Early morning travel for flight

Question

Hello!

Next week a colleague/ friend and I are in Waikoloa to teach classes and are going to take a few extra days to play. Our classes end on a Sunday afternoon and on Monday we're heading to go see VNP. We're staying at an airbnb in Kuristown, and then plan to travel early Wednesday morning back to KOA for a 10am departing flight. Plan is to leave by 6am for time to return a rental car before flights. Is this a horrible idea? Staying the extra night in Kuristown gives us all day on Tuesday to explore.

Thanks in advance!

Answer

Leaving Kuristown early in the morning to get to Kona Airport (KOA) for a 10am flight is generally a feasible plan, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The drive from Kuristown to KOA typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes under normal conditions, so leaving around 6am should provide enough time to return your rental car and go through security without feeling rushed.

Here are some practical tips and considerations:

Traffic and Road Conditions: Early morning traffic is usually light on the Big Island, especially on the main highways to the airport. You may encounter slightly slower traffic near Hilo or Kona town if there are any construction zones, but delays are generally minimal at this hour.
Rental Car Return: Most rental car counters at KOA open early, often around 5am, so returning your car shouldn’t be an issue. Make sure you allow extra time in case there’s a short line or additional paperwork.
Airport Arrival: For a domestic flight, arriving 1.5–2 hours before departure is standard. For a 10am flight, arriving around 8am is perfect, giving you a buffer for security checks and any last-minute issues.
Driving Early Morning: If you’re not used to driving before sunrise, make sure your headlights are working, and be aware of possible wildlife or slower vehicles on rural roads.

Additional tips for staying in Kuristown the night before:

Staying in Kuristown allows you to fully enjoy Tuesday exploring Volcanoes National Park without the stress of rushing back to Kona the same day.
Consider packing your luggage the night before so you can leave quickly in the morning without forgetting anything.
Prepare a light breakfast or snacks, as you may not have time for a sit-down meal before the early departure.

In summary, leaving Kuristown at 6am for a 10am flight at KOA is reasonable and should work well. The early start provides ample buffer time for travel, rental car return, and airport security, while still allowing you to enjoy a full day exploring Volcanoes National Park the day before.

Early morning travel for flight

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