Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), often referred to simply as Kona Airport, is the main gateway to Hawaii’s Big Island. KOA provides seamless commercial and private aviation access, located in Keahole, just north of Kailua-Kona on the island’s west coast.
The airport offers efficient, discreet entry to the Big Island’s sunnier, more exclusive side for those arriving by private jet to Kona. It’s a short drive from here to Hawaii’s most luxurious resorts, pristine white-sand beaches, and championship golf courses. The quieter east coast is reachable by car in under two hours, making KOA ideal for exploring the island in style.
Air Partner offers bespoke private jet services to and from Kona, ensuring every journey is tailored to your schedule and preferences, from takeoff to touchdown. Our Kona Airport (KOA) guide includes everything you need to know for a smooth arrival and recommendations on what to see and do during your stay.
Key Information About KOA Airport
- Airport Name: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport
- Airport Code: KOA
- Location: Keahole, Big Island, Hawaii
- Opening Times: Open 24/7, TSA checkpoints open 5:30 am-5 pm
- Terminals: Terminals: Kahului Airport has three terminals, terminal 1 (gates 1 to 5), terminal 2 (gates 6 to 10), terminal 3 (commuter flights)
Private terminals/VIP & FBO Facilities
Kona International Airport is well-suited for private jet travel, with FBOs offering everything from comfortable lounges and concierge services to fast customs clearance and ground handling.
Air Partner can arrange fully tailored private jet flights to and from KOA and luxury ground transport to top resorts, golf courses, and island highlights. Whether heading to the Big Island for relaxation or adventure, we ensure your journey is smooth, discreet, and entirely tailored to you.
Contact Air Partner to book your private jet to Kona and enjoy the comfort and ease of flying on your terms.
Other Facilities:
- Wifi: Unlimited Free WiFi is available at Kona Airport.
- Shopping: Kona Airport has no duty-free shop, but offers several stores, including a gift shop, newsstand, and flower and lei vendors.
- Restaurants: Laniakea by Centerplate restaurant and bar are located in Terminals 1 and 2, and a snack bar is available in the central area.
- Car Rentals: Car rental facilities are available at Kona Airport.
- Medical Facilities: Kona Airport has AEDs and 24/7 emergency medical services throughout the terminal.
- Lounges: Kona Airport has one Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club lounge, accessible to Premier Club members in the passenger gate area.
- Currency Exchange: There are no currency exchange facilities available at the airport
Airlines: Around 10 airlines from the US, Canada, and Japan serve Kona Airport, along with private jet charters.
Other KOA information
Kona International Airport (KOA) is the main airport on Hawaii’s Big Island, located midway along the western coast. It primarily serves the resorts of North Kona and South Kohala on the drier leeward side, while Hilo International covers the east. The island is just over 90 miles long, with a two-hour drive from east to west.
Situated on Keahole Point, formed by an 1801 lava flow, KOA has an open-air tropical design. Named after astronaut Ellison Onizuka, a native of Kona who died in the Challenger disaster, the airport opened in 1970 and has since been modernised regularly.
Big Island Travel Guide
The Big Island, officially named Hawaii, is the largest in the Hawaiian archipelago and a favourite among those who love beaches, nature, and golf. It’s renowned for its active volcanoes, beautiful rainforests, gorgeous coastline, orchids, and world-class golf courses.
Its vast size brings a remarkable variety. You’ll find two active volcanoes at Volcanoes National Park - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. You can also visit the green sands of Papakōlea Beach, the black sands of Punaluʻu, and enjoy snorkelling spots such as Hāpuna and Kahaluʻu.
A private jet charter to Hawaii is the most direct, comfortable, and exclusive way to explore the Big Island's natural beauty.
Big Island Highlights
Beaches
The Big Island has some of the most varied beaches in Hawaii, with white, green, and black sands dotted along the coastline. Whether you're keen to swim, snorkel, surf or just stretch out in the sun, there's a beach to match your mood.
Papakōlea is one of a handful of green-sand beaches in the world, near the southern tip of the island. Not far away, Punaluʻu is known for its striking black sand and laid-back feel.
Over on the sunnier west coast, Hapuna Beach is a favourite for its soft white sand and excellent snorkelling, while nearby Kahaluʻu Beach is a top pick for surfers looking to catch a few waves.
Golf Courses
The Big Island is a top spot for golf enthusiasts, with some of Hawaii’s finest courses. Most are on the sunnier west coast near Kona Airport, offering breathtaking ocean views and volcanic landscapes.
There’s something for every skill level.
Hualālai Golf Course is set among impressive black lava fields, while Mauna Kea Golf Course is considered one of the best in Hawaii.
The Mauna Kea resorts have challenging courses and stunning surroundings.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Mauna Loa rises to 13,678 feet.
Visitors can explore scenic drives like Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road, passing steam vents and lava fields.
Popular spots include the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku), the Jaggar Museum with views of Halema‘uma‘u Crater, and numerous hiking trails.
You might also see wild orchids in the park or enjoy the tropical flora in the eastern forests, farms, gardens, and nurseries across the island.
Other things to do on the Island
The Big Island offers a wealth of natural attractions, including Akaka Falls State Park, Mauna Kea volcano, Rainbow Falls, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, and Kaumana Caves.
For history enthusiasts, there’s Hulihe‘e Palace, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Site.
Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Parks combine history, nature, and culture in one spot. The island also offers luxury resorts and a variety of cafés and restaurants serving local and international cuisine.
Arriving by private jet to Hawaii offers the most effortless and luxurious way to experience everything the Big Island offers.
Big Island Climate
The Big Island is generally warmer and drier than the other Hawaiian islands.
Summer (May to October) brings highs of 27°C to 31°C and is mostly dry, while winter (November to April) is only slightly cooler, with temperatures around 27°C to 29°C and minimal rainfall. The east tends to be wetter and more humid, while the west, home to Kona International Airport, is typically sunnier and drier.
Private Jet to Kona with Air Partner
Fly to Kona by private jet with Air Partner and enjoy the ultimate convenience, comfort, and personal service.
Enquire now and let us tailor your private jet experience to your needs - we're here to support every step of your journey.