Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA) offers limited public transportation access via Hele-On, the County of Hawaiʻi’s island-wide bus system. While Hele-On is one of the most affordable transportation options on Hawaiʻi Island, travelers using KOA should be aware that service is far more limited on the West Side compared to East Hawaiʻi.
Still, with proper planning, Hele-On can be a viable option for budget-conscious travelers heading to select destinations along the Kona coast.
Hele-On is operated by the County of Hawaiʻi Mass Transit Agency and provides public bus service connecting communities across Hawaiʻi Island. The system serves major towns, shopping areas, medical facilities, government offices, and select visitor destinations.
On the West Hawaiʻi side, including Kona, service is less frequent and more schedule-dependent than in Hilo. Hele-On is best suited for travelers with flexible timelines who are comfortable planning around fixed routes and limited departure times.
Hele-On bus service at KOA is available near the airport entrance along Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway, not directly adjacent to the terminal doors. Passengers typically need to walk to the designated roadside bus stop area outside the airport grounds.
Because Kona Airport is spread out and largely open-air, travelers should confirm the exact bus stop location in advance. Airport staff may be able to provide general guidance, but signage can be limited.
Important: Hele-On service at KOA operates primarily on weekday schedules, with reduced or no service on weekends and county holidays. Always verify current routes and times before planning your trip.
Only a small number of Hele-On routes serve the Kona area, and not all routes stop directly at the airport. Most service focuses on connecting Kona communities along the coast.
Common routes serving the broader Kona area include:
Kona Coast Routes
Primary Destinations: KOA area, Kealakehe, Kailua-Kona, Keauhou
Frequency: Limited weekday service
Ideal For: Travelers heading into Kailua-Kona or nearby residential and commercial areas
Kona Circulator Routes
Primary Destinations: Downtown Kailua-Kona, shopping centers, medical offices, government facilities
Frequency: Limited weekday operation
Ideal For: Visitors staying in town without a rental car
Because routes and stops may change, travelers should confirm whether the airport is currently served by their intended route before relying on the bus.
Check the Latest Schedules: Visit the official Hele-On website or call (808) 961-8744 to confirm routes, stops, and operating days.
Plan for Luggage: Buses can accommodate small and medium luggage, but large suitcases may be difficult to manage and storage space is limited.
Bring Exact Fare: Fares are typically paid in cash upon boarding and drivers may not make change. Payment systems can vary by route, so confirm accepted methods in advance.
Expect Limited Service: Weekend, holiday, and evening service can be extremely limited. Hele-On is not ideal for late-night arrivals or tight connections.
Depending on routing and timing, Hele-On may provide access to select destinations along the Kona coast, including:
Kailua-Kona: Restaurants, shops, waterfront activities, and historic sites
Kealakehe Area: Residential neighborhoods and shopping centers
Keauhou: Resorts, shopping, and beach access
Government and Medical Facilities: Select offices along the Kona coast
Access to South Kona, North Kohala, or cross-island destinations often requires transfers and significantly longer travel times.
Because public transit options are limited on the West Side, many travelers choose other transportation methods when arriving at KOA:
Taxis: Metered service is available outside the terminal.
Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft operate at KOA, though availability can vary.
Rental Cars: The most popular option and strongly recommended for exploring West Hawaiʻi and beyond.
Hotel & Resort Shuttles: Some properties offer airport shuttles; fees and reservations vary by hotel.
For travelers staying in Kailua-Kona for extended periods—or those comfortable with limited schedules—Hele-On can help reduce transportation costs. Some visitors use the bus to reach:
Downtown Kailua-Kona waterfront.
Local shopping centers.
Medical appointments or government offices.
However, Hele-On is not ideal for sightseeing itineraries, tight schedules, or same-day inter-island connections.
Hele-On bus service near Kona International Airport provides a low-cost but limited transportation option for travelers on Hawaiʻi Island’s West Side. While it can be useful for select trips into Kailua-Kona and nearby areas, most visitors arriving at KOA will find rental cars, taxis, or rideshare services more practical.
Travelers considering Hele-On should plan carefully, verify schedules in advance, and allow extra time for walking to the stop, transfers, and potential delays.