Unlike some larger international airports, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) currently does not offer on-site locker or baggage storage facilities. Due to TSA security regulations and the airport’s open-air terminal design, there are no public baggage lockers or storage counters available within the terminal complex.
This can be a limitation for travelers arriving early for flights, facing extended layovers, or hoping to explore the island before hotel check-in. However, there are still several practical alternatives for storing luggage while in Kona.
While KOA lacks dedicated storage services on-site, travelers can consider the following off-airport options:
Many resorts and hotels along the Kona Coast, especially those in Kailua-Kona, offer luggage storage for their guests both before check-in and after check-out. If you're staying at a hotel nearby, contact the front desk to ask if they can hold your bags temporarily.
Some notable hotels with this service include:
Royal Kona Resort (Kailua-Kona)
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa (in Keauhou)
Services such as Bounce, LuggageHero, or Vertoe sometimes partner with local cafes, tour offices, or shops to offer short-term luggage storage. Availability may vary on the Big Island, so it is best to search online by location or call the vendor in advance.
Search by “Kailua-Kona” or “Kona Airport” to find nearby listings.
Renting a car, even for a few hours, is a flexible solution. Many visitors to Kona already plan to rent a car to explore the island, and using it to store your luggage between hotel check-in or flights can be a practical workaround.
Major rental car providers near KOA include:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Alamo
Avis
Hertz
Budget
These companies operate from the Rental Car Facility adjacent to the airport and are accessible via a free airport shuttle.
Travel Light if Exploring Before Check-In: If you plan to explore Kona before your hotel is ready or after checking out, bring only a small carry-on or day bag with essentials like sunscreen, ID, cash, and travel documents.
Pack Valuables in a Personal Bag: Always keep passports, electronics, medication, and valuables with you. Do not leave these in a rental car or with unmonitored services.
Coordinate with Tour Providers: If you have booked an island tour, some providers allow you to bring your luggage or may hold it temporarily during your excursion. Ask in advance to confirm.
Use Airport Seating Areas for Waiting: If you have to wait at the airport with luggage, KOA has shaded outdoor waiting areas and limited indoor seating. Arrive closer to your boarding time, as check-in counters and security lines typically do not open until a few hours before departure.
While Kona International Airport does not offer on-site luggage lockers or storage, travelers can still find convenient alternatives through nearby hotels, rental cars, or select app-based services. Planning ahead is essential, especially for those with layovers, early arrivals, or late departures. Until dedicated storage becomes available at KOA, travelers are encouraged to use one of the nearby services to enjoy the Big Island without the burden of heavy bags.