Southwest® flights from Houston (Hobby) to Kona (Island of Hawaii) from $196

Island Hopping from Kona (KOA)

Landing in Kona doesn't mean you have to stay in Kona. The Big Island makes a great home base for exploring the rest of the Hawaiian Islands. Maui, Oahu, and Kauai are all within easy reach, and our interisland flights make it simple to add a second (or third) island to your itinerary. Get a broader taste of what Hawaii has to offer, from Oahu’s vibrant energy to Kauai’s natural serenity.

Getting From KOA to Kona and Nearby Areas

Once your flight from Houston to Hawaii lands, downtown Kailua-Kona is about 8 miles from the airport—typically a 15–20-minute drive. However, getting around the Big Island requires a little more planning than some other destinations. With long distances between beaches, parks, and towns, having your own transportation makes a big difference:

• Rental cars: The easiest and most reliable way to explore. Many of the island’s top experiences, like coffee farms and scenic areas, require driving, and options like rideshares can be limited outside of town. It’s a good idea to reserve a car in advance so you can arrive, pick up your keys, and get on the road.
• Rideshares and taxis: Available at the airport and fine for short trips into Kona, but less practical for exploring farther afield, and not always available at all hours or all locations.
• Hotel shuttles: Some resorts, especially along the Kohala Coast, offer airport transfer shuttles. Check with your hotel ahead of time to confirm their schedule and availability.

How to Find Cheap Flights from Houston (HOU) to Kona (KOA)

Looking for cheap flights from Houston to Kona? A little planning goes a long way. Here are a few tips to help you find the best fare:

• Use the Low Fare Calendar: For travelers with flexible dates, the Southwest Low Fare Calendar is a quick and easy way to spot lower fares on flights from Houston to Hawaii.
• Book early: Fares to Hawaii tend to climb as the departure date approaches, so booking your Houston to Kona flight well in advance is usually the smartest move.
• Go for shoulder seasons: Late spring and early fall often see lighter demand than peak vacation periods during the winter holidays and the summer.
• Set fare alerts: Sign up for Southwest email alerts so you're the first to find out when fares drop or promotions go live.

What’s the Best Time to Travel from Houston to Kona?

• Whale watching: If spotting the island’s famous humpback whales is a priority, aim for winter months (December through March) and book early—it’s a popular time to visit.
• Lighter crowds: Late spring and fall tend to be quieter seasons, offering a more relaxed pace and easier access to the top sights.
• Budget vacations: Flying midweek or outside peak demand windows often means lower fares and more choices.
• Family-friendly windows: Summer is a go-to for families, with dependable, beautiful weather and fun for all ages like snorkeling and swimming.

What to Do in Kona After You Land

• Kona coffee farms: Stop by real working coffee farms to learn how Kona’s famous coffee is cultivated and sample it right from the source.
• Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay: Explore calm, crystal-clear water filled with colorful fish and thriving coral.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Experience dramatic terrain shaped by volcanoes, from expansive lava fields to active craters.
• Manta ray night dives: Join a guided evening excursion to see manta rays glide effortlessly just beneath the surface.