Flying into the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, you’ll realize that it’s not your typical airport before you even touch the ground. Instead of the massive, sprawling, nondescript hallways and terminals that you find in just about every other airport in the world, there’s nothing but small huts connected by open-air walkways. You won’t find any escalators, moving sidewalks, or Cinnabons (sorry). Instead, the Kona International Airport (KOA) is designed to be the perfect way to get you into the Aloha spirit as soon as you land on the Big Island.
Arriving at the Airport
The first thing you’ll realize as soon as the plane stops is that there aren’t any terminals! That’s right, an airport without terminals. The planes just park on the side of the runway and open the doors. A ramp will be brought out to the plane and you’ll walk across the tarmac to the small island hut that acts as the arrival terminal.
There are very few walls inside the airport. Instead of stuffy, congested airport hallways, you’ll feel the warm Hawaiian breeze from the minute you step off the plane until you get into the car/taxi/bus. Even then, you’ll probably want to keep the windows down.
Airport Amenities
The whole point of coming to Hawaii is to enjoy some rest and relaxation. To that end, there isn’t much to do at the Kona Airport. There’s a newsstand, a flower shop (gotta get your leis!), a gift shop, and a small restaurant. That’s it. Besides that, you’ll have to survive by enjoying the warm weather, tropical flowers, and Island vibes. Too bad, right?
Getting Around the Island
Like most airports, there are three basic options for transportation from KOA. You can rent a car, ride the bus/shuttle, or call a taxi. The bus will be the cheapest option. Depending on where you stay, some hotels offer complimentary – or for a small fee – shuttle to and from the airport. The downside to a bus or shuttle is that you’re limited by where you can go. The Big Island is just that: big, so there’s lots to see and do. Busses and shuttles typically just run to downtown Kona and back.
There are taxis in Hawaii, and you can hire one right from the airport. The downside is that since everything on the island is so spaced out, you’ll be paying a pretty penny to see just about anything. Taxis are nice to get from the airport to your hotel, but not very economical for getting around the island.
The best option is to simply rent a car. KOA has most major rental companies, along with some small local options. It’s not overly expensive, and you’ll have the freedom to adventure around the island as you please. The Big Island has a lot to offer, so don’t limit yourself!
What’s Around?
The airport is located in what seems like the middle of nowhere, with nothing but black lava rock in all directions, but it’s really not far from most of the main attractions on the Island:
· Downtown Kona-Kailua – 15 minutes
· Kohala Coast (and most of the resorts) – 30 minutes
· Hapuna Beach – 30 minutes
· Kealakekua Bay – 45 minutes
· Waimea – 1 hour
· Hilo – 2 hours, 15 minutes
· Volcanoes National Park – 3 hours, 15 minutes
Looking to Make Your Vacation Permanent?
The Kona International Airport is a perfect representation of the Island lifestyle that will permeate your entire visit from the time you land to the second you take off again. In the event that you want your tropical dream vacation to last a bit longer than anticipated – as mine did – there are hundreds of properties available for sale on the Big Island to suit any lifestyle and budget.
If you’re ready to begin the search for your Hawaiian dream home, give me a call at 808.209.6244, or send me an email at RandyRipley808@gmail.com.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.