Overview
Kona sits on the sun-drenched western coast of Hawaii's Big Island, where black lava fields meet turquoise water and coffee farms climb the slopes of Mount Hualalai. It's the gateway to some of the best snorkelling, diving and volcano scenery in the Pacific, and a firm favourite with UK travellers looking for a genuine once-in-a-lifetime trip rather than a typical beach break. Flights to Kona take some planning, since there's no direct service from Britain, but with the right connection the journey is well worth it.
Best time to fly to Kona
The Kona side of the Big Island is dry and sunny for most of the year, with temperatures typically in the high 20s°C. Late April to early June and September to November are the best value shoulder seasons, offering great weather with fewer crowds and lower fares. December to March is peak season, driven partly by humpback whale watching offshore, so expect higher prices and busier flights if you're travelling then. Summer school holidays are also popular with families, so booking ahead pays off. Check the When to book chart above for how fares are actually trending on your dates.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Kona, so every itinerary involves at least one connection. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly non-stop from London to Los Angeles or San Francisco, where you can pick up a connecting flight to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United or Southwest. An alternative route is via Honolulu, flying into Oahu on a US carrier before a short inter-island hop to Kona. Allow around 18–22 hours door to door once you include the layover, and try to keep connection times comfortable given the long-haul nature of the first leg.
Things to do in Kona
Once you land, the Big Island rewards travellers who venture beyond the resort strip:
- Kealakekua Bay: a marine sanctuary and top snorkelling spot, home to the Captain Cook Monument and pods of spinner dolphins.
- Kona coffee farms: tour the slopes above town to see and taste the beans grown in this small, famous coffee-growing region.
- Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: a atmospheric ancient Hawaiian place of refuge set among palms and lava rock.
- Manta ray night snorkel: swim alongside giant manta rays feeding after dark, one of Kona's signature experiences.
- Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park: around a two-hour drive away, with steaming craters and dramatic lava landscapes.
At Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA)
KOA is a distinctive open-air airport around 11km (7 miles) north of Kailua-Kona town. There's no rail link, so most visitors hire a car at the airport, which is the easiest way to explore the island's scattered attractions. Taxis, rideshare services and hotel shuttles are also available for those heading straight to accommodation.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Kona
- Book your connecting itinerary three to six months ahead, especially for winter travel when demand and prices both rise.
- Flying midweek, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, tends to be cheaper than weekend departures.
- Stay flexible on your US connection point — Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu routings can vary noticeably in price.
- Use the price charts on this page to compare airlines and travel dates side by side before booking.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa for holidays of up to 90 days but must apply for ESTA authorisation online before travelling, and hold a passport valid for the length of stay. The currency is the US dollar (USD), and cards are widely accepted, though it's worth carrying some cash for smaller vendors. No specific vaccinations are required, but as with any long-haul trip, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended given the distance and connections involved.
