KONA, Hawaii — The Hawaii Department of Transportation Tuesday morning reported on X, the social media site previously known as Twitter, that Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) would not be reopening as scheduled at 6 a.m. due to equipment malfunction and asphalt cooling. 

The runway reopened at 1:50 p.m. per the DOT.

DOT advised that all those with flights should check with their airline, and that the estimated time of reopening is now reported to be 1 p.m., due to a delay in delivery of a load of asphalt.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation temporarily closed runways 17 through 35 at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole at night for runway repairs.

Work will began Feb. 13 and continue through Feb. 27 from midnight to 6 a.m. No commercial flights were scheduled during the closure period.

Because there are no alternate runways at KOA, helicopter service out of the airport wwere be available if an emergency medical evacuation is needed.

HDOT has coordinated with airlines and other partners to minimize any possible impacts to flights.

Repairs to the asphalt, specifically where aircraft perform turnarounds, will be done in advance of a planned runway rehabilitation project expected to start in August. Work is weather permitting.

HDOT advises travelers to check with their airlines for flight information.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was updated to reflect the delayed opening and with details on passengers checking for possible flight delays. (Feb. 13, 2024)