Cheap flight tickets from San Diego to Kona

Compare San Diego to Kona flight deals

Find the cheapest month or even day of the year to fly to Kona

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Flight deals from San Diego to Kona Airport

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from San Diego to Kona Airport? If you want to travel next month, return fares start from RM1,163. Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Diego to Kona

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like San Diego to Kona flights are currently cheapest in May.

Direct flights from San Diego to Kona

San Diego to Kona: Alternative routes

Compare routes from San Diego to Kailua-Kona below. You may find an airport to fly into that's cheaper, faster, or easier than Kona.

San Diego to Kailua-Kona: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight foundRM951
Cheapest month to flyMay
Average flight time6 hrs, 14 mins
Most popular airlineAlaska Airlines
Average flights per week30

Finding cheap flights from San Diego to Kona: Frequently asked questions

The best price we found for a return flight from San Diego to Kona is RM951. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
6 hours and 14 minutes is the average flight time from San Diego to Kona.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines fly direct from San Diego to Kona.
As of March 2026, there are 30 flights per week flying from San Diego to Kona.
The cheapest month to fly from San Diego to Kona is usually May.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it is currently cheapest to fly from San Diego to Kona Airport on Monday, 4 May 2026.
Yes – the average flight time is 6 hours and 14 minutes.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Kona but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Kailua-Kona is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
The cheapest airline that flies to Kona is Delta .

Flying from San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA): What you need to know

  • Start your trip planning by looking up the ideal departure point for your flight from San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA). Explore your options for taking off from San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), two of the city's main airports.

  • 6 hours is the average journey time for a direct San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole flight.

  • Kailua-Kona is three hours behind San Diego. Kona International Airport at Keahole is located in Kailua-Kona, which operates on the UTC-10 timezone.

  • San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) is the busiest route, with 7 direct services each week. You can get from SAN to KOA on Alaska Airlines's 9am departure.

  • Give yourself plenty of time to catch your flight from San Diego to KOA. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.

  • In peak travel periods, allow for extended wait times and be there earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and up to four hours for international journeys.

Airports in San Diego

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

  • San Diego International Airport (SAN) will have you travelling directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) operate out of this terminal.

  • You'll find a direct flight from San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole with Alaska Airlines. This leading airline operates services from SAN.

  • Alaska Airlines sees the most traveller bookings for flights from SAN to KOA.

  • The carrier with the most reliable on-time performance on this route is Alaska Airlines. Its services arrive without delay 74.55% of the time.

  • The journey from central San Diego to SAN takes around 20 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 5 kilometres in 10 minutes or so, depending on traffic.

  • In search of a comfortable hotel close to San Diego International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole, these stays will put you moments from your check-in counter:

  • Of the flights that depart from San Diego International Airport, 71.38% touch down on time at their destination.

  • You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.

McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)

  • CLD is about 56 kilometres from central San Diego. It'll take 40 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

  • Flying out early in the morning? You might like to check in to one of these accommodation options near McClellan-Palomar Airport the day before your San Diego to KOA flight:

About Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA)

  • Hop off your flight from San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole and jump into your hotel bed soon after. If you want a comfortable option that's not too far from KOA, check out Banyan Tree Sanctuary Guest House.

  • Begin your adventure by picking up a Kona International Airport at Keahole rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Hertz or Thrifty and explore beyond Kailua-Kona's main sights.

  • Get the best deal by booking your ride around one week before your San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole flight.

Getting from Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) to central Kailua-Kona

  • Central Kailua-Kona is around 13 kilometres from Kona International Airport at Keahole and takes about 15 minutes to reach by car. Explore your options for getting into the city, whether that's with a cab, car hire or ride-share.

  • Travelling on public transport typically takes 30 minutes.

How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA)

  • Right now, RM476 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole. The cheapest price for a return flight is RM951. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.

  • Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap flights from San Diego to KOA if you book early. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird deals.

  • If you can be flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price in each month when searching for your San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole ticket.

  • Snapping up a cheap plane ticket from San Diego to KOA is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as prices go down.

  • Uncover a great deal on a flight from San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole with the help of the filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'

The best time to fly from San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA)

  • May is the quietest month for flights from San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA), while July is the busiest. Pick the best time to go to Kailua-Kona based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.

  • The warmest month in Kailua-Kona is August, with temperatures ranging between 17ºC (63ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF). Book your San Diego to KOA plane ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.

  • Search for cheap tickets from San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 13ºC (55ºF) and 21ºC (70ºF).

More about Kailua-Kona

  • After booking your flight from San Diego to Kona International Airport at Keahole, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Kailua-Kona:

  • Sea Paradise Sailing and Snorkeling Tours and Kona Snorkel Trips are just a couple of the big attractions to put on your Kailua-Kona itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Paradise Sailing Hawai‘i.

Explore more of the United States

  • You've seen Kailua-Kona, now it's time to explore more of the United States. Travel about 257 kilometres north-west to Honolulu to check off its top sights. From Pacific Ocean to Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbour, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.

  • Pearl City is another must-experience destination in the United States and is around 274 kilometres north-west of Kailua-Kona. No journey is complete without a visit to USS Utah Memorial, Mānana Ridge Trail and Sunset Memorial Park.

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.