Book a private charter flight from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
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Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable experience for travelers. These amenities include a variety of dining options ranging from quick snacks to sit-down meals, shopping outlets for gifts and travel essentials, free WiFi to keep passengers connected, ATM services for convenient access to cash, and car rental facilities to explore the island with ease. Additionally, the airport provides clean restroom facilities, comfortable waiting areas, and designated smoking areas to accommodate the needs of all travelers. The open-air design of the airport allows passengers to enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian weather as they wait for their flights.
Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a destination rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are the top five things to do when visiting this vibrant area:
Visit the Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona): This bustling seaside town is not only the heart of the Kona coast but also a place where history and modernity blend seamlessly. You can stroll along Alii Drive to explore shops, restaurants, and historical sites like Hulihe‘e Palace and Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawaii.
Snorkel or Dive in Kealakekua Bay: This marine sanctuary is a snorkeling and diving paradise, known for its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, including spinner dolphins and tropical fish. The bay is also historically significant as the site where Captain James Cook first landed on the island and where he was eventually killed. You can take a guided kayak tour or a boat tour to reach the best snorkeling spots.
Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Although a bit of a drive from Kailua-Kona, visiting this park is a must-do for anyone coming to the Big Island. Witness the awe-inspiring power of active volcanoes, explore lava tubes, and hike across volcanic craters. The park offers a unique opportunity to learn about the geological processes that shaped the Hawaiian Islands.
Coffee Plantation Tour: Kona is world-famous for its coffee. Take a tour of a coffee plantation to learn about the coffee-making process, from bean to cup. Many farms offer free tours and tastings, providing insight into why Kona coffee is so prized. It's a great way to experience the local culture and landscape.
Enjoy Sunset at Mauna Kea Summit: While technically not in Kailua-Kona, the journey to the summit of Mauna Kea for sunset is an unforgettable experience. The drive from Kaila-Kona to the summit takes you through diverse ecosystems, from tropical to arctic. At the summit, you'll be above the clouds, offering a breathtaking view of the sunset. It's also one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Note that accessing the summit requires a 4WD vehicle and acclimatization to the high altitude.
Each of these activities offers a unique way to experience the beauty and culture of Kailua-Kona and the Big Island, making your visit truly memorable.
Kona International Airport (KOA), officially known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, is one of the two primary airports on the Island of Hawaii, the other being Hilo International Airport. It serves as a critical gateway for both domestic and international flights, particularly catering to tourists visiting the western side of the island, including the popular Kailua-Kona area and the resorts of the North Kona and South Kohala districts.
While not as busy as Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu, Kona International Airport handles a significant amount of traffic, making it one of the busier airports in the state of Hawaii. It accommodates interisland, domestic mainland, and international flights. The airport has seen growth in passenger numbers over the years, driven by the increasing popularity of the Big Island as a tourist destination and the expansion of direct flight options from the mainland United States and Canada.
The airport's facilities have been upgraded and expanded to handle the growing number of passengers and flights. This includes improvements to terminals, parking, and other passenger amenities. The exact passenger count and flight operations can vary from year to year, influenced by factors such as global economic conditions, changes in airline routes, and, more recently, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel.
For the most current information on passenger numbers, flight operations, or specific details on how busy Kona International Airport is at a given time, it would be best to consult recent statistics from the Hawaii Department of Transportation or the airport's official website.
