Getting from Kona International Airport (KOA) to Your Big Island Resort
Waikoloa and the Kohala Coast resorts sit closer to Kona International Airport (KOA) than Kailua-Kona town does in travel time, since the airport lies along the coast to the north of Kona. A rental car is generally the most practical option for most travelers, given how spread out the Big Island's resort areas and attractions are, though shuttle and rideshare service are also available.
Renting a car at KOA
Major rental car agencies operate directly out of Kona International Airport, and given the Big Island's size and spread-out resort areas, a rental car is generally the most practical way to get around during your entire stay, not just to reach your resort. KBM Resorts offers a complimentary rental car program for guests staying a qualifying number of nights on select Hawaii stays, so it's worth checking with KBM on your specific reservation before booking a separate rental.
Shuttle and rideshare options
Rideshare services and several private shuttle companies operate from Kona International Airport to the Kohala Coast resort communities and to Kailua-Kona town, making it possible to reach your resort without a rental car. For travelers who don't plan to explore much beyond their resort area, a shuttle or rideshare can be a reasonable way to skip the rental car altogether.
Relative distance by destination
The Kohala Coast resort communities around Waikoloa and Mauna Lani sit closer to Kona International Airport than the Hilo side of the island, and generally require a shorter drive from the airport than a trip further south toward Kailua-Kona town or south toward Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kailua-Kona itself sits a modest drive south of the airport along the coast.
Timing your arrival
However you plan to travel from the airport, it's worth building in a little buffer for your first grocery stop, since most Big Island vacation rental kitchens see plenty of use from guests stocking up for the week. Confirming your rental car reservation and any shuttle pickup details ahead of time helps avoid delays after a long flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a rental car for a Big Island vacation?
Most travelers find a rental car essential given how spread out the Big Island's resort areas, beaches, and attractions are across the island. KBM Resorts offers a complimentary rental car program for qualifying Hawaii stays, so it's worth confirming your reservation's eligibility before arranging a separate rental.
Is Waikoloa close to Kona International Airport?
Waikoloa and the Kohala Coast resort area sit closer to Kona International Airport than the Hilo side of the island, making them a relatively convenient resort corridor to reach directly from the airport.
Is there a shuttle from Kona International Airport to the Kohala Coast?
Yes, several private shuttle companies and standard rideshare services operate from Kona International Airport to the Kohala Coast resort communities and to Kailua-Kona town, as an alternative to renting a car.
Explore Big Island
- Islands at Mauna Lani (IML-E4)
- Waikoloa Colony Villas (WCV-306)
- Big Island vacation rentals
- Guest FAQ: rental car program
Have a question we haven't answered here? Visit our Hawaii & Park City vacation rental FAQ.