Charter route · Pacific
Honolulu → Kona
PHNL → PHKO · 142 nm · 0h 42m typical block · $5,000–$7,000 light jet
142 nm
Distance
0h 42m
Block time (light jet)
$5,000–$7,000
Typical one-way estimate
0
Operators at the endpoints
The Honolulu–Kona run covers 142 nautical miles, typically flown on a light jet in about 0h 42m block time from PHNL to PHKO.
Kona peaks Year-round — strongest demand around winter and spring and summer and fall. Book 2–4 weeks ahead in season; slots and ramp space at PHKO tighten around holidays and major events.
Cost by aircraft class
| Class | Typical aircraft | Seats | Block | One-way est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12 | 6–9 | 0h 53m | $2,500–$3,500 |
| Light JetTypical | Citation CJ3, Phenom 300 | 4–7 | 0h 42m | $5,000–$7,000 |
| Midsize Jet | Citation XLS+, Learjet 60XR | 7–9 | 0h 42m | $7,000–$9,500 |
| Super-Midsize Jet | Citation Longitude, Challenger 350 | 8–12 | 0h 41m | $8,000–$11,500 |
| Heavy Jet | Gulfstream G550, Global 6000 | 12–19 | 0h 40m | $11,500–$16,000 |
Estimates only — class rate card × block time on great-circle distance +8% routing, the same math as the cost estimator. Real quotes vary with dates, positioning, and demand.
Airport options
04 / Answers
Honolulu to Kona: what fliers ask
How long is the flight from Honolulu to Kona?
The trip covers about 142 nautical miles. Plan on roughly 0h 42m block time on a light jet — a light jet runs about 0h 42m, a heavy jet about 0h 40m. Block time includes taxi and climb, not just cruise.
How much does a private jet from Honolulu to Kona cost?
One-way estimates run $5,000–$7,000 on a light jet, the class most travelers book at this distance. Across the whole rate card the spread is $2,500 (turboprop) to $16,000 (heavy jet). Real quotes move with dates, positioning, and demand.
Which airports do private jets use between Honolulu and Kona?
Departures typically use PHNL; arrivals use PHKO. When PHKO is slot-restricted or weathered in, nearby alternates include PHMU, PHTO, PHHN, PHOG.
What size aircraft is right for Honolulu to Kona?
At 142 nm, most charters book a light jet (Citation CJ3, Phenom 300, 4–7 seats). Larger cabins fly it faster with more room; smaller classes trade comfort for price.
Are there empty-leg flights from Honolulu to Kona?
Empty legs on this route are posted by operators as repositioning flights come up — they clear in hours, not days. Watch the empty-legs board or set an alert to catch the next one.