Airports / Hawaii / KOA
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole
PHKO / KOAKailua-Kona, HawaiiELEV 47 FT
Google rating
Google reviews
Field elevation
Nearest alternate
Field standing
27 nm
To the nearest alternate
Waimea Kohala Airport (MUE).
Overview
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (PHKO / KOA) is a large commercial airport serving Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Field elevation is 47 feet above sea level. Scheduled carriers operate here, and the field also sees regular private and charter activity.
While no charter operators list KOA as their home base, the field is reachable for repositioned charter aircraft from nearby bases. The closest alternate fields are Waimea Kohala Airport (MUE, 27 nm), Hilo International Airport (ITO, 57 nm), and Hana Airport (HNM, 63 nm).
Charter travelers heading this way can start with the Kona, HI destination guide for route and aircraft recommendations. Browse operators flying from the area or estimate a trip cost from KOA to plan your flight.
What fliers highlight
Easy in & out
4/5 reviews“Location: It is centrally located—closer to Waikoloa Village and Kona town, making it a convenient hub for both major resort areas.”
Daniel J5★ on Google
Terminal & facilities
2/5 reviews“Terminals: There are essentially two different wings (terminals) for the gates.”
Daniel J5★ on Google
Staff & service
2/5 reviews“This was such an easy airport to maneuver, and every staff member that I spoke to today went out of the way to be kind, to help with any questions.”
June Malocu5★ on Google
Themes counted by keyword across Google review texts for Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole — every quote is verbatim from a real review.
Field capability
ICAO
PHKO
IATA
KOA
FAA / Local
KOA
Elevation
47 ft
Coordinates
19.7388° N · 156.0456° W
Airspace
D · DeltaClass D — DeltaA control tower runs the immediate airspace. Pilots establish two-way radio contact before entering — typical for busy business-aviation fields.Source: FAA NASR class airspace
Size
Large
Scheduled svc
Yes
Elevation vs HI fields
state range 13–6,190 ft
At 47 ft, KOA sits lower than 55% of the 22 Hawaii fields on the register.
Access & alternates
Closest alternate fields by great-circle distance — every listing links to its own field brief.
- 27nmMUEWaimea Kohala AirportWaimea (Kamuela)
- 57nmITOHilo International AirportHilo
- 63nmHNMHana AirportHana
- 73nmOGGKahului International AirportKahului
- 81nmLNYLanai AirportLanai City
- 82nmJHMKapalua AirportLahaina
Destinations served
Location
Open the full mapPHKO · Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole · Kailua-Kona, HI
From the ramp
Google Places photography of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole — tap any frame to view full-screen, then cycle with the arrows or your keyboard.