Things to do nearEllison Onizuka Kona International Airport
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport serves the sunny Kona Coast of Hawaii, offering easy access to world-class beaches, snorkeling, and historic cultural sites.
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport occupies a stretch of ancient lava field on the dry, sun-drenched western flank of the Big Island, roughly seven miles north of downtown Kailua-Kona. The airport was renamed in 1990 to honor Ellison Onizuka, a Big Island native and NASA astronaut who perished in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. That tribute gives the gateway a sense of local pride and history that few airports carry.
The facility operates as an open-air terminal, a design that feels refreshingly unhurried compared with enclosed mainland hubs. Ceiling fans, natural light, and the scent of salt air greet you at every turn. Just a short drive south, Kailua-Kona offers the historic Hulihe'e Palace, vibrant waterfront dining, and the famous Kona coffee belt climbing into the hills above town.
Within ten minutes of the airport, the ancient fishponds and petroglyphs of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park reward a quick detour. Nearby, Honokohau Small Boat Harbor is the departure point for fishing charters and snorkeling excursions into the clear Pacific waters.
Whether your trip leads north toward Hapuna Beach or south to Kealakekua Bay, the airport is the ideal starting point for exploring the Kona Coast's remarkable mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian heritage.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport
Arrange your rental car before you arrive — the lot fills quickly on peak travel days and walk-up availability can be limited.
Visit during the shoulder seasons of April through May or September through October for thinner crowds and comfortable temperatures.
Keep a light jacket in your carry-on, as the open-air terminal can feel breezy after sunset or during winter months.
Head north along the Queen Kaahumanu Highway shortly after landing to reach Hapuna Beach, widely regarded as one of the finest stretches of sand on the island.
Stop at the Kona Farmers Market in downtown Kailua-Kona for fresh local fruit, Kona coffee, and handmade goods before or after your flight.
Top tours & experiences near Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport
1-Hour Sound Bath Meditation in Kailua-Kona
Unwind with guided meditation and resonant crystal bowls in a cloud forest temple
Sunset Manta Ray Snorkel & Dive Tour in Kona
Explore Kona after dark with a lifeguard-certified crew
Private Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Kona
A private Big Island journey shaped around your interests
Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Tour in Kailua-Kona
Private night snorkeling with provided gear and snacks
Explore a Kailua-Kona Abalone Farm Guided Tour
Tour an organic abalone farm and taste grilled and canned abalone
Intro Gyroplane Flight Lesson in Kailua-Kona
Take the controls of a gyroplane above the Kona Coast
Snorkeling & Manta Ray Search Boat Tour in Kailua-Kona
Explore nearshore marine life and lava-carved coastline aboard the Ocean Warrior
Manta Ray Night Snorkel Boat Tour in Kailua-Kona
Look for giant manta rays gliding through the ocean after dark
Private Kona Airport Transfer & Japanese-Guided Sightseeing
Make time for sightseeing around your flight
Private Fishing & Snorkel Boat Charter in Kailua-Kona
Pair ocean fishing with snorkeling on your own private boat
Oceanfront Luau Dinner & Show at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Experience a Hawaiian luau tradition more than five decades in the making
Guided Forest Bathing at Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
Reconnect with nature through guided forest bathing in a Hawaiian cloud forest
Beginner 2-Tank Scuba Boat Dive in Kona
Learn scuba basics and make two guided dives in Kona
Late Manta Ray Snorkel Cruise in Kona
Join a late-night Kona snorkel trip after most other boats have departed
Gyroplane Flight Lessons for Two in Kona
Share a hands-on introduction to flying, one lesson at a time
Kona Coast Helicopter Tour & Kona Joe Coffee Visit
Fly the Kona coast and land at Kona Joe’s Coffee for a roastery tour
Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument
Ride a fast boat for more time snorkeling
Private Manta Ray Night Snorkel Charter in Kailua-Kona
Look for feeding manta rays under neon lights on a private night outing
Manta Ray Night Snorkeling by Fast Boat in Kailua-Kona
Look for feeding manta rays beneath the lights
Navy SEAL Boat Snorkel & Offshore Wildlife Tour in Kona
Pair open-ocean wildlife searching with reef snorkeling aboard a former Navy assault boat
Kealakekua Bay Snorkel & Sea Cave Cruise from Kailua-Kona
Pair ocean snorkeling with sea caves and ancient Hawaiian history
Guided Cloud Forest Tour in Kailua-Kona
Explore the United States' only cloud forest with your private guide
Humpback Whale Watching with Hydrophones in Kailua-Kona
Listen for humpback whale songs beneath the surface