Flights to Kailua-Kona, from NT$4,038

If you’re arriving by air, you won’t have to decide which airport to choose. Kailua-Kona has just one – Kona Intl. Airport (KOA).

KOA is 18 kilometers from downtown Kailua-Kona, so expect a bit of a commute into the heart of the city.

Jump off the plane at KOA and you’ll be 18 kilometers from the downtown area. Hilo Intl. Airport also welcomes many travelers to Kailua-Kona. It’s 88 kilometers from the city center.

There are a total of 8 airlines connecting Kailua-Kona to 16 airports around the world.

Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines operate the majority of flights to Kailua-Kona. One of the most popular ways to get there is with a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Honolulu.

Flying to a new place is much easier when there aren’t any stopovers to slow you down. If you’re off to Kailua-Kona, the good news is that there are 500 direct flights each week.

Travelers often jet off from Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco airports when going to Kailua-Kona.

Where you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to see. From Honolulu to Kailua-Kona, the average flight time is 52 minutes. From Kahului it’s around 49 minutes, and from Los Angeles it’s 5 hours and 46 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Kailua-Kona until the last minute. That’s one trick seasoned travelers use to get the best prices. Booking in advance means more options and cheaper flights. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has more than one airport, you may be able to score a terrific deal by flying into one that’s farther away. Last of all, another simple way to save a few dollars is be ready to book fast. If you see a fantastic deal, don’t hesitate — snap it up while the opportunity’s there.

If you’re not prepared, traveling can be challenging. But there’s no need to panic. Follow these handy tips for a worry-free start to your getaway in Kailua-Kona.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It’s simple — first, put in your passport, travel docs, wallet and vital medications. Next, you’ll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some fantastic options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a few toiletry items to ensure you touchdown looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to make yourself as comfortable as you can. Layer up with loose, breathable clothing and remember to pack a cardigan in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Always go with flat, well-fitting shoes as it’s possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the flight. Leave the stilettos and heavy hiking boots in your luggage.
• Unfortunately, one risk of flying long-haul is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To prevent this, take every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression socks and tights are another simple way to help minimize this risk.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Kailua-Kona easy and painless. Check out our handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Keep your ID and boarding pass close by. They’re the first items you’ll be asked to show at security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you’re less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.