Kona airport area

Question

Hi, Love reading all of the recommendations & could use some help. We have an 8pm flight out of Kona. Our checkout is at noon. We can hang at the resort in the Waikoloa area … just curious if there’s a great restaurant or place to explore that’s convenient to the airport?

We did a snorkel trip & had lunch at Umeke’s but otherwise just drove through the area.

Thank you!

Answer

For a late afternoon or early evening before your 8 PM flight out of Kona, staying relatively close to the airport is ideal to avoid rushing. The Kona airport area and nearby towns like Kailua-Kona and Keauhou offer several good options for dining and light exploration.

Some recommended restaurants near the airport and Kona town include:

Umekes Fishmarket Bar & Grill – If you enjoyed it on your snorkel day, it’s a solid choice for fresh poke bowls and local seafood.
Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill – Located in Kailua-Kona, known for its Hawaiian-style seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes.
Kona Brewing Company – A casual spot with local craft beers, pizzas, and seafood, great if you want a relaxed vibe before heading to the airport.
Island Lava Java – Ideal for breakfast or lunch if you have some time earlier in the day; oceanfront location with good coffee and fresh island fare.

If you want a little exploration or a scenic walk without straying too far:

Kailua Pier and Ali’i Drive – A short drive from the airport with shops, art galleries, and oceanfront views. Nice for strolling and grabbing a quick snack.
Keauhou Bay – Offers a short walk along the water with historic sites like the Ahu’ena Heiau and some boutique shops nearby.
Historic Kailua Village – Great for a brief cultural stroll, some souvenir shopping, and sampling a casual cafe or shave ice.

Practical tips:

Plan to leave the resort around mid-afternoon to give yourself time to enjoy lunch or a casual walk, then head back for car return and airport check-in.
If you have luggage, consider choosing a spot near the highway for easy access to Kona Airport to minimize stress.
Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants if your timing is tight, especially around lunch and dinner hours.

Overall, a combination of Kailua-Kona or Keauhou Bay for lunch and a short stroll provides a pleasant last taste of the Big Island without adding travel stress before your evening flight.