Was on the Big Island when you filmed this. The closing did not affect our flight out, thankfully. Enjoy watching your videos. Mahalo for doing them. While we didn’t get to do everything we wanted as there’s just so much to do see, but the 11 of us had the best time ever!
KOA TSA agents have always been pleasant to deal with, even at the end of their day. I love it when I feel and smell the Hawaiian air when the airplane door is opened and I can really ditch Canadian winter in January. Thanks for this video.
Thanks for the great information regarding the explanation of the airport’s name Ellison Onizuka. Truly a beautiful way to honor him. Our flight does not depart until 7:30pm however, we check out the hotel at noon any recommendation regarding how to use the extra time. The Pono Pledge was a great idea. Wonderful video as well. Mahalo!
I love KOA!!! I love that it’s open air and small! And YES! Every time I step out of the plane into the Hawaiian air I think I’m home!! Best feeling ever!!! Also, we live in SW Missouri and have a way of life and caring for each other that is very similar to living Aloha. I think that’s part of why we love traveling to Hawaii so much!
Mahalo for the content. KOA is definitely not the most updated airport, yet it is easy to get in and out. I was happy to see the Ag check was integrated for checked bags on our last visit. I wish the vendors that sold the leis outside the baggage claim would reopen. 🌴
Thanks so much for this video!! We're coming in from Canada 🇨🇦 at the end of March and this really helped. We might contact you about long term rentals when we land. We're doing that planning for retirement thing 😊
Last August my wife and i, Reserved Lyfted to Hilton 65 bucks with the tip , No waiting , nice local guy leaned a lot of information . Then i reversed a car at the Hilton . Enterprise 3 months before i got there . Only needed the car for 2 days was there 10 days . Saved. 48 dollars a day for Hilton parking and the rental car . Lyft back. I like the the Kona airport last 3 time getting off the 737 they open up the back door (fast off). …………. Maui is a nightmare busy . Thanks 365
We come to the Big Island at least once a year and we ALWAYS have to wait for our rental cars. As someone already mentioned, we often have to wait until a car is returned before we can get a car. It is washed and vacuumed and then immediately turned around to a waiting customer. This is at all of the big rental car companies like Hertz, Avis, National, Dollar.
The last three times I was on the big island,renting a car took at minimum 2.5 hours. Even with reservations, there were lines out the door. Also, if you choose an economy car,you will not get it because they don't have enough of them on any of the islands. Also,cars are never ready to go. You wait for them to be returned and washed before you get one. This is the same for Kauai and Oahu. I love the islands, but after traveling 13 plus hours to get here, waiting that long in lines that are also in the direct sunlight isn't fun.
My wife and I are headed there in May for our trip of an absolute lifetime. So,are you saying this is the norm for car rental companies at Kona Airport? Just looking ahead a bit and Mahalo.
I have been to the big island many times and now live on the big island in Waikoloa. I have never had a wait for a rental car and neither have family and friends. You must have been here during iron man or Covid.
@user-hu2jn7yt6g I was there in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Same issues on Oahu and Kauai as the Big Island. I was there in September, October, and November. Hopefully you'll have no issues,but don't be surprised if you do. Other than that, enjoy every minute of your trip. I'm homesick for the islands and planning on going back in September.
I miss the Big Island. Doesn't look like its changed much except for coconut Grove there in town. Nice old Hawaiian style. I be back to my little grass shack in no time!
Thank you for all this helpful information. I can really relate to “stepping on the tarmac and feeling like you’re home.” With all the parking issues you mentioned, perhaps an airport shuttle company would be quite the lucrative business to start on the island?
Awesome update as usual. Suggestion for a future video: EV charging stations on the island (locations , costs, # of stations available , new ones coming up ? ); Mahalo!
Thank you for all the great tips. You answered most of my questions about parking and airport. I am Meeting friends and family next month in Waikoloa, staying a week only, but also planning on a day trip to Oahu, looks like I have to take my chances in the long term parking lot for the day, my question is how bad is traffic from Waikoloa to Kona airport between 7am and 9 am, I know sounds like an obvious answer cause traffic hour and all, cause on Oahu a normal 15 min drive would take me more than one hour in traffic… so just trying to figure out how early I can make flt reservations. 😊. Thank you in advance for any suggestions Aloha
Fun video (thanks). I had to Google “Cell phone parking lot” Ha ha ha We had a cute airport back in the 60’s, now it’s the size of a small country (and currently under renovation). Re: San Diego
My Husband and I came to the Big Island from Florida and stayed for two weeks. When we were leaving Kona our plane (American Airlines) broke. It was 10:30 at night. And all the Resorts and Hotels were full because of a music festival. We were sleeping on the lawn waiting for another plane that wasn't coming until 7:00am. A guard woke me up and said I had to move because the sprinkler system would be turning on shortly. So we moved to the cement. Then is started raining, then it started storming. We got up on the luggage rack to try and stay dry. At 7:00 no plane. Finally a Hawaiian airlines plane came and flew us to Honolulu. where we waited until that night to get on a plane to LA. Guess what it was broke. We finally got home the next day. We are coming to the Big Island again. Hopefully everything will be okay. We are flying Delta this time! But it still take 17 hour to get there and almost 20 hours to get home. That is why when we go to Hawaii we stay at least two weeks. Can't wait! Feb. 6th we will be there! So excited!!! From one paradise to another! Aloha!!!
Thank you for all this wonderful information. You Guys are GRAT!!! But now I'm worried about our trip. We don't get to Kona Airport until 10:30pm. How are we going to get our rental car? OMG!!!
Hi, My wife and I will be visiting the big Island in late April and early May. We have a 6 a.m. flight out to Honolulu on the day we return home. It will be a connecting flight to Vegas. We are going to return the rental the day before, and catch a taxi back to town. Can anyone suggest a reliable transport company back to the airport the next morning? Also, when does TSA open at KOA? Thanks for any help given.
I found out the real deal the next day when the Governor spoke about what actually happened and found out it was contractors from Oahu who came to do the work and the state paid. Now I know alot more about grading run ways, substructure, machinery and more!
Airport is awful - hot and dirty. With most outbound flights to continental U.S. it is a miserable experience when you are tired and ready to go home to sit on hot and dirty wooden benches uncomfortably waiting for your flight to board. Worst part of trip.
The airport is definitely an island experience. Some people like that its still the same character it has been since long ago. The key is to go in the restaurant, sit in the AC, have a cold beverage and people watch.
![Gunna - HIM ALL ALONG [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HiCxoDeo0hc/mqdefault.jpg)
Make sure to read the Pono Pledge if you are coming to the island! ponopledge.com/
Love 💕
We already have! Mahalo!
Was on the Big Island when you filmed this. The closing did not affect our flight out, thankfully. Enjoy watching your videos. Mahalo for doing them. While we didn’t get to do everything we wanted as there’s just so much to do see, but the 11 of us had the best time ever!
So glad you did not get stuck on the island with 11 people! That would have been an expensive issue for sure! Glad you had fun AND liked the video!
KOA TSA agents have always been pleasant to deal with, even at the end of their day. I love it when I feel and smell the Hawaiian air when the airplane door is opened and I can really ditch Canadian winter in January. Thanks for this video.
Thanks for the great information regarding the explanation of the airport’s name Ellison Onizuka. Truly a beautiful way to honor him. Our flight does not depart until 7:30pm however, we check out the hotel at noon any recommendation regarding how to use the extra time. The Pono Pledge was a great idea. Wonderful video as well. Mahalo!
Good tips. Thank you guys!
I love KOA!!! I love that it’s open air and small! And YES! Every time I step out of the plane into the Hawaiian air I think I’m home!! Best feeling ever!!! Also, we live in SW Missouri and have a way of life and caring for each other that is very similar to living Aloha. I think that’s part of why we love traveling to Hawaii so much!
I love the Kona airport. I will there in just over 2 weeks.
Mahalo for all the info! Fingers crossed we get in on time in May!
Mahalo for the content. KOA is definitely not the most updated airport, yet it is easy to get in and out. I was happy to see the Ag check was integrated for checked bags on our last visit. I wish the vendors that sold the leis outside the baggage claim would reopen. 🌴
Solid info guys☺️👍
Ditto! Always enjoy your videos! We were just there in November 😊
Thanks so much for this video!! We're coming in from Canada 🇨🇦 at the end of March and this really helped. We might contact you about long term rentals when we land. We're doing that planning for retirement thing 😊
We just love watching your videos. Thank you so much for taking the time out to share with us. April can't get here fast enough. 🤙
Thanks for watching!
Last August my wife and i, Reserved Lyfted to Hilton 65 bucks with the tip , No waiting , nice local guy leaned a lot of information .
Then i reversed a car at the Hilton . Enterprise 3 months before i got there .
Only needed the car for 2 days was there 10 days . Saved. 48 dollars a day for Hilton parking and the rental car . Lyft back.
I like the the Kona airport last 3 time getting off the 737 they open up the back door (fast off). …………. Maui is a nightmare busy . Thanks 365
We come to the Big Island at least once a year and we ALWAYS have to wait for our rental cars. As someone already mentioned, we often have to wait until a car is returned before we can get a car. It is washed and vacuumed and then immediately turned around to a waiting customer. This is at all of the big rental car companies like Hertz, Avis, National, Dollar.
That sure keeps us out of the big time!
I’ve not had delays or cancellations there , but there’s always a first time. I may have to call you sometime and sleep on the lanai!
LOL! It would make a beautiful camping experience!
The last three times I was on the big island,renting a car took at minimum 2.5 hours. Even with reservations, there were lines out the door. Also, if you choose an economy car,you will not get it because they don't have enough of them on any of the islands. Also,cars are never ready to go. You wait for them to be returned and washed before you get one. This is the same for Kauai and Oahu. I love the islands, but after traveling 13 plus hours to get here, waiting that long in lines that are also in the direct sunlight isn't fun.
My wife and I are headed there in May for our trip of an absolute lifetime. So,are you saying this is the norm for car rental companies at Kona Airport? Just looking ahead a bit and Mahalo.
when was the last time you were there? I was there in Oct 2021 when Covid was present, no problem getting my rental car at the airport.
I have been to the big island many times and now live on the big island in Waikoloa. I have never had a wait for a rental car and neither have family and friends. You must have been here during iron man or Covid.
It took me about 10 minutes to pick up our rental in December. Easy peasy
@user-hu2jn7yt6g I was there in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Same issues on Oahu and Kauai as the Big Island. I was there in September, October, and November. Hopefully you'll have no issues,but don't be surprised if you do. Other than that, enjoy every minute of your trip. I'm homesick for the islands and planning on going back in September.
In the summer, the TSA line can be long. it also gets very hot at the airport. Bring water.
Yep! If there is a big day that most people leave like the weekend after NYE, Memorial Day weekend and July, it is much more busy
I miss the Big Island. Doesn't look like its changed much except for coconut Grove there in town. Nice old Hawaiian style. I be back to my little grass shack in no time!
I always enjoy your videos 😊
Thank you for all this helpful information. I can really relate to “stepping on the tarmac and feeling like you’re home.”
With all the parking issues you mentioned, perhaps an airport shuttle company would be quite the lucrative business to start on the island?
Awesome update as usual. Suggestion for a future video: EV charging stations on the island (locations , costs, # of stations available , new ones coming up ? ); Mahalo!
They are supposed to be planning for more, but its not going very fast!
Car rental places stay open until the last flight of the night arrives, even if it is a delayed flight. 🤙🏼
Yep when we flew in their last year our flight was 6 hours late. Arrived at 11pm and rental cars were still open. Was great
Thank you for letting us know that!
The rental car situation was pretty bad when I was there. Took 45 minutes to pick up a reserved car.
Thank you for all the great tips. You answered most of my questions about parking and airport. I am Meeting friends and family next month in Waikoloa, staying a week only, but also planning on a day trip to Oahu, looks like I have to take my chances in the long term parking lot for the day, my question is how bad is traffic from Waikoloa to Kona airport between 7am and 9 am, I know sounds like an obvious answer cause traffic hour and all, cause on Oahu a normal 15 min drive would take me more than one hour in traffic… so just trying to figure out how early I can make flt reservations. 😊. Thank you in advance for any suggestions Aloha
Fun video (thanks). I had to Google “Cell phone parking lot” Ha ha ha We had a cute airport back in the 60’s, now it’s the size of a small country (and currently under renovation). Re: San Diego
HA! I know San Jose has one, so I just assumed all the airports had that!
@@365Hawaii I used to spend summers with family in San Jose and Los Gatos. Haven’t been in years.
aloha ! when is the Hilo International Airport going to re open ?
My Husband and I came to the Big Island from Florida and stayed for two weeks. When we were leaving Kona our plane (American Airlines) broke. It was 10:30 at night. And all the Resorts and Hotels were full because of a music festival. We were sleeping on the lawn waiting for another plane that wasn't coming until 7:00am. A guard woke me up and said I had to move because the sprinkler system would be turning on shortly. So we moved to the cement. Then is started raining, then it started storming. We got up on the luggage rack to try and stay dry. At 7:00 no plane. Finally a Hawaiian airlines plane came and flew us to Honolulu. where we waited until that night to get on a plane to LA. Guess what it was broke. We finally got home the next day. We are coming to the Big Island again. Hopefully everything will be okay. We are flying Delta this time! But it still take 17 hour to get there and almost 20 hours to get home. That is why when we go to Hawaii we stay at least two weeks. Can't wait! Feb. 6th we will be there! So excited!!! From one paradise to another! Aloha!!!
THAT IS QUITE A STORY!!! I don't know if I would fly to an island EVER if I had to really t hink about what you went through!
American Airlines never again! This time we are on Delta!@@365Hawaii
Hey guy, is there any type of public transportation city bus service that comes to the Kona airport?
Thank you for all this wonderful information. You Guys are GRAT!!! But now I'm worried about our trip. We don't get to Kona Airport until 10:30pm. How are we going to get our rental car? OMG!!!
We changed our flight. We will be getting there at 8:00pm. YEA!!!
I read in a comment above that they rental car companies will stay open until last flight. Maybe you wont have to wait in line so long!
Hi,
My wife and I will be visiting the big Island in late April and early May. We have a 6 a.m. flight out to Honolulu on the day we return home. It will be a connecting flight to Vegas. We are going to return the rental the day before, and catch a taxi back to town.
Can anyone suggest a reliable transport company back to the airport the next morning? Also, when does TSA open at KOA? Thanks for any help given.
I have a ? Can you fly from Oahu to Molokai direct?
Can I bring loose leaf tea? No seed in it.
Yes
Love the island, not the airport. 😢
They are slated to get a 21 million funding to help the run way...not the airport..ugh.
State workers, not county workers... Not how this works in this state.
I found out the real deal the next day when the Governor spoke about what actually happened and found out it was contractors from Oahu who came to do the work and the state paid. Now I know alot more about grading run ways, substructure, machinery and more!
Airport is awful - hot and dirty. With most outbound flights to continental U.S. it is a miserable experience when you are tired and ready to go home to sit on hot and dirty wooden benches uncomfortably waiting for your flight to board. Worst part of trip.
The airport is definitely an island experience. Some people like that its still the same character it has been since long ago. The key is to go in the restaurant, sit in the AC, have a cold beverage and people watch.