Kona International At Keahole Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Kona Airport is north of Kailua-Kona, right in the area of Ka'upulehu's grand luxury resorts: anyone who has chosen one of these can get there in just a few minutes. Those who instead want to stay in the historic center of Kailua Village, with its pier, restaurants and deep-sea fishing boats, drive about a quarter of an hour south; it's also the handiest base for anyone without a car every day, because Kailua Village is easy to get around on foot. Further south still, in Keauhou, there are resorts with golf courses and cliffs over the sea, but the transfer from the airport climbs to over twenty-five minutes.

Ka'upulehu, airport area

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

Pros

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

Cons

Only high-end resorts, no budget option
A car is needed for anything outside the resort, Kailua Village is 20 minutes away

Recommended hotels in this area

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.
Kona Village A Rosewood Resort: Rebuilt and reopened in 2023 after the 2011 tsunami, with single bungalows (hale) and ten minutes from the terminal.

See more hotels in this area →

Kailua Village

City centre · 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

Pros

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

Cons

Farther from the airport than Ka'upulehu
Traffic downtown increases on weekends and during the Ironman

Recommended hotels in this area

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.
Royal Kona Resort: On a lava point in Kailua Bay, with an infinity pool, a saltwater lagoon and tennis courts.
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.

See more hotels in this area →

Keauhou

Neighbourhood · 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

Pros

Lava cliffs and panoramic pools, less crowded than downtown
A mile from Kailua Village by car
Golf course and Keauhou Bay for snorkeling

Cons

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 in this area

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa: Rebuilt on the historic fishing village of Keauhou, with a multi-level pool and a sixty-meter slide.
Royal Sea Cliff Kona by OUTRIGGER: Condos on a lava cliff with views over the Kona coast, a mile from Kailua Village.

See more hotels in this area →