KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii — The Hawaii Department of Transportation has reopened Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA). It had been closed while crews repaired a crack in Runway 17-35.

According to a news release from HDOT, a crack formed overnight in the pavement between the intersections of Taxiways “G” and “H.” It is suspected that rainfall contributed to the formation of the crack.

The airport will be closed again overnight, as crews will make additional repairs from 12:30 a.m. through 5 a.m. HDOT stated that this paving activity is necessary as a long-term repair solution to the crack.

Helicopter service out of KOA will be available if an emergency medical evacuation is needed during this time. There are no commercial flights scheduled during the times of the overnight closure.

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for information on specific flights.

Friday morning, DOT announced that KOA would temporarily close to patch a crack in the runway. They said the airport anticipates reopening the runway by noon.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority said via a news release that it is monitoring the situation and remains in contact with HDOT. It is also in contact with the airlines that service the airport. “Weare working and coordinating internally with our partners at the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, the Visitors Bureau on each island and Kilohana,” it stated. HTA advised that passengers contact their respective airlines for information on specific flights.

This is a developing story and will be updated.
Editor's note: this story has been updated with details on the airport's reopening. (April 12, 2024)