Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
IMO, KOA is quite suited for its location. I personally don't mind the last-century look and feel, and it is the gateway to the Big Island; arriving at Keahole is like entering a decompression chamber to help me transition to the easier, more laid back ways of Hawai'i (the island).
It would be cool if they offered better food and shave ice, but then I don't usually go to airports or airplanes for my best dining. (I tend to like Merriman's and Brown's Beach House for upscale dining, and there are lots of places with local color and eats - even the Bite Me Fish Market Bar and Grill at the nearby Honokohau marina, especially if there's ono/ wahoo on the menu).
But... having the FlightBoard app on my smartphone makes it easier because the OP is right - not so much usable flight board or tin can tannoy announcements here (though very light air traffic makes it easier).