Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, also known as Kona International Airport (KOA), is a major airport located on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, USA. It serves as the primary gateway for visitors traveling to the Kona district, which is known for its beautiful beaches, resorts, and outdoor activities. The airport is named after Ellison Onizuka, the first Asian American astronaut and a native of Hawaii, who tragically lost his life in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. The airport serves as a hub for several major airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport has one runway: Runway 17/35 measures approximately 11,000 feet in length. The commercial passenger facility is a set of rambling, open-air, tropical-style structures, divided into three terminals: Terminal 1 includes gates 1 through 5, Terminal 2 includes gates 6 through 10, and Terminal 3 hosts smaller commuter flights. The airport's main terminal complex includes various amenities, such as restaurants, duty-free shops, car rental services, and currency exchange counters. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals.
Travelers have several public transport options to reach their destinations from the airport. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available outside the terminals. Additionally, various car rental companies have counters at the airport for those who prefer to drive themselves. Shuttle services are also offered by some hotels and resorts for their guests.