How to get to Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island (also known as the Big Island or Island of Hawaii) lies to the southwest of Maui.

Hawaiʻi (anglicised as Hawaii) is the largest island in the United States, and the State of Hawaii, which comprise of a chain of volcanic islands in the North Pacific Ocean, around 3860km (2398mi) from mainland USA.

The island of Hawaiʻi is the third largest island in Polynesia, behind the two main islands of New Zealand.

The most convenient route to Hawaii Island is by air to Kona International Airport (KOA), officially known as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, located about 17km (10.5mi) from Kailua-Kona on the west coast of Hawaii Island.

Alternatively, there's the option of flying to Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu Island followed by a short, 45-minute flight to either Kona or Hilo airports on Hawaii Island.

Hilo International Airport (ITO) is located about 7km (4mi) from Hilo town centre on the east coast of Hawaii Island.


Flight times to Hawaii Island

The following are the most convenient and quickest routes to Kona International Airport (KOA), Hawaii Island.

Within Hawaii: Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines operate the most convenient daily flights to Hawaii Island.

Oahu to Hawaii Island is 45 min, direct flight.


From United States: Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines operate the most convenient daily flights to Kona, Hawaii Island.

Dallas-Fort Worth to Hawaii Island is 7 hrs 45 min, direct flight
Los Angeles to Hawaii Island is 5 hrs 31 min, direct flight
San Francisco to Hawaii Island is 5 hrs 23 min, direct flight
Seattle to Hawaii Island is 6 hrs 6 min, direct flight

Atlanta to Hawaii Island is 11 hrs 4 min, connecting flightˆ
Boston to Hawaii Island is 12 hrs 51 min, connecting flightˆ
Chicago to Hawaii Island is 11 hrs 6 min, connecting flightˆ
New York to Hawaii Island is 12 hrs 35 min, connecting flightˆ


From Canada: Air Canada, American Airlines, Westjet, Hawaiian Airlines and United Airlines offer the most convenient flights to Kona, Hawaii Island.

Vancouver to Hawaii Island is 6 hrs 20 min, direct flight

Toronto to Hawaii Island is 11 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ
Montreal to Hawaii Island is 13 hrs 29 min, connecting flightˆ


From Australia: Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines offer the most convenient flights to Kona, Hawaii Island.

Adelaide to Hawaii Island is 13 hrs 41 min, connecting flightˆ
Brisbane to Hawaii Island is 11 hrs 16 min, connecting flightˆ
Melbourne to Hawaii Island is 12 hrs 21 min, connecting flightˆ
Sydney to Hawaii Island is 11 hrs 41 min, connecting flightˆ
Perth to Hawaii Island is 16 hrs, 51 min, connecting flightˆ


From New Zealand: Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Airlines operate regular flights to Kona, Hawaii Island.

Auckland to Hawaii Island is 10 hrs 19 min, connecting flightˆ


From Singapore: Singapore Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines operate regular flights to Kona, Hawaii Island.

Singapore to Hawaii Island is 17 hrs 15 min, connecting flightˆ


From United Kingdom: United Airlines, Thomas Cook and Hawaiian Airlines offer the most convenient flights to Kona, Hawaii Island.

London to Hawaii Island is 17 hrs 44 min, connecting flightˆ
Manchester to Hawaii Island is 17 hrs 35 min, connecting flightˆ


From France: United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offer the most convenient flights to Kona, Hawaii Island.

Paris to Hawaii Island is 17 hrs 40 min, connecting flightˆ

(ˆincludes layover time.)


Flying in

Kona International Airport (KOA) is located about 17km (10.5mi) from Kailua-Kona on the west coast of Hawaii Island.

Hilo International Airport (ITO) is located about 7km (4mi) from Hilo town centre on the east coast of Hawaii Island.

Shuttle buses, taxis and hire cars are available at both airports. Hotels can arrange transport by prior arrangement.


Entry requirements

A machine-readable passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay as well as a ticket for return or onward travel. Under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), nationals of Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the United Kingdom do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.


Getting around

On land – Given the size of the island, it's best to hire a car, easily available from the airport. Traffic drives on the right. Taxis are available.

Between islands – Hawaiian Airlines provides frequent inter-island flights, usually daily. Ferries link all the main islands with frequent services between Lana’i, O'ahu, Maui, Kauai'i and the Big Island.


More about Big Island, Hawaii…



Latest update: How to get to the Big Island, Hawaii: 14 January, 2023



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