Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA) is one of the world’s only open-air airports, and that tropical design immediately sets it apart from typical mainland hubs. Located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, this straightforward airport features just two terminals and ten gates. Thanks to its single-runway layout, navigating the airport is refreshingly simple compared to larger hubs.
Even so, first-time travelers can take advantage of some handy insider tips to make their experience as smooth as possible. Here’s what to know about KOA.
KOA: A quick overview
KOA is located approximately seven miles northwest of Kailua-Kona, a popular town on the island. Conveniently, the airport is situated right off Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway (Highway 19), a major island thoroughfare. This location makes it convenient for travelers heading to popular resort areas including Waikoloa and the Kohala Coast, as well as other parts of the island. KOA also is convenient for travelers visiting natural attractions including Mauna Kea, Hapuna Beach and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Routes and airlines at KOA
As the primary airport on the island of Hawaii, KOA serves inter-island routes and transpacific flights to the US mainland. Airlines operating include Hawaiian Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest, American Airlines, United Airlines, WestJet and Japan Airlines.
In addition, passengers may notice another lesser-known carrier at KOA: Mokulele, which calls itself “Hawaii’s Favorite Island Hopper.” To reach the Mokulele Airlines area, follow the signs for “commuter airlines” to Terminal 3, located south of the main terminals.
Getting to and from KOA
Most likely, you’ll be arriving at (and departing from) KOA via car, whether that’s a rental vehicle or rideshare service. Bus service is available via Line 202, but schedules are limited and can be a hassle to figure out, especially with luggage, so it’s not an option I recommend.
Renting a car at KOA
Most major rental companies operate at KOA, with shuttles located in the center median across from baggage claim areas A and B. Wait times vary depending on demand and can stretch longer during peak travel periods.
For groups with checked baggage, I’ve found it efficient to send the primary driver ahead to collect the rental car while others wait for luggage. The driver can then return to pick up the group, saving everyone the trek to the rental center.
Taxis and rideshare services at KOA
Taxis are available, as well as Uber and Lyft (pickup spots are located outside of arrivals, in the median areas). It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach Kailua-Kona from KOA. For late night arrivals, it can be a good idea to reserve a trip ahead of time, as the airport is fairly quiet in the evenings.
The layout at KOA
KOA boasts a fairly straightforward, easy-to-navigate layout, with a single checkpoint area and two terminals (which are essentially concourses).
The airport has 10 total gates across the two concourses, which serve a mix of inter-island and U.S. mainland flights, as well as flights to Canada and destinations further afield. The gates are common-use and controlled by the airport, with Hawaiian Airlines typically operating from multiple gates. (Note that not all gate numbers are currently in use, as the airport continues to evolve.)
For first-time passengers, it can be helpful to take a peek at the official website ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the layout. Its handy map shows where airline check-in areas are located, as well as restrooms, gift shops and baggage claim areas (there are just two).
One thing to keep in mind: The website refers to the terminals as the North Terminal (east of the security checkpoint) and the South Terminal, located south of the security checkpoint (the one that serves Hawaiian Airlines). On the map, however, the buildings are called Terminal 1 and 2. (This may sound confusing for first-time visitors, but it really isn’t: the airport is so small that navigation is easy. If you do get turned around, signage on site is helpful and efficient.)
What to expect at KOA
First-time visitors may be surprised by certain unique aspects of KOA, most notably its open-air layout and lack of jetways: You’ll be taking the stairs down from the aircraft. These features have not changed much since KOA was first built in 1970, and for many visitors, especially aviation enthusiasts, they add a certain charm to the experience.
Indeed, I can personally attest to the vacation vibes that ensue when aircraft doors open and you feel that first rush of warm, tropical air. But for other passengers, those characteristics can come as a surprise – and it helps to know how to prepare for them.
Tips for managing the open-air layout
KOA’s open-air design is the most important thing first-time travelers should know about. For me, it’s a refreshing change from recycled airport air, but it can present a challenge, especially when temperatures climb.
I recommend packing travel-size sunscreen in your carry-on and bringing a small umbrella for potential downpours during boarding. KOA has plenty of covered areas, but being prepared helps.
If the heat becomes overwhelming, head to Gate 11, which offers indoor air-conditioning with plenty of seating. This spot is especially helpful when traveling with seniors who struggle with heat.
Limited options for dining and shopping
Not surprisingly for such a small airport, KOA has limited options for restaurants and shops. Each terminal area has one restaurant; both offer Hawaiian favorites like poke bowls. But they can become crowded, so set expectations accordingly.
Prepare for USDA checkpoints
As is the case at all Hawaiian airports, KOA has strict agricultural inspections on both arrival and departure. Such protocols are in place to restrict the movement of fresh fruits, plants, flowers and other goods between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland that could harbor pests or diseases.
Arriving passengers must present a declaration form required by the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture (which is provided in-flight by your airline). A digital arrival program is also being tested on select flights, so you may be asked to use that instead of a paper form.
Upon departure from KOA, passengers checking in for flights to the U.S. mainland will have their checked bags screened (this process is now done after your airline accepts your bags; passengers are no longer required to be present for the screening).
In addition, all carry-on baggage will be inspected at security checkpoints and again near boarding areas. Inspections are fairly quick, but be sure to factor them into your travel plans, especially if you’re connecting at KOA during peak travel times.
The bottom line, no matter where you’re headed: Be prepared to open your bags at least once during your time at KOA, which may require you to repack.
Buy only USDA certified products
If you want to bring fresh fruits or other agricultural products back to the U.S. mainland from Hawaii, your purchases must be USDA certified. Be sure to look for this certification to avoid hassles at the airport (and potentially having to toss your purchases if they don’t pass inspection). This goes for all airports in Hawaii, not just KOA.
Runway project in the works
KOA is currently undergoing a major runway renovation project to fund various safety upgrades. While this work is ongoing, travelers are advised to check with their airlines in advance for any potential flight impacts.
It’s unclear how long this project will take, so passengers are advised to check in advance with their airlines in case their flights are affected. (This is another reason I always recommend downloading an airline’s app, which makes it easier to stay updated on potential disruptions like this.)
Lei greetings are DIY at KOA
First-time visitors to Hawaii who have their heart set on a traditional lei greeting upon arrival will have to arrange this themselves, as it’s not provided by the airport. Instead, your local hotel is a good starting point for booking the service.
Notable artwork at KOA
The airport is named in honor of Ellison Onizuka, an astronaut who was born on the island of Hawaii. The first Asian-American and the first person of Japanese descent to go to space, Onizuka tragically died in the Challenger Space Shuttle explosion. The airport was later renamed in his honor.
Keep an eye out for a touching tribute to Onizuka outside the airport, which includes a bronze bust of him and a memorial plaque describing his remarkable achievements and contributions to space exploration.
Near the airport sign at the security checkpoint entrance is another prominent piece of artwork: the curved mahiole, or Hawaiian feather helmet. Worn only by Hawaiian royalty, this helmet symbolizes King Kamehameha I, who, under his rule, unified the Hawaiian islands.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
