Kona International Airport (KOA)
International Airport
Kailua-Kona
"Small Airport!! Quick check in and security lines!!"(11 Tips)
"Lovely open air airport; efficient check in and TSA."(4 Tips)
"Neat little outdoor airport, easy to get in and out off."(4 Tips)
"gates and these breakfast plates at the Laniakea Cafe"(3 Tips)
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The only whole fresh fruit you can take off the island is uncut pineapple. They do check and make you leave oft hers behind. They check several times to be sure. I have never had a security lineUpvote34Downvote
Daniel HeadrickAugust 24, 2014Come in advance because it's a small airport it takes a bit to go through and checkin. There aren't any small computer booths so you must go to the front counter to checkin. Laurie is the most helpfulUpvote46DownvoteUpvoted Mar 1
Dennis BonillaMay 26, 2013If you've just arrived, check out the beach at Kekaha Kai State park just a few minutes north. Don't be scared of driving over the rocky lava field, it's worth it.
Upvote60DownvoteUpvoted Mar 3
John DyeJanuary 12, 2019Stay here as long as you can. The Aloha vibe is something that can’t be replicated.
Upvote24Downvote1
Customs here is the fastest and most polite I've ever experienced anywhere in the US! And there still is nothing like disembarking directly to the tarmac in paradise.Upvote3Downvote
What's Good HereJuly 9, 2018There is an agriculture security check before your actual gate & after the retail shops & TSA. It is a single line chokepoint to numerous gates. Be sure to get in line well before your boarding time!Upvote1Downvote
minaAugust 14, 2018It wasn't crowded since our flight was late at night, but they manually checked one of our suitcases for no reason, plus they have to individually check the food in a separate bin. Many places to sit.Upvote3Downvote
Kalehua SproatJuly 9, 2014When I walked off the plane and through the gate to be greeted by beautiful voices of the old Hawaii language and graceful hula dancers. It made me miss home a little more even though I was there.Upvote2Downvote
Jon B.September 8, 2019Make sure to give yourself a little extra time to get checked in and through security. As it’s not the most developed of airports, things just go a bit slower.Upvote2Downvote
MohammedJanuary 6, 2017Small and open air airport, I don't mind sitting for a full day waiting for my flight.
Upvote3Downvote
Paul RossiMarch 7, 2015You can't beat an outdoor airport in Hawaii! Every airport in a warm weather climate should be outside. Best airport ever.
Upvote1Downvote
Sean MenefeeNovember 28, 2023Love this air port. Open air, nice and chill, and the staff is always super friendly.Upvote1Downvote
Dee DriverDecember 26, 2017Nice & simple airport. When it's really busy, it can seem chaotic. Make sure you reserve transportation prior to your arrival. Secure a rental car, or arrange for, me, D The Driver to pick you up.UpvoteDownvote
Andrew RebackJune 2, 2017Don't expect a full set of retail and food options here. Get your food and drink on before you get to the airport. This is just a place to hop on your plane.Upvote2Downvote
KristianDecember 7, 2016Imagine an airport without a roof. Now go to Kona to check out the real deal. Small and easy to navigateUpvote1Downvote
𝙶𝚘𝚗𝚣𝚊𝚕𝚘 𝙰𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚊𝚜November 25, 2023In and out in a flash. No frills but also rather efficient. Also, I love that its all outdoors!Upvote1Downvote
Varun TurlapatiMay 1, 2019TSA pre check line is there but the lane is not equipped, so you'll still have to take things off onto a tray. But the staff is helpful and nice.
Upvote1Downvote
If you're hungry, check out Pine Tree Cafe about 5 minutes west of the airport going towards Kailua. Good local food and plate lunches. The Korean Chicken is an favorite of mine. Enjoy!Upvote7Downvote
Jeffrey WalkerMarch 14, 2017The TSA people here are actually FRIENDLY. They should be the role models for the rest of the country. Made me even more sad to leave this wonderful island.Upvote1Downvote
Michael KamJune 25, 2022It’s a small open-air terminal. Arrive early as it can get busy and the TSA lines can get long. They have a nice little gift shop.UpvoteDownvote
Andrew SSeptember 25, 2021Open air so best to schedule a flight for the am or pm when it’s cooler. 😰Upvote1Downvote
Torzin SOctober 16, 2019Unique design complex, no air-con so it is quite hot when no fan open or sea breeze.
Upvote1Downvote
Kelly JamesAugust 26, 2013The best place to arrive for anything on the west side of The Big Island! Unfortunately, that also makes it the best place to leave from...Upvote1Downvote
Judi MatoushekMarch 4, 2014If it's raining - stop and get an umbrella on the way... There's not sufficient covering for everyone to stay dry!!Upvote1Downvote
Easy in and easy out- only one highway, so you don't have to worry.. Especially if you had those free Mai tais on the plane !Upvote6Downvote- Nice outdoor airport. Haven’t been here when it’s raining, but I imagine it to be interesting.
Upvote1Downvote 
Becky MorrowOctober 12, 2012Relaxing little outdoor airport, sets the tone for the whole island. Bring TSA friendly food though, the 'restaurant' is reminiscent of a snack bar at a pool.Upvote1Downvote
eric bornemannApril 21, 2023Nice that it’s open air, wish the restaurant was outside. Book with Turo and walk to your car rather then dealing with shuttle/rental hell.UpvoteDownvote
Michael ChailleJanuary 4, 2012Leaving island process: get agriculture screen sticker first for check bags, get boarding pass and weigh bags, drag bags out of line for xray, find gate to AG screen carry ons. EASY!UpvoteDownvote
Natisha HillMarch 25, 2019Super small airport but not complaining! It’s very interesting with most things, including the gates, being outside. I really liked it here. Not so commercialized.UpvoteDownvote
Small airport with no jet ways. Very limited shopping and dining options. Really only one restaurant. Seating is all outdoors - make sure to get a seat in the shade.Upvote1Downvote
Debra A HughesAugust 21, 2018A smile on your face and manners goes a long way!!! Locals appreciate it, in return are much nicer!UpvoteDownvote- Kelly JamesAugust 20, 2013I'm amused by "Tips" talking about a "little outdoor airport"...oh, lord, I'd hate to think of how much it might cost to enclose the whole airport... For fueling, try the fuel option, better pricing.UpvoteDownvote
A PFebruary 17, 2020Be sure to grab food or drink before you get to the gate! But it’s a beautiful outdoor airport!UpvoteDownvote
QuinteinFebruary 19, 2017This is an outdoor airport thay uses paid WiFi and limited outlets. If you've been to any of the other island airports, it has a very similar feelUpvote1Downvote
Mark HaywardSeptember 30, 2012If you have thoughts of getting to the airport early and having a drink before boarding, erase those thoughts. There's a small cafe after clearing security that may - or may not be open.UpvoteDownvote- If you're renting a car and need to refuel, there's a Costco gas station about 5 minutes south of the airport going towards Kailua. There's also Tesoro in the area.Upvote1Downvote
Nancy ChaseFebruary 20, 2015Always love this airport. It means I'm in for some lovely warm days. Not much at the airport proper, but it is cute.UpvoteDownvote
Robert LearyJanuary 20, 2015You get off the plane from both ends outside. Which is much faster. Baggage claim is so close. Small airport makes everything faster!UpvoteDownvote- Island BruinMay 8, 2016No frills, but nice to have the chance to still be in the open air until your plane boards.Upvote1Downvote
Danielle NeufeldJuly 2, 2011This is the most relaxed airport I've ever been to. If you fly Go!Mokulele Mesa airlines they will put you on a sooner flight if you end up there a little early for some reason. Just ask!UpvoteDownvote
There's a new Petroglyph trail mauka the parking lot - across the street from the gates where you turn into park.
Upvote1Downvote
@joe4presAugust 22, 2014All of the gates are outside so if you want any air conditioning you better look for a seat at the only bar in the terminalUpvote4Downvote
jon accarrinoFebruary 23, 2020This airport sucks. Come early, especially when departing on the weekend. Long lines. Mass confusion.Upvote2Downvote
This open-air airport is small, nice, and casual. They even have pre-check!Upvote1Downvote
- darryl ohrtMay 8, 2014Don't let all of the Tommy Bahama shirts fool you - this is a grand island. Stay away from the corpo resorts and head for the volcanoes.UpvoteDownvote
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Places inside Kona International Airport
- 5.3
"I sprained my foot during my trip and they were nice enough to provide me with a cane to make it through security. Much appreciated!"
Douglass Ruth - 5.6
"Took the jeep for extensive driving all over the island. Any SUV can handle most drives but it was fun riding around with the top off."
Edmar Carrillo - 5.2
"Get a preferred number, really worth it. The counter here is as slow as any I've ever been to. With or without the mistakes!"
Jone Flanders
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