Kona International Airport has an open-air terminal, with no walls between the gates and runways.
Gateway to the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, with its black lava beaches and luxury resorts.
How to get to Kona International At Keahole Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to KOA
Parking near Kona International At Keahole Airport
Multi-level parking garages are located adjacent to the terminal, with daily rates ranging approximately from 15 to 26 USD.
How to get to Kailua from KOA
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Kona International At Keahole Airport
Every major car rental brand has a desk within the terminal.
Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name; highly recommended for exploring the Big Island, given the scarcity of public transit.
Hotels near Kona International At Keahole Airport
Ka'upulehu, airport area
10-15 minutes by car from the airport, zero traffic toward downtown
Best for: those looking for a luxury resort and wanting the shortest transfer from the airport
- The shortest transfer of all the areas in this guide
- Private resort beaches and lagoons, less crowded
- Away from the traffic of the more touristy coast
- Only high-end resorts, no budget option
- A car is needed for anything outside the resort, Kailua Village is 20 minutes away
Recommended hotels
- Four Seasons Resort Hualalai A quarter of an hour from the terminal, with saltwater lagoons and a Nicklaus-designed golf course among the resort's facilities. View availability
- Kona Village A Rosewood Resort Rebuilt and reopened in 2023 after the 2011 tsunami, with single bungalows (hale) and ten minutes from the terminal. View availability
Kailua Village
about 15-20 minutes by car or taxi from the airport, no direct public transport link
Best for: those who want to stay within walking distance of the pier, the restaurants and the deep-sea fishing boats
- Everything is within walking distance, restaurants and shops just steps away
- Starting point for the deep-sea fishing and snorkeling boats
- More price options than the airport area
- Farther from the airport than Ka'upulehu
- Traffic downtown increases on weekends and during the Ironman
Recommended hotels
- Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel Right on the beach by Kailua pier, a historic landmark of the city with a lagoon and two restaurants. View availability
- Royal Kona Resort On a lava point in Kailua Bay, with an infinity pool, a saltwater lagoon and tennis courts. View availability
- Kona Tiki Hotel Small family-run motel with no resort fee, a five-minute walk from Honl's Beach, praised for its value for money. View availability
Keauhou
about 25-26 minutes by car from the airport, no direct public transport link
Best for: those who want golf and sea cliffs while still staying close to Kailua Village
- Lava cliffs and panoramic pools, less crowded than downtown
- A mile from Kailua Village by car
- Golf course and Keauhou Bay for snorkeling
- The longest transfer from the airport among the areas in this guide
- A car is always needed, nothing within walking distance in the evening
Recommended hotels
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The open-air terminal, without walls between the gates and runway, offers a distinctive Hawaiian experience, with mild weather year-round.
A 2.5–3 hour advance is recommended for international flights.
Map of Kona International At Keahole Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why is Kona Airport's terminal unusual?
It's an open-air terminal, with no walls between the gates and the tarmac, a distinctive experience tied to Hawaii's mild climate.
Q. Is the Hele-On bus to Kailua-Kona frequent?
No, only two trips a day (8:30am and 4:35pm), Monday through Saturday: check the schedule carefully.
Q. Is it worth renting a car on the Big Island?
Yes, strongly recommended given the scarcity of public transport and the great distances between the island's attractions.
Q. Does Kona Airport have direct flights from Japan?
Yes, some direct international routes connect the airport to Japan.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
