Written by Mercy B.

Mercy writes for Kona Coast Vacations, sharing all the amazing things you can see and do on the Kona Coast.

Kona sits on the sunny west side of Hawaiʻi Island (also known as The Big Island) and welcomes visitors from all over the world! Many international travelers first land in Honolulu and then take a short flight to Kona, but getting here is easier than ever, thanks to more airlines and simple travel routes. Kona International Airport (KOA), also called Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, is the main airport for the Big Island, and welcomes all our international visitors. Below, we’ll walk through the countries whose citizens visit Kona the most, the airlines travelers often use, and how people from around the world make their way to paradise!

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In This Piece

  • Popular Markets
  • Important Note About Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines
  • Countries That Visit Kona
  • Why Kona is a Great Destination for International Travelers
  • Book Your Kona Coast Vacation Today
  • Frequently Asked Questions About International Travel

Popular Markets

Outside of the United States, many visitors to the state of Hawaiʻi come from Japan and Canada. These are the state’s largest international markets! Other top countries include Australia, South Korea, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, and New Zealand. Together, these nations bring visitors to the state of Hawai’i, the Big Island of Hawai’i and Kona year‑round.

Important Note About Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines

Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines have merged. Sometimes they go by their respective names, and sometimes flights are listed with a note that says “Alaska Airlines: Operated by Alaska Airlines as Hawaiian Airlines”.

Japan

woman hand holds a red Japanese passport with a world map.

Japan is one of Hawaiʻi’s most important international travel markets!

Popular airlines flying between Japan and the state of Hawaiʻi include:

  • Hawaiian/Alaska Airlines
  • Japan Airlines (JAL)
  • All Nippon Airways (ANA)
  • United Airlines

While there are no current direct flights from Japan to Kona, many travelers fly into Honolulu and then take a quick 45‑minute interisland flight to Kona. Thanks to this great service, getting to the Big Island is smooth and reliable.

Canada

Canada is another top country visiting Kona, especially during the winter months.

Canadian travelers often fly with:

  • Air Canada
  • WestJet
  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

Flights from cities like Toronto and Vancouver go year‑round to Honolulu. From there, it’s an easy connection to Kona. These simple routes make Kona a favorite getaway for Canadians.

Australia

There are no nonstop flights from Australia to Kona, but travel is still easy, about 10 hours, with a short stop in Honolulu.

Australian travelers usually fly with:

  • Qantas
  • Hawaiian/Alaska Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Japan Airlines

Qantas and Hawaiian/Alaska Airlines offer nonstop flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Honolulu. From Honolulu, travelers hop on a short interisland flight to Kona.

South Korea

The silhouette of a passenger plane flying in sunset.

South Korea has strong nonstop flights to the state of Hawaiʻi, making Kona an easy next stop.

Common airlines include:

  • Korean Air
  • Asiana Airlines
  • Air Premia
  • Hawaiian/Alaska Airlines

Flights usually land in Honolulu, followed by a short flight to Kona with Hawaiian Airlines or another interisland carrier. With frequent flights from Seoul to Honolulu, the trip to the Big Island is simple and stress‑free.

China

Flights between China and Hawaiʻi can change based on demand, but Kona is still easy to reach through major airports.

Chinese travelers often use:

  • Air China
  • China Eastern
  • China Southern
  • Japan Airlines
  • Korean Air
  • Asiana Airlines
  • United Airlines

Trips go through Honolulu before continuing on to Kona. Visitors love Kona for its volcanoes, amazing scenery, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for slowing down and exploring nature.

United Kingdom

Many travelers from the UK visit the state of Hawaiʻi, and subsequently the Kona Coast, as a major trip, and it is 100% worth the journey.

Airlines often used include:

  • British Airways
  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Lufthansa
  • Hawaiian/Alaska Airlines

Flights usually travel from London to a North American city, then to Honolulu, then on to Kona. While it’s a long journey, the easy connections make it well worth it.

Germany

airport interior with flying airplane

Germany is one of Hawaiʻi’s top European markets, with many airline options available!

Popular airlines include:

  • Lufthansa
  • United Airlines
  • Condor
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • Japan Airlines

Most flights go through the U.S. West Coast, then Honolulu, before reaching Kona. German travelers often stay longer, making Kona Coast’s vacation rentals a great fit.

New Zealand

New Zealand travelers enjoy some of the easiest access to Hawaiʻ, just around 8 hours nonstop!

Common airlines include:

  • Air New Zealand
  • Hawaiian/Alaska Airlines

Nonstop flights travel between Auckland and Honolulu year‑round or seasonally. From there, Kona is just a short interisland flight away, making it perfect for travelers looking for a calm, laid‑back island escape.

Why Kona is a Great Destination

Kona is popular with visitors from around the world because it offers the perfect mix of sunshine, nature, and relaxation. Located on the west side of the Big Island, Kona enjoys warm, dry weather most of the year, which makes it great for beach days and outdoor fun. Visitors love snorkeling in clear, calm waters, walking along lava‑rock coastlines, and watching gorgeous sunsets over the ocean. Kona is also known for unique experiences you can’t find everywhere, like visiting coffee farms, exploring volcanoes, and swimming near manta rays. Many travelers enjoy how Kona feels laid‑back and less crowded than some other Hawaiian destinations, while still offering great restaurants, shopping, and cultural sites. With easy airport access and short interisland flights from Honolulu, Kona is simple to reach and easy to enjoy, no matter where in the world you’re coming from!

Book Your Kona Coast Vacation Today

Kona Coast Vacation Rental

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Frequently Asked Questions About International Travel to Kona

Are there direct international flights to Kona?

While there are some direct international flights to Kona, most travelers connect through Honolulu.

Which airlines fly between Honolulu and Kona?

Hawaiian/Alaska Airlines is the main interisland airline, as well as Southwest Airlines, with many daily flights between Honolulu and Kona.

Is Kona easy to reach from other countries?

Absolutely! With frequent international flights to Honolulu and short interisland connections, Kona is easy to reach from around the world.