Book flights to Kona, HI

Kailua-Kona is the principal gateway to the sun-drenched western coast of the Island of Hawaii. This coastal community is a central hub for those beginning a journey through volcanic landscapes and coffee-growing regions. The town is situated on the leeward side of the island, protected from heavy winds by the massive slopes of Hualalai.

The historical centre of the town has several significant landmarks, including Hulihee Palace, which once was a vacation home for royalty. Nearby, the stone structures of Mokuaikaua Church provide insight into early nineteenth-century architecture and missionary history. Coastal explorations often lead to Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark, the site where King Kamehameha I spent his final years, and the restored Ahuena Heiau temple.

Visitors find a destination defined by its proximity to marine life and its deep ties to agricultural traditions. The area has a distinctive atmosphere shaped by the production of Kona coffee in the upland forests and the clear waters of Kealakekua Bay. This coastal stretch is a primary location for cultural discovery and outdoor activity on the island.

Kailua-Kona in the high season

Kailua-Kona enters its busiest period from December through March, as travelers arrive at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport to escape colder northern climates. The weather remains consistently warm with daytime highs near 28°C, creating an inviting atmosphere for coastal exploration. This season is famous for the arrival of North Pacific humpback whales, which are often visible from the shore or during boat excursions along the Kona Coast.

The social rhythm during these months is energetic and bustling. The historic Alii Drive has a lively character as outdoor markets and waterfront cafes fill with people enjoying the sunny, dry conditions of the leeward side. Major athletic events and cultural festivals often align with this period, drawing global crowds. Visitors landing during these months find a sun-drenched landscape where the contrast between the dark volcanic rock and the turquoise Pacific Ocean is at its most striking.

Kailua-Kona in the low season

Kailua-Kona experiences a more relaxed pace during the low season, which typically spans from April to June and again from September to November. While temperatures climb slightly toward 31°C, the humidity is more noticeable, and brief afternoon rain showers help maintain the lush greenery of the nearby coffee country. This period offers a more tranquil atmosphere, allowing for a quieter connection with the natural environment and local heritage sites like Hulihee Palace.

Life in the city slows down, reflecting a peaceful lifestyle that appeals to those seeking solitude. The ocean remains calm and warm, providing excellent conditions for snorkelling at Kahaluu Beach Park without the high-season crowds. Upon arrival, the air feels soft and tropical, and the shorter queues at local landmarks provide a more intimate experience of the island. This season highlights the authentic, laid-back identity of the region, where the focus shifts to the simple beauty of a Kona sunset.

The entry point for visitors to the western side of the Big Island is located in a stark, dramatic landscape of black lava fields just a short drive from the coast. Travellers booking a flight to Kailua/Kona, HI typically land at the region's primary international gateway, which facilitates easy access to the sunny resorts and historic sites of the Kona and Kohala coasts.

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA)

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) is the primary air hub for the western portion of the island, located approximately 15 km north of Kailua-Kona. The facility is distinctive for its open-air terminal design, reflecting the tropical climate of the Keahole area. It handles a high volume of flights to Kailua/Kona, HI, including direct transpacific routes from the United States mainland and Canada, alongside frequent inter-island hops operated by Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

Upon arrival, most visitors opt for a rental car to navigate the island, as the desks are located just across the street from the baggage claim area. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available outside the terminals, providing a 15 to 20-minute journey to the Kailua Village district. For those staying further north, the drive to the luxury resorts of the Kohala Coast takes roughly 30 minutes. While the Hele-On Bus provides public transit across the island, services are infrequent, making pre-arranged shuttles a more practical choice for reaching specific accommodations in Keauhou or Waimea.

Kailua-Kona welcomes travellers with the scent of saltwater and plumeria as soon as they step onto the tarmac of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. This sun-drenched stretch of the Big Island coast transitions from stark, black lava fields into a bustling seaside village that invites immediate exploration.

Kailua Village (Historic Kailua Village)
This seaside hub allows visitors to walk through history, where ancient Hawaiian royalty once resided and 19th-century stone churches line the shore. The area has a lively energy, with local artisans and shops overlooking the turquoise waters of Kailua Bay.

Hulihee Palace
Once a summer vacation home for Hawaiian monarchs, this elegant structure displays intricate Victorian-era furniture and royal artefacts made from native koa wood. It provides a quiet, dignified look into the kingdom’s history and the lives of its high chiefs.

Mokuaikaua Church
The oldest Christian church in Hawaii features a striking facade built from crushed coral and lava rock. Its towering steeple is a prominent landmark in the village skyline and houses a detailed model of the ship that brought the first missionaries to the islands.

Kona Coffee Living History Farm
Located on the lush slopes of Mount Hualalai, this site preserves the heritage of the Japanese immigrants who shaped the local coffee industry. Visitors can wander through coffee trees and macadamia nut groves while learning about the traditional techniques that produce world-renowned beans.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
This rugged coastal park reveals how early residents thrived by engineering massive fishponds and intricate stone walls directly into the lava landscape. It is a tranquil place to spot green sea turtles basking on the white sand or to explore ancient petroglyphs carved into the earth.

Keauhou Bay
Famous for its clear waters and resident manta rays, this bay becomes a magical setting for evening adventures. The sight of these gentle giants gliding through the water under moonlight is one of the most distinctive experiences on the Kona Coast.

Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark
This quiet beach was the final residence of King Kamehameha I and is a sacred cultural site. The restored Ahuena Heiau temple sits peacefully on the water’s edge, marking a location of immense spiritual and political importance in Hawaiian history.

Few feelings compare to boarding a plane knowing the beautiful coastlines of Kailua-Kona await you at the end of the runway. To secure the best flight deals for your journey, consider booking during quieter mid-week periods or exploring the additional savings and perks available through eDreams Prime. With a few quick clicks, you can finalize your travel plans and focus on the excitement of your upcoming arrival in Hawaii.