Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, also known as Kona International Airport (KOA), is a major airport located on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, USA. It serves as the primary gateway for visitors traveling to the Kona district, which is known for its beautiful beaches, resorts, and outdoor activities. The airport is named after Ellison Onizuka, the first Asian American astronaut and a native of Hawaii, who tragically lost his life in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. The airport serves as a hub for several major airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.