Kona International Airport is located on the Island of Hawaii just seven miles away from Kailua-Kona. The airport serves several surrounding districts and offers international, overseas, commuter and interisland flights.
The airport enjoyed its opening ceremony on July 10th, 1949, after years of talks and construction that began before World War II. Expansions and improvements have been going on ever since, and today it's home to an 11,000 foot runway and a terminal complex for travelers.
Today the airport covers around 3,450 acres and its runway sees some 150,000 operations every year. Airlines that operate from the site include Island Air, Air Canada, Japan Airlines and WestJet, to name but a few. It's the only airport in Hawaii with only one runway and is also the only one to still use a mobile ramp to get passengers on and off the plane, but nonetheless it sees thousands of operations year on year and if anything they add to the uniqueness of the place. The airport also supports several cargo operations, including those being run by Aloha Airlines, FedEx, Direct Freight Service and Hawaiian Airlines.
Unlike at many airports, the terminal at Kona International isn't a single building. Instead it's a sprawling set of structures in a tropical open-air setting, all one-storey and along the eastern edge of the airfield. There are a number of food options and retail outlets throughout offering something for all travelers no matter what they need. Opening hours correlate to the flight schedule so passengers will never be short of something to do.
Parking at the airport is not a problem with several parking areas being available, with prices starting at $1 per half hour (free if you return within the first 30 minutes) up to a maximum of $7 per 24 hour period. There's also a waiting area available for drivers waiting for passengers which means that they don't have to pay to park.
There are no public transport options, but the airport is accessible by car, private taxi and shuttle services. There are a number of car rental companies available on-site though, all located along the airport access roadway.
Kona International Airport at Keahole enjoys a stunning location in great surroundings. The complex of terminal buildings rather than a single multi-level building mean that it's even more unique and is a great way to end or start any holiday. It's easy to access thanks to being located just off the Queen Kaahumanu Highway, and with all the facilities of a modern airport with a Hawaiian twist it offers something for all travelers.
