Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your May journey
May is a strong shoulder month to fly from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA), offering pleasant Kona weather and often lower fares than summer. Travelers from the Atlanta metro area, including nearby major destinations such as Savannah, Charlotte, Orlando and Nashville, should look for one-stop itineraries via Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO). In May expect daytime highs on the Big Island in the high 70s to low 80s F, ideal for snorkeling, manta ray night dives, and early-season hiking. Book 6–12 weeks ahead, subscribe to fare alerts for cheap flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA), and choose mid-week departures to save. CTA: Compare May ATL to KOA flights now and secure the best schedule and price.
Typical one-stop flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) take about 10.5 to 13.5 hours total including a standard West Coast or inter-island connection in May. Nonstop options are extremely rare from ATL to KOA, so most itineraries include a layover in Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or Honolulu (HNL). Check current schedules and book early for the best May flight times and connections.
For May travel, late-afternoon departures from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) that connect on the West Coast overnight can maximize daylight on arrival in Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) and help with jet lag. Morning departures may require longer airport layovers; evening departures often arrive in Hawaii mid-to-late afternoon the same day after connections. Compare flight durations and connection times to find the schedule that suits your comfort and activities on arrival.
May is shoulder season for travel to the Big Island, often yielding more competitive fares than peak winter and summer months. Expect airfare discounts and occasional seat sales from carriers serving the route, especially if you book 6–12 weeks in advance. Use fare alerts and flexible date searches to capture cheap flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) in May.
Follow your carrier's baggage policy—most transcontinental carriers limit free checked bags on discounted fares. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), arrive at least 2–3 hours before departure for domestic-to-international style connections to Hawaii, and allow time for security lines and potential gate changes. For May travel, airlines may add extra flights, so recheck baggage allowances and gate info before leaving for the airport.
Major carriers that commonly serve the ATL–KOA route via one-stop itineraries include Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines (via mainland hubs), with codeshares often involving American Airlines and Alaska Airlines for connections through Los Angeles or San Francisco. Routes and frequencies can change for May, so check airline schedules and book directly or via trusted OTA platforms for the best combination of price and schedule.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) offers extensive ground transportation options including MARTA rail, airport shuttles, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), taxis, and multiple on-site rental car counters. If you're returning from Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) in May and need a car in Atlanta, reserve in advance to secure lower rates; off-airport lots and pre-paid reservations can save time at ATL.
May at Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) offers warm temperatures and a favorable climate for beach days, snorkeling, and outdoor adventures. Nearby major destinations commonly accessed from KOA include Kona town, Hilo, Waikoloa, Kealakekua Bay, and Volcanoes National Park. Travelers can expect shorter lines than winter months but should still book rental cars ahead of peak holiday weekends. For families and couples, May provides excellent visibility for snorkeling and calmer seas—perfect for exploring the Kona coast. CTA: Reserve your KOA rental car and book popular snorkeling tours for May to secure availability.
Arriving at Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) in May means warm, stable weather with lower rainfall than winter months. After deplaning you'll find rental car counters, ground transportation, and easy access to Kona town, Keauhou, and nearby resort areas; plan roughly 15–30 minutes for baggage claim and rental pickup depending on queues. May is ideal for beach activities, snorkeling, and day trips to places like Waikoloa, Hilo, and Volcanoes National Park.
Public transportation options are limited around Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA); most travelers use rental cars, taxis, or rideshares like Uber/Lyft to reach Kona town and popular resorts. In May, rental car availability can be high—reserve in advance for the best rates—and shuttles are offered by many hotels. If you prefer not to drive, pre-book airport shuttles or arrange hotel transfers.
May offers smaller-scale local events on the Big Island such as farmers' markets, weekend craft fairs, and cultural demonstrations that highlight Hawaiian music and hula. While major statewide festivals occur at different times, May is ideal for community-driven events, sunset concerts, and food festivals in Kona town and Waikoloa. On the departure side, Atlanta hosts spring festivals and cultural events in May that can influence airport traffic. When planning May travel from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA), check local event calendars and book early for tour or rental car availability.
May is an excellent time to fly from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) because it sits between the winter high season and the summer crowds. You'll likely encounter milder airfare, comfortable weather on the Big Island, and fewer tourists at top attractions. For daily timing, late-afternoon departures from ATL that connect overnight on the West Coast often produce convenient Kona arrival times. Use modifiers like "May Kona travel" and LSI terms such as "shoulder season Hawaii" when searching.
Nonstop flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) are generally unavailable, so connecting itineraries are the norm. Connecting via West Coast hubs (LAX, SFO) offers shorter overall travel time and more frequent schedules; connecting via Honolulu (HNL) can help with inter-island travel if you're continuing on. In May, weigh layover length versus total travel time—short layovers can be risky, while very long layovers increase fatigue. Use terms like "ATL to KOA connections in May" and "best layovers for Hawaii flights" in searches.
Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines commonly facilitate ATL–KOA travel via West Coast or Hawaiian hubs in May, often in partnership with other carriers for through-ticket itineraries. Delta typically offers robust network connections from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) through LAX or SFO; Hawaiian may provide better inter-island connectivity if you plan to continue from Honolulu. Compare ticket rules, checked-bag allowances, seat types, and onboard services—Hawaiian often highlights Hawaiian hospitality on island-bound legs, while Delta offers wide domestic distribution from ATL. Use keywords like "Delta ATL to KOA May" and "Hawaiian Airlines Kona May schedules" when comparing.
Pack light layers and reef-safe sunscreen for May travel to Kona; daytime temperatures are warm while evenings can be breezy. Bring a lightweight rain jacket for brief showers and reef-friendly sunscreen for snorkeling. Book snorkeling and manta ray tours in advance as May can see increased demand from shoulder-season visitors seeking good water conditions. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers schedule changes and review airline change/cancellation policies prior to booking from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA). CTA: Prepare your May packing list and reserve popular Kona tours now to lock in rates.
In May, ATL–KOA itineraries generally require one connection, most commonly at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), or Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Expect total door-to-door durations between 10.5 and 13.5 hours depending on layover length; standalone airborne time is roughly 10–11 hours including a transcontinental leg and a Pacific hop. Use schedule filters to prioritize shorter total travel time or preferred connection city. LSI keywords to use while searching include "ATL layovers LAX," "Atlanta to Kona flight duration," and "May flight schedules to KOA."
To find cheap flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) in May, search flexible dates and mid-week options (Tuesdays/Wednesdays), use fare tracking tools, and compare one-stop combinations via LAX/SFO/HNL. Shoulder-season discounts are common in May; consider booking 6–12 weeks ahead and sign up for airline newsletters for flash sales. Use location-based modifiers like "Atlanta to Kona May sale" and LSI terms such as "Kona airfare deals" or "Big Island flight discounts" to refine searches. CTA: Start a fare alert for ATL to KOA in May and compare carriers now.
Yes—May offers excellent conditions for snorkeling, diving, and manta ray night dives around Kona, with warmer ocean temperatures and relatively calm seas. It's slightly outside the peak humpback whale season, but you can still find marine life and clearer water for underwater visibility. Always check local dive operator schedules and weather advisories before booking.
In May, most health-related entry restrictions have been relaxed, but travelers should check current U.S. and state of Hawaii guidelines before departure. Airlines and airports may still recommend masks for certain flights or have optional health screening; bring necessary documentation and proof of vaccination if required by carriers. Review Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) and airline websites for the latest advisories before travel.
Popular day trips from Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) in May include visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hilo and Akaka Falls, the Kohala Coast and Waimea, and snorkeling off the Kona Coast near Honaunau Bay. Driving distances are generally under 2–3 hours to these highlights; renting a car at KOA gives the most flexibility for May excursions and sunset views.
