Airport Image

Founded in 1927

The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport was founded in 1927.

Runways

The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has four runways and two seaways. The 12,000-foot Reef Runway was the first offshore runway in the world.

Parking

The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has enough parking space for 5,300 cars.

About Kona International Airport

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) serves as the primary gateway to the Big Island of Hawaii’s stunning west coast, welcoming travelers from around the world. Since its establishment, the airport has played a vital role in connecting Kona to the rest of Hawaii, the mainland United States, and international destinations. Today, Kona Airport continues to be a key hub for both visitors and residents, accommodating thousands of passengers daily and providing essential air travel services to and from the island of Hawaii.

About Kona International Airport (Kona Airport – KOA)

Established in 1970

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), located on the west side of Hawaii Island, opened in 1970 and has since served as the principal air gateway to the Kona coast. Named in honor of astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka, a Kona native and American space pioneer, the airport stands as both a vital transportation hub and a tribute to local legacy. KOA connects residents and visitors to destinations across Hawaii, the mainland United States, and select international locations, playing a central role in supporting Big Island tourism and commerce.

Runways

Kona International Airport features a single, long runway built atop a striking lava field—a setting unlike any other in the Hawaiian Islands. This unique location allows KOA to handle a wide range of aircraft, from small inter-island planes to long-haul jets. The open-air design of the terminal, combined with panoramic ocean views and black lava terrain, provides a memorable and distinctly Hawaiian travel experience from the moment travelers arrive or depart.

Parking

KOA offers a variety of parking solutions, including both short-term and long-term options, all within walking distance of the terminal. Parking facilities are designed for ease and efficiency, with clearly marked lots, accessible payment kiosks, and ample space for travelers picking up or dropping off passengers, as well as those embarking on extended trips.

About Kona International Airport

Today, Kona International Airport continues to serve as the primary aviation hub for West Hawaii. The airport handles thousands of daily passengers and plays a crucial role in the island’s connectivity and economy. Whether you're visiting the world-famous resorts of the Kohala Coast, the historic town of Kailua-Kona, or exploring the vast natural beauty of Hawaii Island, KOA offers travelers a welcoming introduction to the island’s warm climate, vibrant culture, and dramatic landscape.

Kona Airport Runway

Aerial view of Kona International Airport showing the runway nestled between the Pacific Ocean and ancient lava fields

Imagine landing at Kona International Airport (KOA), where the natural beauty of the Big Island surrounds you from the moment your plane touches down. The approach reveals a dramatic landscape of hardened black lava fields bordered by the brilliant blue of the Pacific Ocean, giving travelers a uniquely rugged and scenic welcome. Unlike traditional enclosed terminals, KOA’s open-air design allows passengers to experience Hawaii’s fresh ocean breeze and sunshine as soon as they disembark, setting the tone for an authentic island experience.

Services and Amenities at Kona International Airport

Kona International Airport may be smaller than some of Hawaii’s major airports, but it offers essential services and modern conveniences to meet the needs of travelers. KOA features several grab-and-go dining options and retail kiosks offering local snacks, gifts, and travel essentials. While the airport maintains a relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere, passengers will find clean, well-marked facilities, helpful staff, and a streamlined layout that makes navigating the terminal easy and stress-free.

Private Jet Charters at Kona Airport

Kona Airport is equipped to handle private aircraft, making it a favored gateway for travelers seeking luxury, privacy, and flexibility. Private jet charters offer seamless transfers, concierge-level services, and fast boarding times, ideal for celebrities, business executives, or anyone looking to bypass commercial terminal congestion.

Private Helicopter Services

Helicopter tours and private charters are readily available at KOA, providing a thrilling way to explore the island’s most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes—from cascading waterfalls and green valleys to the lava flows of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. These services also offer quick inter-island transportation with stunning aerial views of the Pacific.

Air Ambulance Services

For medical emergencies or critical patient transfers, Kona International Airport supports air ambulance services equipped with advanced medical equipment and trained flight crews. These services are essential for island residents requiring urgent transport to medical facilities on Oahu or the mainland.

Business Jet Charter

Kona Airport caters to corporate travelers through business jet charter services, offering efficient and comfortable flights to and from Hawaii for high-level executives and professionals. With access to private lounges and time-saving boarding procedures, KOA ensures a productive and comfortable travel experience for those conducting business in the Pacific region.

Unique Location of Kona International Airport

Aerial view of KOA with volcanic rock landscape and Pacific Ocean shoreline

Located just seven miles northwest of Kailua-Kona, KOA offers a travel experience defined by its surroundings—rugged lava fields, clear blue skies, and panoramic ocean views. The airport’s distinctive setting on the leeward side of Hawaii Island means drier weather, minimal delays, and some of the most scenic approaches and departures in the state. Whether you're flying in from Honolulu, Los Angeles, or Tokyo, the moment you step off the plane, you’re immersed in the stark beauty of Kona’s volcanic coast.

Kona Airport by the Numbers

• Passengers per year: Approximately 4 million

• Flights: Over 40,000 annual operations

• Cargo handled: Thousands of tons of goods supporting local communities and businesses

• Airlines: KOA is served by major carriers including Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Southwest, United, and Japan Airlines

A Memorable Arrival at Kona Airport

As you taxi across the runway under Hawaii’s bright sun, there’s no mistaking the sense of place at KOA. The airport’s open-air walkways, palm-lined surroundings, and unique blend of modern infrastructure and natural setting make it a truly one-of-a-kind entry point. Travelers are greeted by views of the rugged coastline and the island’s expansive lava plains—an inspiring welcome to one of the most geologically fascinating and culturally rich destinations in the Pacific.