Southwest® flights from Los Angeles to Kona (Island of Hawaii) from $172

Island hopping from Kona (KOA)

For many visitors, a flight from LAX to Kailua-Kona is just the beginning of a multi-island Hawaii adventure. Flying is the fastest and most common way to travel between the islands, making the Big Island a convenient home base for exploring Oahu, Kauai, and Maui. Each island offers its own distinctive landscapes, attractions, and experiences, so consider adding another stop to your itinerary. Browse our Hawaii inter-island flights or explore all of our flights to Hawaii to start planning your trip.

Getting from KOA to Kona and nearby areas

The journey from KOA to downtown Kailua-Kona takes around 15 minutes by car, but it’s worth noting that transportation on the Big Island requires a little more planning. Public transportation is limited, and most visitors find a rental car to be the most convenient way to explore the island.

• Rental cars: The easiest and most common way to get around Hawaii is with a rental car, especially if you want to explore farther-out attractions like the volcanic areas. Reserve your vehicle in advance, then pick it up when you arrive.
• Rideshares and taxis: It’s simple to get a ride via a taxi or rideshare from KOA, but note that they may not be available everywhere on the island and may have limited hours.
• Shuttle services: See if your resort offers an airport shuttle pickup for guests, and contact them ahead of time to confirm that a shuttle will be available when you need one.

Traveling with Surfboards and Sports Equipment to Kona

LAX to Kona is also a prime route for surfers looking to catch some of Hawaii’s legendary waves, and we happily welcome our guests to fly with their surfboards as checked baggage. Read our surfboards and sports equipment policies before you fly so you know exactly how to pack your board, and leave extra time at check-in to make sure everything goes smoothly.

How to find cheap flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Kona (KOA)

Looking for cheap flights from Los Angeles to Kona to start your island escape? Use these tips to help you spot the best fares:

• Use the Low Fare Calendar: The Southwest Low Fare Calendar is a go-to tool for affordable flights that allows you to compare travel dates and find the cheapest days to fly.
• Book early: When you wait longer to book, you’ll often pay more, especially on popular leisure routes like LAX to KOA, so jump on your booking as early as possible.
• Fly off-season: Cost-conscious travelers often choose spring and fall to visit Hawaii, when crowds are smaller and demand is lower.
• Sign up for alerts: Get Southwest email alerts in your inbox and stay in the know about our latest promotions and flight deals.

What’s the best time to travel from Los Angeles to Kona?

• Whale watching: The Big Island is famous for its humpback whale watching experiences. Book from December through March if that’s a must-do for you, but take note that it’s a busy travel season and be ready to reserve well in advance.
• Surf season: SoCal surfers often travel to Kona for the waves. Head to the south shore in the summer for gentler surf, or the north shore in the winter for expert-level swells.
• Best value: For lower fares and better hotel availability, plan your trip outside major holidays and peak vacation periods, when demand for flights and accommodations is typically highest.
• Weekend escapes: If your home base is on the West Coast, consider taking advantage of your location to pop in for a long weekend in any season.

What to do in Kona after you land

• Fresh Kona coffee: Tour Kona’s famous coffee farms and drink the island’s five-star brews straight from the source.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Yes, they’re real volcanoes, and they’re active. Visit this one-of-a-kind national park and see one of the world’s most geologically active landscapes.
• Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay: Explore this jaw-dropping marine sanctuary with close-up views of vibrant fish and colorful corals.
• Manta ray encounters: Join a nighttime boat ride or dive experience to see these majestic fish in their natural habitat.