Kona International Airport

Such a great airport experience! ✈️ No delays even with the recent shutdown — everything ran smoothly from drop-off to boarding. Kona Airport is one of the easiest airports I’ve ever been through. The open-air, outdoor setup is super cool and gives you that instant “you’re in Hawaii” vibe the moment you arrive. 🌴 We had access to the Alaska Lounge through Hawaiian Airlines, but honestly, it’s even better just hanging out in the main area. There’s an amazing gift shop with tons of options (perfect for last-minute souvenirs) and a restaurant that’s surprisingly good — three of my friends ate there and really enjoyed their meals. Baggage claim and the rental car shuttle were also a breeze when we landed — quick, organized, and easy to navigate. Overall, Kona Airport is relaxed, efficient, and totally stress-free — just how travel should be! 🌺

​The Layout: This is a unique airport because the terminal itself is outside. ​Terminals: There are essentially two different wings (terminals) for the gates. Since it is open-air, you get the island breeze right until you board. ​Location: It is centrally located—closer to Waikoloa Village and Kona town, making it a convenient hub for both major resort areas. ​Logistics: ​Security: TSA PreCheck is available, which speeds things up significantly. ​Rental Car: The return process is smooth. The rental car shuttle will drop you right across from the departure area, so you don't have to haul luggage very far. ​Facilities: ​Restrooms: The bathrooms were clean and well-maintained. ​Verdict: A stress-free, distinctively Hawaiian airport experience.

I’m honestly not sure why there are so many negative reviews … Kona International Airport is one of the most beautiful airports I’ve ever been to. Sure, it’s not huge, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Big airports that feel like shopping malls are completely overrated compared to Kona’s open-air layout. Is there a McDonald’s or other commercialized fast food chain? No … and thank god for that, lol. Instead, you get palm trees, fresh air, and that perfect island vibe from the moment you arrive. Even when I was leaving TSA was a total breeze. The open-air gates and walkways leading right up to the planes are such a cool touch, and the staff are all super friendly. Yes, things are pricey, but please, show me an airport that isn’t. All in all, it’s the perfect island airport in my opinion: easy, beautiful, and stress-free.

The open air concept of this airport fits with the charm of Hawaii, hard to complain. We arrived on time to the airport to island hop. We ventured into the gift shop for a newspaper and I unknowingly dropped my phone. I purchased the paper, walked next door to pack it in my backpack and realized my phone was missing. 5 minutes, tops. I ran back to the giftshop and when I walked in, the attendant told me she already turned my phone in to security and walked me over to security and told me not to cross the line or I couldn't get back in. Despite my name and picture on the phone, the security lady did not return the phone to me and just told me to step across the line. She wouldn't explain anything to me. I told her all my ID and info was with my husband and bag and we were about to board. She told me to step across the line. When I did, she instantly told me I could not return into the airport that I needed to wait for the police. Slowly, slowly more security showed up and finally, an officer on bike arrived. Security lady handed them my phone and we both noticed my husband calling the phone. The officer let me answer to tell him to bring my passport and ticket. When he did, they cautioned him not to step across the security line. The officer didn’t examine my phone, he in fact let me keep my phone and told me to follow him as I had to go through TSA again. I got through TSA quickly with his help. My husband was at the end of the line, waiting with bad news ...we would have to take the next flight in 2.5 hours. The officer graciously went to the ticket line with us and told the agents about the misunderstanding with my phone. They were rude to the officer - and rude to us, stating they felt my husband was rude when he told to them I was being held up by security. They didn't like his "attitude" - which they explained with strong attitude. I honestly thought they were going to ban us from even the next flight. He was shocked and apologetic, which was probably unnecessary, and still the agents treated us like we were completely inconveniencing them. The airport was an unfortunate experience but did not affect our overall wonderful experience of Hawaii and all of their beautiful islands.

Despite the government shutdown and all the news saying that airports are in chaos, our experience at Kona International Airport was the complete opposite. From the moment we arrived to the moment we were at the gate, it took exactly 9 minutes. Everything was fast, smooth, and the staff were extremely polite and welcoming. The airport itself is very authentic and beautifully designed — open-air, tropical, and full of island charm. Definitely worth visiting and one of the most unique airports in the world.

We’ve been here several times, it’s a small airport and mostly outdoors huts. Arriving was easy and quick. Mostly outdoors. Car rental is across the street taking the bus to your car rental company. The bus comes quite frequently. When departing Kona, the gates are mostly outdoors. If you get too hot or raining find gate 11&12. They are indoor with ac and wifi and bathrooms. We had more than an hr of wait time so we went to the inside gate and chill. There are a few shops for last minute souvenirs or snacks. There’s a few restaurants indoors as well. Overall, it is small airport with huts and outdoor air. You can easily see planes come in and out. Overall, it meets all the needs.

A small but efficient airport on the " Big Island" of Hawaii. It was trouble free arriving and departing, just without walls ! But who needs walls when it's 80° F everyday. Their little gift shop actually had a couple items i had looked for our entire 10 days on Island and didn't find.

Kona International Airport is unlike most airports I’ve traveled through—open to the elements with covered spaces, it has a unique feel but can be warm and humid. Comfortable seating is limited, and shops are on the pricey side, though staff were friendly and restrooms were clean. Overall, not a bad experience, just different from what I usually prefer.

Please don't expect a big airport with lots of AC and choices of places to shop or eat. It has clean restroom and water bottle filling station so that's a plus. Buy your souvenirs if you did not get it in other shops but they are pricey which is expected. And please don't wonder why there's 2 TSA checks....read the sign...yes we do it twice!

I've never felt so overwhelmed. Being stranded 1000 miles from home after our return flight was delayed four times and then finally canceled was beyond frustrating. The hours we spent waiting in the heat were tough on everyone, especially the kids. Despite their patience, I could see the exhaustion on their faces, and I couldn't help but cry. Traveling with five kids, including a 3-month-old, pushed me to my limit and definitely amplified my postpartum emotions. The reason for the delays and cancellation was the problematic runways. Locals told us this has been an ongoing issue, with temporary patches that fail as soon as it rains. The rain caused the patched areas to crack open, forcing flights to be diverted to other islands like Honolulu and Maui. This trip turned into a nightmare. I couldn't hold back my tears. United Airlines did provide food and taxi vouchers, which we appreciated. We booked a hotel, unaware they might cover it, and were told to submit the expense for reimbursement. Unfortunately, United denied the claim, citing the cancellation as out of their control and offering only a $50 flight credit. It was disappointing, but we still appreciated the initial assistance. Despite the travel chaos, the airport itself has redeeming qualities. The staff were consistently friendly, patient, and kind. The restaurants offered a delicious variety of food, and the bathrooms were clean and easily accessible. Taxis, ride services, and parking were also readily available. My biggest hope is that the airport invests in a permanent runway fix to prevent other families, especially mothers, from enduring a similar ordeal. The stress was overwhelming. (Other than this big hiccup we enjoyed our vacation in Kailua-Kona Island)

We flew in here to the Big Island. You arrive on the tarmac and have to walk to the gate. There is only one gate that is air conditioned so it's not nice to wait outside. Upon arrival we went to get our luggage and then the rental car. On the return trip we waited in the AC gate and went to our gate at boarding time to stay cool. The price of coming to Paradise

This is by far my favorite airport. It is the primary airport on the Big Island of Hawai'i located in Kailua-Kona. Very unique quaint airport built on lava flow. The airport has some small open air passenger terminals, which makes it different to others airports. As we stepped out of the plane, you can smell the fresh air and see the ocean from afar. Beautiful area to land in. Easily to exit and enter the airport without big crowds and long wait for TSA. Simple but yet very convenient! The airport offered two small stores for shopping and a dining cafe with delicious food options. We will be returning in the future!

Super small, minimalistic airport. Definitely island vibes. The terminal is outdoors under a pavilion. The staff is all super friendly, and the shuttle / pickup area is super close to the entrance and exit. Easy to get in and out of, but the amenities are lacking compared to larger airports.

This is one easy open air airport to navigate since it's so small. We were flying Delta and it was pretty straight forward and fast to check in with minimal agents on hand. I was imagining if it were raining what would customers do with such an open roof in most of the check in and waiting area.

Outdoor airport. No AC. Cool in the morning. Humid in the evening. Bring a portable device that offers cool air. Bring charged power bank with cords just in case because I only saw one occupied outlet. We chose carry on luggage only with ticket reservation ready via phone to save time.

Mainly an outdoor airport so it can get kind of uncomfortable in the heat and humidity, but at least there weren't mosquitos. The restaurants here are very expensive, but they ARE air conditioned.

This is a small airport, it's old, and it's partially going through renovations. I had an 8PM flight and the security line was long. For TSA pre-check the wait was about 25 minutes because there was only 1 TSA agent working that night. The regular line had 2 TSA agents but it was wrapping and much longer than the pre-check line. There's 1 gate that has indoor seating with AC and the rest are outdoors with wooden bench seating under the huts. The womens restroom on the side with the Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club looked modern and new. The food options are very limited so buy your food from outside the airport if you can. There's 1 gift shop that sells made in Hawaii products, souvenirs, apparel, snacks, and bottled drinks. The car rentals have moved offsite and it's not across the street anymore. Please make sure you account for extra time to wait for the shuttle and the ride is about 5 minutes. Each parent car rental company has their own shuttle pick up/drop off. The Enterprise one took the longest for pick up in the morning. For Hertz and Budget, those circled around real fast.

I love this cute little airport because it's the last stop before we have to go back to Los Angeles. This airport has no art installations, shops, and restaurants.

Still rating this airport #1 because it still hasn't embraced the jet way system, however they do have an air conditioned section to seat inside away from the dreaded heat. Only the few seasoned travelers or people who have visited this airport previously utilize it which also houses clean restrooms lol. I guess the outside restrooms are clean but NOT like these. Gate 11 is where to sit and get away from the heat or rain.

It's a small quasii outdoor airport that just fits being on The Big Island. No sterile interiors here. No jetways. I liked it. Loved the sculptures. Pure Hawaii. 20

Very unique open air airport. Small and easy to navigate. Bag claim takes an eternity. Check in also took an eternity, even in the sky priority lane. Security was easy. They also do one more bag check for produce or other prohibited items before you board. They have one restaurant, which is super expensive. They also have a gift shop for last minute souvenirs that was actually not horrible price-wise.

We've only had good weather when flying out of Maui, so we enjoy sitting outside. Not sure how pleasant it would be on a rainy day, but I think this side of the island gets less than nine inches of rain a year! Today's weather was absolutely beautiful. We felt soft, cool breezes in 75° weather. And where else do you have small birds under foot?? But don't feed them. Please. We boarded effortlessly, walking up the ramp to our Southwest plane headed for Maui. We'll be in Maui in 20 minutes, nonstop, on a flight that will have no one in the middle seats - unless they WANT to sit in the middle seat.

It's always a pleasure traveling through this airport. The staff here is always friendly. TSA is quick. Man, it's Friday and I walked right through. Hallelujah Even though the gates are outside. There is one inside gate #11 if you're looking to escape the humidity of the day. There's also outlets in the area so you can charge your devices and get caught up on last minute tasks. Kailua Kona is pretty chill. Great People and Much Aloha to be had by All.

Interesting airport where you get off the plane outside and then walk in. It's pretty cool though. The baggage area is all open to the outdoors too. Baggage claim was easy and we were off to our first destination in no time.

It gets you in and out of Kona and has a beautiful garden like old Hawaii setting but man it is hot waiting for your plane, especially when delayed. Only one restaurant and a shop and newstand. Luckily they have a water refilling station and adequate restrooms. Did not like that they continue to sell single use plastic - maybe they should remove those gross vending machines and instead sell paper cups for the water refiller - for the environment. Overall, easy on and off access and shuttles to rental cars.

Open Airport! It was easy access but everything seems old and need renovations in my opinion. It's not going to stop us from visiting the big Island though. Car rental services is close by.

I love flying into Kailua-Kona. The simple, open-air vibes are the perfect way to arrive to the Island of Hawaii. I also love the simplicity of this airport when catching a flight out because it's so low key and relaxing. So fitting for Hawaii :)

Over the past decade this airport has completely transformed from an island oasis to a semi modern airport and terminal area. The shuttle buses are still a bit random, but I think that's based on the rental car companies and their drivers. Overall, I've spent the better part of 6 hours strained here due to a part broken on my particular Alaska flight and the employees of the airport were helpful to make sure my parents and son didn't overheat as we waited outside in their terminals. Now there's an indoor terminal waiting area for certain flights, and 2 restaurants along with 2 small stores and some updated bathrooms with AC blasting in the restrooms as one walks in. I also love the murals around and the great relaxing Hawaiian music playing in the background, granted the majority of the terminals are outside. I love the Big Island and I swear everyone should come and unplug here and get to know the Hawaiian culture! Hilo has the BEST farmers market and quaint shops!

Coming from the frigid East Coast, this was a great welcome to the Big Island. Really set the tone for my vacation ahead. Rather than walking through a tunnel, then navigating our way through a lengthy terminal, we strolled off the plane straight onto the tarmac. We used the restrooms, which were spacious and clean, before quickly finding the rental shuttle. Staff here were friendly, really embracing the aloha spirit. One person in particular, TSA supervisor Baker, was exceptional - she helped my friend who had lost her wallet/ID. We arrived to the airport early for our return flight - it was nice to soak up the sunset and spend our final hours taking in the island breeze - unique for an airport. No need for a longue since the outdoor atmosphere of this airport is relaxing on its own. Perhaps it's because I've never been to an airport like this before but I'd recommend it!

Easy to get thru in 30 minutes TSA and other bag check in process. Past TSa there is a restaurant and gift shop. Open air was pleasant on a great weather day.. limited power plugs for phones wood benches seating

First, luggage is very very unorganized. Waited for an hour. This seems to be the case almost every time we come. Second, they want you to fill out paperwork online to verify where you're staying and if you are bringing in plants from other areas. I good with that, but NO ONE checks it. Waste of time Third, not sure where the sherif overseeing the pickup area has put his aloha, but it's not on him. Not a great way to greet people coming in to enjoy and spend money on the island. He needs a new job. Would not recommend this airport. One crappy restaurant there too. The rest of island is beautiful. We come four times a year and it's always the same yuck

Ellison Onizuka International Airport in Kona has this very Hawaiian style open air type of ambiance. Compared to the other outer island airports, they don't operate using jet bridges connected to the main terminal leaving you vulnerable to the elements. Actually, 3 small terminals are built into one building with Check-in Lobby's, Baggage Claim, US Customs, along with complimentary shuttle service to the Rental Car Center. Majority of the building is open-air, with only one enclosed area operating with air conditioning. Statistically the most passenger traffic goes in and out of Honolulu, Los Angeles and Seattle. Airlines that operate to and from Kona are Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Mokulele, Southwest and United. International carriers also flying to Kona are Air Canada, Japan Airlines and West Jet.

Easy Peasy Airport! This airport is so easy to get in and out of and does not require a lot of planning. It is an open-air airport, there are no jetways, so I think it's kind of cool that they only way to get o/off the plane is to use the ramps. My rental car drop off and ride to the airport was seamless, no traffic, I actually had an hour to spare upon flying home because the check in was so easy with no stress. In regard to food options, it is very limited, my recommendation is to stop by the gas station (yup I said gas station nearby to get yourself some masubi or poke) before heading over, because the food options are limited and overpriced as expected for an airport. Their is only one restaurant so irrespective of your whichever airline your flying, the airport is so small, you will have the time to walk around. The restaurant does have plate options that are about $15, the portions are small, mostly rice. Happy traveling!

I love the Kona airport... I'd give it five stars but there's only one building with AC and you will literally scramble for space inside if it's hot and super humid out. Easy to navigate and thorough check in and out.

When it comes to airports, generally you have few choices since arrival and destination places determine your selection, but they still can be good or bad. We liked this little airport. This airport is primarily an outdoor airport: boarding is mostly outside (see my boarding ramp pic), as are the waiting areas. The weather this day was very accommodating. Set your expectations for a simple airport, it's really a place to pass through. There are vending machines (see pic) and a few stores and a restaurant. Check out my bathroom direction sign, interesting..... As a tip, walk around, this airport is small. Eventually you'll find an air conditioned place to sit as you wait.

This airport is small. I'm talking outdoors, open air small for the most part. There aren't a lot of places to get food if you have a layover but it worked well for me.

Very very small. No jetway. You exit and enter your plane from a stairway or ramp. You obviously are in the open with wind and rain.

It's an island so everyone is in a relaxed mood. Airport is easy to maneuver. Car rental is conveniently located going to the airport just a 3 min shuttle ride. Five stars to TSA for short lines and smooth screening process.

Great experience for me and my solo trip so not sure why people are giving it 3 stars or less. I mean I'll be back to tree try it again lol

Small airport that is mostly outdoors. Very limited shopping/food opportunities. I spotted one gift shop and one restaurant. All of the gates have outdoor waiting areas only. The weather was nice while i was there but I can imagine it getting pretty hot/humid.

Small airport. Two dining/drinking options. AC barely keeps the inside cool, in both places. Customer service was pretty unfriendly in Umeke's. No greetings. No smiles. Maybe because they're hot? HOT HOT HOT as heck as the gates are outdoors with no A/C. Be prepared.

Easy to get around. Small airport, outdoor. Vending machines. Power strip to charge your electronics. No complaints here

Open air waiting area is terribly hot! For people like me who hates hot temperature, this is one lousy place to wait for boarding!

I flew in and out of the Kona airport in 2013 when visiting my parents. Gates were easy to find and well marked and security was quick. For my approximately three years living in Honolulu (August 2012 to June 2015), I went back to visit my parents in Washington State approximately 7 days or less each year. Instead, we decided to check out some of the islands together as a way of seeing each other closer to where I was living. The Kona Airport was on the smaller side with outdoor walkways/waiting areas. It was a perfect fit for feeling like a family visit, with my parents picking me up and dropping me off in a less brusque manner than in Washington State. Walking our way in/out of the airport, one of my parents noticed my tattoo (a silhouette of a tree frog behind my left ear) - which I had not told them about. I at least partially attribute the calming vibes of the airport to being the reason they were not upset with me about it.

Small, chill, humble-looking airport my family and I have used plenty of times to visit the big island. Nothing special about it, but it's functional, everyone has generally been mild-mannered and helpful. Best of all, I never experience the anxiety or outright dread I feel at bigger, far more crowded airports.

Old school, small, mainly outdoors airport in Kona. You walk up ramps to get on the plane, and you are outside in the elements, but Kona is on the dry side of the island, so you are far less likely to get hit with rain than if you fly into, say Hilo or Maui. It reminds me of how Burbank airport used to be in the LA area, or how some mid-sized Caribbean airports still are to this day. It's fine. And best of all, it is in Hawaii.

Lady at check in was rude. Never smiled. We asked questions and she got frustrated with us. We said we will go back in line and hopefully get someone else. She said as we walked away, hope you don't miss your flight.

Wow this is my second time to big island and it still amazed me about the airport. We got the option of departing the plane at either the beginning or the back. We were told if we want to depart in the back of the plane that it will be plenty of step. One of a few time that we get to depart at the back so we decided to depart at the back of the plane. What a great view from the airport. Most parts of this airport is outdoor. Such a neat experience.

Public service announcement to anyone visiting the big island. For certain reasons, I do not recommend visiting this island, but if you do - please be very aware of the following: 1. If you rent a car from a national chain you are *marked* as a tourist for speeding/traffic tickets. Maybe try Turo next time. The locals drive cars that look much different. I do not recommend driving significantly above the speed limit. Law enforcement are good people here, but they may be guided to raise money from tourists. 2. This island has the least hospitable culture among the major Hawaiian islands, speaking from experience having traveled twice to Oahu and twice to Kauai. One favorable exception on the big island is woman-owned businesses, who represent the island very well. 3. The local economy is not doing well after COVID and still hasn't fully recovered. Inflation has had a particularly tough effect here and everyone is under pressure from it. The community is unsure how to view tourists, who may help economically but are increasingly viewed as contributing to rising housing costs and pressure on the ecosystem. 4. The local airport is in the worst condition I've seen for a modern airport with lack of shelter and vulnerability on the runway to periodic cracks that cause delays. Pray that it doesn't rain when you're using the airport. One could have a positive interpretation of the airport as cozy and a throwback, but that's difficult when the culture is less hospitable compared to other places. 5. The main east-west highway (Route 200 otherwise known as Saddle Road or Inouye Highway) is dangerous because of goats walking across the freeway. Heading west from Hilo or the Mauna Kea Observatory to Kona, we had to brake in front of goats 3 out of 4 times (75% probability). Pray that it isn't dark and foggy so you have enough reaction time. That said, it's often foggy and drizzly at higher elevations. On our way back from observatory everyone in car yelled when we almost hit a pack of goats in the late evening. I will say that besides the goats, Route 200 is a great freeway that's relatively new and spacious. 6. Beaches here can be rougher as the island is geologically younger than the other islands.....so be aware that black lava rocks can be slippery and sharp. I hope the local economy gets better so they stop targeting out-of-towners as much. For now, I do not plan on visiting the big island again.

Smaller sized airport without all the hoopla that one encounters in a bigger sized airport trying to get from airport security to the terminal. This is what you would expect landing in Hawaii. An open airport with aircraft stairs that get you on and off the airplane. The newest change to the airport is they've moved the crowded stuffy bathroom. It's now in a part of the airport that is indoors and air-conditioned. This is brand new and was not there last year. Baggage claim is close to the exit, so there's no need to travel very far to grab your bags. My only complaint is there is only one way in and out of the airport. I can remember last year coming in October around the time Ironman was in town. Took us over an hour to leave the airport because of the single exit this airport has.

What's not to like about the Hawaii airport. Open air. So-so comfy seats. Nothing fancy. Just a place yo get in and off a plane in a wonderful vacation spot

A small well organized airport in Kona. Hawaiian Airlines has a big counter. The rental car vans take you rental office -offsite. You'll see them on the middle platform, seems that most everyone rents a car. Note: Kona taxi, loading zone is off to the side in a small lot- they can't stop curbside.

Yikes, big time downgrade from me. This airport is eager to close up as soon as possible. I got here with my bags 40 minutes before my flight and...it was a ghost town. There was no one to help me, everything was closed. So I sat and watched my plane leave. Then I tried for 2 hrs to get a Lyft, an Uber, or a Taxi. I even walked to the rental car companies, all closed. So I started walking 8 miles to the only hotel I could get at the last minute after missing my flight. Luckily an employee of Budget took pity on me and picked me up. When I came back to the airport the next day I realized there are almost no amenities if you're here past 9pm. Everything is closed. No food, no drink. It's worth suffering this airport to hang out on the Big Island but...but very careful if you're flying out late. I recommend getting here extra early to guarantee everything doesn't shut down. Unfortunately, you'll have nothing to do. It is outside though.

Sweet little airport. Kindest staff who are more than willing to chat and joke. Since the weather is usually a beaut, plenty of outdoor spots. Great outlets for charging but only inside post security. One restaurant and a random tourist shop or two for pricey last minute needs. Nice easy pick up and drop off. Chillest place to fly in and out of.

No Aloha here. A dirty crappy little airport you want to minimize your time at. The guy they pay to guard the crosswalk knows his job. Everybody else is on "Island time". Be prepared to be underwhelmed. Spend some of that tax $ you shook me down for all week and do better.

Literally the most bizarre airport experience-- but not in a bad way! It's largely outdoors and much more relaxed seeming than any airport I'd ever been to before. I felt like I was landing and taking off from a Barbie airport. I just loved it. It's smaller, but there's stores and vending machines. It was easy to find out what to do and where to get your bags at the airport. I'd recommend it.

Several wooden benches to sit on as you await for your plane to arrive. The cashier R.J. at the gift shop closest to Gate 7 was warm & I liked how he had great customer service with a friendly but genuine smile! If you're trying to save money, there are vending machines for snacks & drinks.