Airport destination map (June 2025). Click to enlarge
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