# KOA — Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole

> Machine-readable reference for KOA. Single-airport scope. Re-fetch when content_generated_at changes.

Canonical: https://airport.flights/airport/koa
HTML page: https://airport.flights/airport/koa
Markdown alt: https://airport.flights/airport/koa.md
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/KOA.json (includes live arrivals + weather)
Sitemap: https://airport.flights/sitemap-airports.xml
Last refreshed: 2026-06-03T20:24:30.29+00:00

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## Identity

- Name: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole
- IATA: KOA
- ICAO: PHKO
- City: Kailua-Kona
- Country: US (US)
- Timezone: Pacific/Honolulu
- Distance from city: 12 km (7.5 mi) NW of Kailua-Kona
- Runways: 1
- Terminals: 1
- Annual passengers: 3.1M
- Official website: https://airports.hawaii.gov/koa/

## Overview

Welcome Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) is not your average airport experience. With its unique open-air design located 12 km northwest of Kailua-Kona, travelers are treated to a laid-back, resort-like atmosphere. Imagine boarding your flight while enjoying unobstructed views of lava fields and sunsets. This particular Hawaiian gateway is celebrated for its low-stress ambiance, yet travelers often note the limited facilities, so plan ahead. At a glance KOA handles over 3.1 million passengers annually. Though it lacks the bustling terminals of larger airports, it maintains its charm with a single runway and the main terminal that serves airlines like Alaska, American, and Delta. Located conveniently close to Kailua-Kona, it offers an island airport experience with the key essentials, though be prepared for fewer dining and entertainment options. Terminals & layout KOA is simplified into a one-terminal layout known as the Main Terminal. The design emphasizes an open-air, pavilion-style that lets you feel the island breeze. Unlike traditional airports, there are no jet bridges here. Instead, boarding involves walking across the tarmac, which offers a memorable experie…

## Terminals (1)

- **Passenger Terminal Complex** — airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, WestJet
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/terminals/main

## Dining (17)

- **Aloha News Stand** — Main · $ · Open daily 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/aloha-news-stand-main
- **Burger King** — $ · opens around 6–7 a.m.
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/burger-king
- **Cho’s Leis & Flowers** — Main · $ · Open daily 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/cho-s-leis-flowers-main
- **Hawaii News Stand** — Main · $ · Open daily 6:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/hawaii-news-stand-main
- **Hawaiian Fish House**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/hawaiian-fish-house
- **KBS Snackshop** — Main · $ · Open daily 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/kbs-snackshop-main
- **Kona Pub and Brewery Bar**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/kona-pub-and-brewery-bar
- **Laniakea by Centerplate** — Main · Restaurant · Local · $$ · Restaurant open daily 6:00 a.m.- 10:30 p.m.; Bar open daily 11:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/laniakea-by-centerplate-main
- **Lava Java Grill**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/lava-java-grill
- **Makana Market and Café**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/makana-market-and-cafe
- **Menehune Coffee**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/menehune-coffee
- **Peet's Coffee & Tea**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/peet-s-coffee-tea
- **Sam Choy's Kai Lanai Express**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/sam-choy-s-kai-lanai-express
- **Starbucks**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/starbucks
- **Subway**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/subway
- **Tiare’s Flowers** — Main · $ · Open daily 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/tiare-s-flowers-main
- **Tiare’s Gift Shop** — Main · $ · Open daily 6:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/restaurants/tiare-s-gift-shop-main

## Lounges (5)

- **Admirals Club** — Terminal 2 · access: Day pass · day pass: Admirals Club day pass via AA program (price not specified for KOA) · Opens ~90 minutes before first American Airlines departure until last American flight (varies by schedule)
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/lounges/admirals-club
- **Delta Sky Club Pop-Up** — access: Elite access
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/lounges/delta-sky-club-pop-up
- **Hawaiian Air Premier Club** — Main · access: Hawaiian Airlines passengers · Opens ~90 minutes before first Hawaiian departure until last Hawaiian flight (varies by schedule)
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/lounges/hawaiian-air-premier-club-main
- **Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge Area** — access: Invitation-only
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/lounges/japan-airlines-sakura-lounge-area
- **United Club Pop-Up** — access: Invitation-only
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/lounges/united-club-pop-up

## Shops (22)

- **ABC Stores**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/abc-stores
- **Aloha News Stand** — Main · Newsstand
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/aloha-news-stand-main
- **Big Island Candies**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/big-island-candies
- **Cho’s Leis & Flowers** — Main · Flowers
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/cho-s-leis-flowers-main
- **DFS Duty Free**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/dfs-duty-free
- **Hawaii News Stand** — Main · Newsstand
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/hawaii-news-stand-main
- **Hawaii's Finest**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/hawaii-s-finest
- **Hawaiian Music Store**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/hawaiian-music-store
- **Honi Honi**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/honi-honi
- **Honolua Surf Co**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/honolua-surf-co
- **Island Market**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/island-market
- **KBS Snackshop** — Main · Snack Shop
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/kbs-snackshop-main
- **Kona Bookstand**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/kona-bookstand
- **Kona Coffee Company**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/kona-coffee-company
- **Kona Surf Co**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/kona-surf-co
- **Laniakea by Centerplate** — Main · Restaurant
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/laniakea-by-centerplate-main
- **Maui Divers Jewelry**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/maui-divers-jewelry
- **Na Hoku**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/na-hoku
- **Reeflections**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/reeflections
- **Tiare’s Flowers** — Main · Flowers
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/tiare-s-flowers-main
- **Tiare’s Gift Shop** — Main · Gift Shop
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/tiare-s-gift-shop-main
- **Volcano Art Center Shop**
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/shops/volcano-art-center-shop

## Parking (9)

- **Accessible Parking** — Accessible Parking · Next to terminal
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/parking/accessible-parking
- **Cell Phone Waiting Lot** — Short-stay
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/parking/cell-phone-waiting-lot
- **Electric Vehicle Parking** — EV Chargers · $7.00/day · Next to terminal
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/parking/electric-vehicle-parking
- **Employee Parking Lot** — Permit only
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/parking/employee-parking-lot
- **Lot A: Makai Parking** — Short stay · $24.00/day, $2.00 - $5.00/hr · 1-2 Minutes Walk to Terminal
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/parking/lot-a-makai-parking
- **Lot B: Mauka Parking** — Long stay · $24.00/day, $2.00 - $5.00/hr · 3-5 Minutes Walk to Terminal
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/parking/lot-b-mauka-parking
- **Overflow Parking Lot** — Event use
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/parking/overflow-parking-lot
- **Private Off-Airport Parking** — Long-term
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/parking/private-off-airport-parking
- **Rental Car Facility Parking** — Rental only
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/parking/rental-car-facility-parking

## Ground transport (11)

- **Charley's Taxi** — Taxi
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/transport/charley-s-taxi
- **Hele-On Bus** — Bus
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/transport/hele-on-bus
- **Hele-On Route 2 Kailua-Kona** — Bus
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/transport/hele-on-route-2-kailua-kona
- **Hele-On Route 90 Kohala Resorts** — Bus
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/transport/hele-on-route-90-kohala-resorts
- **Kona Airport Shuttle** — Shuttle
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/transport/kona-airport-shuttle
- **Lyft** — Rideshare
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/transport/lyft
- **Roberts Hawaii Shuttle** — Shuttle
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/transport/roberts-hawaii-shuttle
- **SpeediShuttle** — Shuttle
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/transport/shuttle
- **SpeediShuttle Private Vehicle** — Shuttle
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/transport/speedishuttle-private-vehicle
- **Taxi Service** — Taxi · 7 miles to Kailua
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/transport/taxi
- **Uber** — Rideshare
    URL: https://airport.flights/airport/koa/transport/uber

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: Enjoy stunning sunsets without leaving the airport. Head to outdoor waiting areas near the gates for perfect sunset views across the lava fields and Pacific.
- _Time_: Allow 2 hours for interisland flights and 2.5–3 hours for U.S. mainland flights, especially during holidays, due to occasional security congestion.
- _Avoid_: With only a few snack bars that close early, eat before you arrive or bring your own food to avoid running into limited options.
- _Quiet_: Step towards the edges of the pavilion terminals for quieter corners to relax away from the passenger flow.
- _Local_: Check out the small newsstands for last-minute snacks like macadamia nuts without exorbitant markups usually seen at airports.
- _Money_: KOA's sun can be brutal—sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses aren't just smart, they're essential for any midday travels.
- _Insider_: Keep your camera ready as walking across the tarmac offers a unique and picturesque photo opportunity.
- _Time_: Anticipate rideshare delays post 9 p.m. arrivals and have a backup taxi arrangement to avoid being stranded.

## Travellers notes mentioning KOA

- [Heat, hut roofs, and gate 12: how Kona’s tiny terminal still makes people miss flights](https://airport.flights/notes/koa-from-runway-to-resort) — by Marcus Trenton, 2026-07-01
    A former gate agent’s field report on Kona International Airport’s open‑air hut terminal, so you don’t treat it like a resort and miss flights.

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## Live data

Live arrivals, departures, and weather are not in this static reference. Fetch:
- https://airport.flights/api/airport/KOA.json — JSON with current live boards + weather (12h cache)
- https://airport.flights/airport/koa/arrivals — HTML page with live arrivals
- https://airport.flights/airport/koa/departures — HTML page with live departures