Honolulu, Oahu to Kailua-Kona Flights
The Honolulu, Oahu to Kailua-Kona route connects Daniel K Inouye International Airport (HNL) in US with Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) in US. This short-haul flight covers approximately 163 miles (262 km) with a typical flight time of 43m. This route is served by 9 airlines: Hawaiian Airlines, Aloha Cargo, Southwest and others. AirportRoutes has tracked 48 unique flight numbers on this route.
Search tickets for this route
Compare flight prices across hundreds of booking sites
Search HNL → KOA flightsOpens a live price search — just pick your dates
About This Route
Route Overview
The Honolulu (HNL) to Kailua-Kona (KOA) route links Oahu with Hawaii Island across 174 miles (280 km). This short interisland hop is a key connector for travelers combining Waikiki’s urban beaches with the Big Island’s lava landscapes and resort coastlines. Typical nonstop flight time is about 40–50 minutes, making it one of the fastest ways to shift from city energy to a more laid-back, outdoors-focused itinerary. Visitors choose this route for easy access to Kona’s coffee country, snorkeling bays, and gateway drives to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. It’s also popular for weekend getaways and multi-island honeymoons, with frequent departures that make same-day connections and flexible planning straightforward.
Travel Tips
Book early for the best interisland fares, especially around school holidays; one-way prices often range from about $60–$150 USD depending on demand and baggage. Consider midweek flights for lower pricing and lighter crowds. At HNL, allow extra time for terminal navigation and security; interisland flights can depart from busy gates, and carry-on size rules may be stricter on smaller aircraft. Expect a quick climb, smooth cruise, and descent—seatbelt time can be a larger share of the 40–50 minute flight. Pack essentials in a personal item in case of gate-checked bags. At KOA, plan for a warm, open-air terminal experience and arrange a rental car in advance—Kona’s attractions are spread out along the coast and uplands.
Destination Highlights
Kailua-Kona is the lively hub of the Big Island’s west coast, known for sunny weather, oceanfront dining, and easy access to snorkeling and coffee farms. Stroll Ali‘i Drive for shops, shaved ice, and sunset views, then visit Hulihe‘e Palace and Mokuaikaua Church for local history. For the water, Kealakekua Bay offers standout visibility and marine life, while nearby beaches and coves invite relaxed swimming. The Kona region is famous for Kona coffee; tastings and farm tours in Holualoa add a scenic upland contrast to the coast. Local cuisine highlights include poke, fresh mahi-mahi, and plate lunches, plus farmers markets featuring tropical fruit. Base yourself near Kailua Pier for walkability, or farther south for resort-style beaches.
Best Time to Fly
For the most reliable weather in Kona, late spring through early fall (roughly April–October) is typically drier and sunnier, while winter months can bring more showers and higher surf on some coasts. Peak pricing often appears in June–August and late December–early January, with better deals commonly found in September, October, and parts of February–May. Major events that can raise demand include the Ironman World Championship period in October and holiday travel weeks. Booking several weeks ahead helps secure lower fares in USD on this high-frequency US domestic route.
Airport Information
Departure Airport
Daniel K Inouye International Airport
- ICAO Code:
PHNL- IATA Code:
HNL- City:
- 🇺🇸 Honolulu, Oahu
- Country:
- US
- Elevation:
- 13 ft
Destination Airport
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole
- ICAO Code:
PHKO- IATA Code:
KOA- City:
- 🇺🇸 Kailua-Kona
- Country:
- US
- Elevation:
- 47 ft
Route Statistics
9
Operators48
Tracked Flights163
Miles43m
Flight DurationRoute Map
Operating Airlines
| Airline | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Airlines |
HAL
|
HA
|
| Aloha Cargo |
AAH
|
KH
|
| Southwest |
SWA
|
WN
|
| United Parcel Service |
UPS
|
5X
|
| Alaska Airlines |
ASA
|
AS
|
| Southern Airways Express |
FDY
|
9X
|
| United |
UAL
|
UA
|
| Kaiser Air |
KAI
|
-
|
| REACH Air Medical |
REH
|
-
|
Flight Schedule Pattern
| Day | Flights Observed | Frequency | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 91 | 13% |
|
| Tuesday | 132 | 19% |
|
| Wednesday | 129 | 19% |
|
| Thursday | 103 | 15% |
|
| Friday | 87 | 12% |
|
| Saturday | 84 | 12% |
|
| Sunday | 70 | 10% |
|
Pattern Analysis
API observations used to build this analysis
Weekend: 154 flights
All Flight Routes
9 Routes| Airline | Flight Numbers | Aircraft Type | Typical Time | Days Active | Last Seen | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alaska Airlines
ASA
/ AS
|
B712 | 16:50 4:50 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 17, 2026 | Active | |
|
Aloha Cargo
AAH
/ KH
|
|
B733 | 17:30 5:30 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
May 30, 2026 | Active |
|
Southern Airways Express
FDY
/ 9X
|
C208 | 18:00 6:00 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 19, 2026 | Active | |
|
Hawaiian Airlines
HAL
/ HA
|
|
B712 | 17:30 5:30 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jun 1, 2026 | Active |
|
Kaiser Air
KAI
|
- | B738 | - |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Aug 21, 2025 | Active |
| - | EC35 | - |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Aug 19, 2025 | Active | |
|
Southwest
SWA
/ WN
|
|
B38M | 17:15 5:15 PM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Jun 1, 2026 | Active |
|
United
UAL
/ UA
|
- | B38M | - |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Oct 31, 2025 | Active |
|
United Parcel Service
UPS
/ 5X
|
B763 | 04:15 4:15 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
May 29, 2026 | Active |
Spotted Departure Times
| Departure Time | Operator | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04:15 4:15 AM | United Parcel Service |
UPS
|
5X
|
| 16:50 4:50 PM | Alaska Airlines |
ASA
|
AS
|
| 17:15 5:15 PM | Southwest |
SWA
|
WN
|
| 17:30 5:30 PM | Aloha Cargo |
AAH
|
KH
|
| 17:30 5:30 PM | Hawaiian Airlines |
HAL
|
HA
|
| 18:00 6:00 PM | Southern Airways Express |
FDY
|
9X
|
Time Information
Times are shown in the departure airport's local timezone (PHNL - Pacific/Honolulu).
04:15 - 18:00