Transfers to and from Kona International Airport

When arriving at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, or Kona Airport as it is also referred to, the means of transfer is fairly limited and really comes down to rental car, taxi, bus or pre-arranged shuttle. It is wise to plan your transfer before you arrive at the airport, or before it is time to depart to the airport.

Before proceeding to the point of your transfer please remember to collect your entire luggage from the baggage claim area.

Rental Cars

All rental car companies at Kona Airport are located in an off-terminal location with shuttles transferring customers between their location and the airport terminal.

Boarding of the shuttles take place in the center median located across the street and in between baggage claim areas A and B.

It is wise to pre-arrange for your rental vehicle since there are no counters directly at the airport.

Always make sure to check the vehicle for damage before using it and before returning it to the rental car company, and remember to collect all personal belongings before dropping the car off.

Buses

Hele-On has two bus routes that frequent Kona Airport either in the morning or in the early afternoon Monday-Saturday, with no services on Sundays and limited services on County Observed Holidays, although not all stops are served on Saturdays.

Tickets are purchased in exact change through a fare box aboard the bus. The driver does not handle cash and there is no change available so make sure to have the exact amount. Fare is $2.00 for a single adult journey and children under the age of 5 travel for free. Luggage travel for free.

The bus stop at the airport is located in front of where Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 meet.

Taxis

Taxi ranks are found at curbside fronting baggage claim areas A and B and are serviced by taxi cabs from various different companies. A taxi dispatcher is available to assign a taxi upon your arrival. A taxi journey from Kona Airport to central Kailua-Kona Town is around $25 and takes 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. For current fares and approximate travel time please consult with the taxi dispatcher or the driver before your journey.

Pre-arranged Shuttle Service

Several companies have permits to pre-arrange shuttle services from and to Kona airport. Arrangements are made beforehand by the traveler or the travelers representative.

The pick-up zone is located where the two main terminals meet, next to the Hele-On bus stop.

It is unusual for hotels on the Big Island to offer an airport shuttle service.