Best Flights starting from $297
from$297economy
Kailua-Kona (KOA)
Wed, Aug 19
Roundtrip
San Francisco (SFO)
Tue, Aug 25
from$307economy
Kailua-Kona (KOA)
Tue, Aug 25
Roundtrip
San Francisco (SFO)
Mon, Aug 31
from$307economy
Kailua-Kona (KOA)
Wed, Aug 26
Roundtrip
San Francisco (SFO)
Tue, Sep 1
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Kailua-Kona (KOA) to Dublin (DUB) in September from $567
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Kailua-Kona (KOA) to Memphis (MEM) in September from $628
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Kailua-Kona (KOA) to Los Angeles (LAX) in October from $189
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Flights from Other Cities
San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $72
From $72
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $86
From $86
San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $93
From $93
Phoenix (PHX) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $96
From $96
Tucson (TUS) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $121
From $121
Miami (MIA) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $125
From $125
✈️ Flight Guide: Kailua-Kona (KOA) → San Francisco (SFO)
Complete travel information for your August journey
Departing from Kailua-Kona (KOA) FAQs
For domestic travel from KOA to SFO, U.S. citizens need a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or REAL ID-compliant license; passports are accepted but not required. Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for inter-island or mainland flights during August peak periods to allow time for check-in and TSA screening. If traveling with minors or special medical needs, carry any supporting documents and confirm airline policies before you go.
Yes — several carriers operate seasonal and year-round nonstop flights between KOA and SFO, especially in August when travel demand is high. Check schedules from major carriers like United, Hawaiian, and Alaska for the latest non-stop options; booking early in July or August can secure better fares. Use airline websites or travel search engines to compare nonstop versus one-stop itineraries.
Baggage rules depend on the airline and fare class; most legacy carriers include carry-on and personal item allowances, while checked bag fees vary by carrier and whether you purchased a basic economy fare. In August, flights can be full so check luggage allowance and prepay checked bags to save at the airport. Always verify dimensions and weight limits with your airline and label luggage with contact details and your SFO address if possible.
August in Kona is typically warm, dry, and stable with minimal rain on the leeward Kona side, so weather-related delays are less common than in winter. However, occasional vog (volcanic haze) from Kilauea or trade wind shifts can create localized visibility or air quality issues; carriers monitor conditions and will notify passengers of irregular operations. Plan for typical summer travel congestion and arrive early to avoid missing your flight.
KOA offers rental car counters onsite, taxi services, ride-hailing pick-up points, and hotel shuttles to Kailua-Kona and resort areas like Waikoloa and Keauhou. In August, book airport transfers and rental cars in advance since peak-season demand can deplete availability and raise prices. Consider drop-off times and traffic on Queen Kaahumanu Highway when planning your arrival back at KOA.
As of August, most U.S. domestic travel has no federal COVID-19 testing or vaccination mandates, but airlines and states may have specific recommendations or requirements for masking and health documentation. Check both your airline and San Francisco local guidance before traveling; carry a mask and proof of vaccination if required by an airline. Keep an eye on CDC updates and airline notices in case policies change close to your travel dates.
Arriving at San Francisco (SFO) FAQs
Direct flights from KOA to SFO typically take about 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes, depending on winds and routing. One-stop itineraries via Honolulu or LAX add connection time; factor in layovers when comparing total travel time. For August travel, allow extra time for boarding and potential summer air traffic delays on arrival into SFO.
BART provides a fast rail link from SFO to downtown San Francisco and connections to East Bay and downtown stops; ride-hailing services and taxis are plentiful for door-to-door transfers. For San Jose and Silicon Valley, Caltrain or direct shuttle/rental car may be faster depending on time of day; for Napa Valley, prebooked shuttles and car rentals are common. In August, reserve rental cars and Napa transfers in advance due to tourist demand.
No, domestic flights from KOA to SFO do not require customs or immigration processing for U.S. residents, as both airports are within the United States. If you’re an international traveler connecting through KOA or returning from abroad, follow carrier guidance for international arrivals. Always verify connecting procedures if your itinerary includes international segments.
August is a busy month at SFO with tourism and business travel increasing arrival volumes, which can lengthen baggage claim waits and customs-free claim processing for domestic flights. Baggage typically arrives within 20–45 minutes after wheels-down for most domestic flights, but peak periods may be slower. Use airline apps to track baggage and choose earlier or late-evening flights to avoid the busiest collection windows.
SFO is a gateway to downtown San Francisco, the Peninsula (Palo Alto, Redwood City), Silicon Valley (San Jose), the East Bay (Oakland, Berkeley), Napa and Sonoma wine regions, and coastal destinations like Half Moon Bay and Monterey. Many travelers combine arrival at SFO with day trips to Napa or drives to Yosemite; reserve ground transport in August to secure preferred times. Use search terms like 'SFO to Napa shuttle August' when booking transfers.
Local health guidance can change; as of August, San Francisco may have mask or health advisories in place depending on public health conditions, but there are no universal federal mandates for domestic flights. Check the City of San Francisco and SFO official pages for the latest advisories before travel. Travelers should prepare for typical security screening and follow airline-specific safety recommendations.
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August Events & Festivals — Travel Considerations for KOA to SFO
August sees various local events that can affect KOA→SFO travel demand. In Kona, smaller cultural events, surfing competitions, and resort activity increase local hotel occupancy; while in the Bay Area, late-summer festivals, conferences, and Napa harvest preview activities can raise inbound demand. Use search terms like 'Kona events August' and 'San Francisco festivals August' to identify dates that might inflate airfare or lodging costs. If your travel dates overlap with major Bay Area events (conferences in downtown SF or wine events in Napa), book earlier and secure airport transfers.
Best Time to Fly KOA to SFO — August Considerations
For August travel between KOA and SFO, the best time to fly is typically midweek and early-morning departures when flights are less crowded and on-time performance is usually higher. Early August can sometimes offer slightly lower fares than late-August when families return to school, though weekend peaks remain pricier. Use search modifiers such as 'midweek KOA to SFO August' and 'early morning Kona flights' to find the optimal balance of price and convenience. If you need flexibility, searching +/- 3 days around your target date often reveals better fares.
Direct vs. Connecting KOA to SFO Flights — Which Is Best in August?
Nonstop flights from KOA to SFO offer the fastest, most convenient option (around 5–5.5 hours) and reduce the risk of missed connections — a significant advantage during busy August travel. However, connecting itineraries via Honolulu (HNL) or a mainland hub can sometimes be materially cheaper, especially if you book early or take advantage of sale fares. When searching, include LSI keywords such as 'Kona nonstop to San Francisco', 'KOA to SFO one-stop via HNL', and 'cheaper connecting flights KOA SFO'. If saving money is the priority, a connection can be worthwhile; if minimizing travel time and complexity matters more, choose a nonstop.
Airline Comparison for KOA to SFO — August Schedules, Fares, and Amenities
When flying from KOA to SFO in August, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines are the primary carriers to compare. Hawaiian often emphasizes Hawaii-centric service and meal options on select transpacific flights, United provides frequent nonstop scheduling and extensive loyalty opportunities, and Alaska frequently offers competitive fares and mileage benefits for West Coast travelers. Compare primary keywords such as 'Hawaiian KOA to SFO August', 'United KOA SFO nonstop', and LSI terms like 'Alaska flights Kona San Francisco' to find the best fit for price and comfort. Check baggage rules and seat assignments as basic economy fares can limit carry-on or seat selection.
Seasonal Travel Tips for KOA to SFO in August — Packing, Weather, and Logistics
August travel from KOA to SFO involves moving from Hawaii's warm, humid climate to the Bay Area's variable summer — often warm inland (San Jose, Napa) and cool/foggy near the coast (San Francisco). Pack layers: light tropical clothing for Kona and a jacket or sweater for SFO evenings. Arrive at KOA early (at least 90 minutes for mainland flights during August) to allow for check-in and summer crowds; prebook car rentals and airport shuttles due to high demand. Use keyword-rich searches like 'pack for KOA to SFO August', 'Kona to San Francisco weather August', and 'August travel tips Hawaii to Bay Area'.
KOA to SFO Flight Time & Schedules in August — Duration and Frequency
Nonstop flight time from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) typically ranges 5:00–5:30 hours depending on winds and routing. In August, carriers may increase frequency to meet demand — expect several weekly nonstop options and multiple one-stop choices via Honolulu (Daniel K. Inouye International Airport) or mainland hubs. Use search phrases like 'KOA SFO schedule August' and 'Kona to San Francisco nonstop times' to refine results. Check departure and arrival windows to avoid peak congestion and account for time zone differences (Hawaii Standard Time to Pacific Daylight Time).
Cheap KOA to SFO Flights in August — How to Find Deals
Finding cheap KOA to SFO flights in August requires a mix of timing, flexibility, and smart search queries. Use primary keywords like 'cheap KOA to SFO August' and LSI terms such as 'discount Kona flights', 'Kona to San Francisco airfare', and 'August flight deals'. Search with flexible +/- 3 day windows, compare nonstop versus connecting itineraries, and set price alerts 4–8 weeks before travel. Consider flying midweek (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) and early-morning departures to lower fares. Check bundled offers (flight + hotel) and loyalty program redemptions for additional savings. CTA: Start a fare alert for KOA to SFO August and compare nonstop vs. connecting options to find the best deal.
Tips
- Book 4–8 weeks prior to August travel for optimal fares on popular routes like KOA→SFO.
- Use flexible-date search queries with location modifiers: 'Kona to San Francisco midweek August'.
- Compare baggage-inclusive fares to avoid surprise costs on Hawaiian/United/Alaska basic economy.
- Set multiple fare alerts and check early-morning flight prices — they often drop.
- Consider nearby airports for connections (e.g., HNL or OGG) but balance connection time against savings.