Kona International Airport — Local services in Hawaii

Kona International was better at accommodating and checking the covid status of passengers entering Hawaii than leaving it.

Deplaning was outdoors and required going down a steep aluminum plank onto the tarmac. Then you need your cell phone to scan a bar code to load a page on a program called Perseus. Enter your contact information and get a barcode to show the attendant. If you take a long time to enter all of the information for your whole party, stand aside. Get a piece of paper and show it to the person who will test your nostril for Covid-19.

I was told they'd only contact you (within 2 hours) if you are positive. In fact, I got a text a couple of hours later informing us were tested negative. Then we walked out to the rental car shuttle vans across the street.

On our way home, you have to go through an agricultural scan first of the bags you intend to check in. Then stand in line to check in the bags or get your boarding pass if you don't have one.

Otherwise, go through TSA and show them your ID, and place your boarding pass on the barcode reader, when the chimes okay and they are holding your ID, lower your face mask when asked so they can visually check your face with the photo ID. Then put your stuff on the belt and walk through the metal detector.

Once you are through, refill your water bottle or use the restroom. You have another long line after this and there is no water or restrooms beyond this point. At least that was the case for us at a Southwest. I also did not see any stores but there might have been. The long line made me nervous about timing so I went straight to the line.

Stand in line to have your carry on bags checked for fruits and plants. No apples, bananas or plants but other food is okay. This line was a 15 to 20min wait in partial sun. People generally neglected to stand 6 feet apart.

Once through, our gate was on the outside and we had to find seats, some of which were in the sun.

Boarding was 5 to 10min later than stated on the ticket. The boarding area isn't marked extensively so listen to the announcement to know where you need to stand. From there, walk through the gate, onto the tarmac, up the aluminum platform and...

Where to start? The airport is mostly open air, so it's hot. There's shade when you get to the gates, but the 100-yard walk from security to any gates is uncovered, so if it's raining you'll get drenched. To be fair, the place was under construction the times we visited, and covered walkways are planned. The open air gate areas are also just about 150 yards from the huge jet engines that are starting up all the time; ground crew out there get ear protection, but passengers don't. At least it periodically drowns out the incessant ukulele music. We had to wait four hours for a flight, and I am sympathetic toward anyone wanting to attack the sound system with a pick axe. No electrical plug ins for passengers. The information booths are enclosed (need to keep the employees comfortable), but there's no awning for customers to stand under, so in the rain they will be showered by runoff from the roof that keeps the employees dry. We arrived very early in the morning after the night crew would have had time to clean. I won't describe here the stain I saw under the toilet seat. We spent all our time at the Hawaiian Air gates, so maybe there are more shopping and dining opportunities elsewhere in the airport, but according to the airport website, we ate at the only place there is (fortunately pretty good). There's a gift shop (didn't go in so can't provide info). If you get a candy bar from the vending machine, you'll need to use a straw, because it's an outdoor machine in Hawaii! Construction meant there were limited bathrooms available. Honestly this should be a one star review, but I'm hopeful the new construction will address the convenience issues. Cleanliness is on management and staff, though. Probably most people don't spend much time at Kona Airport, so maybe these things aren't issues. But bring...

Kona International Airport, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a charming and unique gateway to the islands. Its small size and open-air layout make it a refreshing departure from the bustling, enclosed terminals of larger airports. However, its compact nature comes with a few trade-offs that travelers should be aware of.

One of the standout features of KOA is its cleanliness. The restrooms are well-maintained and spotless, which is always a welcome sight, especially after a long flight. The open-air design allows for a breezy, relaxed atmosphere, and the views of the surrounding landscape are a delightful introduction to the island’s natural beauty.

That said, don’t expect a wide array of amenities here. The shopping and dining options are limited, with just a few small vendors offering snacks, souvenirs, and basic necessities. This is to be expected given the airport’s size, but it’s worth planning ahead if you’re looking for a full meal or extensive retail therapy.

One tip for travelers: arrive early if you want a seat at your gate. The seating areas are relatively small, and during peak times, it can be a challenge to find a spot to sit. The open-air layout means there’s no air conditioning, so dress comfortably for the warm Hawaiian climate.

Overall, Kona International Airport offers a laid-back, no-frills experience that aligns perfectly with the island’s relaxed vibe. While it may lack the amenities of larger airports, its cleanliness, unique design, and scenic surroundings make it a pleasant place to start or end your Hawaiian adventure. Just remember to pack your patience—and maybe a snack—and you’ll...