Attention travelers and locals alike, there's an important update about the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole you might want to keep in mind. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has announced a temporary closure of the Runway 17-35. This is due to a runway rehabilitation project that's been in motion since earlier this year.
The closure is set for a single night, expect from 10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, until the early hours at 6 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, having travelers to adjust their plans accordingly. But it's all for good cause, with the runway receiving much-needed care—it's been functioning with a shortened stretch of 7,000 feet while the work goes on, as opposed to its full length of 11,000 feet. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation says this is all part of the bigger picture to enhance the airport's overall safety and functionality.
The work in question includes slapping on some fresh pavement, sprucing up the runway’s electrical and lighting systems, and laying down new marker lines. They're not just stopping at the surface; Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is digging deep to ensure the runway meets the latest and greatest Federal Aviation Administration design guidelines. And they're not rushing through it—the project is poised to continue its course right up to April 2026, proving that good things indeed come to those who wait.
As the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation works to improve the runway, travelers may face some inconveniences at night. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for any changes to their flights. While weather can always play a role, the Department has planned the closure and construction to affect flights as little as possible.
