Kona International Airport Arrivals (KOA)

Flight Arrivals at Kona International Airport

It is always a good idea to know a thing or two about an airport when arriving at it for the first time - Kona International Airport is no different. Where can you smoke, withdraw money, eat or find your transfer are a few of the questions many have upon arrival. You might be able to find some of the answers to your questions below.

Remember to collect your luggage from the baggage claim area before exiting the arrivals area.

Transfers at Kona Airport

Rental Cars – There are many rental car companies offering their services at Kona Airport, although they are all located off-airport. The different rental car locations can be reached through courtesy shuttles departing from the center median across the street from the baggage claim areas of the two main terminals.

Make sure to have pre-arranged for your rental vehicle as there are no rental car desks at the airport.

Buses – Hele-On offers a couple of bus routes to and from Kona Airport to a few close locations in the area. The bus stop is located in between the two main terminals. One of the routes goes to and from Kailua-Kona twice a day on weekdays, one in the morning and one in the early afternoon. There is no bus service on Sundays. Tickets are purchased on the bus using the fare box. There is no change available so make sure to have the exact amount. The fare for a single adult is $2.00, with children under the age of 5 traveling for free. Discounts are available for seniors and school children and youth providing they carry a correct and valid ID for this purpose.

The bus stop is located next to the rideshare pick-up zone in front of the terminal structure.

Taxis – Taxi ranks are found outside baggage claim areas A and B, Terminals 1 and 2. A taxi ride from Kona Airport to Kailua-Kona takes 15-20 minutes and the fare is around $25 depending on exact location of the destination and traffic.

Pre-arranged Shuttles – Several companies have permits to pre-arrange shuttles for travelers. These arrangements are requested by the traveler directly through the company or through an agent or other representative. See all transfer and shuttle options to and from Kona Airport. There are also some hotels that offer transfer options on request.

Smoking at Kona Airport

The only are where smoking is allowed at the airport is in the uncovered parking lot across the street from terminal building. State Law prohibits smoking from “cabin to curb” and to prevent the spread of second-hand smoke smokers must also be at least 20 feet from any doorway, window or ventilation duct. There are signs throughout the airport to remind travelers about the non-smoking policy.

Baggage Carts at Kona Airport

Baggage carts are available for rent in the airport’s baggage claim areas.

ATMS at Kona Airport

There are ATM/cash machines available on both landside and airside in both terminals of the airport.

WiFi at Kona Airport

The airport offers free WiFi through connecting to the network “KOA Free WiFi” after which you launch your browser before selecting “Free Unlimited WiFi” to begin your session.

Automated External Defibrillators at Kona Airport

AEDs are installed approximately every 90 seconds apart in walking distance throughout the public areas of the airport. The boxes they are mounted in are secure and will alert Airport Crash/Fire/Rescue staff when the equipment is removed for further support in the emergency. This also alerts Airport security to respond and to call 911 for further medical help.

The airport has volunteers trained in how to respond to a cardiac emergency, how to use the AEDs and how to perform CPR.

Persons with Disabilities at Kona Airport

The unique open air pavilion design of Kona Airport means that the terminal building is on one floor only meaning that all aircraft boarding is from the ground level using portable stairs. For travelers with mobility impairment this means that boarding requires a lift service arranged through the airline with which the passenger is traveling.

There are text telephones (TTYS) for deaf and those hard of hearing located in the departure areas and in the baggage claim areas.

TRS, Telecommunications Relay Services is available statewide by calling 711.

Guide and service dogs are not considered "pets", but certain laws may apply when bringing an animal into Hawaii. For more information, go to https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/.

Visitor Information at Kona Airport

The Kona International Airport’s Visitor Information Program assists travelers with information. The booths are staffed from 7.45 AM to 9 PM every day and when the booths are not staffed information is available by picking up a courtesy phone, calling +1 808 329-3423 or by sending an email to dot.air.vip@hawaii.gov.

Lost and Found at Kona Airport

For items lost in the terminal please contact the airport’s Lost and Found Department at +1 808 329-5073, or at the Security Office, where items lost in the terminal are located. The Lost and Found Office/Security Office is located in the northwest corner of Terminal 1. Opening hours for the office are 6.00 AM-12.00 AM.

For items lost at the Security Checkpoint or from checked luggage please contact TSA directly at +1 808 331-6930.

For items lost on airplanes please contact the airline directly.

Shop and Dine at Kona Airport

There are a few places to eat or drink at the airport, with one on landside and one place in each departures hall.

There are shops located on both landside and airport and some are closed between flights based on flight schedules.

Lei and flower stands can be found outside the arrivals halls.

Parking at Kona Airport

When picking up a traveler that is arriving at Kona Airport there are two options.

One is to wait in the vehicle at the Cell Phone Waiting Lot located just north of the terminal, a few minutes’ drive from the terminal, until the traveler is ready for pick-up. Vehicles may not be left unattended and the maximum time for waiting here is one hour.

The other option is to park at the regular parking lot opposite the terminal. The first 15 minutes are free, the second 15 minute slot is $1.00 and the next 30 minutes are $2.00, making it $3.00 for the first hour. The next 4 hours are $2.00 each. There are also long stay parking options at Kona Airport.