Hawaii Travel Guide

Getting to the Island of Hawaii

Travel to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) in Kona to the west, or Hilo International Airport (ITO) in Hilo to the east. Most visitors arrive in Kona. There is also the option of flying into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu first and then taking a short, 35-40 minute flight to the island of Hawaii.

Getting to the island of Hawaii is easier than ever with daily direct flights into Kona International Airport. Major air carriers from the U.S. and Canada fly directly into Kona. Most of the direct flights are from the U.S. West Coast — Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Portland, Seattle, and Anchorage — plus Denver and Phoenix, and seasonally from Vancouver. Some seasonal carriers also make the trip with charters and there is also a direct flight from Los Angeles into Hilo.

Because the island is so big, consider arriving on one side of the island and departing from the other. For example, you might fly into Kona, exploring that side of the island awhile, then driving to the Hilo side (roughly 2 hrs, 30 min) and exploring for awhile longer before flying out from the Hilo Airport, or vice-versa. (Be sure to ask car rental companies about drop off charges).

Waikoloa Beach resort

Waikoloa Beach Resort is found on the northwest side of Hawaii’s Big Island, bordered by Hawaii Route 19, the main road. The resort is in proximity to the highway and makes it a natural jumping-off point for all your Hawaiian adventures, whether you plan to stay in the area or visit the quaint towns of the northern tip of the Big Island.

From the Kona airport Turn left (north) onto Highway 19 for approximately 20 minutes. Continue until you see the Waikoloa Beach Drive turnoff to the left (west) of the highway. Along Waikoloa Beach Drive, you will pass several stop signs. Just turn right on Keana Drive and the entrance to Vista Waikoloa is on your right. Use the gate code provided before your trip to enter the complex.

Enjoy your journey, and see you soon!

~Megan & Allen