Terminal 1 NorthConfirm your airline
Kona International Airport Terminal 1, Kalaoa, HI 96740FAA rank #75 · Small hub
KOAKailua-Kona
Ellison Onizuka Kona International at Keāhole
Guide reviewed September 1, 2026
The short answer
KOA looks simple but runs on island logistics. Return the rental car early, complete agriculture inspection before mainland flights, and expect heat and outdoor walking.
Arrival planner
When should I be at KOA?
Enter the departure time shown on your ticket.
Recommended airport arrival—:—
Enter your departure time
We’ll work backward from the airport’s recommendation.
2 hours before departure
This is your airport arrival time—not the time to leave home. Airline check-in and bag-drop cutoffs still apply.
Security peakLate morning through afternoon transpacific departure banks and holiday periods
01
Security
What you’re walking into
KOA has TSA PreCheck, open-air terminal areas, and agriculture screening for mainland-bound baggage. Rental-car returns and agriculture inspection can add more time than the checkpoint itself.
Check live security wait times before leaving ↗TSA PreCheck● Yes
CLEAR● No
Global Entry● Yes
Mobile Passport● No
02
Official parking
What it costs
Public Parking$24/dayUncovered; first 15 minutes free
03
Ground transportation
Don’t stand at the wrong curb
Ride-app pickups use designated curb areas outside the terminal; confirm the precise pickup point in the app because the terminal is spread along the loop road.
Major rental companies operate from nearby off-terminal lots reached by company shuttles from the median pickup areas.
KOA's open-air Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 areas are connected by walkways; allow time to reach the correct airline lobby and gate.
KOA cell-phone waiting lotNear International Arrivals; one-hour limitKona International Airport Cell Phone Waiting Lot, Kalaoa, HI 96740
The free attended lot near the International Arrivals Building has a one-hour limit and operates during flight activity.
04
Airport hotels
Sleep close. Leave the car.
KOA has no hotel inside or directly connected to the open-air terminal. Conventional hotel park-and-fly packages are scarce on Hawaiʻi Island, and most Kona resorts require a taxi, rideshare, or rental car.
Inside or airport-connected
None at this airportPark-and-fly
Confirm terms before bookingCourtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
- Airport ride
- No routine airport shuttle should be assumed; arrange transportation separately
- Parking
- Standard rates do not include off-site trip parking; confirm any package in writing
Royal Kona Resort
- Airport ride
- Airport transportation is not routinely included; verify current options
- Parking
- Long-term airport parking is not included with an ordinary room rate
PACIFIC 19 Kona
- Airport ride
- Arrange taxi or rideshare unless the hotel confirms another option
- Parking
- Do not leave a vehicle during travel without written hotel approval
Hotel information reviewed September 2, 2026. Confirm current shuttle hours, parking terms, and package availability before booking.
05
Airport essentials
Everything else worth knowing
Free Wi-Fi● Yes
USO lounge● No
Pet relief● Yes
EV chargingEV-designated stalls are available in public parking; verify charger availability and any separate fee before relying on them.
SmokingSmoking is restricted to designated outdoor areas away from terminal entrances.
OvernightKOA is not a practical overnight-sleeping airport; open-air facilities and access follow flight activity.
Sources & freshness
Trust the facts. Check the source.
Guide information reviewed September 1, 2026. For today’s operations, rates, and hours, use the live links and official sources below.
KOA official airport guide↗KOA official parking↗KOA cell-phone lot↗KOA agriculture inspection↗