Ellison Onizuka Kona Intl
Charter from PHKO · PHKO
The airport is located in Kalaoa CDP, near the town of Kailua-Kona. 73-200 Kupipi St, Kalaoa, HI 96740
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, or KOA to the FAA and PHKO to the ICAO, is an international airport in Hawai'i County, Hawai'i. Categorized by the FAA as a small-hub primary commercial service facility, it is the busiest airport on the Island of Hawai'i. The airport serves wes…
Ellison Onizuka Kona Intl at a Glance
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Charter a Private Jet from Ellison Onizuka Kona Intl
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, or KOA to the FAA and PHKO to the ICAO, is an international airport in Hawai'i County, Hawai'i. Categorized by the FAA as a small-hub primary commercial service facility, it is the busiest airport on the Island of Hawai'i. The airport serves western Hawai'i Island, including the resorts of the North Kona and South Kohala districts. There are three terminals, with the first two having ten gates total and the third terminal used for smaller commuter flights. In the 12 months ending November 30, 2021, the airport had 87,770 aircraft operations, 51% general aviation, 30% scheduled commercial, 12% air taxi, and 7% military. In March 2022, there were 56 aircraft based at the airport, 26 single-engine, eight multi-engine, 18 helicopters, and four ultralights. The airport covers 2,700 acres, and there is one runway: 17/35, which is 11,000 by 150 feet (asphalt).
KOA originated on July 1st, 1970, with a single 6,500-foot runway, much of which was constructed on a relatively recent lava flow (flattened using three million pounds of dynamite). The airport became necessary as large Resorts began to spring up near Kona. During its first full year of operation, o…
- —In 1991, a small museum named The Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center opened, featuring a sample of lunar soil, an Apollo 13 spacesuit, and some of Onizuka's personal belongings. Unfortunately, the 2017 airport expansion project forced the museum's closure, which led to the airport being named in his honor instead.
- —There are a variety of shopping and dining options at KOA, including Cho's Lies & Flowers.
- —KOA is a hub for Mokulele Airlines.
- —In 2019, the airport serviced over 4 million passengers.
A Legacy of Private Aviation
KOA originated on July 1st, 1970, with a single 6,500-foot runway, much of which was constructed on a relatively recent lava flow (flattened using three million pounds of dynamite). The airport became necessary as large Resorts began to spring up near Kona. During its first full year of operation, over half a million passengers were serviced at the airport, which was initially known as Ke-āhole Airport. The airport's opening accelerated the shift in tourism to the western side of the island (by 2005, 86% of the resorts on the island of Hawaii were on the western side). Initial service at KOA was by Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, with United Airlines joining in 1985. in 1993, the airport was renamed Keāhole-Kona International Airport, truly intended to reflect its proximity to the nearby town of Kona. The following year, the runway was extended to 11,000 feet, allowing for the use of much larger aircraft and enabling flights to much farther destinations. By 1996, direct flights to Japan began via Japan Airlines. Finally, on January 8th, 2017, the airport was renamed in honor of local astronaut Ellison Onizuka (who had tragically died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986). In March of that year, KOA began a modernization project, combining the two separate terminals into one area, allowing for one central screening area. Furthermore, during COVID-19, a new international arrivals facility was built.
FBO Facilities at PHKO
Fixed-base operators providing private aviation services at Ellison Onizuka Kona Intl.
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Charter Pricing from Ellison Onizuka Kona Intl
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Why Fly Private from PHKO
Skip the Lines
Arrive at PHKO just 15 minutes before departure. No TSA queues, no crowded terminals — walk straight to your aircraft.
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From turboprops to ultra-long-range jets — choose from 3,500+ aircraft for your flight to or from Kona.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about flying private to Kona.
Yes, private jet flights offer flexible departure times. Operators generally provide a window of 30 minutes to two hours, but this can be extended upon request, provided it doesn't conflict with crew duty limitations or subsequent flight schedules. It's best to confirm this flexibility with your aviation advisor when booking.
Generally, each passenger on a light or midsize private jet can bring one piece of luggage, with each piece weighing up to 23 kilograms (about 50 lbs). However, larger jets, which are often used for longer journeys, typically allow passengers to bring more than one piece of luggage per person to accommodate extended stays.
Yes, all passengers on international private jet flights must go through customs. Certain countries require customs clearance at designated ports of entry. For instance, flights heading to Bora Bora must stop in Tahiti for customs. Similarly, when entering the U.S. from Mexico, passengers must clear customs at the first port of entry.
Crew members must have a minimum of 10 hours of rest within a 24-hour period. Their duty day cannot exceed 14 hours, followed by a rest period at their hotel. Typically, flight operators schedule around 12 hours of rest to accommodate travel time to and from the hotel, ensuring the crew has adequate rest.
A fuel stop usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes. To expedite the process, the flight operator or pilots often notify the fueling service in advance, so a fuel truck is ready upon the jet's arrival. For smaller aircraft, refueling might take as little as 30 minutes.
Yes, on most private jets, luggage can be accessed during the flight because the luggage and passenger areas are on the same level. This contrasts with commercial flights where luggage is stored separately in the cargo hold. On larger private jets, luggage is often stored in an area behind the lavatory, making it accessible during the flight.
Private jet passengers can enjoy a variety of catering options, including local cuisine. While standard snacks and beverages are typically available, meals that do not require cooking can be ordered in advance. Any hot food must be pre-cooked and can only be warmed on board.
Yes, pets are welcome on most private jet flights. It's important to inform the operator in advance, as there may be specific requirements or a small cleaning fee. Ensure that all necessary documentation and vaccination records for your pet are current. For domestic U.S. travel, dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and weaned.
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