The Hawaiian Islands

The Hawaiian Archipelago is located in the central Pacific Ocean and can be divided into two main island groups: the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHIs) and the Northwest Hawaiian Islands (NWHIs). The MHIs are the eight islands most commonly associated with Hawaiʻi and are the focal point for tourism, cultural heritage, and population centers. The 44th ISTS Symposium will be held on Hawaiʻi Island, which is the largest of the islands within the MHIs. The NWHIs are a remote chain of islands and atolls that extend approximately 1,500 kms northwest of the MHIs and are generally smaller, more isolated, and uninhabited.

The 44th ISTS Symposium will be held just south of the town of Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island. This should not be confused with the town of Kailua, which is located on the island of Oʻahu!

Flying to Hawaiʻi Island & Getting to the Symposium Venue

There are multiple international airlines flying directly into Kona International Airport (KOA) on Hawaiʻi Island, as well as flights that connect through Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oʻahu. There are several large and small airlines that provide island hopping services for the quick 45 minute flight between Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island, as well as the other MHIs.

The Outrigger Kona Spa & Resort is located just south of the town of Kailua-Kona, often simply referred to as “Kona” or “Kona Town”, which is about 15 miles south of the Kona International Airport (KOA).

  • Airport Transfers: Shuttle service to the hotel venue is available for hire through SpeediShuttle.

  • Taxi Services: Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available for transport from the KOA airport.

Please see the Venue page for further details.

International flights direct to KOA

International flights direct to HNL