Kona at Keahole Airport (KOA) Guide
Welcome to Kona Airport, the gateway to Hawaii's Big Island! With its stunning open-air design and convenient location just minutes from popular resorts and attractions, KOA is a popular choice for travelers visiting the island. Whether you're arriving for a relaxing vacation or departing after a memorable stay, this guide is here to help make your airport experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Looking for flight status updates, airline departure terminals and gate locations, parking options, or terminal maps? You'll find all that and more in this extensive guide, along with helpful tips and recommendations for food and shopping options to enjoy before your flight. Let us help you get from your door to your gate with ease! For more comprehensive information about airports worldwide, check out iFly's Airport Guide.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
It is recommended to arrive at KOA Airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are during the morning and early afternoon, as well as holidays and weekends. To save time, consider checking in online and printing your boarding pass before arriving at the airport.
Getting to the Airport
The best way to get to the airport is by car or taxi. If you are driving, there are several parking options available, including short-term and long-term parking. If you prefer public transportation, there are also shuttle services and buses that operate to and from the airport. However, it is important to note that these services may not be as reliable as driving or taking a taxi.
Getting Oriented
When you arrive at Koha Hawaii Airport, it is important to get oriented and familiarize yourself with the airport layout. To do this, you can use iFly.com's interactive airport maps, which provide detailed information about the airport's terminals, gates, and amenities. You can also look for signs and ask airport staff for assistance if needed.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at Kona at Keahole Airport, make sure to arrive early and allow plenty of time for check-in, security, and boarding. Additionally, be sure to follow all TSA guidelines and regulations, such as packing liquids in a clear, plastic bag and removing laptops and other electronics from your carry-on bag. If you do experience a delay, stay informed by checking the airport's flight status updates and asking for assistance from airport staff if needed.
Security Wait Times
If you're flying out of Kona Airport, it's important to know the TSA Security wait times. The wait times at this airport can vary depending on the time of day and the day of the week. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, the wait times can be longer than usual. However, on average, the wait times at KOA are relatively short. You can check the current TSA Security wait times on the airport's website. By doing so, you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport and ensure that you arrive at your gate with plenty of time to spare.
Check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Kona at Keahole Airport (KOA) Terminals
Navigating KOA's Terminals
KOA Airport, or KOA, has one terminal with two levels. The terminal is divided into two wings, the North Wing and the South Wing. The North Wing has gates 1-5 and is used by Hawaiian Airlines, while the South Wing has gates 6-10 and is used by other airlines such as United, Delta, and American Airlines.
Passengers can easily navigate the terminal as it is compact and well-organized. The ground level of the terminal is where passengers can find baggage claim, rental car counters, and ground transportation services. The upper level is where passengers can check-in for their flight, go through security, and access the gates.
There are a variety of food and beverage options available at KOA, including fast food restaurants, cafes, and bars. Passengers can also find a variety of retail shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and travel essentials.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
The airport has a single terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal is divided into two levels, with arrivals on the ground level and departures on the upper level. The terminal is small and easy to navigate, so there is no need for transportation between terminals. However, if you need to transfer to another airport, there are shuttle buses available that can take you to nearby airports.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Koha Hawaii Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. If you're looking for a quick bite, head over to Island Lava Java for some delicious coffee and breakfast sandwiches. For a more substantial meal, try out the Kona Pub & Brewery for some tasty pub fare and locally brewed beer. If you're in the mood for Asian cuisine, Umeke Market is the place to go for fresh poke bowls and sushi.
In terms of shopping, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts, head over to Hawaiian Island Creations or Island Magnets. For some last-minute travel essentials, ABC Stores has got you covered with a wide selection of snacks, drinks, and toiletries.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Kona at Keahole Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, click here.
Airport Hotels
Looking for a comfortable place to stay near the airport? We've got you covered. Our guide provides a comprehensive list of the best hotel options located near the airport. Whether you're seeking luxurious comfort, a tranquil stay, or a place that offers easy access to local attractions, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. From the breathtaking views of the Breezy Kailua-Kona Bungalow with Lanai and Ocean View, to the convenience and comfort of the Ohana Hale, there are numerous options to choose from. No matter what your preferences are, you're sure to find a hotel that fits your needs in this guide. Discover more about these fantastic options at Kona Keahole Airport Hotels.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At Kona Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated areas. Curbside parking is restricted to active loading and unloading only, so drivers should remain with their vehicles at all times. Vehicles left unattended may be towed at the owner's expense. It is important to note that parking in front of the terminal is not permitted, and violators may be subject to fines.
For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, the airport offers a cell-phone waiting area located just a short distance from the terminal. Drivers can park for free in this area and wait until their passenger has arrived and retrieved their luggage before proceeding to the curbside pickup area. This helps to alleviate congestion and ensure a smooth flow of traffic in front of the terminal.
Parking Facilities & Options
When it comes to parking at KOA, there are several options available for travelers. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options, with both covered and uncovered parking garages available.
If you're picking up a passenger, there are also cell phone waiting areas located near the airport where you can wait for your party to arrive before heading to the terminal.
For those with disabilities, there are designated handicapped parking spots available in both the short-term and long-term parking areas.
If you're looking for a more economical option, off-airport parking is available nearby. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it a convenient and affordable option for travelers.
Get details about KOA Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
The airport offers a variety of transportation options to help you get to your destination. If you prefer to rent a car, major car rental providers such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National are available at the airport. You can easily find the car rental facilities located across from the terminal building.
If you prefer to take a taxi, you can find them outside of the baggage claim area. The drop-off area is located in front of the terminal building. Please note that fares are metered and may vary depending on the distance and time of day.
Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at Koha Hawaii Airport. You can find the pickup area located outside of the baggage claim area. Please note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage.
If you prefer to take an airport shuttle, you can find them located outside of the baggage claim area. The shuttle service offers door-to-door service to your destination. Fares may vary depending on the distance and time of day.
Public transportation options are also available at Kona at Keahole Airport. The Hele-On Bus provides service to various locations on the island of Hawaii. You can find the bus stop located outside of the terminal building. Please note that schedules and fares may vary depending on the route.
Passenger Services
Kona Airport is dedicated to providing passengers with a comfortable and convenient travel experience. Here are some of the services available to passengers:
Wifi Access: Passengers can enjoy free wifi access throughout the airport, making it easy to stay connected while waiting for a flight.
Lost and Found: If you've lost an item at the airport, you can visit the Lost and Found office located in the terminal. The office is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays.
Children's Areas: The airport has a play area for children located near the food court. The area is equipped with toys and games to keep kids entertained while waiting for a flight.
Special-Needs Services: KOA is committed to providing accessible services to passengers with special needs. The airport has wheelchair-accessible restrooms, elevators, and ramps. Passengers who require special assistance can contact the airport's customer service department for assistance.
Banking: There are ATMs located throughout the airport for passengers who need to withdraw cash. Additionally, there is a bank located in the terminal for passengers who need to conduct banking transactions.
Medical Help: The airport has a medical clinic located in the terminal for passengers who require medical assistance. The clinic is staffed by licensed medical professionals and is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it is important to stay updated on the status of your flight departure. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status information at KOA Airport.
One of the easiest ways to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply locate your flight on the display and check the status.
Another way to stay informed about your flight is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines have apps that allow you to track your flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes, and even check-in for your flight. You can also sign up for text, email, and push notifications through the app to receive updates about your flight status.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
Koha Hawaii Airport, also known as KOA, is a public airport located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. The airport has a single terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights.
The top airlines with the most daily flights at KOA are Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. On average, the airport handles around 10,000 passengers daily with an average of 100 daily flights. KOA serves over 40 destinations worldwide with the top 5 being Honolulu, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and Tokyo.
Kona at Keahole Airport is a hub for Hawaiian Airlines, which operates over 70% of the airport's daily flights. Other air carriers that use KOA as a hub include United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
Airport History
Kona Airport, located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1927: The first airport in Kailua-Kona was built on a dirt runway near the coast.
- 1942: The U.S. Army took over the airport and expanded it to support military operations during World War II.
- 1949: The airport was returned to civilian control and renamed Kona Airport.
- 1970: The airport was relocated to its current location and renamed Kona International Airport at Keahole.
- 1993: A new terminal building was opened to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
- 2003: The airport underwent a major renovation project to improve facilities and expand the runway.
- 2019: Kona International Airport at Keahole served over 3 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in Hawaii.
Today, Kona International Airport at Keahole continues to be an important gateway to the Big Island of Hawaii, welcoming visitors from around the world to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the island.
Airport Contact Info
- https://www.airportshawaii.org/koa/
- Phone: (808) 327-9520
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: 73-200 Kupipi St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States