The Big Island has two airports that accommodate major air traffic.

Kona International Airport (KOA)

Officially named Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole, KOA is located on the leeward, or western, side of the Big Island. The airport is located about 7 miles northwest of Kailua-Kona off Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Kona International Airport accommodates domestic overseas, international, interisland, commuter/air taxi, and general aviation flights.

Hilo International Airport (ITO)

Hilo International Airport is located about 2 miles east of Hilo on the eastern, or windward, shore of the Big Island. The airport is used principally for domestic flights — interisland air carrier and general aviation operations.

Many flights into both Hilo and Kailua-Kona originate as inter-island flights from Oahu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, or from other smaller airports in the islands.