Southwest® flights from Salt Lake City to Kona, Hawaii from $250

Getting From KOA to Kona and Nearby Areas

When your flight from SLC to KOA touches down, you'll want a solid plan for getting around the island—they don't call it the Big Island for nothing. Here's what to know about your transportation options:

• Rental cars: Renting a car is highly recommended on the Big Island. Public transportation is limited, and many of the best sights and beaches are spread out. Reserve your car in advance for the best selection and prices. From KOA, it's about 15 to 20 minutes to Kailua-Kona, 30 to 45 minutes to Kohala Coast resorts, and a little over 2 hours to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Rideshares and taxis: You'll find rideshares and taxi services right outside the terminal. They're great for quick trips to Kailua-Kona or nearby resorts, but if you're planning to explore farther, costs add up quickly.
• Shuttles: Some hotels and resorts offer limited shuttle service to and from KOA, so it's worth checking before your trip.

How to Find Cheap Flights from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Kona (KOA)

Scoring cheap flights from Salt Lake City to Hawaii is totally doable with a little preparation. Here's how you can save on your next trip:

• Check the Low Fare Calendar: Got some flexibility? Use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar to compare prices across a range of dates and lock in the best deal on your flight from SLC to KOA.
• Book in advance: As with most other routes, airfare from Salt Lake City to Hawaii rises in price as travel dates get closer, so book as early as you reasonably can.
• Travel midweek: Demand is often lower for Tuesday and Wednesday flights, so flying midweek can save you some cash.
• Stay looped in: Sign up for Southwest email alerts to catch any special deals and price drops as soon as they're available.

What's the Best Time to Travel from Salt Lake City to Kona?

If you're hoping to skip the cold back home, Kona is truly a great choice any time of year. Winter (December through February) offers warm temperatures while Salt Lake City is bundled up. For the best surf on the west side, or for whale-watching activities, visit between November and March.

Summer offers gentler waves and bigger crowds, with many families coming here to enjoy summer break. Meanwhile, spring and fall are quieter but still gorgeous, so these shoulder seasons can be great times to visit if you want to save money on airfare from Salt Lake City to Hawaii and enjoy more space.

What to Do in Kona After You Land

Whether you're here to explore the Big Island's stunning nature, or you just want to relax, these favorite activities can fill your day and your heart:

• Snorkeling at Kahalu'u Beach Park: Spot colorful tropical fish and sea turtles in calm waters.
• Coffee tasting: Tour a local Kona coffee farm and sample some of the world's freshest brews.
• Explore Volcanoes National Park: Rent a car and head out to this one-of-a-kind natural wonder, where you can walk on hardened lava, see steam vents, and maybe even spot a bit of volcanic activity.
• Relax at Hapuna Beach: Unwind on the radiant white sand of one of the island's most celebrated beaches.
• Stroll historic Kailua-Kona: Check out boutiques, oceanfront restaurants, and local landmarks at your own pace.