⚠️ Reference & Statistical Notice: Data presented on RunwayFacts is compiled from public domain aviation registries for technical comparison and research. Not for flight planning or real-time operational aviation use.
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Data source: OurAirports (2026-09-01 Snapshot) · Methodology & Verification →

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (United States)
IATA: KOA ICAO: PHKO
Longest Active Runway
11,000 ft
3,353 meters
Field Elevation
47 ft
14 m MSL
Runway Inventory
1 active
Lighted / Paved
Coordinates & Class
19.7388°, -156.0456°
LARGE AIRPORT
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Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing

Ranking Universes Guide →
RunwayFacts Published Dataset
#372 of 650
In curated primary commercial index
Global Commercial Universe
#595 of 7558
Top 7.9% percentile worldwide
National Standing (United States)
#40 in US
#120 of 2020 in full national registry
vs Large Airport Median
+10%
Compared to 10,000 ft baseline
💡 Statistical Statement: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole's longest active runway measures 11,000 ft (3,353 m). Within RunwayFacts' published index of 650 aerodromes, it ranks #372. Across the broader global dataset of 7558 commercial facilities, it ranks #595 worldwide (Top 7.9%) and #40 nationally in United States.
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Editorial Aerodrome Deep Dive: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA)

Curated Aerodrome Profile

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport is celebrated for its unique open-air Hawaiian architectural pavilions built directly upon raw black basalt lava fields. The 11,000 ft runway 17/35 accommodates non-stop widebody flights arriving from the US mainland and Japan. Operating at 47 ft above sea level, KOA provides optimal sea-level engine performance, framed dramatically by volcanic mountain slopes and the Pacific shoreline.

Runway Layout & Magnetic Alignments
Single paved Runway 17/35 (11,000 ft / 3,353 m).
Expansion Milestones & Predecessor Facilities
Constructed in 1970 on the barren 1801 Hu’ehu’e lava flow from Hualālai volcano, replacing the constrained Old Kona Airport. Features an open-air Polynesian thatched-roof passenger terminal.
Regional Differentiation & Cluster Role
Primary western resort gateway for the Big Island of Hawaii, complementing Hilo International (ITO, 56 NM east).
Data Nuances & Operational Quirks
Surrounded entirely by black volcanic basalt lava beds; daytime thermal heat radiation from the lava fields can create localized turbulence on short final approach.
📚 Official Aerodrome Sourcing: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) · FAA Form 5010-1 Airport Master Record & NFDC Surveyed Aeronautical Data · AirNav KOA Master Record ↗
Verification Methodology →

🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis

Comparative aviation metrics evaluated against regional and global physical operational criteria.
ICAO Code 4E / 4F Super-Heavy
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Elevation & Atmospheric Density

Lowland / Coastal Basin Aerodrome

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole operates at a surveyed field elevation of 47 ft (14 m MSL) in Kailua-Kona. Situated in low-lying coastal terrain, the aerodrome benefits from dense ambient atmospheric pressure, maximizing turbine engine thrust and wing lift efficiency across all departure vectors.

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Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)

0 Qualifying Aerodromes in Vicinity

Primary western resort gateway for the Big Island of Hawaii, complementing Hilo International (ITO, 56 NM east). The facility operates as an isolated regional aviation anchor with no other major paved commercial aerodromes within 100 NM.

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Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll

Primary Runway: 11,000 ft (3,353 m)

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole's active flight strips comprise 17/35 (11,000 ft). With a longest active threshold of 11,000 ft (3,353 m), the aerodrome satisfies unrestricted long-haul takeoff and landing distance requirements for heavy twin-aisle and four-engine widebodies (ICAO Code 4E/4F).

🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering

Runway Designator Length (ft / m) Width (ft / m) Surface Material Lighting Status
17/35 11,000 ft (3353m) 150 ft (46m) Asphalt (ASP) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active

🛡️ Data Provenance & Verification Metadata

Source Dataset: OurAirports Open Aviation Database
Snapshot Version: 2026-09-01
Dataset Integrity: Cryptographic SHA-256 Checksum Verified & Fail-Closed Schema Inspected
Source Verification: Source-reported registry data
Read Complete Methodology & Verification Protocol → GET /api/airport/koa.json ↗