Travel Tips

FINAL DESTINATION: KONA (KOA) HAWAI‘I

If you are traveling from the mainland, or internationally, please note that your final destination should be the Kona International Airport (KOA), on Hawai‘i’s Big Island.

ARRIVAL INTO KONA (KOA), ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I

Kona International Airport (KOA) is located on the west side of Hawai‘i Island and is a 20-30 minute shuttle-ride/drive to the conference site. The EMAPi2015 meeting will be held at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Waikoloa on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island.

Getting to Hawai‘i’s Big Island is easier than ever with daily direct flights into Kona International Airport. Major air carriers from Canada, and the U.S. fly directly into Kona. Other direct flights are available from the US West Coast and Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Chicago. Check with your airline for the most recent connecting flights.

ARRIVAL INTO HONOLULU (HNL), ISLAND OF OAHU

Your routing may require that you fly directly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on the Island of O‘ahu as your first point of destination. Upon arrival into HNL, you will then take the WIKI WIKI (free shuttle) bus to the Inter-Island Terminal. Once you arrive in the Inter-Island Terminal, you will board a short, (35-40 minute) flight to Kona, which is located on Hawai‘i’s Big Island.

Please make certain that you book your travel all the way through to Kona (KOA) and don’t wait until you arrive in Honolulu to make your connecting flight because the seats are in demand.  Hawaiian Airlines and Go! Mokulele Airlines generally have the most seat availability, but other options are listed below for your information.

ADVISORY: LEAVE TIME FOR YOUR INTER-ISLAND TRANSFER!
It is very important to leave a minimum of two-hours between your arrival into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on the island of O‘ahu, and your departure to Kona (KOA). This is necessary because of the added security measures and transfer to the Inter-Island Terminal.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Airport Shuttle

Shuttle Transportation between Kona International Airport and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott is offered by Speedi Shuttle.  Reservations  should be booked online in advance:

Click here to reserve your airport shuttle now!

Car Rental

Rental cars are available at the Kona International Airport. We strongly suggest booking your rental car reservation prior to your arrival. All the major rental companies are found on the Big Island. Rental car companies are located just a short distance from the Inter-Island Terminals. Taxis and other ground transportation are available curbside.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

From Kona International Airport (KOA)

Origin: Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) 73-200 Kupipi St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Destination: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa 69-275 Waikoloa Beach Drive Waikoloa, HI 96738

  1. As you exit the airport, turn left onto HI-19/Queen Ka‘ahumanu Hwy.
  2. Proceed on HI-19/Queen Ka‘ahumanu Hwy for 17 miles.
  3. After 17 miles you will come to Waikoloa Beach Drive, turn left.
  4. Travel 0.8 miles on Waikoloa Beach Drive.
  5. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa will be to your left.

From Hilo International Airport (ITO)
(Not recommended, as this is a 2-hour drive) 

Origin: Hilo International Airport (ITO), Hilo, HI 96720

Destination: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa 69-275 Waikoloa Beach Drive Waikoloa, HI 96738

  1. From Kekuanaoa Street (Airport Access Road) turn right on to Kanoelehua Street.
  2. Turn left onto Kamehameha Avenue. Continue as lane merges to the right onto Highway 19.
  3. Remain on Highway 19 to Waimea (approximately 53 miles). Follow signs in Waimea to Kawaihae (turn right on Lindsey Road/Highway 19).
  4. Continue for approximately 11 miles down Kawaihae Road. At the T-intersection on your left, turn left to continue on Highway 19. You are now traveling south, parallel to the ocean on your right.
  5. Continue approximately 9 miles.
  6. Turn right at Waikoloa Beach Drive. (0.8 mi)
  7. Turn left

VISA REQUIREMENTS

38 countries currently participate in the US Visa Waiver Program. If your passport is from one of those countries, you don’t need a visa, however you MUST receive electronic travel authorization (via ESTA) prior to travel.  If your country does not participate in the visa waiver program,  you will need to apply for a visa.  For information on the US visa requirements and how to apply, go to: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1265.html.

AIRLINES & FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS

INTERNATIONAL & CONTINENTAL U.S. ORIGINS

Alaska Airlines/Horizon Airlines

http://www.alaskaair.com

Continental Airlines

http://www.continental.com

Delta Airlines

http://www.delta.com

Hawaiian Airlines, Inc.

3375 Koapaka St. Suite #G-350
Honolulu, HI 96819

www.hawaiianair.com
Phone: (800) 367-5320
Fax: (808) 838-5498
Toll Free: (800) 367-5320

United Airlines

1132 Bishop St #1407
Honolulu, HI 96813
www.united.com
Toll Free: (800) 241-6522

US Airways

http://www.usairways.com

INTER-ISLAND FLIGHTS

If you are flying into Honolulu on the island of O‘ahu or any of the neighbor islands first, the following inter-island airlines offer inter-island flights to the Big Island:

Hawaiian Airlines, Inc.

3375 Koapaka St. Suite #G-350
Honolulu, HI 96819
www.hawaiianair.com
Phone: (800) 367-5320
Fax: (808) 838-5498

Island Air

[email protected]
www.islandair.com
Toll Free: (800) 652-6541