Kailua-Kona, Hawaii PHKO #75 US airport by passengers
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole is on the west coast of Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island), about 7 miles from Kailua-Kona town. Waikoloa is about 25 miles away.
KOA is an open-air airport with covered gate areas, no jet bridges and portable boarding stairs. Public parking is a short walk from the terminal, and the first 15 minutes in any public lot are free.
The only lounge is the Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club, which is restricted to Hawaiian members, Pualani elites and eligible First Class passengers. The airport closes overnight, so plan a hotel in Kailua-Kona if you have an early or late flight.
Main airlines: Major carriers include United, Hawaiian Airlines, Delta, Alaska, American and Southwest, plus Mokulele for inter-island commuter flights. Air Canada and Japan Airlines fly seasonally, according to third-party guides.
We are waiting for the next FAA update. Check your airline for the status of a specific flight.
Source: FAA National Airspace System Status, checked 1 h ago. Airline-specific delays are not shown here.
78°F26°C
Marginal: lower cloud or reduced visibility. Some delays are possible.
METARMETAR PHKO 101153Z AUTO 13006KT 9SM -RA OVC012 26/24 A2992 RMK AO2 RAB29 SLP133 P0000 6//// 7//// T02560244 10278 20256 57015
Source: NOAA Aviation Weather Center. Observed 1 h ago.
Full weather, TAF, forecast and runways →
Based on 4,138 departures from May 2026 to July 2026. A flight counts as late when it leaves 15 or more minutes after schedule.
| Airline | Departures | Late |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | 2,441 | 15.7% |
| Southwest Airlines | 738 | 3.9% |
| United Airlines | 591 | 6.9% |
| American Airlines | 184 | 8.2% |
| Delta Air Lines | 184 | 8.2% |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, On-Time Performance of reporting carriers. Smaller regional carriers and some airlines are not included.
A single open-air terminal with covered gate areas, check-in counters along the front, baggage claim on the ground level and no air conditioning in the gate areas, according to a third-party guide. Ceiling fans and trade winds keep it cool.
There are 12 gates, all within a short walk of each other. Boarding is by portable stairs. Passengers who need a boarding lift should arrange it with their airline in advance.
Airside past security, near Gate 10. Open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to a third-party guide, with hours set around Hawaiian flights.
KOA is a single open-air terminal, so there is no train or shuttle between terminals. Walk to your gate after security.
Taxis wait curbside in front of baggage claim. Pre-arranged tour, courtesy and contracted transport vehicles also serve the airport.
Rental car offices are off-terminal along Pao'o Street on airport grounds. Complimentary continuous shuttles leave from the center median across from baggage claim areas A and B.
The Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency runs a very limited bus between the airport and Kailua-Kona town. Call (808) 961-6744 for schedules before you plan on it.
A SpeediShuttle counter is in the baggage claim area, according to a third-party guide. Confirm pickup times and prices before you book.
Drivers meeting arriving passengers can wait in the free Cell Phone Waiting Lot north of the terminals, for up to 60 minutes.
No. Overnight stays are not allowed. Security closes all gates and concourses after the final flight, around 11 p.m. to midnight, until about 5 a.m.
Yes. Select "KOA Free WiFi," then choose "Free Unlimited WiFi" in your browser.
The first 15 minutes in any public lot are free. The daily maximum is $24. The Metropolis system lets you pay by plate and card, and you can pay the attendant at the exit with cash or a card.
Yes, the Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club near Gate 10, past security. It is limited to Hawaiian members, Pualani elites and eligible First Class passengers. Priority Pass is not accepted.
Yes, but the Hele-On bus runs on a very limited schedule. Call (808) 961-6744 to check times before you plan around it.
Rental car offices are off-terminal along Pao'o Street on airport grounds. Free continuous shuttles leave from the center median across from baggage claim areas A and B.
No. The nearest hotels are in Kailua-Kona, about 7 to 9 miles away, including Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express, Royal Kona Resort and Four Seasons Hualalai.
No. For security reasons the airport has no luggage lockers or left-luggage services.
Yes. A third-party guide says the main checkpoint has a dedicated PreCheck lane on the left side. Check the airport site for current lane details before you travel.
About 2,034,749 passengers boarded flights at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole in 2025, according to FAA enplanement data. That ranks it number 75 among US airports.
Over May 2026 to July 2026, 11.7% of departures at KOA left 15 or more minutes late, and 0.56% of flights were cancelled (Bureau of Transportation Statistics).
Guide content last reviewed October 9, 2026. Report a correction