Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your May journey
May is an excellent shoulder-season month to depart from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA). Expect moderately priced fares, fewer crowds than summer, and steady nonstop options operated by major carriers. Use flexible-date searches and set fare alerts to capture cheap LAX to KOA flights; consider morning departures to avoid peak LA traffic and reduce connection risk. Nearby destinations commonly accessed before or after your LAX departure include Santa Monica, Long Beach, Anaheim (Disneyland), Hollywood and San Diego—plan extra transit time to LAX when traveling from these areas. Book now to lock in May deals and secure seat selection for the best travel experience.
In May, multiple carriers operate nonstop routes between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA), most commonly Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines, with seasonal nonstops sometimes offered by other major carriers. Book early for best nonstop availability and check carrier schedules regularly because frequencies increase in shoulder-season travel windows.
Nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) typically take about 5 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes. Flight time can vary slightly depending on winds and routing; allow extra time for boarding, taxi, and any possible delays when planning connections.
May is a shoulder season for travel to the Big Island, so you can often find discounted fares from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) if you book 6–8 weeks in advance or use flexible date searches. Use fare alerts, check low-cost carriers and compare round-trip vs one-way pricing to score cheap LAX to KOA flights.
At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), expect busy terminals especially in the morning and evening peak windows; arrive at least 2 hours before domestic Hawaiian flights. LAX offers TSA PreCheck lanes, numerous lounges, baggage services, and direct ground transportation to downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Anaheim and surrounding areas.
From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) you can use rideshares, airport shuttles, Metro Rail connections, long-term parking shuttles, or car rentals to reach downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Anaheim and San Diego. Plan ground travel time carefully—traffic in Los Angeles can add significant time—so leave extra time when connecting to your LAX to KOA flight.
Pack lightweight clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, a light rain layer for occasional showers, reef shoes, and snorkeling gear if you prefer to use your own. May in Kona is generally warm and dry, while Los Angeles can be temperate in the mornings and evenings—layering is recommended for travel days.
Arriving at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) in May offers warm, sunny conditions ideal for beaches, snorkeling and exploring the Big Island. May is shoulder season—expect manageable crowds at arrival and good availability for rental cars and tours—book popular activities like manta ray night dives and coffee farm tours in advance. From KOA you can quickly reach Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa, and island gateways to Volcanoes National Park and Hilo with either a rental car, shuttle or short taxi ride. Take advantage of May discounts on excursions and monitor local event calendars for Lei Day festivities and Mother's Day specials.
The fastest option from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) to Kailua-Kona is a taxi or rideshare, typically a 15–20 minute drive depending on traffic. Rental cars are popular for exploring the Kona coast, Waikoloa, Volcanoes National Park and nearby beaches; reserve vehicles early in May when demand rises for spring travelers.
May in Kona is generally dry, sunny and warm with average daytime highs around 80–86°F (27–30°C) and light trade winds—ideal for beach days, snorkeling and outdoor adventures. Nights can be slightly cooler near higher elevations; pack a light layer for sunset and early-morning activities.
Arrival at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) follows standard U.S. customs and TSA procedures for domestic flights; there are inter-island and mainland arrivals with clear signage and ground transport options. If arriving from another island or internationally, check Hawaii inter-island baggage rules and current public health advisories before travel.
From Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) you can quickly access Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa Beach, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Hilo (via internal flight or 2–3 hour drive), and popular island attractions like Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Many visitors use KOA as a gateway to island tours, snorkeling on Kealakekua Bay, and coffee farm visits inland.
May features local celebrations like Lei Day (May 1) statewide, Mother's Day specials, spring farmers markets, cultural performances and occasional fishing or surf contests along the Kona coast. Book activities such as manta ray night snorkels, coffee farm tours and boat trips early in May to secure spots and better rates.
Compare pre-booked shuttle services, ride-share estimates, and rental car deals before arrival at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA); May often has lower rates than peak summer. Look for package deals combining car rentals with tours or book local providers directly for discounts—also consider exploring nearby Kailua-Kona on foot or by e-bike for short trips.
May brings community-focused festivities and cultural events near Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA), including statewide Lei Day (May 1), Mother's Day specials, weekly farmers markets, and seasonal fishing or surf contests along the Kona coast. Small-scale cultural performances and luaus are common in May and provide authentic island experiences with fewer crowds than summer. Check Kailua-Kona event calendars and book shows or dining experiences early, as popular venues and tours can fill quickly even in shoulder season. CTA: Browse local event calendars and reserve popular tours for your May arrival at KOA.
May is considered a prime shoulder-season month for travel from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA). You’ll typically find lower fares than peak summer months, fewer crowds at major attractions, and reliably warm, mostly dry weather ideal for snorkeling and beach time. If you prefer lower prices and good conditions, target mid-May weekdays for the best combination of value and availability. For summer travel, book earlier to avoid higher fares and limited seat inventory.
Nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) save time and reduce disruption—ideal for short vacations or travelers carrying more luggage. Connecting itineraries can be cheaper, especially when routed through Honolulu (HNL), San Francisco (SFO) or Seattle (SEA), but factor in the layover time and potential for missed connections. In May, nonstops are readily available most days; choose nonstop if convenience and time are priorities, or choose a connection if you need a bargain fare and have flexible timing. CTA: Compare nonstop vs connecting fares now to decide whether to prioritize time or savings for your May trip.
Hawaiian Airlines often emphasizes island hospitality and meal/service options on the LAX to KOA nonstops, while Alaska Airlines offers a strong route network and Mileage Plan benefits. Southwest Airlines is attractive for its free checked bags policy and flexible change rules, which can yield savings for families traveling to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA). Compare total trip costs including checked baggage, seat selection fees, and in-flight amenities when choosing an airline for your May trip. For frequent flyers, loyalty program benefits and partner redemptions should factor into the decision; test-book fares across carriers to find the best combination of price and convenience.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, lightweight layers for cool evenings, and comfortable shoes for exploring lava fields when traveling from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) in May. Reserve rental cars early—May demand can increase for spring travelers—and pre-book high-demand activities like manta ray night snorkels and popular boat tours. Because Kona is three hours behind Los Angeles in May, plan arrival activities with jet lag in mind and allow time for ground transfers from KOA to Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa. Finally, check weather forecasts and local event listings shortly before departure to maximize your May itinerary.
Nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) typically range from about 5 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes. Los Angeles observes Pacific Daylight Time (UTC-7) in May, while Kona remains on Hawaii Standard Time (UTC-10), so expect a 3-hour time difference (Kona is 3 hours behind Los Angeles). In May, schedule frequency often includes several daily nonstops offered by Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines, with occasional seasonal service from other carriers. For earliest arrival flexibility and fewer airport crowds, consider early morning departures from LAX; for more availability look at midday flights as well. Always confirm exact departure and arrival times on the airline’s schedule ahead of booking.
To secure cheap flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) in May, book 4–10 weeks in advance and travel mid-week when fares typically dip. Use flexible date calendars, sign-up for fare alerts, and compare nonstop versus one-stop itineraries—sometimes connecting through Honolulu (HNL) or San Francisco (SFO) saves money. Consider carriers with competitive base fares and no-frills pricing, but factor baggage fees and seat selection into the total cost. CTA: Set a fare alert now for LAX to KOA May departures and compare round-trip vs one-way pricing to lock in the best deal.
