Hilo International Airport (ITO)
Travelers passing through Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) will find baggage cart services available to make the movement of luggage more manageable during arrival or departure. Whether you're traveling with multiple suitcases, oversized items, or heavy gear such as golf bags or surfboards, baggage carts at Kona Airport offer a simple and effective solution.
These self-service carts are located in key areas around the terminal to help passengers navigate with ease, from curbside drop-off to check-in and from baggage claim to rental car shuttles. This guide covers the cost, cart locations, accessibility features, and helpful usage tips for baggage carts at Kona Airport.
Kona International Airport offers durable and easy-to-operate baggage carts provided by Smarte Carte, a leading provider of luggage carts in airports nationwide. These carts are designed to assist passengers with transporting their bags across the terminal and are especially helpful for travelers with large, bulky, or multiple items.
The carts are equipped with ergonomic handles and solid wheels, built for both indoor and outdoor use given Kona Airport’s partially open-air layout. Due to the unique configuration of KOA, with separate terminal facilities and walking distances between gates, these carts are an essential resource for easing the burden of luggage transport.
Baggage carts at Kona Airport are available for rent. The standard pricing is as follows:
Rental Fee: $5 per cart
Refund: A $0.25 refund may be available at specific cart return stations
Accepted Payments: Most baggage cart machines accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). Some dispensers may also accept contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.
KOA does not typically support cash payments at cart dispensers, so travelers should be prepared to use a card.
As passengers arrive at the airport by car, shuttle, or taxi, carts are available near the curb outside of the check-in areas. These stations are ideal for loading luggage straight from a vehicle and wheeling it to the airline ticket counter.
Carts are available just inside the check-in areas near airline ticket counters. Whether you're flying with Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, Alaska, or United, carts help facilitate an easier check-in process.
For arriving passengers, carts are positioned next to baggage claim carousels. These carts make it easy to transport luggage from the claim area to ground transportation, shuttle stops, or the nearby rental car facilities.
Carts can also be found near the interisland flight areas to assist travelers making quick connections or managing luggage on inter-Hawaiian island flights.
Note: Due to TSA security policies, carts cannot pass beyond security screening checkpoints. Travelers should return carts at designated stations before proceeding through security.
Kona Airport is committed to providing inclusive access for all passengers. The baggage cart dispensers and carts are designed with user-friendly features, including:
Ergonomic Grips: Comfortable handles that reduce wrist strain
Wheelchair-Accessible Dispensers: Located at a height suitable for individuals using mobility devices
Smooth Rolling Wheels: Designed for maneuverability on both concrete walkways and uneven outdoor surfaces
Wide Base Design: To accommodate larger luggage items without tipping
For travelers needing assistance beyond what carts can provide, KOA also offers wheelchair services and porter assistance, which can be requested at the airline counters or by contacting your airline in advance.
Prepare Payment in Advance: Cart dispensers primarily accept card or contactless payment, so have your payment method ready before approaching the machine.
Use Designated Return Areas: To receive a partial refund (where applicable), return carts to the designated areas. This also helps ensure availability for other travelers.
Plan for Security Limitations: Baggage carts are not allowed past TSA checkpoints. If you’ll need help beyond security, consider requesting wheelchair or porter service.
Keep Essentials Separate: Carry important documents, medications, and valuables in a small personal item or carry-on you can manage on your own.
Look for Carts Near Arrival Areas: Upon arrival, carts are easy to locate in baggage claim or at the curb outside arrivals. Use them to get to transportation services or parking more easily.
Avoid Leaving Carts Unattended: To maintain safety and efficiency, return your cart to a station after use and avoid blocking walkways or exits.
Baggage cart services at Kona International Airport provide a valuable convenience for passengers traveling with heavy or multiple bags. With clearly marked stations, competitive pricing, and accessible features, the carts make airport navigation simpler and less physically demanding. Whether you’re arriving on the Big Island or heading out, using a baggage cart at KOA can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable airport experience.