Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole
This is the official website for the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) Master Plan Update (State Project No. AH2011-07). This effort is being led by the State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation with the purpose of developing a comprehensive, forward-looking plan that ensures investment into this critical community asset follows a collective vision that benefits the island’s residents and its economy over the next 20 years.
Shaping the Future of KOA
Goals of this Master Plan include:
- Developing strategies to enhance airfield safety and improve landside connectivity.
- Expanding and modernizing terminal facilities to accommodate projected air service demand while preserving the airport’s unique feel and sense of place.
- Maximizing land use potential through strategic non-aeronautical developments that drive sustainable revenue growth for Hawaii Island and the state.
- Enhancing airport infrastructure to improve readiness and response capabilities for weather disruptions.
- Developing a phased and feasible approach for master plan projects that allows flexibility for adjustments based on future usage projections.
- Engaging with residents in neighboring communities to ensure that the master plan supplements the Kona Community Development Plan.
Within the framework of this Master Plan are eight (8) key objectives which include:
- Identifying measures to enhance safety for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing activities at the airport.
- Enhancing the passenger experience by evaluating travel paths, improving wayfinding, and modernizing the terminal with enhanced amenities while preserving the airport’s unique feel and sense of place.
- Integrating a second “right-sized” runway into the airport’s airside infrastructure to boost resiliency, operational capacity, and efficiency.
- Enhancing landside connectivity by providing additional airport access, reducing congestion, and improving traffic flow.
- Ensuring a reliable supply of power and jet fuel to support future airport operations.
- Pursuing the development of airport lands and facilities in accordance with grant assurances, leveraging non-aeronautical developments (e.g., hotels and commercial buildings) to generate additional revenue.
- Creating a phased implementation plan that prioritizes key projects while balancing long-term goals, near-term plans (i.e., Terminal Improvements), cost-effectiveness, and funding availability.
- Ensuring the master plan supplements the regional development goals illustrated in the Kona Community Development Plan, reflecting community values and priorities through effective stakeholder engagement.
KOA Master Plan Timeline
The process to develop a master plan commenced in January 2025 and is slated for completion in Summer 2026.
1) Airport-GIS Survey
2) Inventory of Existing Conditions
3) Aviation Activity Forecast
4) Facility Requirements
5) Alternatives Development and Evaluation
6) Facilities Implementation Plan
7) Airport Layout Plan
8) Final Report
History of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole
Opened in 1970 and renamed in honor of astronaut Ellison Onizuka, Kona International Airport at Keahole has evolved into a major international gateway for Hawaii Island through decades of expansion, modernization, and cultural significance.
Meeting With the Community
As part of the ongoing efforts to modernize and improve Kona International Airport, the state will host a series of public open houses to share updates, gather community input, and answer questions about the proposed renovations. These events provide an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to engage directly with project planners and help shape the airport’s future.
Department of Transportation - Airports
Providing essential information and resources for travelers and businesses utilizing Hawaii’s state-managed airports, ensuring safe, efficient, and accessible air transportation across the Hawaiian Islands.
