Yes, you can smoke at Kona International Airport (KOA), but only in the uncovered parking lots. The official airport policy permits smoking there as long as you stay at least 20 feet from any doorway, window or ventilation duct. The terminal and its open-air walkways are smoke-free “cabin to curb” under Hawaii Revised Statutes 328J.
Where You Can Smoke at Kona Airport
The Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports Division allows smoking at KOA in the uncovered parking lots only, keeping clear of the 20-foot buffer around any building opening. The policy covers cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes, vapes, heat-not-burn products), all under the same outdoor-only rule.
KOA is unusual among US airports in that the terminal is largely open-air — Polynesian-style thatched-roof pavilions with no enclosed concourses for most gates. That open-air feel does not extend the smoking area: you cannot light up under the pavilion roofs or on the open-air walkways. The uncovered parking lots are the one permitted spot.
What Smokers Should Plan For
- Connecting through KOA: there is no airside smoking, so you would need to exit and re-screen to reach the parking lots.
- Arrivals: the uncovered parking lots are a short step from the open-air terminal once you keep clear of the 20-foot buffer.
- Departures: smoke before clearing security, since there is no option past the checkpoint.
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.